Off To A Music Festival This Summer? You Need These Camping Essentials

Once upon a time, when I was a fresh-faced and excited eighteen-year-old, I approached festival packing like I did any other holiday: with my most stylish outfits, different accessories and shoes for each look — and not much thought to how I would carry everything on my back. I was all about fun, drunken frolicking, getting the best pictures for social media and glitter. I know, I know — even I’m rolling my eyes writing this.

You’ll be glad to know that my 2025 preparation is very different, especially now I have several big camping festivals under my belt like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and my hometown local, Latitude. Maybe it’s because my frontal lobe is finally fully developed or maybe I'm just ready to bring things back to basics, but this year my main aim is to pack as lightly and as logically as possible. That means packing shoes that won't rub and chafe, considering how different materials interact with the elements, and trying to double up on pieces as much as possible.

Read on for all my tips, tricks and practical festival essentials, from fashion and beauty to camping gear that has saved my skin. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a total newbie, this list will hopefully help you, too (or at least take some pressure off your shoulders — literally and figuratively).

This may sound contradictory, especially since this guide is all about minimising your packing, but hear me out. On your first day at a camping festival, you’re heading off early; either waiting in line, stuck in traffic in a cramped car or rammed onto public transport, before then lugging all your things across fields (sometimes with multiple trips) and putting up your tent. You’re going to end up hot, sweaty and feeling a bit icky. Of course, camping festivals are all about getting stuck into the camping life, but starting your week or weekend out already feeling disgusting and uncomfortable isn’t fun. That’s why I suggest really thinking about what you wear on the way, and anticipating wanting to change into something else once you can relax.

For ease and comfort, my go-to, getting-to-the-festival outfit is always based around activewear — pieces that are already made to be moved and sweated in, so a pair of moisture-wicking leggings or cycle shorts with a breathable sports tank top and an oversized button-down shirt. Usually worn with my bulky fleece or jumper tied around my waist and my heaviest shoes. This keeps me warm in the early hours, and I can easily strip layers off as the day heats up. It also keeps my heaviest, bulkiest items (the fleece and shoes) out of my bag (and off my back). Plus, if your backpack straps do start to rub — test this out with the full weight before you leave! — you have some layers to protect your shoulders.

Another tip: If you wear a matching activewear set as your base, you instantly look more put together.

For the last day, when I leave the festival, I always pack a totally fresh set of clothes, especially fresh underwear and socks. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer for facing the journey home after five days without a proper shower — particularly if you’re having to confront post-festival reality on public transport. In my case, this is always the comfiest outfit I can think of: lightweight linen trousers, a baggy T-shirt and my comfiest fleece or sweatshirt. Almost like socially acceptable pyjamas for a snooze on the way home.

The key to minimising your packing is planning your outfits. My Virgo moon has me checking and double-checking the weather in the run-up to the event, and listing every outfit I want to wear over the week. Once you have everything laid out on your bed, you can evaluate where items can double up (can you take one pair of shorts and multiple tops for different days? Maybe there is a dress that also works as a skirt?).

Once you’re happy, I advise rolling everything up (helps with creasing and space) into individual clear packing cubes or travel storage bags with the corresponding underwear, socks and accessories, and labelling each of these for the day you plan to wear them. When it comes to rifling through your bag in the dark or when deathly hungover the next morning, you’ll be very glad of the pre-planning. This method also curbs any over-packing.

I would also suggest packing one spare outfit, just in case. From leaks to spillages, you never know what might happen at a festival.

This one is a given, but the importance of picking your hands-free, carry-all festival bag cannot be underestimated. What you’re looking for is an option with thick, comfy straps that won’t dig into your shoulders (especially if you end up getting sunburnt!), something that is water resistant and that isn’t too bulky. Of course, you'll be spotting a lot of Uniqlo iconic Round Shoulder Bags this summer, but there are plenty of other options out there — I highly rate ROKA London's Farringdon Bag, which is made with recycled materials, has multiple inner pockets and is available in a range of bright, bold colours. If you're after standout prints and patterns, head to Baggu or Lucy & Yak.

I'll also be packing a small backpack or sling bag for my festivals this year. Especially for Glastonbury, where you are allowed to carry your own drinks onto the site. I'll opt for a lightweight design that can be folded away once these have been finished off like Fjällräven's Kånken Mini.

Staying hydrated at a festival is so important, especially when it’s hot — there’s not much shade and if you’re drinking alcohol, you'll be even more dehydrated than usual. So, a water bottle is a festival non-negotiable. Rather than taking up precious bag space, I advise opting for a cross-body water bottle carrier, investing in a soft, foldable bottle design, or attaching your bottle to your bag with a carabiner clip.

Likewise, metal water bottles can be heavy and bulky, so instead go for a lightweight plastic design. I recommend Contigo's Ashland Autoseal Water Bottle — I've had mine for years now. I like that it already has a clip and that the spout folds away so you don't get dirt, dust and grime in your water.

Along with drinking plenty of water, I’ll be packing O.R.S Everyday Hydration tablets — a dissolvable rehydration remedy that replenishes the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) lost through sweat and drinking alcohol. If these don't do the trick, I'm turning to Happy Tuesday's Post-Rave Wellness Packs: a collection of supplements to be taken before sleep to help counter typical hangover symptoms. These include a blend of 27 carefully measured vitamins, minerals and adaptogens to improve sleep quality, soothe aching muscles, boost energy levels and brain function, and help detox the liver.

Anticipate the unpredictable British weather with a lightweight, foldable raincoat. Look for one with plenty of pockets that is also wind- and water-resistant so you can stay warm too; a slightly more oversized, boxy fit is also best for layering up underneath. My go-to brands for quality rainwear are Finisterre and Berghaus. Both brands have recently overhauled their rainwear with bright, summery colours — ideal for standing out in a sea of black, navy and khaki green parkas. I'm also a big fan of FP Movement's Singin' In The Rain Jacket which easily packs down into its own pouch.

Does it look like there's a true deluge on the way? A big poncho might be your best bet as you can keep your bag and legs covered too. I like H&M Move's new Popover Rain Jacket. It has a visor to protect your face (a must as a glasses-wearer) and an elasticated drawstring at the back of the hood to keep it in place.

This is essential: You need to pack your SPF for a music festival — at least broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, for your face and body. Not only are you spending way more time outside, but most festivals famously lack shade, apart from the occasional bell tent or patch of trees. (And yes, you need to protect your skin even if it's overcast.)

Also, don't forget to apply SPF to these oft-forgotten areas: your ears, neck, scalp and the back of your hands. I always pack one big tube of sunscreen for in the tent and a small tube in my day bag, but this year I'll also be bringing a clear SPF tube (I'm a fan of e.l.f's Suntouchable Invis-Stick) for quick, clear touch-ups to my parting and scalp (that doesn't make my hair greasy). Likewise, SPF lip balm, because there's nothing worse than dry, dehydrated and burnt lips.

If you wear makeup, I recommend stocking up on a clear SPF spray like La Roche-Posay's Anthelios SPF50+ Face Mist or an SPF powder like Supergoop! (Re)Setting SPF30 Mineral Powder for easy reapplication throughout the day without a mirror.

Your head is also often a spot that you forget to protect, so stay safe and protected with a sun hat with straps that you can sling around your neck when the sun goes down. (A hat is also a must for covering up your day-three greasy barnet, FYI.) You can either go sleek and sporty, bright and bold, or for a boho-glam straw hat — the world is your hat-shaped oyster!

Even if the weather report is for 30°C and sunny during the day, most festivals are based out in the countryside, on open fields, with little wind cover. Clear days also mean clear, cold nights, so prepare to bundle up for the evenings with merino wool base layers and cosy fleeces. Recently, I've discovered 4th Arq's half-zip fleeces which already have a cult-like following for being lightweight yet also super cosy and comfy, and available in almost every shade you can think of. (Not to mention, a reasonable price point: they go for £35 each.) I also love Lucy & Yak's zip-front fleeces. These are perfect for bundling up into at the start of the night, and then easily zipping out of when your tent heats up in the morning.

For a festival newbie, it may sound like overkill, but a woolly hat, a pair of gloves and fluffy socks have not gone amiss for staying warm while sleeping in a tent. My main top tip for festival camping sleepwear: Don't wear flowy pyjama trousers or those that are too long for you — the last thing you want to do is accidentally drag mud (or worse) into your bed with you after a late-night toilet run.

First up, the kind of tent you have is very important. A blackout tent is vital for blocking out the sun and disturbances from your fellow campers. This will be my first year camping with such a tent and I am so excited to (hopefully) get a little more shut-eye. I opted for Decathlon's Quechua Fresh&Black 2 Seconds Easy Tent, not only because it's super easy to put up, but also because it opens on both sides and so allows airflow through (ideal when the sun rises and it suddenly heats up). The white colour also helps to repel the heat, whilst the black interior aids your sleep.

When shopping for your tent remember to double the amount of people using it for the correct space. So if two of you are using the tent, get a four-man; this way you also have space for all your stuff as well as your beds.

An eye mask is also a must for sleeping through a 5 am sunrise or a mid-day nap. Likewise, earplugs are key for light sleepers in a festival campsite, when others are coming and going at all hours and music plays until late.

One of my festival essentials is a camp chair. It's vital to have somewhere that's not in your tent to sit and chill, whether that's whilst having your coffee in the morning, sitting to do your makeup or debriefing at the end of the day. Likewise, having a chair is great when you're in the queue for the festival (in which you can sometimes be waiting for hours to be let in). Rather than picking out something cheap and flimsy, go for a sturdy yet lightweight, packable design like Helinox's Chair One that you know will carry you through future festivals.

Cowboy boots may look great, but they will eat up your feet and have you sore and aching in no time — especially considering how much walking you do at a festival (it’s estimated that, from Wednesday to Monday, full-time Glastonbury goers walk over 30 miles!). And so, it's time to think logically and pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots. (Unless it's set to pour down, I would opt for these rather than wellies as I find them comfier, but trust your own gut when packing festival footwear for rain. Typically, lots of mud = rain boots are a must.)

From a style perspective, I like the look of leather boots, but my two favourite pairs are nothing but practical. Fitflop's Wylder Leather Hiker-Lace Boots are ergonomically designed to improve your body's alignment and offer natural arch support; they may look chunky and heavy, but they're surprisingly light thanks to a hollow treaded rubber outsole. Berghaus' Fellmaster Ridge GTX are heavier, but very robust — they feel solid, sturdy and offer great ankle support.

If you are planning to wear a pair of new boots, make sure you break them in beforehand and plan your sock situation accordingly. This means plenty of thick, walking socks that reduce friction and use breathable materials like wool (I like Smartwool).

If it looks like it’s going to be sunny for your festival, then comfy, supportive trainers are your best bet (worn with lighter, moisture-wicking liner socks). Salomon's XT-6 shoes look and feel like trainers but also use all the technology usually found in a pair of hiking boots (they've got great traction, are made with a mesh that is both durable and breathable, and are super easy to put on thanks to the signature Quicklace system).

For wandering around the campsite, grabbing a morning coffee or heading to the loos in the dark, a pair of simple, lightweight sandals is essential. This chunky pair from Fitflop are super comfy (I've tested!). The ribbed, rubber sole has a great grip for treading through the water-logged ground around the taps and the thick straps help support your ankles. They're also a lot lighter than they appear, so great for packing.

Packing a swimming costume is super handy for giving yourself a quick ‘camp shower’. You can either go old school with a collapsable bucket and a flannel or invest in a pressure solar shower like this one from Decathlon. (Warning: You will become the most popular person in your camping area with this, especially if combined with a pop-up changing tent.)

Make sure to also pack a small, fast-drying micro-fibre towel to dry yourself off with after. This year I'm packing this towelling changing robe — it's lightweight and perfect for changing in the middle of a busy campsite.

Many festivals advise not to bring glass or plastic bottles on site and Glastonbury confiscates all glass, even perfume bottles. Instead, opt for boxed or tinned drinks and decant your cosmetics into plastic bottles. Those with spray tops are especially handy for dimly lit tents. Most festivals accept aerosol cans but this year, I’ll be testing out AKT London's cream deodorant which is packaged away in a tiny tube — just a pea size amount promises to keep you fresh for hours, so I’m keen to see if it lives up to the hype.

You’ll likely be using your phone for everything at a festival, from taking pictures and videos to paying for food and following the venue map, so your battery will probably deplete far quicker than usual. This means you need a few power banks at your disposal to stay topped up. For the Era’s Tour last year, I also invested in two of these wireless portable chargers that are light and easy to use (no wires to faff with, so great for charging up in the middle of a crowd).