Festival season is finally upon us, and that means it’s time to start the dreaded packing process. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or it’s your first time, don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of the essential items you’ll need to make the most of your festival experience. We’ll share our top festival packing tips, including essentials like clothing, toiletries, accessories, and gadgets to enhance your experience.
8 Festival Packing Essentials
You need to be able to carry everything to and from the campsite, so you need to get strategic when it comes to deciding what to pack. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need to take with you to the upcoming festival:
1. Clothing
First and foremost, you’ll need to pack suitable clothing. You need to make sure the items you pack are comfortable, stylish, and weather-appropriate. Because you’ll be doing a lot of walking and plenty of dancing, it’s best to pack breathable clothing. Otherwise, you’ll get extra hot and sweaty! To reduce the amount you have to carry, pack light and airy clothing, just make sure to bring a rain jacket in case the heavens open.
2. Tent and sleeping bag
Don’t forget your tent and sleeping bag! When choosing a tent, bring a big enough one with you for the number of people sleeping in it. Cramped tents are not fun! To reduce the weight of the items you need to carry, purchase lightweight tents and sleeping bags. Because most festivals occur during the warm summer months, you won’t need to worry too much about cold weather.
3. Toiletries
You will need to pack basic toiletries to keep yourself clean, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, hand sanitiser, razor, shaving cream, and perhaps a small container of mouthwash – if you’ve got the space, of course!
4. Snacks and drinks
Festival food can be prohibitively expensive. As a result, you should probably pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up during the day. Make sure to pack non-perishable items that won’t spoil in hot weather, such as energy bars, nuts, and crisps. They may not be nutritionally balanced, but they’ll give you the burst of energy you’ll need to dance! It’s also important to pack drinks to keep you hydrated. Bring a large reusable water bottle that you can top up during the festival and some sports drinks to replenish the electrolytes you’ll lose from sweating.
5. First-aid kit
Accidents happen, so it’s important to pack a well-stocked first-aid kit. Your first-aid kit should include plasters for cuts and scrapes, paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve pain, antihistamines to relieve hayfever symptoms (if you’re a sufferer), and gauze pads and sterile wipes to clean wounds. Make sure to keep the first-aid kit in a cool, dry place so the supplies don’t spoil.
6. Sun protection
Excessive sun exposure can have serious consequences, so taking steps to protect yourself is important. Pack sun cream with an SPF of at least 30, but preferably higher. Make sure to apply it to all exposed skin and top up regularly, as sweating will reduce the sun cream’s impact over time. You’ll also need to take sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays-just make sure that the sunglasses you bring block UVA and UVB rays. Finally, to shade your face, neck, and ears from the sun, bring a hat with a wide brim.
7. Portable charger
A portable charger is an absolute must-have. Talking photos and videos on your phone will quickly drain the battery, so bring a portable charger to keep it topped up throughout the festival. Top tip: make sure the portable charger is fully charged before you set off, or you’ll be in quite a pickle.
8. Headlamp
Another festival packing must-have is a headlamp. Making your way back to camp when it is dark isn’t fun, so make the journey easier by taking a headlamp to light your way! That way, you’ll avoid trips and falls.
Other Festival Items to Consider Taking
These items aren’t essential, but taking them with you will elevate your festival experience.
Walking stick seat
You’ll cover a surprising amount of ground at the festival, so why not purchase a walking stick seat? This sturdy walking stick and seat combination allows you to travel anywhere and never worry about finding somewhere to sit again! Need a breather after an intense set? Bring out your walking stick seat and perch for a few minutes to recharge.
Portable speaker
If you’ve got extra space, why not bring a portable speaker to use at camp? Simply connect it to your phone and listen to your favourite music as you prepare to see your favourite artists live.
Portable fan
You’ll thank yourself for bringing a portable fan if it gets hot. You can use the fan to cool down during the day or help circulate air in your tent. If you’re struggling to sleep at night because of the heat, prop the fan up near your face for extra cooling. They’re compact and inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to bring one!
A book or a journal
Festivals are full on, and you’ll probably need some downtime in between sets to rest and recharge. What better way to do that than by reading a book or writing in your journal? It’ll help you wind down and relax after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – our festival packing tips to help you make the most of your festival experience. This list is just a starting point, so you may need to add or remove items depending on your personal needs and the festival you’re attending. Just start packing early to ensure you have everything you need, pack light so carrying your bags isn’t a struggle, and be prepared for anything (especially changes in the weather). But most importantly, have fun! Going to a festival is a fantastic experience, so try to relax and enjoy yourself. We hope you have a great time!
