The Ultimate Glastonbury Festival Packing List

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Making sure you pack properly for Glastonbury is key to having a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable festival experience.

This extensive guide will walk you through absolutely everything you need to bring – from essentials like tickets and cash to camping gear, clothing for all weather, health and hygiene tools, food and cookware, navigation and communication aids, and more.

Use this definitive packing list to ensure you arrive fully prepared and avoid common hassles and pitfalls at one of the world’s greatest outdoor music events.

Introduction

Attending the iconic Glastonbury Festival is a highlight for music fans across the globe. The sprawling 900-acre site transforms England’s tranquil Worthy Farm into a vibrant tent city housing over 200,000 passionate attendees. However, navigating the grounds comfortably and camping onsite requires careful preparation and strategic packing.

This detailed guide will explain:

• Must-have items like ID, cash, and phones
• Camping equipment to shelter, sleep and live
• Clothing and footwear for rain, sun, wind, cold, and mud
• Health and hygiene tools and medications
• Food, water, and cooking provisions
• Navigation and communication technology
• And much more

Follow this extensive list and set yourself up for success. Avoid common festival pitfalls like sore feet, sunburn, dehydration, exhaustion, and phone dead zones. The music, dancing, exploration, and adventures await – you just need to arrive fully stocked and ready to handle it all!

Top Packing Tips and Guidelines

Before diving into the specific items, keep these overarching tips in mind:

• Travel light – Glastonbury involves lots of walking and waiting. Only bring true essentials to reduce baggage weight and speed up entry.
• Use clear luggage tags – ID all your bags, tents, and gear clearly in case items get separated or lost. Include your name, mobile number, and campsite.
• Expect bag searches – Security does check certain bags upon arrival, so keep any prohibited items out of your packed goods.
• Prepare for all weather – English summers are notoriously unpredictable. Assume you’ll experience sun, rain, wind, heat, cold, and mud.
• Love Worthy Farm, leave no trace – Respect the environment and avoid disposable items. Take everything you bring back home.
• Protect valuables – Use lockboxes in tents and keep small valuables on you. Theft does happen with so many people roaming around.
• Separate festival/travel clothes – Pack a dedicated “festival only” outfit so you have clean clothes for the journey home.

MUST READ: “The Ultimate Guide To Glamping At Glastonbury | Luxury Accommodation“

Glastonbury Festival Essentials

These items are absolute must-have basics to make sure you bring:

• Tickets – Have your printed tickets easily accessible for scanning quickly during entry. Digital copies as backup.
• ID – Original photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Some stalls may have cards for alcohol purchases.
• Cash – Have GBP cash on hand as some food stalls and smaller vendors are cash only. ATMs have high fees.
• Debit/credit card – As backup payment for stalls accepting cards. Notify your bank of international travel.
• Phone – Fully charged with important contacts saved. Set meetup points via apps like What3Words. Consider a backup “burner” phone.
• Portable phone charger – Recharge devices without relying on limited electrical outlets. Solar chargers also work.
• Prescriptions – Ample supply of essential prescription medications, birth control, contacts, etc.

MUST READ: “Join The Crew: An In-Depth Guide To Volunteering At Glastonbury 2024“

Detailed Camping Gear & Equipment Packing List

The right camping gear helps you successfully live onsite and get proper rest to make the most of long festival days. Refer to this checklist:

Shelter & Furniture

• Tent & poles – Choose a sturdy, weatherproof tent with enough room for your group. Opt for a taller height.
• Tent stakes & mallet – Secure tents firmly in case of wind/rain. Bring extras in case the grounds are hard.
• Tarps – Place tarps under tents for extra moisture protection. Or use as makeshift shelters.
• Sleeping bags & pillows – Pack warm, cozy sleeping bags and inflatable pillows for comfort.
• Camping mats – Inflatable mattresses or foam roll mats cushion from hard ground. Inflatables are prone to deflating overnight.
• Blankets – Wool blankets provide warmth if temperatures drop. Or festive-print throws.
• Folding chairs – Portable camping or picnic chairs offer relief after long days on your feet.
• Folding tables – Compact tables allow prepping food, playing games, etc.
• Pop-up canopy – Provides shade and shelter for your campsite communal area if desired.
• Decorations – Strings of lights, banners, flags, etc. to identify your campsite.

Lighting & Power

• Headlamp or flashlight – Wearable headlamps allow hands-free lighting. Pack spare batteries.
• Lantern – String lighting works too. Illuminate tents and pathways at night.
• Solar string lights – Absorb sun during the day, and gently glow at night. Mark pathways.
• Portable phone charger – Recharge devices without relying on limited electrical outlets.
• Solar charger – Slowly repowers devices using the sun.

Hauling & Transport

• Collapsible wagon – Wheeled collapsible wagons efficiently transport heavy gear from distant car parks.
• Dolly – Plastic moving dollies help move larger items like coolers or suitcases.
• Wheelbarrow – Useful for lugging heavier loads. Inflatable options are packable.
• Bin bags – Pack spare bags for collecting trash and transporting wet/dirty clothes post-fest.

Tools & Supplies

• Duct tape – Multi-purpose for improvised fixes and hacks. Tape down corners of tents and tarps.
• Bungee cords – Secure loose items. Stretch over the opening when away from the tent.
• Zip ties – Create improvised clotheslines and storage solutions around the tent.
• Multi-tool – Compact tools assist with minor repairs and assembly.
• Work gloves – Protect hands from blisters when setting up camp.
• Mallet – Hammer in tent stakes and hit stuck poles.

Food & Drink

• Cooler – Hard-sided coolers with ice keep food/drinks chilled to prevent spoilage for days.
• Reusable bottle – Reduce waste and stay hydrated. Fill for free at water points.
• Camp stove – Portable propane stoves allow for cooking meals at campsites.
• Cookset – Pot, pan, utensils, plates, cups. Metal for campfires.

Health & Hygiene

• Shower shoes – Flipflops, pool slides, or Crocs to wear in shared showers.
• Portable sink – Compact camping sinks help wash hands/dishes without plumbing.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste – Maintain dental hygiene without relying on vendors.
• Cleansing wipes – Keep refreshed when showering is limited.
• Hand sanitizer – Reduce the spread of germs in crowded areas.
• Toilet paper – Essential for obvious reasons! Bring extra rolls.

Storage & Organization

• Lockboxes – Lock valuable items like phones inside your tent when away. Waterproof if possible.
• Zipper pouches – Keep smaller items organized inside your pack or tent.
• Carabiners – Clip pouches and water bottles onto your backpack easily.
• Cubic organizers – Use interlocking cubes to neatly sort clothes, and gear by type.

Recommended Clothing & Footwear Packing List

Dress prepared with versatile layers for sun, showers, wind, cold nights, and muck with:

Outer Layers For Warmth & Weather Protection

• Lightweight rain jacket – Packable wind/water-resistant layer. Opt for a longer length.
• Waterproof boots – Sturdy wellies or hiking boots with good traction handle mud.
• Fleece jacket – Mid-weight fleece jackets add insulation if temperatures drop. Avoid cotton.
• Poncho – Disposable plastic ponchos offer cheap rain protection in a pinch.
• Windbreaker – Thin but windproof outer shell blocks breeze through lighter layers.
• Wide-brim hat – Shield eyes from sun and rain under a broad hat with a chin strap.
• Blanket hoodie – Oversize hoodies made from blanket material are cozy and playful.

Inner Layers For Comfort & Wicking

• Wicking base layers – Formfitting tops/bottoms in the moisture-wicking fabric prevents overheating.
• Tank tops – Lightweight, breathable tanks allow airflow and sun protection.
• T-shirts – Pack short and long sleeves. Opt for brighter hues.
• Hoodies – Comfy cotton hoodies offer nighttime warmth.
• Leggings – Stretchy leggings withstand long days on your feet.

Activewear For Moving & Dancing

• Shorts – Lightweight athletic shorts or shorts allow airflow on hot days.
• Quick-dry travel pants – Stylish, stretchy pants made for adventure travel.
• Athletic sneakers – Broken-in sneakers are better than brand-new (blister-prone!).
• Bandanas – Soak and wear to keep cool in heat. Protect from dust.
• Bathing suit – Pack your swimsuit if you plan to use the showers or sauna tent.

Footwear Essentials

• Hiking boots – Sturdy boots with ankle support that handle uneven terrain. Waterproof style if wet.
• Walking shoes – Lightweight athletic shoes with arch support for all-day wear.
• Sandals – Flipflops, Chacos, Tevas – air out feet from muddy boots.
• Socks – Pack an array of ankle and crew lengths. Wool blend hiking socks prevent blisters.
• Insoles – Gel insoles like Dr. Scholl’s cushion feet inside rigid boots/wellies.

Accessories & Extras

• Bandanas – Soak and wear around the neck to stay cool. Block dust too.
• Sunglasses – Protect eyes from sun and dust. Bring case!
• Scarf – Scarves cozy up bare shoulders or necks as temps drop.
• Gloves – Pack lightweight gloves in case of a surprising cold.

Health & Hygiene Tools Packing Recommendations

Stay fresh, healthy, and clean with these vital items:

• Masks & hand sanitizer – Reduce germ spread in crowded areas. Bring enough daily supplies.
• Wet wipes – Bathe quickly without full showers. Look for biodegradable wipes.
• Body wipes – Large, soft wipes clean major areas like armpits, feet, etc.
• Dry shampoo – Refresh hair between real washes. Look for eco-friendly blends.
• Sunscreen & lip balm – Crucial protection from extended sun exposure. Reapply often.
• After-sun lotion – Soothe skin overnight after sun exposure all day.
• Aloe vera gel – Relieve sunburns. Also hydrates skin from drying wind.
• Insect repellent – Bug spray with DEET wards off ticks and mosquitos in fields.
• Mooncup – Reusable silicone menstrual cup reduces waste from disposable products.
• Earplugs & sleep mask – Block noise/light for better sleep in loud campsites.
• Tweezers – Remove splinters and debris from the skin. Tweeze eyebrows.
• Nail clippers – Trim errant nails. Hangnails get snagged and dirty easily.
• Imodium – For digestive emergencies. Festival food can cause upset stomachs.
• Pain relief – Ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol for minor aches and muscle fatigue.

First Aid Supplies

• Adhesive bandages
• Antibiotic cream packets
• Antiseptic wipes
• Blister pads
• Cotton swabs
• Gauze rolls
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Disposable gloves
• Instant cold pack
• Ace bandage
• CPR mask
• Emergency blanket

Tech Gear & Gadgets Packing List

Stay powered up, connected, and entertained with the help of these tech accessories:

Power & Charging

• Extra batteries – For cameras, flashlights, e-cigs, and other battery-powered gear.
• Global plug adapter – Most UK plugs have 3 rectangular prongs vs US 2-prongs.
• Surge protector – Protect plugged-in devices from electrical spikes.
• Generator – Gas-powered portable generators offer remote charging capacity.

Navigation & Communication Aids

• Walkie-talkies – Communicate with your group when cell service is spotty.
• Offline map apps – Download offline map data like Google Maps or Maps.me to navigate sans service.
• Compass – Backup navigation if you get turned around in remote areas.
• GPS smartwatch – Advanced watches with GPS assist with navigation and meetups.
• Two-way radios – Long-range radios like walkie-talkies reach across far distances.
• Portable WiFi hotspot – Create a mini hotspot with a cellular data connection.
• Ham radio – For emergency communication when networks are overwhelmed.
• Satellite texting device – Send texts via satellite when cell networks max out.

Weather Tracking & Safety Tools

• Emergency whistle – Loud whistles signal for help and warn of dangers.
• Weather radio – Battery-operated radios provide weather alerts and news.
• Pocket thermometer – Monitor for dangerous heat/cold during weather swings.
• Waterproof matches – Ignite campfires even in wet conditions.
• Emergency blanket – Retain body heat in a thin, reflective blanket if necessary.

Entertainment & Relaxation Aids

• Portable speaker – Bluetooth wireless speakers play music from your phone. Waterproof ideal.
• Digital camera – Capture memorable moments. Avoid conspicuous expensive pro gear.
• E-reader – Load books on a Kindle to enjoy downtime reading.
• Travel games – Playing cards, mini chess/checkers, Frisbee, football.
• Face misters – Bottle mists create a cooling facial spritz in heat.
• Yoga mat – Mark out solo space for grounding amid the energy.

Food & Drink Packing Tips

Fuel up with nutritious snacks and stay hydrated while roaming:

Drinks & Hydration

• Reusable bottle – Reduce waste and carry your own water. Refill for free at taps.
• Filtered bottle – Remove bacteria from water for added safety.
• Electrolyte tablets – Add supplements like Nuun to water for sodium and magnesium.
• Coffee sachets – Pack instant coffee singles to quickly brew cups.
• Tea bags – Bring an assortment of your favorite soothing herbal teas.
• Powdered drink mix – Individual drink mix packets liven up plain water.

Nutritious Snacks & Compact Meals

• Protein or granola bars – For quick energy and satiety. Look for natural ingredients.
• Trail mix – Mix your own blend of nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and dark chocolate.
• Beef jerky – Salty, protein-rich jerky offers easy protein. Look for grass-fed.
• Dried fruit packs – Mangoes, pineapple, apricots – easily stashed nutrition.
• Mixed nuts – Calorie and nutrient-dense snacks to tame hunger.
• Squeezable nut butter packs – Peanut butter or almond butter gives sandwiches extra protein.
• Cereal/granola – Breakfast is essential to start your day. Add shelf-stable milk.
• Meal replacement shakes – Balanced nutrition drinks provide easy meals.

Campsite Cooking Gear & Food

• Camp stove & fuel – Portable propane stoves allow cooking at campsites.
• Rechargeable cooler – Keeps food chilled for days without needing new ice.
• Cookset – Pot, pan, utensils, plates, cups. Metal options for campfires.
• Biodegradable soap – Clean dishes without polluting the land.
• Food prep gloves – Disposable gloves keep hands clean during cooking.
• Collapsible sink – Compact camping sinks help wash hands/dishes without plumbing.
• Wash bins – Carry water for cleaning. Label drinking vs washing water clearly.
• Matches/lighter – Ignite campfires and camp stoves as needed.
• Plastic cutlery – Pack spare forks, knives, and spoons to reduce waste.
• Plates, bowls – Reusable plastic or metal plates and bowls to eat meals.
• Mugs, tumblers – Insulated cups and mugs for hot and cold drinks.
• Portable utensils – Bring compact utensils like sporks, knives, and spatulas.
• Can opener – For opening canned food like beans, tuna, and veggies.
• Corkscrew/bottle opener – Must-have for opening wine, beers, etc.
• Grilling tools – Bring tongs, spatulas, and skewers for cooking over the fire.
• Trash bags – Bring ample bags for properly disposing of waste.

Food Storage & Preservation

• Cooler bags – Insulated soft bags help transport chilled items.
• Vacuum-sealed food – Preserve meats, cheeses, or breads by vacuum packing at home.
• Metal food containers – Reusable metal tins protect food from pests and contamination.
• Ziplock bags – Waterproof and organize sundries. Label contents clearly.
• Paper towels – Clean spills and messes. More eco-friendly than wipes.
• Aluminum foil – Wrap food for cooking/grilling. Store leftovers.
• Food handling gloves – Keep hands protected during food prep and serving.

Cooking Extras

• Hot pads & oven mitts – Handle hot cookware safely.
• Cutting board – Chop ingredients for meals.
• Can opener – Access canned beans, vegetables, tuna/salmon.
• Spork – Durable, portable hybrid spoon/fork.
• Pocket knife – Assist with cutting tasks.
• Coffee maker – Single-serve coffee machines work without plumbing.
• Metal skewers – Grill kebabs, vegetables, meats over the fire.
• Cast iron pan – Cook evenly on campfires with rugged cast iron.
• Egg carrier – Protect fresh eggs in padded, shatter-proof cases.

What Not To Bring: Prohibited & Discouraged Items

While packing, avoid restricted items that could get you ejected or items unnecessary for the festival:

• Illegal substances – Any illegal drugs risk immediate removal from the festival if caught.
• Professional photography equipment – Video cameras, zoom lenses, selfie sticks, and drones are banned without a media pass.
• Glass containers – Glass bottles are banned for safety, aside from small perfumes. Transfer drinks to plastic.
• Excess packaging – Avoid single-use plastics and disposable containers when possible.
• Tools – Hammers, saws, axes, and similar tools are prohibited.
• Weapons – Firearms, knives, pepper spray – you’ll be removed if found during searches.
• Fire hazards – Fireworks, explosives, torches, sky lanterns, and flares put others at risk.
• Generators – Small gasoline/diesel generators are banned without a special permit.
• Nitrous oxide – Also known as laughing gas or “whippits” – illegal onsite.
• Laser pointers – High-powered handheld lasers are banned for eye safety.
• Animals – Pets are not permitted, aside from registered service animals.
• Inflated furniture – Inflatable couches take up excessive space in campsites.
• Valuables – Expensive jewelry, laptops, etc. risk damage or theft. Leave at home.

Packing For The Journey To and From Glastonbury

Pack separately for traveling and the festival itself:

For the Trip To Glastonbury

• Clear plastic baggies – Speed up security by pre-sorting liquids, electronics
• Neck pillow – Rest comfortably on transport like trains and coaches
• Handheld fan – Stay cool on stuffy shuttles without A/C
• Snacks – Trail mix, protein bars, and fruit to fuel you en route
• Download media – Podcasts, playlists, movies to entertain during travel
• Trainers – Comfy shoes for extensive walking between stages, campsites
• Cash for parking – Have smaller GBP notes to pay attendants upon arrival
• UK power plug adapter – Charge devices using 3-prong UK wall outlets

For Travel Back Home

• Fresh change of clothes – Swap out dirty festival garb for a clean going-home outfit
• Shoes – Replace muddy wellies/boots with trainers or sandals
• Travel pillow & blanket – Rest on transport back home
• Earplugs & sleep mask – Block noise and light to nap
• Liquid soap & towel – Give yourself a proper wash before returning to civilization
• Wet wipes & deodorant – Freshen up for trip home
• Snacks – Refuel after burning tons of calories dancing and trekking around
• Cash for transportation – Have notes onhand for taxis, trains, petrol, etc.

Additional Miscellaneous Packing Tips

Keep these extra pointers in mind when packing:

• Pack clothes that blend into crowds and avoid flashy luxury brands that attract thieves.
• Use packing cubes, plastic bags and organizers to neatly sort gear by type like tech, toiletries, etc.
• Put your name and mobile on everything – even tent poles and camping chairs. Reunite lost items easier.
• Use clothing color to quickly ID key items. Bright neon for first aid kit. Red for flashlights.
• Add decorative touches like strings of lights, mini flags, ribbons to personalize your campsite.
• Research the acts you want to see and pack outfits suited to their genre – glitter and lace for Florence, denim for Springsteen, etc.
• Consider buying cheap rain boots/ponchos onsite and donating them after instead of packing heavy wellies.
• Pack baby powder to soak up sweat and oil and keep skin fresh. Has antifungal properties.

Final Thoughts on Packing For Glastonbury

Packing for a massive outdoor music festival requires forethought and strategy. Use this guide to envision everything you’ll need – then edit down to just the daily essentials. Travel light for mobility, prepare for variables like weather and terrain, and choose gear to maximize comfort.

Glastonbury will test your spirit of adventure and flexibility. But arriving stocked with everything on this list makes adapting to the unexpected much easier. Your favorite acts await! máj the sun shine, the rains hold off, and the mud spare your boots. You stand poised for an epic weekend, armed with this definitive packing list.

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