I am notorious for packing far too much stuff when I go to festivals.
So for this blog post, I thought I would set myself a challenge.
What would I take if I could only take 5 things to a music festival?
Rules:
Obviously this list is ignoring things like:
- Ticket
- Tent
- Phone
Because otherwise that would make up the entire blog post and it would be remarkably dull!
So, instead this post is all about the things that I think you need for any Music Festival because they make life easier/more fun.
So, let’s dive in!
1. Durable Shoes or Boots
Doc Martens/New Rocks or something similar are always a good shout for any outdoor event, and especially a several-day music festival.
They keep your feet dry, can be worn even in good weather and they last a long time!
Wellies are fine, but they don’t really work when the weather is nice. They can also become quite uncomfortable to wear over longer periods of time.
If you’re going to a rock/metal festival, Doc Martens also very much fit the style, and can fit your personality, regardless of who you are!
Plus, boots can come in handy in mosh pits, as they will be better at protecting your feet than your standard Vans or Converse.
Mud and trainers don’t mix.
2. Baby Wipes
Baby Wipes are versatile, lightweight and cheap.
That’s three great things right there!
If you need to wipe off makeup, mud or just for keeping yourself clean if you prefer not to shower, baby wipes are there for you!
Baby wipes can also help with keeping your equipment and camping gear clean if you struggle to wash up after cooking.
Festivals are not well known for being clean, so having a simple, quickly-available source to keep mud out of your stuff is a great help!
If you want to be environmentally conscious, you can easily find biodegradable wipes. These ones are also Vegan!
3. A Camping Chair
There are people who don’t take chairs to festivals, even though they’re camping.
These people are crazy.
You will find yourself sitting at camp a lot when the music is not on. A high-quality, comfortable camping chair is the best way to go
They also tend to have a handy place to hold your beer!
Be sure to buy one before the festival however.
Festival prices for basic camping equipment are just insanely high, usually between 3-4 times as high as elsewhere and for a lower-quality piece.
A chair will also comes in handy if the weather gets bad and the floor is no longer a seating option.
4. Suncream
This is super important.
The weather in the UK tends not to be great, and festivals have a reputation fr being dull and drizzly.
However, your festival is more than likely going to be sunny for some of the time you’re there, as it likely takes place between June-August.
If you neglect taking suncream, you could find yourself suffering after the first day and ruin the rest of the festival.
Please see exhibit A, as I speak from experience.
If you choose to buy sun cream out of season too, it’s likely again going to be significantly cheaper.
5. Truck/Trolley
These things are so helpful for the horrible task of dragging all of your stuff to and from camp.
The walk to the campsites are often pretty long: I’m talking 30-40 minutes of walking.
I would strongly suggest something to take the weight off (literally) and mean you can take more stuff in one go.
Along with a truck, I would also make sure that you bring at least one spare wheel, in case you encounter a burst tyre along the way.
(Again, this is speaking from experience)
Even if it is kept in the car for emergencies, you will be thankful to have it when packing up to leave on the Monday morning!
Wrap Up
The 5 essentials I have chosen for this list are things that will make your life easier at a festival.
While you CAN just go to a music festival with the bare essentials, I suggest taking some time and effort to bringing some things that will reduce hassle at the festival itself.
You will give yourself more time and energy to enjoy the festival and have some fun!
If this summer is your first festival, then check out my list of top 5 dos and don’ts.
