The ultimate festival essentials list: the fun, the cautious, and the necessary
You’ll forget some things, get jealous of those who didn’t, and swear to yourself that you won’t forget the next time.
Glitter, baby wipes, and duct tape don’t usually have much in common, but at a music festival these things become your best friends, especially if you’re camping.
Here’s the ultimate list of festival essentials, from necessary camping items to things that would make your mom proud of you.
The fun
Costume to dress up in
Whether you are alone or in a group, a fun costume makes the fun levels rise to the stars. Meeting people also becomes much easier.
Glitter
Shine in all your glory like a true festival spirit, but make sure the glitter is environmentally friendly.
Face/Body Makeup
Cheerful colors are also the watchword, and masking morning fatigue might be a good idea if you like that sort of thing.
Water pistol
It’s going to be hot.
Flying saucer
Bring one of those that lights up, to play with at night.
Inflatable flamingo/pineapple
Good for when you’re in the audience. Maybe your favorite artist will notice you.
The cautious
Old clothes, with soft colors
In case there is a colorful party.
Baby wipes
This is a classic. Maybe not the first thing you think of, but any self-respecting festival-goer knows that baby wipes are a must.
Dry shampoo
You don’t need a shower for your hair to look (almost) clean.
Tape
You never know what’s going to fall apart at any moment.
Toilet paper roll
This one will definitely be missed, and the festival bathrooms will run out of it before the festival is over.
Poncho
If you are going to a festival in the UK this one is essential, because the rain will give you no rest.
Guinness or red wine
Because these drinks are good (or maybe even better) when they are warm.
Paracetamol
For headaches and the like.
Plastic bags/black bags
One of those things that will be needed more often than you think. And if you forget your poncho or waterproof jacket, a black bag with holes takes care of it.
Clothes springs
Rain = wet clothes = the ability to hang them up to dry if the sun comes out again = happiness.
Inflatable pillow
It saves space, is not difficult to inflate, and is a great help to sleep well. Of course, an inflatable mattress is also a good idea, but for that one you need an inflator pump.
Earplugs + blindfold
This one is for those who can’t sleep with noise and the morning sun pouring into their tent.
Camping chair
If you camp at the festival, you’ll end up buying a camping chair anyway. It’s much cheaper to bring it in advance and it will end up lasting longer before it breaks.
Flashlight/headlamp
It’s hard to see in the dark.
Portable phone charger. Charged before you leave home.
Avoid sunlight charging ones, they are not very spinning.
Bandages for blisters on your feet
Safeguarding your feet is a good idea, but helping someone in the same situation (saving your weekend) will get you friends for life.
Berocca
Small doses of orange magic, with Vitamin C, which goes directly to your vital organs.
Backpack
Big hiking backpacks are better than a wheeled suitcase. And see if you can carry a smaller one for the audience/rec room.
What is needed
Festival Ticket
Duh.
Tent
Don’t be a nerd and take it home.
Sleeping bag
Synthetics are lighter and probably more convenient.
Mattress
Sleeping on the hard floor is no fun at all.
Rubber boots
The most powerful weapon of festival attire.
Socks up to the knee in case you wear rubber boots, but it can be hot
The ideal companion to the most powerful weapon of festival attire.
Sunblock
Only crazy people think they can survive without sunscreen.
Contraception
Better safe than sorry guys.
Additional hygiene items
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, contact lenses + liquid (and glasses with their case).
Sunglasses
Aviator, round or thick rimmed, any of them will do, as long as they look good.
Hat
Cap or straw hat, or both.
Clothing for all climates
Warm clothes, don’t let yourself be taken by surprise.
Cash or card
The more money you bring, the less you will have to wait in lines. But also take a card, because you will certainly need it. Leave the rest at home.
Unless the festival you are going to is cashless. In that case ignore the above and come armed with your wristband and a card to charge it.
ID document
Many festivals ask for an ID at the entrance, they should all ask for it when you buy drinks if you don’t look older than 25.
Medications
If you need to take something by prescription or in certain circumstances, for heaven’s sake don’t forget to carry it.
