As I get ready to head off into the fields later this year to get set up for Reading Festival, I’ve been making a list, checking it twice and inevitably adding a heck load more booze. As the ultimate list queen (on paper, my phone, my MacBook, online and offline post its…it’s a problem), I thought I’d share my Ultimate Festival Packing list that will get you thorough the carnage and the most outrageous of muddy field action.
As a seasoned camping and festival goer, and as a former Girl Guide, I feel my outdoorsy-ness plus my bargainista ways are a winning combination. Grab a pen. Grab some space to lay your stuff out. Open up Amazon. Now let us begin.
Heading to a festival this summer? Have a look at the ultimate Festival Packing listClick To TweetSleeping Gear + Essentials
- Sleeping bag (get a 2-4 seasons one, UK nights are chilly! I love this sleeping bag from King Camp)
- Pillow (you can get inflatable or camping pillows. I may just do hoodies in my “sleeping bag” bag, or I might take this one I picked up last year)
- Roll Matt (you can go for inflatable mattress, but they are heavy – this does the trick fine! If you want to wrap yourself up, Shmangles are amazing!)
- Blanket (something cheap to keep you warm round a campfire or at night – fleece is lighter to carry). Something like this would do.
- Proper hiking rucksack (as per my essentials post)
- Mini torch (for those night trips to the long drops…urgh. eBay are cheap as chips here)
- ID for the over 18’s wristband…if you look 12 like I do.
Clothing
- Wellies & welly socks (no getting around this. DO NOT FORGET THESE). For the ultimate in wide fit comfort, try these.
- Pair of trainers/sneakers in case of freak dry weather.
- Rain mac or poncho – something easy to fold up. These from ASOS are fab.
- Bumbag for ultimate in festival chic (!?) or a small cross body bag for your essentials
- Warm PJ’s. Onesies are fun, but man getting naked in a festival toilet is not.
- Clothing – overall I am packing for a 4 night/5 day festival (including what I wear there)…
- 2 x hoodies
- 2 x denim shorts
- 5 x tights/leggings
- 6-7 x tees or vests
- Denim/lumberjack shirt
- Enough undies/socks – I’m not telling you what to pack here…
Toiletries
- Mini sports towel – weighs nothing but is very useful and cheap
- Body wet wipes – these are better for a full wash than usual wet wipes (see the beauty post!)
- Hand sanitiser + packs of tissues for your schexy bumbag.
- Sunscreen. Well, you never know.
- Face wipes & cotton wool pads.
- Deodorant and body spray. Your tent friends will love you.
- Dry shampoo. Really, this should be an essential!
- Your choice of make up – but keep it minimal yeah?
- First aid kit (you may want to share with your mates) including:
- Plasters/blister plasters
- Savlon
- Immodium
- Paracetamol/Ibruprofen
- Pro Plus
- Mini Scissors
- Indigestion tablets
- Hayfever tablets
- Any medication you usually take – don’t forget it, even though medical tents are on site
Little Extras – Not Essential
- Camera + battery – I tend to just use my phone these days, but disposable cameras can be fun
- A portable phone charger. I recommend this one from Anker to everyone. It will last the whole festival.
- Glowsticks. Yes glowsticks. It’s a festival. It’s fun. They are ONE POUND in Poundland
Communal + Group Gear
- Tent – you only need one per group! Double up on size from number that you are. For example, 8 berth is 4 people + their stuff. We’ve gone for individual tents this year by Quechua.
- Extra groundsheet – really cheap from Poundland, eBay and Amazon. Amazingly useful.
- Rubber mallet + spare tent pegs (again, check Poundland)
- Plastic backed picnic blanket for lounging.
- Plastic lightweight drinking cups and shot glasses.
- SNACKAGE – I like crisps, haribo, party rings and cereal bars
- Alcohol. Enough said. See my alcohol post for detailed advice.
- Some great plastic smuggling bottles for your arena alcohol.
- Bin liners are very useful, especially for stuffing into your bumbag and sitting down in the arena.
- Gaffa tape for fixing tents or taping things to each other.
- If you are in a big tent, a lantern could be great of an evening.
- Collapsible water carrier – for the anti-dehydration plan and teeth brushing!
And finally. Do not, whatever you do, forget your ticket. This is probably this most important thing you will pack besides your pants. Have fun, and don’t forget to list your festival essentials in the comments below!
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