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Festival Packing List

Not sure what to take to a music festival? This festival packing list covers the essentials for camping festivals, day festivals, rock weekends, bad weather, long walks, phone battery, food, toiletries and the things most first-timers forget.

Quick Checklist Camping Gear First Time Guide
Festival packing list with camping bag, tent and music festival essentials
EssentialsTicket, ID, phone, money, power bank
WeatherWaterproofs, warm layers, sun cream
ComfortGood shoes, socks, tissues, wipes
CampingTent, sleeping bag, torch, roll mat

Festival Packing List: Quick Checklist

Start with these basics. They cover most music festivals, whether you are going for one day or camping all weekend.

Must-have items Ticket, ID, phone, bank card, cash if needed, keys, medication and emergency contact details.
Comfort items Comfortable shoes, spare socks, waterproof jacket, hoodie, tissues, hand sanitiser and earplugs.
Weather items Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, poncho, waterproofs and warm layers for night.
Tech items Phone, power bank, charging cable, downloaded tickets, screenshots and offline maps if useful.

What to Pack for a Day Festival

A day festival is easier than a camping weekend because you only need what you can comfortably carry. Keep your bag light and check the festival’s bag size rules before travelling.

Small bag Use a small backpack or crossbody bag that follows the festival’s rules.
Waterproof layer A lightweight jacket or poncho is worth packing even if the forecast looks dry.
Phone battery Bring a small power bank if your ticket, map or travel plans are on your phone.
Small essentials Tissues, hand sanitiser, lip balm, sun cream, medication and earplugs are easy to carry.

Camping Festival Packing List

For festivals like Download, Bloodstock, 2000trees or other camping weekends, your packing list needs to cover sleep, weather, hygiene and carrying everything from the car park or drop-off point.

Tent Choose a tent with enough space for you and your bags. Practise putting it up before the festival.
Sleeping bag Nights can feel colder than expected, even in summer.
Roll mat or air bed This makes a huge difference to sleep and warmth.
Torch or headtorch Useful for finding your tent, toilets and bags at night.
Bin bags Good for rubbish, wet clothes, muddy shoes and keeping things dry.
Camping chair Optional, but very useful if you will spend time at the campsite.

Festival Clothes to Pack

Festival clothes should be comfortable, weather-proof and easy to layer. Style is fine, but comfort wins when you are walking, standing and queuing for hours.

  • Comfortable shoes: do not wear brand new shoes for the first time at a festival.
  • Spare socks: pack more than you think, especially if rain is possible.
  • Warm hoodie or fleece: nights can get cold quickly.
  • Waterproof jacket: more useful than an umbrella at most festivals.
  • Light clothes for heat: breathable layers help during the day.
  • Hat and sunglasses: useful for sunny main stage days.

Festival Toiletries and Hygiene

You do not need a full bathroom cabinet, but a few small hygiene items make the weekend much easier.

Tissues or toilet roll Toilet paper can run out, especially later in the day.
Hand sanitiser Small, light and useful after toilets, food queues and camping areas.
Wet wipes Helpful for camping weekends, but dispose of them properly.
Toothbrush and toothpaste Easy to forget, but very welcome on day two.
Medication Bring anything you need, plus basic pain relief if suitable for you.
Sun cream Useful even when it does not feel especially hot.

Festival Tech and Phone Essentials

Your phone might hold your ticket, travel details, maps, set times and group chat, so battery matters. Signal can be unreliable, so save key information before you arrive.

  • Power bank: one of the most useful festival items.
  • Charging cable: pack the right cable for your phone.
  • Offline screenshots: save tickets, travel details and meeting points.
  • Festival app: download it before you arrive if the festival uses one.
  • Simple phone settings: lower brightness and use battery saver when needed.

Food and Drink to Pack

Always check the official festival rules before bringing food or drink, especially for arena entry. Campsite rules and arena rules are often different.

A reusable water bottle is one of the best festival items if the festival allows it. Staying hydrated makes the whole weekend easier.

  • Reusable water bottle, if allowed
  • Easy snacks for the campsite or queue
  • Breakfast bars or simple dry food for camping mornings
  • Chewing gum or mints
  • Electrolyte tablets, if useful for you

Festival Weather Packing Tips

UK festivals can be sunny, muddy, windy and cold in the same weekend. Pack for the weather you want, but prepare for the weather you might actually get.

Rain Waterproof jacket, poncho, spare socks, bin bags and shoes that can handle mud.
Sun Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, reusable bottle and breathable clothing.
Cold nights Hoodie, warm socks, sleeping layers and a sleeping bag suitable for night temperatures.
Mud Walking boots or wellies can be worth it if the ground is already wet.

What Not to Bring to a Festival

Every festival has its own banned items list. Check the official website before travelling so you do not lose items at the gate.

Glass Glass is commonly banned at campsites and festival arenas.
Too many valuables Only bring what you need. Leave expensive extras at home.
Heavy bags You may have a long walk from the car park, station or entrance.
Banned food or drink Rules can differ between camping areas and arenas, so check before packing.
Large speakers Some festivals restrict speakers, especially in campsites.
Anything against the rules If the official festival says not to bring it, do not risk it.

Common Festival Packing Mistakes

  • Forgetting warm layers: festivals can feel cold after sunset.
  • Packing too much: you still have to carry it.
  • Not checking bag rules: some festivals restrict bag sizes.
  • Depending only on phone signal: download or screenshot important information.
  • Ignoring footwear: sore feet can ruin a festival faster than almost anything.
  • Not packing tissues: small item, huge difference.

Festival Packing List FAQs

What should I pack for a music festival? Pack your ticket, ID, phone, power bank, money, comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun cream, reusable water bottle if allowed, tissues, hand sanitiser and any camping gear you need.
What should I pack for a camping festival? Bring a tent, sleeping bag, roll mat or air bed, torch, warm clothes, waterproofs, toiletries, bin bags, power bank, reusable bottle if allowed and simple food or snacks permitted by the festival rules.
Do I need wellies for a festival? If the weather looks wet or the ground is muddy, wellies or waterproof walking boots can be very useful. If the forecast is dry, comfortable walking shoes may be better.
Can I bring food and drink to a festival? It depends on the festival and whether you are entering the campsite or arena. Always check the official rules before packing food or drink.
Should I bring cash to a festival? Many festivals are card-first or cashless, but it is worth checking official guidance before you travel.
What is the most forgotten festival item? Common forgotten items include ID, charging cables, power banks, tissues, earplugs, sun cream, spare socks and warm layers.