Festival season is finally upon us, so it’s time to start packing. 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 (like a handy walking stick seat) 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 deciding what to pack. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need to take with you to the upcoming festival:

Clothing

First and foremost, you’ll need to pack suitable clothing. You must ensure your packed items 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! Pack light and airy clothing to reduce the amount you must carry; just bring a rain jacket in case the heavens open.

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.

Toiletries

You’ll need to pack basic toiletries to keep yourself clean, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, hand sanitizer, razor, shaving cream, and perhaps a tiny container of mouthwash—if you’ve got the space, of course!

Snacks and drinks

Festival food can be prohibitively expensive. As a result, you should pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up during the day. Pack non-perishable items, such as energy bars, nuts, and crisps that won't spoil in hot weather. They may not be nutritionally balanced, but they’ll give you the energy you need to dance! It’s also essential 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.

First-aid kit

Accidents happen, so it’s essential 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 from PlastCare USA, and sterile wipes to clean wounds. Keep the first-aid kit in a cool, dry place so the supplies don’t spoil.

Sun protection

Excessive sun exposure can have serious consequences, so protecting yourself is essential. Pack sun cream with an SPF of at least 30, preferably higher. 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.

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.

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 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 camp? Simply connect it to your phone and listen to your favorite music as you prepare to see your favorite 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 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 between sets to rest and recharge. What better way to do that than 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 needs and the festival you attend. Just start packing early to ensure you have everything you need, fill light so carrying your bags isn’t a struggle, and be prepared for anything (mainly 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!