The Ultimate Festival Packing List: Essentials for any Festival

Planning for a festival is thrilling, but let's face it—packing can be a bit of a headache. That's why we've put together the ultimate festival packing list to make your prep work as smooth as possible. From must-have essentials to handy accessories, our guide will help you stay organized and ready for any adventure that comes your way.

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Festival Essentials

When it comes to festival essentials, we’ve got your back with everything you need to keep the good vibes rolling all weekend long. Here are the must-have categories for your festival packing list:

Backpack for Festival: Choose a durable, lightweight backpack with multiple compartments for your main gear. Look for our new modular travel system Voayger Traveler35 made from durable long-lasting materials with padded straps for comfort, a waterproof cover to protect against sudden downpours and easy-access pockets. This will be your go-to for carrying all your essentials.
Comfy and Stylish Clothing: You'll need outfits that can handle anything from dancing in the sun to chilling under the stars. Look for breathable fabrics and layers for unpredictable weather.
Sleep Setup: A cozy tent and a reliable sleeping bag are your best friends. Choose a tent that’s easy to set up and a sleeping bag suited for the climate—think warmth and comfort.
Personal Care Kit: Staying fresh and clean is a breeze with the right essentials. Look for travel-sized items to save space and keep your skin safe with high-SPF sunscreen.
Portable Power: Keeping your devices charged is crucial for capturing memories and staying connected. A portable charger with multiple USB ports can be handy..
Important Documents: Don't forget your ID, festival tickets, and any other necessary documents. Keep them in a waterproof pouch to ensure they stay safe and dry.
Daypack: In addition to your main backpack, bring a smaller daypack or crossbody bag for daily use. A compact, hands-free option such as Voayger RollTop15 or TechSling, lets you keep your most-used items close without lugging around a heavy backpack all day.

We’ll dive into the details of each category next, starting with the clothing list for the festival.

Festival Outfits

Trust us, packing the right clothes can make or break your festival experience. Here’s what things to bring to a music festival to stay comfy, stylish, and ready for anything, whether you're hitting a three-day music festival:

Clothing for a 3-Day Music Festival

2-3 T-shirts: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials to stay cool. Mix breathable X Cotton Tee with StrongCore Merino Tee in some bright or lighter colors to stand out in the crowd.
2 Pairs of Shorts: Quick-drying and comfortable shorts are a must. Look at our Boundless Short, which is lightweight, quick-drying, and has plenty of pockets, and Evolution Short as a more casual option for night-outs.
1 Pair of Long Pants: Lightweight pants are great for cooler evenings. Choose something durable and easy to move in, like chinos or joggers. Evolution Pant, lightweight, durable, and easy to move in even on festivals, is a great choice.
1 Lightweight Jacket or Hoodie: Even summer nights can get chilly. A packable sweater or hoodie will keep you warm without taking up much space. Our Venture Waffle Hoodie and Venture Crew, with odor resistance, thermal properties, UV protection, and unique soft texture, are perfect fits for this.
Waterproof/Rain Jacket: Even if the forecast looks clear, a waterproof or rain jacket is essential. It will keep you dry during unexpected showers and can also serve as an extra layer against wind and chill.
Sleepwear: A pair of pajama pants and a soft tee or a sleep shirt works well. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you cozy without overheating.
1-2 Sets of Swimwear: Perfect for any spontaneous pool parties or splash zones. Quick-drying materials and stylish designs such as our Nomad Boardshort and Swim Trunk, are key here.
1-2 Pairs of Comfortable Footwear: Think about designated camp slippers, and sturdy sneakers or a pair of stylish yet comfy shoes for evening events and dancing.
3-4 Pairs of Socks and Underwear: Go for moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Pack extra just in case.
Accessories: Don’t forget a sun hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight scarf or bandana for sun protection and style.
Special Costume Outfit: Festivals are the perfect place to let your creativity shine. Pack one or two special costume outfits—think glitter, sequins, or themed attire that fits the festival’s vibe. These outfits can make your festival experience even more memorable and fun.

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If you’re going for a one or two days festival, refer to the 3-day list but trim it down to one item per category or use our weekend packing list as well. This way, you'll stay comfortable and stylish without overpacking.

Overall, before packing clothing, check the forecast, and choose items that can be layered and mixed to create different outfits. Stay stylish but practical with fun, festival-appropriate outfits that are comfortable for all-day wear. Now, let's move on to the personal care items list.

Personal Care Items for a Festival & First Aid Kit

When you’ve got your festival outfits sorted, let’s talk about staying fresh and comfortable with the right personal travel care items. Here’s what you need to keep feeling your best at festival campaign:

1-2 Packs of Wet Wipes: Look for biodegradable options to stay eco-friendly.
Hand Sanitizer: Choose a small, travel-sized bottle that fits easily in your bag.
Sunscreen: Opt for a sweat-resistant formula to ensure lasting protection throughout the day.
Lip Balm with SPF: Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun too. Choose a balm with added SPF for double duty.
Deodorant: A travel-sized stick is perfect for festivals.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Keep your smile bright with travel-sized dental care items.
Mirror: A compact mirror is handy for a quick have and checking your appearance.
Small Tub & Foot Brush: A small tub and foot brush are great for cleaning your feet before sleeping.
Razor & Shaving Cream: Opt for a razor with a protective cap to prevent accidents.
Insect Repellant: Choose one with DEET for maximum protection, and consider a travel-sized spray for convenience.
Toilet Paper: Essential for hygiene, especially if festival facilities run low.
Tweezers & Nail Clippers: Maintain your grooming routine with a set of tweezers and nail clippers. These tools are perfect for quick fixes and keeping nails tidy.
First Aid Kit: Essential for any minor injuries or ailments. Pack band-aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, blister plasters, rehydration packs, hay fever tablets, paracetamol, and a small pair of scissors.

With these personal care items in your festival necessities list, you’ll stay fresh, protected, and ready for anything the festival throws your way.

Festival Gear List

Now, it’s time to think about the travel gear that will make your festival experience truly seamless. Here’s your ultimate list of festival travel gear, broken down to cover all the essentials, starting from gadgets to cooking gear:

Electronics Gear

Portable Charger: Look for one with multiple USB ports and high capacity. Sharing a charger among friends can be a lifesaver, so a multi-port option is essential.
Bluetooth Speaker: Choose a waterproof, durable model to withstand the elements. A speaker with long battery life has kept our campfire sessions going well into the night.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Opt for a hands-free headlamp with adjustable brightness.
Extension Cords or Power Strips: Look for one with surge protection for added safety.
USB Cable (Type C): Ensure your devices stay charged with enough number of durable Type C USB cables.

Camping Equipment

Tent: Tent is a must one of the festival necessities. Choose a pop-up tent for easy setup which is waterproof and well-ventilated. We’ve found that a tent with an integrated rainfly and ventilation flaps helps keep things dry and breezy. Also, think about bringing an external frame shower tent if there will not be a shower in the campaign or near the festival place.
Camping Chairs: Look for lightweight, foldable chairs that are easy to carry around the festival grounds.
Tarp or Ground Cover: Protect your tent floor from dampness and add an extra layer of insulation.
Lantern: Illuminate your campsite with a battery-powered or solar lantern.
Multi-tool: A versatile tool for any unexpected needs. From opening bottles to fixing gear, a multi-tool is indispensable.
Trash Bags: Heavy-duty trash bags help manage waste and make pack-out easier.
Towels: Microfiber towels take up minimal space and dry quickly, making them ideal for festival conditions.
Tent Repair Kit: Be prepared for any tent mishaps with a tent repair kit. It should include patches, seam sealant, and a needle and thread.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag: It’s also a festival must have if the event lasts for a few days. Look for one that’s lightweight and suitable for the climate.
Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: As an alternative to sleeping bags, you might bring a compact, inflatable mattress or a self-inflating pad that works great for a good night’s sleep.
Pillow & Blanket: If you opt for a sleeping pad or mattress, do not forget to bring a pillow and blanket. Otherwise, you might use some clothes serving you as a pillow.
Earplugs and Eye Mask: Essential for getting some shut-eye amidst the festival buzz.

Cooking & Food Gear

Portable Stove or Grill: Cook up some easy meals. A compact, fuel-efficient model is perfect for festivals. Cooking breakfast on a portable stove made our mornings much more enjoyable and saved us money on festival food.
Reusable Utensils and Plates (1 Set Each): Look for lightweight and durable options. Cooler: A small, portable cooler with good insulation is ideal. We’ve kept our drinks icy cold for days with a well-insulated cooler and some strategically placed ice packs.
Paper Towels: Stay clean and manage spills with a roll of paper towels.
Extra Propane & Propane Fittings: Having a set of compatible fittings ensures you can safely and efficiently connect your stove to propane tanks and don't run out of fuel with extra propane canisters.
Pot: Choose one that is lightweight and durable, perfect for camping conditions.
Can Opener: A compact, manual can opener is a small but crucial tool that we've relied on countless times.
Sponge: A small, durable sponge helps manage campsite cleanup, ensuring your reusable utensils and pots stay clean and ready for the next meal.
Lighters: Waterproof lighters are especially handy in damp conditions.
Screwdriver: It's small but mighty, handling everything from tent fixes to gear tweaks.
Reusable Water Bottle: Choose a BPA-free, durable bottle. A refillable water bottle with a filter meant we never worried about finding clean water.
What Food to Bring For Festival: Pack non-perishable and easy-to-prepare foods like canned food, quick snacks, granola bars, trail mix, canned goods, and instant noodles. Fresh fruit and pre-made sandwiches are great for the first day. We always bring a mix of healthy snacks and treats to keep our energy up without relying solely on festival food vendors.

With these gear in your packing, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic time.

Important Documents for a Festival

Another part of the festival must haves list, like for any travel as well, is all-important documents. Here’s what you need to bring to ensure smooth sailing from the moment you arrive.

Festival Tickets: Whether printed or digital, make sure your tickets are easily accessible. We always screenshot our digital tickets just in case of poor cell service.
Identification (ID): A government-issued ID is a must for age verification and entry. Keep it in a waterproof pouch to avoid any damage.
Driver License: Plus, make a picture of your driver's license on the phone
Emergency Contact Information: Write down key contacts and any important medical information. This is crucial if your phone dies or you lose it.
Cash and Cards: While most festivals accept cards, having some cash on hand is handy for vendors who don’t. A mix of both ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Travel Insurance Details: If you’re traveling far, make sure you have your travel insurance info. It’s a small step that can save a lot of hassle if something goes wrong.
Festival Map and Schedule: Printed copies can be a lifesaver if your phone battery dies. Knowing where and when things are happening helps you make the most of your festival experience.
Cash & Credit/Debit Card: Ensure you have multiple payment options. Carry cash for smaller vendors and emergencies, and bring your credit or debit card for larger purchases and added convenience. This dual approach has saved us from many potential cash shortages and unplanned expenses.
Health Insurance Card: Keep your health insurance card handy in case of any medical emergencies.

Festival Miscellaneous List

Now that your bag is almost ready to go, let’s not forget those little extras that can make your festival experience even better. These miscellaneous items might seem minor, but they can truly save the day:

Portable Fan: A small, battery-operated fan can be valuable when you’re stuck in a crowd under the blazing sun.
Reusable Shopping Bag: A foldable tote that fits easily in your pocket or backpack has come in handy more times than we can count.
Blanket or Picnic Mat: Look for a lightweight, waterproof blanket that’s easy to carry.
Small Repair Kit: Pack a few safety pins, duct tape, and a mini sewing kit for any quick fixes.
Extra Batteries: For your flashlight, portable fan, or any other battery-operated device. It’s always better to have a few spares just in case.
Glow Sticks or LED Lights: Fun for nighttime festivities and help you stay visible.
Hammock: Perfect for relaxing in the trees. A portable hammock is great for setting up a cozy spot to unwind.
Tapestries (for Shade): Create your own shady oasis with colorful tapestries. Easy to hang and pack, they provide much-needed shade and a vibrant touch to your campsite.
Laundry Things: A dedicated laundry bag, biodegradable soap, and a clothesline with pegs help manage dirty laundry and maintain campsite hygiene.
Survival Blankets: They’re perfect for cold nights or unexpected weather changes, and their reflective material can also be used for signaling.
Entertainment: Cards (Playing/CAH/UNO) in Soap Box, Dice, Twister, Games: Bring a variety of games for downtime fun.

With these festival miscellaneous items, you’ll be equipped for all the little surprises that can pop up.

What Not to Bring to a Festival

Now that you’re all set with what to pack for a festival, let’s talk about what to leave behind. Trust us, learning from experience can save you from hauling unnecessary items and avoid potential hassles.

Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry, watches, and unnecessary electronics at home. Festivals are crowded, and it’s easy to lose or damage valuable items.
Glass Containers: Most festivals ban glass for safety reasons. Opt for plastic or metal bottles and containers instead.
Excessive Cash: Only bring the cash you need and use a secure method like a money belt or hidden pouch.
Large Coolers: While a small cooler can be useful, large coolers are often not allowed and can be cumbersome.
Non-Approved Tents or Structures: Some festivals have strict guidelines about tent sizes and types. Check the festival’s rules beforehand to ensure your setup complies.
Weapons or Sharp Objects: This includes anything that could be considered a weapon, even tools.
Fireworks and Open Flames: Most festivals prohibit fireworks, candles, and any kind of open flame.
Too Much Clothing: Plan versatile outfits and pack smart.
Pets: Unless the festival specifically allows pets, it’s better to leave them at home. The crowded, loud environment can be stressful for animals.
Heavy or Non-Essential Items: Think twice about bringing things you won’t use. That heavy book you think you’ll read? Probably better left at home.

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By leaving these items behind, you’ll streamline your packing and avoid potential problems at the festival.

Summing up

Get ready for your next musical event with our ultimate festie packing list. We hope our guide includes everything you need to pack for a festival and helps you avoid the headache of overpacking unnecessary items. Stick to the essentials, enjoy the music and the atmosphere, and make the most of your festival experience!