FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR A FESTIVAL 

Published: 13/08/2026 | By: William Sendel

Festival season is here, and that means it’s time to think beyond the lineup. From navigating unpredictable British weather to dancing until the early hours, a festival weekend can ask a lot of you – and your packing list. The right essentials can make all the difference, so here’s everything worth having in your bag before you get through the gates.  

There’s a certain optimism that comes with festival season. The lineup is sorted, the group chat is firing, the weather forecast is being checked every five minutes, and you’ve probably already started thinking about what you’re wearing. Then comes the less exciting question: what actually needs to go in the bag? 

Whether you’re heading to your first festival or you’ve got your packing routine down to a fine art, getting the essentials right is make or break. Because while you can survive without a few luxuries, forgetting your ticket, waterproofs or something to sleep on is another story. 

BUILD YOUR BASECAMP 

For some, camping is part of the experience. For others, it’s the price of staying until the headliner's finished their encore. Either way, your tent is going to be home for the weekend, so make it as comfortable as you can. Start with a tent big enough for everyone using it – squeezing three people and their bags into a space designed for one is a decision you’ll be regretting as you try to fall asleep. 

Then think about what you’ll need once you’re inside: a quality sleeping bag should be your top priority. You'll want something like the Gelert Hebog Mummy Sleeping Bag: lightweight and cosy to make sure you're refreshed on day two. After that a pillow, blanket and air bed or mattress should see you comfortably through. 

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER, THEN FOR THE FESTIVAL. 

Festival fashion is, of course, part of the fun, but the best outfit is one that can handle whatever the weather decides to throw at you - usually whatever you're least expecting. 

The trick is layers. T-shirts, lightweight tops, leggings, joggers, jeans and shorts all earn their place through versatility, giving you options when temperatures change throughout the day. Something like these BOSS 3-pack t-shirts is an ideal option to add a light base layer or keep you cool when you're sweating the most. 

But whatever you wear, pack a waterproof jacket or lightweight coat to chuck on top. Even if the forecast looks perfect, festival season has a habit of producing rain unexpectedly 

And when the sun goes down, those layers become even more important. Warm socks and comfortable nightwear might not make the most exciting packing list, but they’ll feel luxurious when night falls. 

THE FOOTWEAR QUESTION 

There’s one part of the festival outfit where practicality should win every time: your feet. 

You’ll probably spend hours walking between stages, standing in crowds and exploring the site, so uncomfortable shoes can turn a great day into a long one. 

Go for something you know you can walk in. Trainers, walking shoes or wellies are all solid choices, depending on the forecast and the conditions underfoot. Our pick would have to be the Nike P-600s, giving you that all-day wear without compromising on comfort. 

PACK FOR FOUR SEASONS IN ONE WEEKEND 

Festivals mean spending long periods outside, so sun cream and sunglasses will be essential, and a reusable water bottle should be close at hand. It’s one of those items that might seem obvious, but you’ll quickly notice its absence when you’re thirsty halfway across the festival site. Staying hydrated matters when you’re spending hours walking, dancing and soaking up the sun. 

But when the weather turns, you’ll be glad you packed a waterproof layer and shoes that can handle the mud. The key is not trying to predict the weather perfectly. Pack for the forecast but prepare for it to change. 

PLAN FOR THE EVENINGS 

Tickets, maps, meeting up with friends, checking set times and capturing the odd moment all rely on having some battery left. A portable charger and the right charging cables should be considered essential. 

Headphones are handy for downtime, while a portable speaker can be a nice addition if you’re camping with friends and you want to make the most of your evenings. In that vein, you'll want some quality camping chairs – like the Gelert Comfort Camping Chair – if you want to be comfortable during that post-headliner debrief. 

KEEP THE EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS CLOSE 

Finally, think about what you’d normally leave the house with. Your ID, money, ticket and phone need to stay safe and accessible. A small cross-body bag is ideal for carrying the things you need throughout the day without dragging a huge backpack around the site. 

Then there are the festival hygiene essentials: toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, sanitary products and any medication you need. 

The long and short of it is that to get the most out of your festival, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever the weekend throws your way. Because the best festival weekends aren’t remembered for what you packed. They’re remembered for everything that happened once you got through the gates.