Most people spend weeks planning their outfits and approximately 30 seconds planning how they’re going to survive the weekend.
The reality? It’s usually the little things that make the biggest difference.
Whether you’re heading to Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Wilderness, Boardmasters or somewhere a little further afield this summer, a few smart additions to your packing list can make the difference between waking up ready for another day and counting down the hours until you’re home.
Here are seven festival tips we wish we’d learned years ago.
1. Prioritise Sleep Like It’s Part Of The Festival
Everyone focuses on the music, the food and the drinks.
Experienced festival-goers focus on sleep.
- A decent night’s sleep can completely change how you feel on day two and day three, yet it’s one of the most overlooked parts of festival preparation.
Our festival sleep essentials:
- Loop earplugs
- A comfortable eye mask (we love Slip)
- A pillow from home
- Warm pyjamas (we love fellow British brand, Desmond & Dempsey)
- Bed socks
An eye mask can help block out those early summer sunrises, while earplugs help drown out the campsite chatter when you’re trying to get a few precious hours of sleep.
2. Pack For Cold Nights, Not Warm Days
One of the biggest festival mistakes is packing for the weather forecast at midday.
Even after a warm day, temperatures can drop surprisingly quickly once the sun goes down.
A lightweight waterproof, extra layers and something cosy to sleep in can make a huge difference to your comfort levels.
Trust us, you’ll be far happier with an extra jumper you don’t need than wishing you’d packed one.
3. Drink Water On The Walk Back To Your Tent
It’s a simple habit, but it works.
Before you climb into your sleeping bag, make it a rule to finish a bottle of water on the walk back to your tent.
After hours spent dancing, walking and being outdoors, many people underestimate how dehydrated they’ve become.
It’s one of the easiest ways to support how you feel the following day.
4. Bring Shoes For Midnight Toilet Trips
Nobody talks about this enough.
When nature calls at 3am, you’ll be very grateful for a pair of easy-to-find slip-on shoes.
Crocs, sliders, sandals whatever works for you.
Leave them by the tent entrance and thank yourself later.
5. Your Phone Battery Is More Important Than You Think
Your phone is your ticket, your map, your camera and often your only way of locating your friends.
A portable charger like this one from Anker, is one of those items you don’t fully appreciate until your battery drops below 5%.
Pack one and keep it charged.
Future-you will be grateful.
6. Hydration Is More Than Just Water
Water is essential, but festivals can take a lot out of you.
Long days, warm weather, lots of walking and late nights can all leave you feeling depleted.
That’s why many festival-goers also pack electrolytes as part of their festival survival kit.
Feeling Wonky contains electrolytes alongside B vitamins, NAC, minerals, nootropics and functional mushrooms and amino acid. Bring a packet for you and your mates along with a reusable water bottle and plenty of snacks.
7. Make Recovery Part Of The Plan
The best festivals aren’t necessarily the wildest ones.
They’re the ones you enjoy from start to finish.
A little preparation can go a long way towards helping you make the most of every day rather than spending half the weekend trying to recover.
Before you leave, make sure you’ve packed:
✓ Eye mask
✓ Earplugs
✓ Portable charger
✓ Water bottle
✓ Waterproof layer
✓ Comfortable shoes
✓ Feeling Wonky
Festival season only comes around once a year.
A little preparation goes a long way.
Have an amazing summer!