The Know’s ultimate festival packing checklist
Two of our team members are off to Glastonbury in a few weeks - and the rest of us definitely aren’t jealous at all! Studying the line-up got us talking about our essential festival staples - and we were surprised to find little crossover between us.
We each had our own set of must-brings for surviving the utterly unique experience that is a music festival. With that in mind, we decided to compile the ultimate festival packing checklist covering everything from essentials to fun but frivolous items designed to make your festival adventure that bit more enjoyable.
Lynn, Co-founder
One essential item on my list is… a scarf. Scarfs are so versatile - you can use them for protection from the sun, as a cover-up if you’re cold, as a blanket to sit on, as an accessory like a hair tie or belt, or even folded up as a pillow.
One fun thing I always bring is… a deck of cards. Whether you’re playing a drinking game or want some low-key entertainment when relaxing by the tent one afternoon, cards are the ideal way to bring people together. My personal fave is gin rummy.
Kate, Editor-in-Chief
One essential item on my list is… a portable shower. While it’s totally valid to embrace the dirt as part of the festival experience, a portable shower definitely beats queuing for hours for the public ones if you need to freshen up halfway through.
One fun thing I always bring is… a set of battery operated fairy lights. Fairy lights make a great tent decoration or memorable addition to a costume. But - most importantly - if you’re small like I am, wrapping them around you on a night out makes you 100 times easier for your friends to spot you in a crowd!
Lily, Head of Growth and Partnerships
One essential item on my list is… a pack of Babybels. Babybels are the *ideal* festival food - they last a long time thanks to their waxy protection, they line your stomach and they make a delicious savoury snack.
One fun thing I always bring is… biodegradable glitter. You get the same festival look but without leaving bits of plastic all over the grass - what a win.
Esther, Staff Writer
One essential item on my list is… a portable charger. This sounds pretty basic but you don’t want to find yourself separated from your friends without any juice on your phone - take it from someone who’s been there!
One fun thing I always bring is… a box of wine. Not only are boxes cheaper than bottles but they’re also easier to squeeze into your rucksack and don’t have the worrying potential to smash and ruin all your stuff.
Belle, Head of Social and Creative
One essential item on my list is… a packet of biodegradable baby wipes. No shower? No problem. I like The Cheeky Panda’s bamboo wipes which can be disposed of in compost bins (many festivals these days have compost toilets, so these wipes are very handy).
One fun thing I always bring is… a film camera. Unlike snapping away on your phone and potentially wasting precious battery, capturing images on film (including disposable cameras) helps you live more in the moment. I love the idea of one shot and you’re done but the memories living forever!
All of these products have been independently selected by our team members. If you buy something on the list, we may earn a small affiliate commission.