Whether you're heading to Coachella, Glastonbury, or a local weekend fest, a smart festival packing list can make or break your experience.
Below are 25 must-have items to keep you prepped, dry, fueled, and ready to dance all weekend long.
🎪 Festival Packing Checklist
| Check | Item |
|---|---|
| Entry essentials | |
| Reusable & refillable | |
| Stay dry in sudden showers | |
| SPF for all-day protection | |
| Comfortable sleep setup | |
| Phone battery backup | |
| Never count on public supply | |
| Energy between sets | |
| All-day walking & dancing | |
| Painkillers & band-aids |
Checklist of 25 Essentials:
1. Tickets, ID, and Wristbands
These are non-negotiable. Always double-check that you have your festival tickets, a valid photo ID, and any wristbands mailed to you in advance. Keep them in a waterproof pouch or safe section of your bag for easy access at entry.
2. Festival-Ready Bag
Choose a secure and comfortable festival backpack or bum bag (fanny pack) that allows hands-free movement. Look for one with zippered compartments and water resistance, especially if you're planning to move around a lot or stay overnight.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is crucial. Most major festivals have refill stations, so bring a BPA-free reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without generating plastic waste. Collapsible bottles are especially convenient for saving space.
4. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Pack layers. Daytime may be warm, but temperatures can drop at night. Bring a light jacket, hoodie, and a waterproof rain poncho or jacket. Stick to breathable fabrics and consider moisture-wicking options if you expect to dance or walk long distances.
5. Extra Underwear and Socks
You’ll be surprised how fast you go through clean undergarments, especially if it rains or gets dusty. Bring double the underwear and socks you think you'll need. Dry, clean feet can make or break your comfort levels.
6. Comfortable Footwear
Festival grounds are often uneven and muddy. Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes or boots with good arch support. Avoid sandals or anything you wouldn’t want to lose in a crowd.
7. Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF
You’ll likely be outside all day. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly. Also pack SPF lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips from sun exposure and wind.
8. Toilet Paper or Tissues
Festival restrooms are unpredictable. Always have a travel pack of tissues or toilet paper in your bag. It's one of those essentials that people forget but always wish they had.
9. Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
Festival hygiene is not always ideal. Bring antibacterial hand sanitizer and wet wipes for quick clean-ups, especially if you’re camping or using public restrooms regularly.
10. Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Sleeping Mat
If you’re camping, choose a lightweight tent that’s quick to pitch and weather-resistant. Pair it with a comfortable sleeping bag suitable for the forecast and a foam or inflatable sleeping mat for added insulation from the ground.
11. Flashlight or Headlamp
Finding your way back to your tent at night can be tricky. A headlamp leaves your hands free, while a small flashlight works well too. Don’t rely on your phone’s flashlight—it’ll drain the battery quickly.
12. Earplugs
Music is loud, and campsites are noisy. A good set of reusable earplugs will help protect your hearing during shows and allow you to get some rest at night.
13. Sunglasses
Bring a pair of UV-protection sunglasses—but leave the expensive designer ones at home. Go for something stylish yet replaceable in case they get scratched or lost.
14. Hat or Bandana
Shield your face and neck from the sun with a wide-brim hat, baseball cap, or light bandana. They also double as sweatbands or dust protectors in dry conditions.
15. Non-Perishable Snacks
Food lines can be long and expensive. Pack snacks like protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, or jerky to keep you energized between meals. Choose items that won’t spoil in the heat.
16. First Aid Kit
Bring a small first aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and any personal medications. Blisters, headaches, and allergies are common at festivals.
17. Portable Charger or Power Bank
With all the photos, videos, and schedule-checking, your phone battery will drain fast. Carry a portable power bank to stay connected. Choose one with at least 10,000 mAh capacity for multi-day use.
18. Offline Map or Festival App
Most festivals offer a free app or printable map. Since cell service may be spotty, download schedules, maps, and artist set times beforehand so you can navigate without relying on the internet.
19. Waterproof Layers
Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, it’s best to be prepared. Pack a compact rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket that folds easily into your day bag.
20. Blanket or Ground Mat
Useful for sitting during sets or lounging at your campsite, a foldable picnic blanket or roll-up mat provides comfort and insulation from the ground.
21. Travel-Size Toiletries and Mirror
Your toiletry kit should include deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, face wipes, and a compact mirror. Choose items in travel sizes to save space.
22. Duct Tape and Safety Pins
These small tools can fix everything from ripped tents to broken zippers or wardrobe malfunctions. A roll of duct tape and a few safety pins can be a real lifesaver.
23. Trash Bags
Pack a couple of large garbage bags to collect your waste, separate dirty clothes, or keep wet gear from soaking the rest of your things.
24. Dust Mask or Goggles (If Needed)
If you're heading to a desert or dusty location like Burning Man, bring a dust mask or goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from fine particles.
25. Positive Attitude
The most overlooked item on any festival packing list is mindset. Stay open, flexible, and respectful of others. Things may not go perfectly, but a good attitude ensures you still have a great time.
Final Thoughts
Creating a thoughtful and complete festival packing list helps you avoid stress and focus on what really matters: music, fun, and memories. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fest-goer, use this guide to prepare and enjoy your next festival without unnecessary hiccups.
For extra convenience, consider printing this list or saving it to your phone. Safe travels and happy festing!