Figuring out what to bring to a festival can be a daunting task, often involving plenty of trial and error. Not gonna lie, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes—suffering through blisters all weekend because of the wrong shoes, neglecting to stay hydrated and missing DJ sets because of it, and watching helplessly as poor cell service drained my phone battery. Not gonna mention getting drenched by unexpected rain storms. It sucks when you lose your friends, even worse when it rains…
So no matter if you're going to an intimate boutique jazz fest or a mammoth gathering like Coachella, Burning Man or Glastonbury, preparation is EVERYTHING. It is the key to ensuring your festival time will be a good time. Take some advice from some seasoned pros, here are some gear ideas that will help improve your festival experience.
Get the Gear
Portable Fan
In those hot summer days, festivals can become an intensely sweaty place to be. Create your own breeze with a portable fan. Not only will they keep you cool, they come in a range of styles that will complete any outfit.
Mister
At festivals, a person holding a mister becomes a beacon of relief in the sweltering heat. Armed with a portable device that sprays a fine, cooling mist, they bring instant refreshment to those around them. Whether they're misting friends, strangers, or even themselves, anyone with a mister becomes an instant festival hero!
High fidelity ear plugs
For serious music lovers, quality hearing protection is a must at festivals! We all love it loud but it is imperative to protect yourself from overexposure to harmful decibels. Your ears and your mind will thank you. Not only do they keep your ears safe and save you from noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus, they cut out the surrounding crowd chatter, allowing you to connect even more deeply with that sweet, sweet music. Oh - and as a bonus - they are also great for sleeping and blocking out the snorers.
Reusable water bottle
It’s gonna be hot. You’re gonna be moving. And dancing. A lot! So keep yourself hydrated, protect the environment and never stop vibrating by carrying a reusable water bottle. A safe water supply is so so important during a festival, which is why we totally recommend one of these!
Solar Charged Power Bank
There’s nothing worse than the queue for battery charging. You’ll break your momentum, miss sets and lose your friends. This makes getting a solar charged power bank a must-have accessory for any music festival! Harnessing the power of the sun, these eco-friendly chargers offer a reliable and sustainable energy source, eliminating the worry of dead batteries and disconnected experiences. Lightweight and portable, it easily fits into your festival gear, and many models come equipped with multiple USB ports to charge several devices simultaneously. Embrace the freedom and peace of mind that a solar-charged power bank provides, and never miss a set because you had to charge your phone again!
Pocket Torch
When the sun goes down and the lights go out this little baby will come in handy. Why? Because the journey back to the tent can be a labyrinth of hazards. The torch will provide the light to allow you to safely navigate the obstacle course of tent wires, mud puddles and all sorts of other ankle twisters, making sure you get back to camp safe and sound.
What to Wear to a Festival
Technical backpack
If you’re planning to wake up, leave your tent / hotel / place of sleep, and not come back for a very long time, then a quality backpack is a game changer. It will save you from that mid session energy sapping journey back and forth to collect items that you didn’t think you needed but now really really want. Make sure to get one that fits snugly and has compartments, zips and pockets for all the various toys and essentials you’ll be bringing with you.
The right shoes (or boots)
Be super aware of the weather and ground conditions at the festival you are going to. If it’s grassy, a bit of rain and it could get super muddy - so a pair of waterproof boots (wellies as we like to say in the UK) will save your favourite shoes for another day. If you’re going somewhere hot and dry, like Burning Man, a pair of lightweight hiking shoes or trainers are the way to go. Whatever you’re wearing, make sure they will be comfortable over a long period of time. Ruining your feet can ruin your weekend. When it comes to festival shoes, trust us, you will never regret going for substance over style.
Fun outfits
Bring something fun and wear something different when you go to a festival - at least for one day. It is one of the few times a year where you can cut loose and be who you really want to be. Whether you want to be a Burning Man Cyber Punk, an EDM neon raver, or a knight in full armour (yes - we have seen this before!) we encourage you to go all out with your festival attire. It will feel totally liberating and make your festival even more memorable.
Biodegradable glitter
Look your dazzling best with biodegradable glitter! Unlike traditional glitter, which is made from harmful plastics that can linger in the environment for years, biodegradable glitter is crafted from plant-based materials that break down naturally. This means you can shimmer and shine without worrying about contributing to pollution or harming wildlife.
Fanny pack
Keep your hands free and your essentials safe with a fanny pack. Coming in a kaleidoscope of colours and designs, fanny packs add a splash of personality to your festival attire. No more losing items that slipped out your pockets.
Waterproof poncho
When it rains in summer, it pours! Waterproof ponchos become your best friend. With one, you can keep dancing without a care, staying dry and comfortable. Without one, you’ll be a soggy mess. It's lightweight, easy to stash in your bag, and easy to throw on when those rain clouds roll in. Plus, ponchos come in all sorts of fun colours and patterns, so you can stay stylish even in the storm. Instead of dreading the weather, you'll be embracing it!
Extras That Make it Easier
Rinse free body wash
The queue for showers at festivals can sometimes be extremely long. The rinse free body wash is a great alternative. Simply soap up and towel off - you’ll be fresh and ready to boogie in no time.
Cereal bars
At festivals, you’ll be burning calories like there's no tomorrow. A good source of carbohydrates becomes essential. Nutritious and sometimes delicious, cereal bars are a festival pro hack to keep energy levels pumping from first beat to sun down. Avoid the long queues and generally lousy food and keep yourself energised with this pro tip.
Fun Disposable or Polaroid Camera
Special moments call for special cameras. And there’s nothing more special than a festival. Plus, when you’re at a festival, it's time to disconnect, live for the moment, and put your phone away. When trying to see your favourite artist there's nothing worse than having your view blocked by a giant wall of mobile screens. With that being said - nothing beats capturing intimate moments with friends on a disposable camera. The mystery of not knowing what you took is part of the fun! Alternatively, if you need instantaneous, get yourself a polaroid camera. You will get great pictures you can share with your friends. Either way, you will have amazing pictures in fun tones that you will never be able to make on your phone.
So there you have it. A list of essentials for the ultimate festival experience. Whether it’s grooving to the beats, surviving the summer heat, or making friends under the stars, you’re now equipped for anything the festival gods throw your way. Here’s to an amazing festival, wherever you may be!