The honest guide to festival packing

It’s officially festival season. Plenty of packing guides claim you can’t possibly spend a weekend in a field without feather earrings and gladiator sandals. 

But we all know it’s not quite that easy.

Here’s an honest guide to festival packing for all you hardcore campers, portaloo-phobics and whole-week heroes. A proper, practical guide, from people who really have been there, done it and brought home the muddy t-shirt.

What to pack

If you’re hopeless at packing, panic not. Here are some festival essentials you’ll thank yourself for taking.

First up: hygiene. We all know festival toilets aren’t exactly luxurious, but there are things you can do to make the experience infinitely more pleasant. Pack a hurricane lamp so you can find your way to the loo at night. Bangs and a Bun’s guide to festival etiquette will help you avoid any bathroom faux pas. What Poppy Wore recommends taking your own toilet roll because the festival’s supplies will run out before the end and, according to The Girl Outdoors, you should always pack wet wipes: 

“They are a shower in a small, portable bag. Get medicated ones so you can keep hands clean, too.”

What about your tech? What Olivia Did warns against risking your lovely, shiny smartphone in the mud, rain and heavy crowds. Instead, take a cheap and trusty pay-as-you-go phone. But what if it runs out of battery? Pack a portable battery charger, says Victoria’s Vintage, so you won’t end up lost and phoneless!

Festival-going needn’t be totally exhausting. After a hard night’s dancing some serious rest is in order. First, you’ll need to find your tent; take Dungarees and Donuts’ advice and make sure it’s colourful or adorned with flags so that you can spot it in the dark:

“It's great to get a tent which stands out because then you're more likely to be able to find it.”

Of course, there’s no reason your tent shouldn’t be homely, so why not add some pretty bunting? Fat Frocks recommends packing something comfy to sit on, like a camping chair or picnic rug. Vicky Flip Flop Travels has some great ideas for grabbing that ever-elusive shuteye, from deliberately wearing yourself out dancing, to donning a pair of earplugs. 

What to wear

Many so-called ‘festival outfits’ wouldn’t last ten minutes at a real festival. Check out these bloggers’ tips for practical clothing ideas you really can use.

Our number one tip comes from the folks at Fashionista, who are all about layering:

“The weather is always a wild card [so] have fun with your outerwear: an army jacket, an oversized embroidered jean jacket or even a fashion sweatshirt are all easy to tie around your waist during the day and throw on once it gets dark.”

Of course, wellies are an absolute must, says Pot of Stuff. Whether you go for bargain boots or high-end fashion statements, make sure your feet are protected (and pack plenty of leggings too). Want an outfit with a little more pizzazz? For Becky Bedbug, every festival day is fancy dress day. Think animals, fairytale characters and superheroes: no style is too wild!

What about festival fashion don’ts? Steer clear of the maxi dress, warns What Poppy Wore. You might start out looking beautifully bohemian, but the minute you have to wade through mud (or worse), you’ll regret an outfit that skims the ground. XOJane has a great idea regarding underwear: if you can cope without underwiring you’ll be much comfier in bandeau bras. And, if the temperature soars, they make great crop tops too.

Don’t worry, guys, we haven’t forgotten about you! Fashion Beans has excellent fashion advice for festival-going men, from bomber jackets for R&B events, to straight-leg jeans for more indie gatherings.

What to eat

To buy or not to buy? We’ve got the knowledge to help you decide between taking your own food or buying what’s there.

If you’re opting to take your own nosh with you, take real meals, not just tons of snack food, says Flying Saucer. Check out Vicky Flip Flop Travel’s guide to festival food. As well as the usual crisps and chocolate, she also has healthy suggestions including dried fruit and frozen berries. Georgina Does suggests you:

“carry some healthy snacks in your bumbag. Almonds, dried fruit or beef jerky. Anything that’s going to help you stay nourished and dance ready.”

Buying once you get there? Go Outdoors can help you track down the best burger vans. And if in doubt, don’t forget their handy mantra: would you eat it at home?

We all know the British summer can be painfully brief, so at the first sight of sunshine, pack up your festival gear in a jumbo bag and make the most of it while it lasts!