Festival Checklist
Festival camping is probably the most varied camping you're likely to see; you'll see groups with large family tents pitched up next to little two berth pop ups. Gearing up for such events can be the difference between a great time and a really bad time. This is why it’s so important to prepare! So, to help you get ready for festival season, here’s our Festival Checklist to ensure you have everything you need to keep you happy and keep you going for the full festival weekend!
Leave No Trace
Leave no trace is the number one rule of the outdoors, it helps us to care for the green spaces that we all enjoy. Annually, 25,800 tonnes of waste is left behind at UK-based festivals alone, with over 250,000 tents being abandoned in the process. This outrageous figure contributes a staggering 900 tonnes of plastic waste which are likely to end up in landfill due to the difficulty in recycling them.
When the festival is over it's important to take home everything you brought with you or dispose of items you do not want in the correct way. If for some reason you do not wish to bring your tent home, ask the festival if they have drop off points for unwanted tents. Even if this is the case, the tent will need to be in usable condition, so please do take care of it. While some may think that all tents that are left behind are donated to charities, this is simply not the case and most tents left at festivals go to waste.
While it shouldn't need to be said, don't destroy other people’s kit either, this only adds to the chance that somebody will leave behind their waste.
Check Once, Check Twice, Check again
The following items are must-haves before the festival, check once, check twice and check again to make sure you take these with you.
Festival Ticket
ID
(Many festivals need your ID for various reasons, especially when purchasing alcohol)
Festival Camping Checklist
Buy gear you are proud of, gear you want to bring home. A good tent can last for multiple festivals and that can save you plenty of cash in the long-run.
Tent – Available in a variety of sizes, a good rule of thumb is to aim for a tent that sleeps 1 or 2 people more than you need, for space for all your camping essentials!
Torch – For lighting in the tent and those late-night toilet trips, nobody wants you to trip over their tent while they sleep
Duct Tape – you’d be surprised what can be fixed with tape
Folding Chair – The best way to relax!
Sleeping Bag – The last thing you want is to wake up in the night too cold! Make sure you pick a sleeping bag which is suitable to the temperature it will be at night during the festival. To better understand which type of sleeping bag you might need, check out our expert advice here.
Sleeping Mat//Self Inflating Mat/Airbed – whether a roll mat or double airbed, this can add comfort and extra insulation during the night.
Pillow – (Or roll up a hoodie in your rucksack, to save some money)
Ear plugs – Looking for a decent nights sleep? You will probably need to block out the 24-hour partying.
Cooking Checklist
If you want to save yourself a whole lot of money, it's best to cook your own food at a festival. Even if you've never cooked before, it doesn't take much to pour the contents of a camping meal or tin into a pan and heat it up.
Stove – Check with your festival, as many major festivals no longer allow gas stoves of any kind. If this is the case, look for a spirit burner or solid fuel
Pan – You'll likely need at least one pan to cook with, a mess tin is ideal for cooking single pot food, and you can hold it to eat out of. Less mess.
Camping Food/Snacks – You'll be on your feet a lot, so think high energy to keep the party going. If you’re looking for inspiration of things to cook, then check out our camping recipe guide here
Cool Box – If you want to indulge in some better, more nutritious meals, then you’re going to need something to keep perishable foods fresh.
Water Carrier – Water for boiling, water for drinking, water for washing yourself and dishes, water for brushing your teeth. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
Water Bottle – To keep you hydrated and help reduce the waste left behind at festivals.
Tin Opener
Lighter
Bin Bags
Festival Clothing Checklist
We're not going to try and tell you what to wear, and you probably wouldn't listen to us if we did. Here's a list of items you really should take, to make the weekend as comfortable as possible. Even if the weather says it will be one thing, always expect the opposite.
Waterproof Jacket/Poncho – The last thing you want is for the great British summer to catch you out, so a waterproof jacket is essential.
Midlayers – To keep you warm when needed, it’s an extra layer which may come in handy at night or during those cold summer mornings.
Quick drying Legwear – Avoiding denim can help for wet festivals, choose a quick drying material and the chances of it drying for the next days activities will be higher
Comfortable shoes/boots – Ideally you'd take supportive footwear, as you'll be on your feet and walking over uneven terrain all day. We’d recommend some walking boots which provide extra stability, comfort and grip.
Wellies – The great British summer will eat your trainers alive, and with thousands of people walking around at festivals all weekend, the ground can get really boggy and wet. Having a pair of wellies can prevent a seriously uncomfortable weekend on the feet.
Hat – Shade at many festivals is a premium, and if it's sunny you can make yourself ill having the sun on your head all day. A hat also helps if it rains, or if it's colder at night.
Spare socks & underwear – if either of these get wet, it won't be comfortable. Take dry spares.
Health & Safety Checklist
Look after yourself at a festival, if you're on medication make sure you're fully stocked up. Festivals can be dirty places (especially the toilets) so keep yourself clean and safe.
Other Essential Items
Rucksack or travel bag - Essential for carrying your belongings, you’ll want something that is comfortable and fits well, so that you aren’t struggling to drag your belongings from the car park to your tent, which can be a few miles away.
Trolley - If you’re carrying heavy items such as large tents, food or even beer, this may be a life saver for you.
Portable Power Bank - The last thing you want is for your phone to die and have no means of communication all weekend!
Picnic Blanket - Great for carrying around, meaning you can sit down anywhere and avoid the mud.
Now you have everything you need to withstand festival season, it’s time to go and enjoy yourself!
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