Knowing what to pack for any camping trip is always a worry, but particularly when you are having to carry it long distances and want to look your best.
The following is a reduced/amended version of our basic camping list. Everyone’s needs are different. Remember that you will have to carry it at some point, from the coach or car, over what might be long distances including hills. So make sure everything is packed carefully – preferably in waterproof bags in case it pours with rain while you are in the queue. In the event of you forgetting something – there are two camping shops onsite who sell basic necessities at extortionate prices – I know, I have had to buy pillows from them in the past!
Essential Camping KIT
Everyone’s views on a camping list are different. As a starter for ten – this is what we pack:
- Trolley or some other means of getting our stuff onsite. Be aware that if you have coach tickets – trollies aren’t allowed – although you will read online that some drivers will allow it. Read the trolley reviews – many break before you leave the carpark – the wheels are the key part.
- Tent, tent poles, pegs and mallet. You would be surprised how many people fail to bring all four of these items.
- Tent identifier. While you don’t want to bring unwanted attention to your tent – at 4am, when you are tired, spotting your tent amongst the thousands is always good. A small flag, fairy lights etc. might be helpful.
- Inflatable mattress, bedding, pillows.
- One very small, foldable camping table. We put a metal trolley on the roof of our car. Once we have set up ‘camp’ – we lower one side of the trolley and use it to cook on.
- Two compact, folding chairs.
- Cool box for food and another for beer
- Single gas cannister cooker and replacement cannisters.
- Kettle and two lightweight mugs
- One small wok or frying pan.
- Cutlery for two, utensils
- A collapsible water bottle – for collecting water
- A small amount of washing up liquid
- Small rubbish bags and black sacks.
- Paper plates, cups and bowls – you can recycle rather than wash.
Essential clothes and personal items
Day bag for essential items and valuables – cross body/bum bag etc. I always carry the following everyday: phone, portable charger, wallet (cash and card), ear Loops (to protect my hearing), hand sanitiser and toilet tissues, water bottle, alcohol, some small snacks, a small, lightweight blanket/shawl to sit on or wrap round you if cold at night, a waterproof bag for ticket and valuables if it rains, sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream, waterproof/lightweight raincoat, small head torch, clothing layers (it can get really cold after dark). If it’s really wet, I will sometimes take a change of clothes. Nothing worse than getting completely soaked and having to walk all the way back to your tent/van.
Personal Items
- Personal toiletries and a small mirror – keep these simple – you will have to carry them.
- A small, comprehensive first aid KIT in a waterproof bag
- Underwear
- Plastic food bags with a zipped top – for ‘outfits’, food, wet clothes, protecting valuables from rain – countless uses
- A small, light-weight fleece or packable jacket (it gets cold at night)
- Microfibre small towel/head towel
- A small beanie and gloves – if the weather looks challenging
- Cash – sometimes the traders’ internet goes down and they resort to cash only. There are cashpoints but with a price and a queue.
- A collapsible chair/inflatable sofa. We don’t carry chairs around the site at Glastonbury simply because there is so much to do, and we find them cumbersome. HOWEVER, we have invested in strong, lightweight chairs that collapse into a small bag – we always take these to other festivals. We do take an inflatable sofa to Glastonbury– if we plan on spending time at one of the main stages or have just got a hangover and need to sit. If you need to sit regularly – it is advisable to carry something lightweight as seating is few and far between.
- Shoes. What shoes to take requires thought. I usually wear an old Garmin, which records my steps. Last year, I walked 27-28 miles a day and did quite a bit of dancing. So, whatever you choose, your footwear needs to be comfortable. Also remember that there might be knee-high farm mud (look at pictures of the 2016 festival) or horrendous dust when it is hot. You will also be navigating the long drop toilets. So – your feet need protection. For Glastonbury, I always have a pair of wellies either in my tent or car – don’t forget wellie socks too to avoid wellie burns. Some years I haven’t needed them – others they have been totally essential. As a rule of thumb, I wear walking boots for much of the time – have an old pair of comfortable trainers to give my feet some reprise and crocs for around the tent/nipping to the loo in the night.
- Outfits. Ok – this might be controversial, but I plan at least one outfit per day – everything from underwear, clothes, jewellery, hair. If it’s going to be wet – put each outfit into a separate plastic bag so that each day you can grab that day’s clean, dry outfit.
- Sustainable outfits. Be creative with your outfits but don’t add to landfill. We love to find pre-loved over-the-top creations. We reuse, design and make, and enjoy exploring websites and shops for pre-loved items. No outfit is too over the top – go for it. But make it long-drop toilet friendly – they aren’t that private – there’s lots of superfluous fluids and speed is of the essence.
- Layers. British weather requires complex packing. It can be hot sunshine during the day, freezing at night and heavy rain – all in a 24-hour period. So, it’s important that you have layers.
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. 