Our shopping writer has curated a foolproof checklist of campsite essentials for a stress-free camping festival weekend. This month, I'm heading off to my first camping festival in three years, and my packing list has already taken over my notes app. Between the tent, sleeping bag, camping chair and enough outfits to survive a weekend of sunshine (and the inevitable British downpour), there's a lot to think about before I even leave the house.
The biggest lesson I've learnt about camping festivals is that the easier life is made from the start, the better. I'm talking clever storage, practical gadgets and those small-but-mighty essentials that save time, space and unnecessary stress. While I'd love a glamping setup worthy of Pinterest, the reality is I'll be pitching my tent in a field in Cornwall with everyone else.
In just a couple of weeks, I'll be making my way to Wild Gardens Festival, so I've been pulling together everything I'll actually pack, along with a few wishlist buys I'm seriously tempted to add to my basket before I go. Whether it's a first camping festival or the latest in a long line of weekends under canvas, getting organised in advance makes all the difference.
Wheeled Duffel Bag
Hauling a heavy rucksack stuffed with clothes, snacks and enough drinks to see me through the weekend isn't exactly the ideal way to kick off a festival. That's why a wheeled duffel bag feels like a game-changer this summer.
With a generous 40-litre capacity, this Ayacucho Vaunu Wheeled Duffle Bag is the perfect size for all my camping essentials without feeling overly bulky, and the telescopic pull handle lets me wheel it across campsites rather than carry everything on my back. A tough hard-shell chassis helps it withstand bumpy terrain and the inevitable knocks that come with festival life, and it can be secured with a padlock for extra peace of mind (bear in mind that shoppers will need to buy a padlock separately).
For anyone packing even more gear, a pull trolley is another brilliant option for getting everything from the car to your tent with far less effort. This Pro Action Foldable Trolley (£45) from Argos has a 70L capacity, a sturdy steel frame and side pockets for water bottles. Shop Ayacucho Vaunu Wheeled Duffle Bag via Cotswold Outdoor for £120.
Self-Inflating Mat
An air bed can make camping feel a little more luxurious, but they’re bulky to carry and inflating them is never much fun. A self-inflating mat is a much easier alternative.
I’ve used one at festivals a few times and, while it’s not exactly a five-star hotel bed, it definitely makes sleeping on the ground far more comfortable. Simply unroll it, leave it to inflate on its own, and it’s ready to use – no pump or huffing and puffing required.
This self-inflating mat from Mountain Warehouse is currently on sale, making it an even better buy. It also packs away neatly into a compact carry bag and has a water-repellent finish for added protection from damp ground and unpredictable weather. Shop Adventure Self Inflating Mat via Mountain Warehouse, reduced from £59.99 to £34.99.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
As much as I'd love to believe it'll be wall-to-wall sunshine at a July festival, the British weather usually has other plans. That's why a reliable rain jacket is non-negotiable, and Columbia rarely disappoints.
Its Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket won't just keep me dry if the heavens open, either. Part of the brand's Insect Shield collection, it's specially treated to help repel mosquitoes, meaning I can spend more time dancing in a field and less time scratching bug bites.
Practical touches, including secure pockets for my phone and cash, plus breathable vents to keep air circulating on warm, muggy days, make it the kind of layer that's worth throwing into every festival bag. It's also made from recycled content, making it a little more eco-friendly than a standard raincoat. Shop Skien Valley Hooded Light Jacket via Columbia for £90.
Double Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a non-negotiable on any camping trip. This time I’m heading away with my boyfriend, we’ve decided to swap two separate bags for one double sleeping bag.
Ideal for couples, this Basecamp 200 Double Sleeping Bag offers plenty of room to snuggle up or spread out if you prefer a bit of personal space. It’s filled with insulating hollow fibre to help keep you warm when temperatures drop overnight, while saving us the hassle of carrying two bulky sleeping bags.
It also packs down into a single carry bag, making it a practical choice for festivals, camping weekends and road trips alike. Even better, it's currently 50% off, making it a great time to shop. Shop Basecamp 200 Double Sleeping Bag via Mountain Warehouse, reduced from £49.99 to £24.99.
Microfibre Towel
If I'm lucky enough to find a shower, my usual fluffy bath towels just won't cut it. They take up far too much room in my bag and never seem to dry properly once they're damp.
Decathlon's Microfibre Swimming Towel, on the other hand, is ideal. It's ultra-compact, so it barely takes up any space in my backpack, while its double-sided design makes it even more practical for festival life.
It dries in a fraction of the time compared to a regular towel, meaning it's ready to use again before you know it. Better still, there's a multi-buy offer, so shoppers can save a little by picking up two. Shop Microfibre Swimming Towel via Decathlon for £5.99.
Water Carrier
Keeping hydrated is essential at a festival, especially when I'll likely be dancing, sweating, and walking for miles. Instead of constantly trekking back and forth to a distant water tap, having a water carrier at the campsite is an absolute lifesaver.
Regatta's leak-proof carrier features a generous 20-litre capacity, yet folds completely flat when empty for effortless storage. Plus, the ergonomic carry handle distributes weight evenly, making the trip back from the tap a breeze. Shop Regatta 20L Foldable Water Carrier via Argos for £9.
Beauty Essentials
Of course, no festival packing list is complete without a few skincare and beauty essentials to help me feel fresh and look my best after days spent camping, dancing and soaking up the sunshine. Here are a few products I'll be relying on to stay festival-ready from morning until night:
- Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant Coconut Milk (£9.60, Boots): A reliable deodorant is an absolute camping essential, especially when showers can be few and far between. Fussy's natural, refillable formula keeps odour at bay all day while the Coconut Milk scent is fresh, subtle and perfect for summer festivals.
- Batiste Dry Shampoo Original (£3.40, Boots): When washing my hair isn't an option, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. A few quick sprays help absorb excess oil, refresh roots and add a little volume, making it easy to revive second- or third-day hair before heading back out to enjoy the festival.
- Rituals Karma Stick Sun Protection SPF50 (£20.90, Sephora): A sunscreen stick is perfect for festivals, making it easy to top up your SPF throughout the day without messy hands or worrying about leaks in your bag. This compact SPF50 formula glides on with an invisible, matte finish and is water-resistant too, making it ideal for long days spent in the sunshine.
