Ultimate Guide to Festival Packing List [PDF Download]

To get the most out of your UK festival experience while being comfortable and ready for anything, you need to compile a well-organised packing list. This guide will help you pack strategically and efficiently by showing you what to bring to a festival, what to bring for camping, what to wear, and what essentials to pack for amenities, food, and eco-friendly items.

Don't bring too many big things or things that aren't allowed to avoid problems at the gates. Instead, focus on lightweight, adaptable gear that will keep you ready for whatever the weather and festival days throw at you. This extensive festival packing list will help you stay calm, eco-friendly, and prepared for a great time at the festival, whether it's your first time or your tenth.

Festival Essentials Must-Have Items

When preparing for a festival in the UK, it's essential to pack in a way that keeps you comfortable, safe, and convenient during your stay. When the weather is unpredictable or there are limited places to stay, having the right kit can make a significant difference. Below is a festival packing list of the most crucial items that everyone attending the event should pack.

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What Travel Documents And Identification Are Required?

Ensure you have all the necessary travel and entrance documents before departure. To avoid issues with poor reception at the site, please keep your ticket with you at all times. You can print it off or download it before you get there.

A photo ID is also important, especially if you want to gain entry to certain events or verify your age at a bar or nightclub. A driving license, passport, student ID or proof of age card are all acceptable types. Additionally, to make your trip easier, please bring any travel confirmations you may have, such as auto passes, hotel reservations, or train tickets.

Which Camping Essentials Should You Never Forget?

How you sleep is crucial for getting enough rest over the weekend. It is highly recommended that you get a good-quality, double-skinned tent, especially one that blocks sunlight, allowing you to sleep in after late nights.

Consider a sleeping bag with a high GSM rating to accompany this, as the temperature can drop significantly at night. Bring a sleeping mat, inflatable airbed, or foam roll mat, together with a small yet supportive pillow, to make your stay more comfortable and keep you warm on the ground.

If you want to relax near your tent, bring a camping chair so you have a clean, comfortable area to sit and rest. It's challenging to navigate large campgrounds at night, so it's essential to have a head torch or handheld torch with extra batteries, enabling you to move around safely after dark. Earplugs are a useful addition for light sleepers or individuals who want to maximise their rest. They help filter out noise from nearby tents or late-night music.

What Bags And Storage Do You Need For Festivals?

The luggage you choose may have a significant impact on your festival experience. You need a main rucksack or backpack that is large enough to hold all your camping gear. Choose items with straps and compartments that will help you carry your belongings on long walks from the parking lot or shuttle stop.

Bring a compact day bag, bumbag, or cross-body pouch to keep your phone, ID, and cash safe while you're at the festival. Packing cubes are great for keeping clothes and small items organised, as they make it easy to find what you need without having to dig through your bag.

What Kind Of Clothing Should You Pack For UK Festivals?

When packing, establish a balance between fashion, comfort, and functionality. Bring a variety of multipurpose festival outfits and layers, such as t-shirts, shorts, leggings or jeans, as well as a few spare pairs of trousers and socks.

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so pack warm layers, such as jumpers, hoodies, or fleece tops, for cooler evenings. To keep comfortable at night, consider taking thermals or heavy socks. If it rains, a waterproof jacket or a lightweight poncho will keep you dry.

To ensure a pleasant experience, select shoes based on the terrain and your level of comfort. Trail shoes or walking boots are often more comfortable and breathable than wellies, especially during the daytime. If there is a lot of mud all weekend, though, you may still need wellies. You should also bring slides, sandals, or Crocs, which are great for quick trips to the bathroom or for using the shower blocks at festivals.

Which Hygiene And Health Items Are Essential?

When you can't access a shower or running water, hygiene becomes extremely important. A basic toiletry kit should have at least one roll of toilet paper, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, dry shampoo, hand sanitiser, and wet wipes. Don't forget to use sunscreen (SPF for face and body) and aftersun to protect your skin from sunburn and irritation.

A basic first aid box should include plasters, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescribed medications or medical papers. Women who are going should ensure they have sufficient sanitary products. Depending on where they are going, they may also need insect repellent. Things like an eye mask or extra earplugs can help you sleep better and feel more comfortable in shared environments.

What Technology And Entertainment Items Should Be Included?

At festivals, technology plays a significant role in staying in touch and having fun. You need a cell phone with a fully charged power bank, as charging stations can be hard to find or expensive. Don't forget to bring your charging connections, and if possible, consider bringing a small portable speaker.

You may also want to bring a disposable camera to record your event without draining your phone's battery. You can occupy your festival downtime with low-key activities, such as playing cards, or bring something special, like an LED hat or a harp, to make your campsite more entertaining.

What to Wear for the UK Festivals?

To choose the appropriate festival clothing, you need to find a balance between style, comfort, and being ready for the unpredictable UK weather. The clothes you wear can significantly impact your comfort during lengthy walks and your ability to dance all day and night.

What Footwear Should You Wear?

Good shoes are the most important part of any festival costume. Festival grounds are typically rough, muddy, and feature amenities such as portaloos. This is why it's essential to wear covered shoes, even in hot and dry conditions.

For most situations, lightweight hiking shoes or walking boots are more valuable and breathable than wellies. Wellies are still a classic choice when it rains a lot and makes the fields muddy. Avoid wearing delicate or open-toed shoes, as they offer minimal protection and can quickly become uncomfortable or inappropriate.

What Clothing Styles Are Festival-Friendly?

Festival fashion is all about being yourself and being free. Cotton, linen, mesh, and crochet are all lightweight fabrics that perform well in various situations. They keep you cool and can adjust to varying weather conditions. Midi skirts and slip dresses are a light yet versatile choice that pairs well with solid outerwear for added contrast and comfort.

Avoid wearing one-piece jumpsuits or dresses that make it harder to use the toilet. You can showcase your style in an environmentally friendly way by mixing and matching clothes you already own. The festival mix-and-match method allows you to stand out while staying comfortable.

How Should You Choose Based on Weather and Sustainability?

Check the weather before packing so you can choose the correct trendy rain boots, sun hat, or statement accessories to complement your outfit. Using clothes you already own or buying second-hand clothes can help reduce festival fashion waste and promote sustainability. Cotton and linen are excellent materials for comfort because they are breathable and environmentally friendly.

Festival Daybag Essentials: What To Carry With You

Your day bag is one of the most important things you need when you go to a festival in the UK. It needs to be small but big enough to hold important things, useful for lengthy trips on rough ground, and safe from pickpockets.

The perfect daybag will keep you ready and comfy from the first act to the last headline slot. Here is a list of things you need to bring to make your festival experience go smoothly and be fun.

What Kind Of Bag Should You Use?

A small to medium-sized backpack or rucksack is the best choice for daytime festivals, as it offers the right amount of space and comfort. Select a design featuring padded straps, multiple pockets, and secure zippers to distribute the weight evenly and keep your belongings safe. A bum bag or small cross-body pouch is a great way to carry your phone, cash, cards, and keys without weighing you down. This way, you may dance without having to hold anything.

Which Documents And Payment Options Do You Need?

Put your festival ticket, photo ID, some cash, and a bank or contactless card in a pocket inside your day bag that is easily accessible. Many festivals have their own payment methods, so it's a good idea to have more than one way to pay in case one doesn't work or isn't available.

How Can You Stay Hydrated And Powered Up?

Bring a water bottle that you can use again and again. Many festivals allow you to bring water bottles, and you can refill yours at designated stations during the event. To make sure your phone doesn't die during the event, bring a portable power bank, like the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus, with cables. It's best to have one that can charge your smartphone at least twice, and keep smaller ones in your daybag for emergencies.

What Personal Care Items Should Be At Hand?

Small things can make a big impact on long festival days. Include hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes so you can stay clean on the go. You need small sunscreen and lip balm (SPF) to protect yourself from the sun when you don't expect it. Bring tissues, a pocket toilet roll, wet wipes, and even a small mirror or disposable deodorant with you to freshen yourself quickly.

What Easy Health And Safety Items Are Vital?

Earplugs and an eye mask can help you stay safe during noisy concerts and also aid in getting a good night's sleep at camp if needed. For small cuts or foot pain, you need plasters, blister pads, and basic medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Antihistamines or allergy medications can help people with allergies or sensitive skin avoid unexpected problems.

Which Extras Keep You Comfortable And Safe?

People who attend festivals recommend bringing chapstick, gum, or mints, as well as a small folding paper fan, to deal with variations in the weather and stay comfortable. Depending on the weather, a light scarf or pashmina can give you unexpected shelter, keep you warm, or even protect you from dust. In busy places, a tiny combo lock or keeping your zippers facing your body can help keep thieves from stealing your goods.

Sustainable Festival Packing List Eco-Friendly Essentials

At a UK festival, being eco-friendly isn't just about protecting the environment; it's also about having a better time with gear that lasts, can be reused, and is well-designed.

Choosing the correct things means less waste, a lighter load, and a smaller carbon footprint. For example, refillable bottles and eco-friendly materials are good choices. Here are some eco-friendly must-haves that can let you enjoy the festival while living lightly.

What Water And Drink Containers Are Sustainable?

Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup with you to avoid using plastic once. Stainless steel or BPA-free materials are best. You can refill these for free at water stations and use them for hot drinks, which significantly reduces plastic waste. Another eco-friendly option that saves space and weight is collapsible silicone bottles.

Which Reusable Cutlery And Tableware Should You Include?

Instead of using disposable plates and cups, opt for reusable or compostable dinnerware, such as sugarcane bowls, bamboo cutlery, or stainless-steel utensils. To clean up spills without creating waste, bring a tea towel or quick-dry cloth, preferably one made from organic cotton.

What Clothing And Fabric Choices Help The Planet?

Pick festival clothes made of organic cotton, linen, or recycled or upcycled materials. Avoid buying new fast-fashion garments that you only wear once and then discard. Many people who travel to festivals swear by the second-hand clothes they find on Depop or Vinted. They're stylish, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Gear labelled with GOTS, Oeko-Tex, or B Corp is considered eco-friendly and trustworthy.

Why Eco Toiletries Matter At Festivals?

Microplastics or hazardous substances are regularly found in regular toiletries. To cut down on pollution, pick biodegradable soap bars, shampoo bars, or toothpaste tablets that have been certified as eco-friendly. Use microfiber cloths instead of wet wipes, and ensure your sunscreen is safe for coral reefs and doesn't contain plastic.

How Can Power Ideas Be Greener?

Using technology properly helps minimise your carbon footprint. Consider environmentally friendly solar power options, such as the Jackery devices listed below. These units are great for festivals because they provide clean power without any pollutants.

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus and Jackery Explorer 240 v2 are small, portable solar generators that don't emit any pollution and allow you to charge your electronics in an eco-friendly way.

Jackery Portable Power Station for Festivals

Bringing a Jackery Portable Power Station to a festival in the UK is a game-changer for improving your experience while remaining comfortable and connected. UK festivals, known for their exuberant atmospheres but frequently difficult camping circumstances, become substantially more tolerable with the assistance of dependable portable electricity.

Festivals mean long days, lots of photos and videos, checking set times, finding friends, and navigating. A dead phone is a significant inconvenience. A Jackery ensures your phone stays charged, allowing you to capture every memory and stay connected.

Many festival-goers use power pumps to inflate their air beds. A Jackery can easily power them, removing the need for hand pumping and giving you a better night's sleep. You may create a cosy and well-lit tent by using LED strip lights, lanterns, or even little fairy lights. Some larger Jackery models can power a portable fridge or cooler, keeping drinks and snacks cold, a luxury during festivals.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus is an excellent choice for festivals in the UK, offering a compelling blend of portability, sufficient power for personal devices, and reliability.

Festival Friendliness: Festivals, particularly in the United Kingdom, can require long walks between stages, campsites, and food stalls. The Explorer 100 Plus is designed to be extremely tiny and lightweight, weighing around 2.13 pounds (965 grammes). This makes it easy to transport in a backpack, sling bag, or even by hand without adding noticeable bulk, allowing you to keep charged while on the road.

Travel Convenience: With a 99Wh (Watt-hour) capacity, the Explorer 100 Plus falls within the under 100Wh limit for carry-on luggage on aeroplanes. This is a massive advantage if you're flying to a festival, as larger power stations (typically over 100Wh) are often restricted from carry-on or checked baggage due to airline safety regulations. This ensures you can bring your power source directly to the festival.

Quick Recharges: When you do get a chance to plug it in (e.g., at a festival charging tent, if available, or back at your car), its fast charging input means you can quickly replenish its own battery, minimising downtime. The 100W USB-C output also ensures that your compatible devices charge rapidly.

No Disturbance: Unlike noisy and fume-emitting gas generators, the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus operates silently and produces no emissions. This is perfect for tent camping, ensuring a peaceful environment for you and your neighbours, and aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability at UK festivals.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is an excellent choice for festivals in the UK, especially for individuals or small groups with more modest power needs. Its key advantages centre around its portability, essential charging capabilities, and the convenience it brings to a festival campsite.

Lightweight: Weighing in at only around 3.6 kg (7.94 lbs), the Explorer 240 v2 is incredibly easy to carry from the car park to your campsite, which can often be a significant trek at large UK festivals.

Small Footprint: Its compact size means it won't take up much precious space in your tent or backpack, leaving more room for other festival essentials. This is a huge advantage over larger, heavier power stations, making it ideal for those who prioritise minimal gear.

Electric Air Pump: Many festival-goers bring inflatable air beds for comfort. The 240 v2's 300W AC output (with a 600W surge) is perfectly capable of powering a standard electric pump to inflate your bed quickly, saving you from manual effort after a long journey.

No Noise, No Fumes: Unlike noisy and polluting petrol generators (which are often forbidden at festival campsites), the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 operates silently and produces zero emissions. This ensures a peaceful campsite environment for you and your neighbours.

LiFePO4 Battery: The upgraded LiFePO4 battery offers an impressive 3,000 charge cycles to 80%+ capacity, meaning it's built to last for many festival seasons (with an estimated 10-year lifespan), providing excellent long-term value.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

What Not To Pack For Your Festival?

When preparing for a festival in the UK, it's just as important to know what not to bring as it is to know what to bring. If you bring items you don't need or that are against the rules, your trip will be more challenging, your bag will be heavier, and in some situations, you may not be allowed to enter or have your belongings taken away. Here are the things you should definitely not pack for the festival to make sure everything goes smoothly and you have a good time.

Avoid Excessive Clothing And Bulky Items

It can be tempting to bring a lot of clothes to a festival, but packing too many items and large belongings can soon become a hassle. Packing tips for festivals always say that you don't need to carry more than one pair of shoes or heavy coats because they can make your luggage much heavier. Instead, pick clothes that can be worn in different climates and layer them so you can adjust to changing conditions during the event.

Leave Valuables And Expensive Electronics At Home

Festivals are lively yet crowded, and they aren't necessarily the safest places to lug around pricey equipment. You should obviously bring your phone and a portable charger, but avoid bringing expensive cameras, laptops, or a lot of electronics, as they are more likely to get lost, stolen, or damaged during the event. Many festival guidelines recommend bringing only the bare minimum of tech to minimise the stress and trouble of losing or breaking items in a crowded environment. This advice is based on real-life experience and is intended to help festival-goers keep their belongings safe while still staying connected and charged.

Avoid Large Or Heavy Camping Gear

Camping is a significant part of the festival experience, but bringing large tents or heavy camping gear is generally not advisable, as it can be challenging to transport and set up. Many festivals encourage bringing small, lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear to reduce your burden and make setup quicker and easier.

Some festivals have tight restrictions on the size and weight of camping equipment, so check the rules ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises. Lightweight and small gear also makes it easier to move around and live comfortably during the festival days.

Items Prohibited By Festival Rules

For safety and compliance concerns, every UK event has an official list of items that are not allowed to be brought. Fireworks, drones, firearms, illegal drugs, and loud noise-making devices like megaphones are among things that are often not allowed.

If you have any of these items, you may be asked to leave the event immediately or have them removed. Before you pack, be sure to check the festival's official website for any restrictions. Following these principles ensures that everyone remains safe and happy, thereby avoiding unnecessary conflicts and sanctions.

FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions about the festival packing list.

1. What to bring to a festival list?

When deciding what to bring to a festival, consider a waterproof tent, a sleeping bag, and a camping mat for overnight stays, as well as weather-appropriate clothing such as waterproof jackets and comfortable shoes. Other essentials include reusable water bottles, portable phone chargers, sunscreen, toiletries, and a tiny first aid kit.

To make your load more manageable, avoid bringing glass bottles, excessive food, or bulky items. Many UK festival recommendations emphasise the significance of packing small but smart, focusing on adaptable gear that can withstand variable weather and crowded settings.

2. What to pack in your bag for a festival?

Your festival pack should include practical goods to keep you comfortable and prepared throughout the day, such as a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Pack some snacks or energy bars, a portable phone charger, cash, and ID, a small raincoat, and any necessary personal items, such as lip balm and hand sanitiser. Keeping your day pack minimal and organised allows you to navigate crowds while having everything you need on hand quickly.

3. What to bring to all things go festival?

All Things Go Festival attendees should bring lightweight camping gear, including a sturdy tent, a sleeping bag, and a mat, as well as layered clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring sunscreen, rain clothing, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle.

It is also advisable to have cash, identification, and portable phone chargers. Because the festival takes place outside, practical hygiene materials such as wet wipes and hand sanitiser are useful. Always refer to the festival's official website for particular forbidden products and updated instructions.

4. What to pack for a four day music festival?

Packing for a four-day music event entails striking a balance between comfort and efficiency. A robust tent, sleeping bag, and camping mattress are essential for a good night's sleep, as are multiple layers of clothing to protect against rain, sun, and cold evenings.

Footwear should be both durable and comfortable, allowing for a lot of walking and standing. Toiletries, snacks, refillable water bottles, portable chargers, and basic medical supplies such as plasters and pain relievers are all necessities. Many UK festival packing tips recommend taking a minimum but versatile selection of things to reduce additional weight.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a festival can be a lot of work, but creating a clear and comprehensive list makes it a fun and manageable aspect of getting ready. Don't forget to put lightweight, flexible things that work well in the UK weather and at festivals at the top of your list. Don't bring things that are too big or that are against the rules, as they can make your trip more difficult. Instead, consider reusable, eco-friendly solutions to lessen your influence on the environment.