If you’re heading to Glastonbury Festival, this packing list covers exactly what you need to bring, what’s worth leaving at home and what you’ll wish you had once you are there.
It’s based on real experience, including what I used, what I wish I had brought and what I would never bother packing again. At one point I even considered bringing a portable toilet, which tells you everything you need to know about how badly I overthought it.
There is no Glastonbury in 2026 as it is a fallow year, but if you’re planning ahead for 2027 or heading to another UK festival, this guide will help you get it right the first time.
Updated April 2026.
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Glastonbury Festival Essentials – Don’t Leave Home Without These
These are the essentials you genuinely cannot go without. Forget one of these and it will either cost you money, time or comfort once you’re on site.
Entry and access
- Ticket – no ticket, no entry
- ID – required for entry and buying alcohol
- Car park ticket – essential if you are driving
Money and valuables
- Bank cards – most places are cashless
- Backup card – useful if your main card fails
- Cash – still handy for smaller stalls or emergencies
Staying connected
A reliable portable charger is one of the most useful things you can bring. You’ll be using your phone constantly for maps, meeting friends and photos and videos, and it’s not worth relying on charging points.
I used an Anker power bank when I went, and although that exact model is no longer available, their newer versions are even better and worth looking at.
- Slim magnetic option (best for convenience)
- Traditional power bank (higher capacity)
Go for a slim magnetic charger if you want something lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day. Choose a larger power bank if you are charging multiple devices or sharing.
Staying dry and comfortable
- Tent, sleeping bag and air bed or roll mat – you will need somewhere warm and dry to sleep
- Wellies or waterproof boots – even a bit of rain can turn the fields into mud quickly
- Waterproof jacket or poncho – the weather can change fast
If you are unsure about wellies, bring them. It only takes one downpour to make them worth it.
Hygiene basics
- Toilet roll – it runs out quickly on site
- Hand sanitiser – you will use it constantly
- Reusable water bottle – refill points are available across the festival
Extras that make a big difference
- Earplugs and eye mask – campsites are noisy and bright early
- Small torch – finding your tent at night is harder than you think
- Tent flag or marker – helps you find your tent in a sea of identical ones
One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating how far you will walk. You’ll carry everything from the car or coach, so pack what you need but avoid bringing things you will not actually use.
Forgot something? There’s a Co-op supermarket on-site, plus loads of market stalls selling clothes, accessories, toiletries & camping gear.
If this is your first time, it’s worth reading my beginner’s guide before you go.
Camping Gear – Set Yourself Up Right
Your tent is your base for the weekend, so it is worth getting this right. A bad setup means poor sleep, wet gear and a much harder time overall.
Tent (your most important item)
Your tent is the one thing you do not want to get wrong. It needs to be waterproof, easy to pitch and practical to carry, as you will be walking a fair distance with it.
When choosing a tent for Glastonbury, there are a few things that actually matter:
- Waterproof rating – aim for at least 2000mm, ideally higher, as the weather can turn quickly
- Size – a 2 person tent is ideal for one person so you have space for your bag
- Ease of setup – you will be tired when you arrive, so keep it simple
- Weight – you will have to carry it, so lighter is better
One feature that is genuinely worth it is a blackout tent. These block out early morning light and help keep the inside cooler, which makes a big difference when the sun is up early and your tent would otherwise heat up quickly.
Tip: If you have never set up your tent before, practise at home first.
What bag should you bring
Avoid bringing a suitcase if you can. The walk into the festival is long, often over uneven ground, and if it has rained you will be dragging it through mud. A large backpack is much easier to manage, especially if you need to carry everything in one trip, preferably with a waterproof cover. You can often find good second-hand backpacks or covers on Vinted or Facebook Marketplace.
Sleeping setup
- Sleeping bag – nights can get cold even in June
- Air bed or roll mat – the ground is uneven and hard
- Pillow – inflatable or just use a jumper
- Pyjamas or warm loungewear – it gets surprisingly cold at night, even after a warm day
A decent sleeping setup makes more difference than you think. Even a basic air bed is better than sleeping directly on the ground.
Comfort and extras
- Camping chair – one of those things you will be glad you brought
- Bin bags – useful for rubbish, wet clothes or makeshift waterproofing
- Duct tape – for quick fixes
- Torch – essential for getting back to your tent at night
- Dry bags – keep clean and muddy items separate
- Tent flag or marker – to easily recognise your tent
- Refillable water carrier – saves repeated trips to the taps
- Collapsible bowl – useful for food or a quick wash
- Outdoor games – something simple like cards or a frisbee for downtime
One of the easiest mistakes to make is bringing too much camping gear. You will have to carry everything from the car or coach, so focus on what you will actually use rather than packing for every situation.
Clothing & Accessories – Practical but Stylish
Glastonbury outfits look great online, but in reality comfort and weather matter far more. You will be walking all day, dealing with mud and changing temperatures, so plan for that first. I packed far too much the first time and regretted having to carry it all in.
What you will actually wear
- Waterproof jacket – you will need it at some point
- Warm hoodie or fleece – evenings get cold quickly
- T-shirts and light layers – easier to adjust throughout the day
- Trainers or walking shoes – for dry days and long distances
- Wellies – essential if it rains
- Underwear and socks – always bring more than you think
A good waterproof jacket is worth it. Cheap ones do not hold up well if it rains for hours.
Layers matter more than outfits
The biggest mistake is packing full outfits instead of thinking in layers.
- start with something light
- add warmth when it gets cold
- keep waterproofs easy to grab
This makes it much easier to deal with unpredictable weather without overpacking.
Extras that make a difference
- Warm socks – especially for sleeping
- Hat or cap – for sun or cold mornings
- Sunglasses – useful even on cloudy days
- Comfortable bag or bum bag – for essentials during the day
- Silicone heel pads – lifesavers if you’re wearing Docs or platforms
- Outfit bags – keep clean clothes separate from muddy ones
- Period pants – a great back-up or alternative
- Swimsuit – for showers or wild spas
- Loop earplugs (for loud sets) – useful if you are close to the stages or want to protect your hearing
- This necklace helps stop you losing them during the day
You will care far more about being dry and comfortable than having multiple outfit options once you are there.
Toiletries & Hygiene
Basics you will use constantly
- Hand sanitiser – you will use it after every toilet visit
- Wet wipes – your main way of staying clean
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – the minimum
- Deodorant – you will be glad you packed it
- Toilet roll – it runs out quickly
- Face SPF – easy to reapply and less heavy than full sun cream
Staying somewhat presentable
- Dry shampoo – helps extend your hair for a few days
- Face wipes or micellar water – quick and easy
- Hairbrush and bands – simple but useful
- Non-glass mirror – you’re not allowed to enter with glass, mirrors included.
Optional but worth considering
- Quick dry towel – useful if you use the showers or freshen up
- Period products or period pants – even if you are not expecting it
- She Wee – can be useful depending on queues and facilities
- Soap sheets – just in case you brave the showers or wash from a bowl
- Towel – quick-dry travel towels work best
- No heat curlers – easy way to do your hair without needing power
- Hair spray or gel – useful if you want something quick and low effort
- Moisturiser with SPF – hydrate and protect your skin without additional products
You don’t need a full wash bag. Focus on the basics that keep you comfortable rather than trying to stay perfectly clean.
First Aid & Health Kit
You likely won’t need most of this, but when you do, you’ll be glad you packed it.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Rehydration sachets
- Berocca or multivitamins (for hangover recovery)
- Imodium (for food regrets)
- Antihistamines (for hayfever)
- Plasters and Compeed (blisters happen)
- Personal medication
- Contraception or period delay pills
Blisters and dehydration are the most common issues, so plan for those first.
Food and Drink
Food at Glastonbury is great, but it adds up quickly. Bringing a few basics saves both time and money.
- Cereal bars
- Crisps and salty snacks
- Instant noodles or pot snacks
- Alcohol in cans (no glass allowed)
- Soft drinks or mixers
- Reusable cup or mug
You do not need to bring everything, just enough to avoid buying every single meal on site.
What to Take Into Glastonbury Each Day
You will walk a lot, so keep it light but make sure you have what you need.
- Small backpack or waterproof bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Phone and portable charger
- Sun cream (travel size is easier)
- Poncho or packable waterproof
- Toilet roll or tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- Snacks
- Cash and card
- She Wee
- Earplugs (if using)
- Dry bag for valuables
The key is balance. Bring what you will actually use, but keep your bag light enough to carry all day.
Glastonbury Packing Tips From Experience
- Pack light. You will carry everything in and it’s not a short walk
- Practise pitching your tent before you go
- Leave space in your bag for things you pick up there
- Do not overthink outfits
- Focus on comfort over everything
You will care far more about being comfortable than perfectly prepared once you are there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Glastonbury Festival
What should I pack for Glastonbury Festival?
Focus on the essentials first: your ticket, ID, tent, sleeping setup, wellies, waterproofs, toilet roll, portable charger and a reusable water bottle. Then build around that with clothing, toiletries and a few comfort items.
Do I really need wellies for Glastonbury?
Even in dry years, they are worth packing. The site is a working farm and conditions can change quickly after even a small amount of rain.
Can I bring alcohol into Glastonbury?
Yes, you can bring a reasonable amount of alcohol into the campsite for personal use, but glass is not allowed. Alcohol cannot be taken into the main arena.
What bag should I bring to Glastonbury?
A large backpack is much easier than a suitcase. You will need to carry everything across uneven ground, and if it has rained, wheels quickly become useless.
What should I carry with me each day?
Keep it light: water, phone, portable charger, SPF, snacks, toilet roll, hand sanitiser and anything you will realistically use.
What happens if I forget something?
There is a Co-op on site and plenty of stalls selling clothing, toiletries and camping gear, so you will not be stuck if you forget something.
What do people commonly forget to pack?
Toilet roll, a portable charger and something warm for the evenings are the most common ones. A tent marker is also useful and often overlooked.
Plan Your Glastonbury Festival
If this is your first time, these guides will help you plan the rest of your trip:
- Complete Beginner’s Guide to Glastonbury Festival – everything you need to know before you go
- Glastonbury Festival Bucket List – The Must-Dos – the experiences you do not want to miss
