The Ultimate Festival Packing List

Festival season is almost upon us, and whether you’re a seasoned Glastonbury-goer or a first-time festie heading to one of the many epic music festivals that grace the UK each summer, one thing’s for sure – packing can make or break your experience. Too little, and you’ll find yourself at the mercy of the overpriced festival shops. Too much, and you’ll be hauling an unnecessary load across a field of mud before the musics even started.

Here at Quirky Campers – the campervan hire experts with a passion for festivals – we know first hand the tips and tricks to make your festival experience smooth and worry-free. We’ve compiled the ultimate festival packing list, complete with all the essentials, a few luxury items, and some top campervan hacks to lighten the load this summer!

Festival Packing Top Tips

To make packing (and unpacking) easier, keep these handy tips in mind when you’re planning what to take to your festival.

Pack Light

Only bring what you really need. Every extra item is extra weight to carry.

Roll, Don’t Fold

Rolling your clothes saves space and helps avoid creases.

Use Packing Cubes or Ziplock Bags

Keeps your stuff organised and protects against unexpected rain.

Waterproof Everything

Store essentials in dry bags or bin liners – just in case the heavens open.

Plan for Rubbish

Bring bin bags for your waste (and they double as emergency ponchos!).

Charge Before You Go

Fully charge your power bank and phone before leaving home.

Leave Room for Souvenirs

Whether it’s a cool band tee or a trinket, you’ll want some space for festival treasures.

Festival Essentials (Non-Negotiables!)

Let’s start with the stuff you simply can’t leave behind – unless you want a ticket to festival misery.

Your Festival Ticket & ID – No ticket, no entry. Simple. Double-check before you leave.
Money & Bank Card – Many festivals are cashless now, but it’s always good to have a bit of cash just in case.
Phone & Portable Charger – A dead phone means no photos, no way to find your friends, and no chance of calling for a lift home.
Tent (or Campervan!) – If you’re camping, make sure your tent is waterproof and big enough for you and your gear. If you’re hiring a campervan (excellent choice!), you can forget about the faff of pitching and enjoy a comfy bed.
Sleeping Bag & Pillow – Unless you fancy shivering through the night or using a rolled-up hoodie as a pillow.
Clothing for All Weather – UK Festivals are infamous for throwing all four seasons at you in a day. Think layers, waterproofs, and wellies (yes, even if it’s sunny – trust us!).
Comfortable Footwear – You’ll be on your feet a lot. Wellies, walking boots, or sturdy trainers are your best bet.
Toiletries & Medication – Miniature toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, baby wipes (aka festival showers), sunscreen, and any necessary meds.
Reusable Water Bottle – Most festivals have free water stations, so bring a bottle to stay hydrated and avoid paying £5 for a tiny plastic bottle.
Earplugs & Eye Mask – Unless you love being kept awake by your tent neighbours’ questionable singing at 3am.

Camping Essentials

If you’re going full festival camper, there are a few extras you’ll need to make your stay more comfortable:

Ground Mat or Sleeping Pad – Helps insulate you from the cold, hard ground. A must if your festivals goes for more than two night (Glastombury essential!)
Mallet & Spare Tent Pegs – Because you will lose some, and nobody enjoys trying to hammer pegs in with their boot.
Camping Stove & Gas – Perfect for morning brews and a warm meal to start the day.
Lightweight Cooking Equipment – A pan, a spork, and a tin opener go a long way.
Headtorch or Lantern – Finding your way back to the tent after dark is a challenge without one.
Toilet Roll & Wet Wipes – Festivals do run out of loo roll, and wet wipes will keep you fresh when showers aren’t an option.
Hand Sanitiser – Essential for avoiding festival lurgy.
Ziplock Bags – Useful for keeping valuables dry and storing leftover snacks.

Camping Luxuries:

If you’ve got the space, or better yet, a campervan, why not bring a few extras to make your festival experience even more enjoyable?

Inflatable Mattress – Sleeping on the ground is overrated. A blow-up mattress makes a world of difference.
Battery-Powered Fairy Lights – Adds a cosy, magical touch to your tent or campervan (and makes it easier to find in the dark!).
Solar Shower – If you can’t face the festival showers, a solar shower gives you a private, warm(ish) rinse.
Cool Box or Mini Fridge – Keep your drinks cold and your food fresh.
Luxury Camping Blanket – Perfect for snuggling up under the stars.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Keep the party going at your campsite.
Hammock – If you find a couple of trees, this is the ultimate relaxation spot.
Coffee Press or Aeropress – Skip the long coffee queues and make a fresh brew at your camp.
Personal Fan or Handheld Misting Spray – Essential for those rare but glorious heatwave festivals.
Folding Table – If you’re planning on cooking, a little table makes food prep so much easier.

The Campervan Advantage: Lighten Your Load

If you’re taking a campervan, you can leave a lot of the ‘roughing it’ gear behind. A comfy bed? Check. A fridge for keeping drinks cold? Sorted. A proper place to charge your phone? Absolute dream. Here’s what you can ditch if you’re upgrading to van life:

Tent & Ground Mat – No need to battle with tent poles or worry about a collapsed shelter in the night.
Sleeping Bag & Pillow (Optional) – Many campervans come with proper bedding – much comfier than a flimsy sleeping bag.
Cold Food Storage – Campervans usually have fridges or cool boxes, meaning fresh food (and chilled cider) all weekend.
Portable Stove & Cooking Gear – Say goodbye to soggy festival burgers and hello to your own delicious van-cooked meals.

Festival Campervan Hire

Don’t have a campervan of your own but want to experience the luxury glamping campervan experience? Quirky Campers have you covered! We have an amazing range of totally unique hand-crafted festival-friendly campervans available to hire to make this years festival summer utterly unforgettable.

Festival Non-Essential Packing List

These aren’t technically essentials, but they’ll make your festival experience significantly more enjoyable and you’re sure to be thanking yourself later if you make space for them!

Camping Chair – Sitting on the ground for four days isn’t fun for anyone.
Glitter & Fancy Dress – Festivals are your chance to be extra – don’t waste it.
Dry Shampoo – Your best friend when the showers have a queue longer than the main stage.
Bin Bags – For rubbish, for muddy clothes, and for sitting on, in a damp field.
Multi-tool (or Duct Tape) – You never know when you’ll need to fix something.
Festival Flag or Tapestry – Makes finding your camp a whole lot easier.

Toiletries, Health & Sanitary Essentials

Staying fresh and healthy at a festival is a challenge, but the right kit makes it much easier.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Even if you skip a shower, don’t skip brushing your teeth.
Baby Wipes – The ultimate festival essential. Use them for a quick refresh when showers aren’t an option.
Dry Shampoo – A lifesaver for greasy hair when washing isn’t practical.
Deodorant – Keep yourself (and those around you) happy.
Hand Sanitiser – Festival toilets aren’t always the most hygienic places, so keep this handy.
Sunscreen – Even in the UK, sunburn is real. Protect yourself.
Lip Balm with SPF – Chapped lips are no fun, especially in the sun or wind.
Period Products – Be prepared with tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup. Some festivals offer free supplies, but don’t count on it.
Toilet Roll – Never assume the festival loos will have any left.
Travel-Sized First Aid Kit – Plasters, painkillers, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes – you never know when you’ll need them.
Insect Repellent – Particularly useful for summer festivals in grassy fields.
Earplugs & Eye Mask – Essential for getting a decent night’s sleep amidst the festival chaos.
Allergy Meds – Piriton or hayfever medication is a life saver if you have allergies at summer festivals

Food & Drink: Fuel Your Festival Fun

Festivals aren’t cheap, and while the food is often fantastic, you might want some backup snacks. Here’s what we recommend.

Food Cupboard –

Cereal Bars & Nuts – Quick, mess-free energy boosts.
Instant Noodles or Pasta Pots – Easy to make with just hot water.
Fresh Fruit – Apples and oranges travel well and keep you from feeling like a goblin after three days of chips.

Drinks Fridge –

Tea & Coffee – Essential if you’re not a morning person.
Alcohol – Can be very expensive at festivals and many let you bring in some drinks for the camp site – check festival rules regarding glass as most festivals,including Glastombury Festival do not allow glass on-site.
Water – bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated! There’s always refillable water points around festival grounds.

Cooking Equipment –

Plates and Cutlery – Easy to forget but very useful to stop you eating with your fingers and drinking out of the bottle.
Kettle – Essential for morning tea and coffee
Camping Stove – Check festival rules for what they allow in campsites but a small gas stove can be cheap to buy and let you cook some meals by your tent.

If you’re bringing a campervan, you can go full gourmet with eggs, bacon, and proper coffee. Talk about festival luxury!

Clothes – Dress To Impress!

Packing the right clothes is key to surviving (and thriving) at a festival. Here’s what you’ll need…

Layered Clothing – The weather can switch from blazing sun to torrential rain in a matter of hours. Bring t-shirts, long sleeves, and a jumper or hoodie.
Waterproof Jacket or Poncho – Never trust a sunny forecast – a waterproof layer is a festival must-have.
Wellies or Waterproof Boots – Nothing ruins the vibe like soggy feet. Wellies are essential for muddy festivals.
Trainers or Walking Shoes – For when the ground is dry and you need comfortable shoes for dancing.
Socks & Plenty of Them – Changing into fresh socks can be a lifesaver.
Hat & Sunglasses – Protect yourself from the sun (and hide a bad hair day!).
Gloves & Scarf (for Chilly Evenings) – Even summer nights can get nippy.
Festival Outfits – If you want to go full glitter and sequins, now’s your time to shine.
Comfortable Nightwear – A good night’s sleep starts with cosy PJs.

Are You Festival-Ready This Summer?

Now you have everything you need to pack for your epic festival summer. Aren’t sure which festival to hit up yet? Check out the Quirky Campers Festival Hub for all things festivals. We have…

And, of course the best range of Festival-Friendly Campervans for Hire in the whole of the UK!

Festival Packing FAQs

What’s the one thing most people forget to pack for festivals?
Sunscreen and a hat! Even in the UK, sunburn is real. Also, don’t forget your socks – you’ll want dry, clean ones every day.

Are festival showers worth it?
If you can time it right (early morning or late at night), they can be decent. Otherwise, a pack of baby wipes is your best friend.

How do I keep my stuff safe at a festival?
Keep valuables on you or locked in your campervan if you have one. A bum bag or small backpack is great for carrying essentials. Many festivals have lockers you can use to keep valuablese safe during the day.

What’s the best way to stay dry if it rains at a festival?
Layers, waterproofs, and bin bags for emergency cover. Also, invest in a decent poncho – cheap ones rip instantly.

Is a campervan worth it for festivals?
Absolutely. No lugging heavy gear across muddy fields, a warm, dry place to sleep, and an actual fridge – what’s not to love?

What should I NOT bring to a festival?
Avoid glass bottles, excessive valuables, large suitcases, non-biodegradable glitter, and anything prohibited by the festival rules (check their website!).

How can I keep my valuables safe at festivals?
Use a bum bag or secure crossbody bag, avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and consider using festival locker services if available.

What’s the best way to carry everything to the campsite at a festival?
A sturdy rucksack is better than a suitcase, and a foldable trolley can be a lifesaver for heavier gear.

Are there any clothing items people always forget at festivals?
Extra socks, a warm hoodie for chilly nights, and a hat for sun protection are commonly overlooked.

How do I deal with muddy or wet clothes at a festival?
Bring a waterproof bag or bin liner to store wet or muddy clothes until you get home.

Whether you’re braving a tent or living the high life in a campervan, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Pack smart, stay hydrated, and embrace the madness – festivals are all about the experience, after all. And if you fancy levelling up your festival game, a Quirky Camper is waiting to take you there in style!

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.