Festival Survival 101: The Ultimate Guide to What You Really Need

From essentials to extras – don’t forget a thing for your best festival experience!

With festival season upon us, whether you're heading to Download, Reading & Leeds, Isle of Wight or you've been lucky enough to secure a ticket to Glastonbury, making sure you've got all the right kit is a must. If you're an over-packer like me or just take enough to survive the weekend, ensuring you've covered the essentials is always top of the list. Whether you're a first timer and you have no clue what to take or you're a seasoned pro, our guide will ensure that you're well prepared for anything while you enjoy the music and experience that festival feeling.

But before we dive in, just a little reminder...DON'T FORGET YOUR TICKET AND PARKING PASSES. There's nothing worse than getting to the festival all excited...and then the dread hits you. You discover that you've either left your ticket on the kitchen table and will most probably have to drive all the way home to get it, or you've opened the app to access your ticket and its not loading... and you're next in the queue. Thankfully most tickets now can be downloaded and saved onto your phone for peace of mind, just make sure your phone has enough charge, or you've got a fully charged power bank and the ticket is easy to access if there's no signal. Remember, you're in the middle of nowhere with hundreds of other people all using the same phone mast, so the signal might be a little spotty.

Arriving at the Campsite: Your New Home

Let's start with what can only be described as 'THE TREK'. I'm of course talking about the epic journey from the car/transport hub to where you're going to camp for the weekend. Having a sturdy rucksack that's packed with all your clothes is a must-have, the last thing you want is to carry multiple bags, or worse make multiple trips, especially when all you want to do is soak up the festival atmosphere. Over the years I've found having a sack truck or trolly is the best way to carry your gear into the campsite, not only does it stop the multiple trips, but it's also kinder on your body, the last thing you want is to feel tired and sore on the first day, when you know you've got a long weekend ahead of you.  

But of course, once you're in and found the perfect spot it's time to pitch the tent. If you're not glamping, sleeping in a motorhome, or cheating and staying in a hotel, (yes some people do this), having a comfortable and waterproof tent is a must, especially if it's going to be your home from home for the next couple of days.

If you're going by yourself then a two to three person tent is ideal as its big enough for you and your gear, but won't take up too much room to transport, making it ideal for first timers. Most can be erected and ready to move into in a matter of minutes, especially if you've opted for a pop-up tent as that'll be ready in seconds.

But if like me you want that little bit of extra room and don't fancy sleeping next to your muddy or wet clothes, then a four to five person tent is ideal. Most of them have a separate sleeping area and porch so you can leave your shoes or wellies at the door, without treading mud all over your sleeping bag and clean clothes, plus its perfect for gathering in when the rain comes...but I'll get to that. If on the other hand, there's a large group of you going, then a tepee or 8-10 man tent is a must as there'll be plenty of room for everyone and their gear and no one can complain about being squashed.

Sleep? What's Sleep?

Let's be realistic, festivals are noisy and quite bright, especially if you've pitched near a path as most of them will have lights to ensure everyone finds there way around safely. If you're not planning on partying until the sun comes up and fancy catching up on a few hours sleep, then you'll want to be comfortable. Nobody wants to be at a festival when they've had either a bad nights sleep or, in some cases, zero sleep.

Let's start with the ESSENTIAL piece of sleeping equipment. A comfy sleeping bag is a must as it'll be your new bed for the next couple of days. While it might be tempting to go for a simple 1 season sleeping bag, as these are designed for late spring & summer use, it does get chilly at night, especially if its a clear night and there's no cloud cover. Opt for a 3 season sleeping so you can keep warm on the colder nights, but you won't wake up bathed in sweat if the weather decides to be warm and sunny.

If you don't mind slumming it all weekend then a simple foam camping mat is ideal, as its lightweight enough to simply slip into your rucksack, plus there's no need to wait around and blow it up. If you on the other hand, the idea of feeling every bump and mound on the field where you're sleeping doesn't sound like fun, then you can always opt for the classic airbed approach, just don't forget your airbed pump to ensure its stays inflated all weekend long. However if you want to be that little bit lazy, a self inflating mattress or an airbed with a built in pump, means you can simply roll it out and let it take care of its self, while you tend to more important matters...like finding out where the loos are!

If you've picked a tent which has darker fabric for the bedroom, you'll able to sleep till its time to go watch some bands, plus if you do decide to go to sleep just as dawn's breaking, you won't get interrupted by the sun's morning rays. If you haven't, don't despair! A simple eyemask will ensure you still get a goods night sleep, even if your bedtime is 7am.

But what about noise? While most campers do respect their neighbours and keep their voices down in the early hours, trying to get to sleep at 3am while the late night entertainments still in full swing is not ideal. Ear plugs are a must, plus you'll need them for the actual festival, as you won't want ringing ears every night!

All the Gear and Some Idea

So, you know remember where you've pitched your tent right? What do you mean you think its by that green tent? There's hundreds of green tents! First things first, adding some bunting or putting up a flag near your tent will make it impossible to loose your camp for the next couple of days. But what if its dark? Adorning you're tent with simple set of string lights will ensure you can't miss it, and can find it even in the middle of the night.

So you've remembered where your camp is...but how do you get to it without falling into someone else's tent? Brining a torch or lantern means you can literally light your way back to camp, ensuring you miss tripping over any pegs, guylines or 'sleeping people' on the way and not have to really on your phones torch...which may or may not be flat at this point...which brings me to my next point.

THERE'S NO PLUGS AT A FESTIVAL! In order to keep your phone charged so you can take numerous videos and pictures to pop on Instagram, Facebook etc. as well as keep in contact with your mates if you all get separated, keeping your phone charged is a must. Having a power bank is a lifeline, and most modern power banks can last for a good couple of days, so you'll have plenty of charge to last you the entire festival.

A camping chair is an absolute festival essential, whether you're gathered under a shelter wating for the bands to start, or you're back at camp but don't fancy going to bed just yet and just want to talk into the wee small hours, then make sure to bring a comfy camping chair with you.

Trust me it's a welcoming site if you've been on your feet all day long especially if you've been in front of the main stage for twelve hours and haven't sat down once. Compact enough to easily be carried about to and from the arena or simply left at camp for your return a few hours later, you'll be glad of a sit down after dancing most of the day away. Do make sure its got a cup holder for your 'beverage' as well.

Food for Thought

Food is fuel and if your going to be singing, dancing, and maybe having a drink or two, then you're going to need food! Yes, there are a number of food trucks to choose from but if you fancy not spending all your money on food, then a little camping stove will ensure you can be well fed and ready for another day of festival fun. Plus, you're not limited by what the food vans offer! Bringing instant noodles, cereal bars and specially designed camping food pouches enable you to have a hot meal in no time at all, without too much fuss as all you'll have to do is boil water.

If on the other hand you want to fully embrace camp cooking, then a portable stove or barbecue means you can show off your culinary expertise and be the envy of your fellow campmates. If you decide to go the whole hog but don't fancy the idea of lugging an entire kitchen setup with you, then all in one cooking set that neatly folds into each other is perfect as it'll take up almost no space in your rucksack and you'll still have plenty of room for everything else, while still having everything you need to cook with. Just remember to check what size gas canister to bring with you and check whether its allowed on site as well!

But where to store all your food? A trusty coolbox keeps everything cool and fresh without the risk of it going off. Believe me nobody wants food poisoning at a festival. Ice blocks are the ideal way to keep everything fresh and they won't melt so they can last for days! If you've forgotten the ice blocks, most festivals do have a shop on hand so you can buy ice to top up your coolbox, plus when its empty you can refill it with your drinks!

Speaking of drinks, yes everybody will be drinking at a festival, there's no way around that, but if the sun's beating down, and all you've had to drink is a few ciders, then grab yourself a refillable water bottle because HYDRATION IS KEY. Festivals have FREE water points where you can keep refilling your water bottle and keep the hangover headache at bay, plus you don't have to keep asking for a cup of water at the bar.

I Haven't Showered in A Week!

Now just as a heads up.... the 'facilities' at a festival aren't always 5 stars, believe me, I've seen some horrors opening a portaloo door, however at some point you're going to have to grin and bear it and take the plunge. Most festivals do offer 'posher' loos to make you feel a bit more comfortable, but if you're not fussed then make sure you've got loo roll with you, as festival loo roll doesn't seem to last long, especially when you've got 500+ plus people all using the same loo block, and don't forget the hand sanitiser either!

If you're brave enough, the showers at a festival aren't all that bad either...if you're carefree and nothing phases you then you've got nothing to worry about. Don't bother taking your fluffiest towel however as it'll never dry, so a microfibre towel is perfect as it dries quickly and it packs up small so it won't take up mush space either. If on the hand you are a bit shy, then a pack of wet wipes will do the job to keep you feeling fresh throughout the weekend, plus you'll need them to remove all that glitter.

Ladies, I understand you won't be able to wash your hair while you're dancing and singing the weekend away so don't forget to pack the dry shampoo to keep your locks looking lush. Don't forget the deodorant either, you'll be sweaty and rubbing shoulders with a lot of people, the last thing you want is to be that person that has a faint whiff of 3 day old sweat and mud. If the weathers surprisingly hot and sunny then don't forget your sun cream and aftersun, nobody wants to be sore and sunburnt at a festival.

Finally, keep a bottle of bug spray handy too, as it'll help keep midges and mosquitos at bay and stop them turning you into their next meal.

You've Got the Festival Look!

So, we've got the campsite all setup and more importantly you know where the loos are. Now you can sit back an soak up that festival atmosphere...but what will you wear?! Festivals are the perfect excuse to raid the back of the wardrobe and wear whatever the heck you want! Self expression is key, plus you want to be comfortable too! Leave your favourite clothes at home and certainly don't take your most glamorous outfits, the last thing you want is to completely ruin them or rip them.

The key to any festival outfit is layers. If the suns shining then shorts, crop tops, and tunics are the way forward, plus if it does rain for a few minutes then you'll be dry in no time. For the cooler nights then a statement jacket or fleece will keep the cold at bay while you enjoy the after party. If you want to fully embrace the boho vibe, then dungarees and above the knee dresses are a timeless festival look, and don't forget the finishing touches either. A sun hat, floral headband or that retro pair of star shaped sunglasses you'd never where are a must at any festival to add to your one of a kind outfit. If your outfit doesn't have pockets and you don't really want to be carrying around all your essentials in your hands then a cross the shoulder bag will keep everything together and close by. If on the other hand it does have pockets, then a button pocket or a zipped pocket is a sure fire way to keep everything secure and ensuring nothing will fall out while you dance.

For us guys, worrying about what to wear at a festival is the last thing on our minds, but if you do want to look semi-decent and not like you've just woken up, then t-shirts, sleeveless vests, shorts and three quarters are the way to go. If you really want to stand out then a bright Hawaiian shirt is an absolute must, no matter how bad or bright it is. Leave the jeans at home though, after a few days of dirt and rain they'll either still be damp or crusted and uncomfortable to wear. For that classic festival look, grab yourself a bucket hat or bandana, and don't forget the bumbag to keep all your essentials close by. For the cooler nights a comfy hoodie, fleece or jacket will keep the cold at bay while you sit around the campsite or party at the disco tent.

But what about footwear? Leave the high heels and flip flops at home, and don't even think about taking your best trainers. The last thing you want is too ruin them. A good pair of walking boots or shoes will help keep blisters at bay, while an older pair of comfortable trainers are ideal for those long walks to and from the arena. If you've decide to hang around the campsite or brave the showers then a comfy pair of crocs are a must have. Plus you can always decorate them with your favourite jibbitz to add that personal flair, remember there's no judgement at a festival so wear whatever you feel comfortable in!

But what if the forecast is wrong and the grey clouds roll in? Let's face it the British weather is as unpredictable as ever so its best to be prepared. If its a light summer shower then you should be fine, but if its suddenly gets a lot heavier then a quick change is a must. Throwing on a packable jacket will keep you and your outfit dry, plus most have a concealed hood so you can quickly unfurl it and keep your head dry and the rain out of your face. Once its stopped it can quickly be repacked saving you space in your bag. If you are caught out in the open when the heavens open, then a classic poncho can be thrown on to keep you dry. Most can be reused and won't cost the earth but they do rip easily so its best to have a good supply of them to hand.

With rain comes mud and with thousands of people walking to and from the arena and around the campsites, it's going to get muddy pretty quick. A good pair of wellington boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable as you try not to fall face first into the mud. Opt for a either a calf length or tall pair of wellies to ensure your feet stay mud free as shorter pairs may sink depending on how deep the mud is, plus the last thing you want is to get stuck and have to leave it behind!

All Packed? Don't Forget the Vibes!

And just like that the car is crammed full, your rucksack is loaded with everything but the kitchen sink and, most importantly, your phone is fully charged, you're now ready to soak up the festival atmosphere and have an unforgettable weekend. Whether you're catching your favourite band, discovering hidden gems, dancing barefoot in the sun, singing in the rain or just wandering around the festival village, its time fully embrace the party scene. If you're still after those last few minute essentials, then why not check out our Festival Selection for some last minute inspiration. But if you're all prepped then I'll see you in the field...or mosh pit.

Share this guide with your festival crew to ensure no one leaves anything behind! Have we missed a festival essential? Let us know and don't forget to tag us in your festival pics - We'd love to see which festival your heading to and who you're most excited to see! Rock on!