Festival Essentials Checklist: What to Pack for a Festival

Published: 15/08/2025, by: Jasmin Bodman

Festivals: live music, delicious street food, camping - there’s plenty of reasons why so many people enjoy festivals. But sometimes, you can be left stumped as to what to pack.

Whether it’s your first festival ever or you’ve already got a long list that’s only getting longer, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the right kit, which is where our handy festival checklist comes in. Read on to discover what you’ll need to immerse yourself in the full festival experience.

Camping at your next festival? Here’s some essentials

Camping can be a big part of your festival experience. Love it or hate it, if you have to camp, having the right kit can help you feel more relaxed when you need to unwind. Whether you need absolutely everything or one thing to complete your camping checklist, check out some of our picks below:

• Tent - choose a tent that’s big enough for who will be using it; you don’t want to end up crammed in a one-man tent with three of your friends

• Equipment to use to help set up your tent, like a mallet

• Sleeping bag

• Pillow

• Blankets

• An air bed or an air mattress

• Cooking equipment, like a camp stove - if you fancy saving some cash and cooking your own food

• Camping chair

Sports Direct has plenty of camping kit you can take advantage of, helping you to stay comfortable when you need to hit pause.

Clothing and footwear picks

This part is entirely up to you and the vibe you’re going for. However, you should consider the weather and temperature when you go; even if it’s summer, night time may bring a chill.

Below are a few ideas of clothing and footwear to take with you:

• We’d recommend taking lightweight yet buildable layers, such as t-shirts and leggings, as well as warm socks for the evenings when you want to chill out. Don’t forget your pyjamas

• For day-time, think football shirts, band tees, jeans, joggers, shorts… the list is endless! Footwear should be comfortable and durable (and should be able to withstand a lot of mud). Trusty trainers, walking shoes and wellies are good options to consider

• With the UK weather being unpredictable at best, a rain coat or mac is also a good investment

Toiletries, hygiene products and personal items

You may be tempted to pack light when heading to a festival and don’t get us wrong, we know lugging your belongings across a field isn’t ideal. Toiletries and hygiene products are a must though, so in this section, we’ve compiled a list of products to consider packing.

• Deodorant

• Wet wipes and toilet roll

• Tooth paste and tooth brush

• Suncream - this is essential

• Makeup and makeup remover - if you’re creating festival-ready looks or even feeling nostalgic and opting for a fun face paint, you’ll need makeup and something to remove it with

• Hand sanitiser

• Sanitary products

• Any medications you might need

Tip: Re-use travel bottles if you have them to save space in your bag!

Electronics to remember

You may be thinking you don’t need to take loads of electronics – why would you, when you’ve got the music to be enjoying? But when the night is over and you just fancy binge-watching your favourite show or your phone needs a recharge, then your electronics will come in handy.

• Portable charger and compatible wires

• Headphones

• Speaker – especially if you’re going with friends

• Phone

The everyday essentials

Items you use everyday that you can’t leave your house without, like your ID and cash or a card, are a must. Having these things on hand (most likely zipped in a separate pocket to avoid getting lost at the bottom of your bag) is key.

• A reusable water bottle like a Hydro Flask - staying hydrated is crucial

• ID

• Cash and/or card - consider taking a coin purse or card holder if you don’t fancy carrying your regular purse or wallet

• Your festival ticket - of course

• A smaller bag or satchel to use - no one wants to be lugging round a huge backpack or duffle bag

Festival season is a coveted time of year, loved by many all over the globe. Whether it’s your first festival or you’ve lost count, having the right kit will help you make the most out of your time there - and make the best memories.