If you’re gearing up for Glastonbury Festival, you’re probably wondering: what the hell do I pack?! I asked myself the same thing when I went in 2023. Turns out, I packed way too much of the wrong stuff (goodbye, portable toilet) and not nearly enough of what I actually needed.
So, I’ve pulled together this Glastonbury essentials checklist from firsthand experience — whether it’s your first time or you just want to pack smarter this year. These are the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the “you’ll wish you had it” items, updated for 2025.
🎒 Watch my Glasto 2025 packing vlog on TikTok
Our tent set up at Glasto 2023
Glastonbury Festival Essentials – Don’t Leave Home Without These
These are the absolute must-haves for Glastonbury Festival — no excuses. Without these, you’re not getting past the gate (literally):
- Ticket – no ticket, no entry.
- ID – required for entry & buying alcohol.
- Car Park Ticket – essential if you’re driving in.
- Bank cards – most places are cashless, but having a backup card (like Monzo or Revolut) is smart.
- Cash – some independent stalls or backup in case card machines fail.
- Phone & portable charger – for maps, meeting points & capturing memories.
- Reusable water bottle – hydration is key, and refill stations are everywhere.
- Tent, sleeping bag & air bed or roll mat – you’ll need somewhere warm & dry to crash each night.
- Wellies or waterproof boots – even one shower can turn Worthy Farm into a swamp.
- Waterproof jacket / poncho – this is British weather after all.
- Toilet roll & hand sanitiser – the toilets often run out.
- Sun cream & after sun – even if it’s cloudy, UV exposure is real.
- Earplugs & eye mask – campsites are noisy, and sunrise hits early.
Forgot something? There’s a Co-op supermarket on-site, plus loads of market stalls selling clothes, accessories, toiletries & camping gear.
Camping Gear – Set Yourself Up Right
Your pitch is your home for the week — make it comfortable, dry & identifiable.
- Tent – practise putting it up before you arrive.
- Sleeping bag & extra blanket – nights can get freezing, even in June.
- Air bed / roll mat & pump – the ground is uneven & hard.
- Pillow – inflatable, or just stuff a jumper.
- Camping chair – a luxury you’ll deeply appreciate during downtime.
- Bin bags – for rubbish, dirty clothes or makeshift ponchos.
- Duct tape – for emergency repairs (tent rips, broken straps, etc.).
- Tent flag or marker – helps you spot your tent in the sea of thousands.
- Torch – to find your way back in the dark.
- Dry bags – to separate clean from muddy/wet gear.
- Foil blanket – adds insulation between your bed & the cold ground.
- Refillable water carrier – saves you endless trips to the taps.
- Collapsible bowl – useful for cereal, snacks or a quick wash-up.
- Outdoor games – cards, a frisbee or something simple to play with friends.
Toiletries & Hygiene (Glasto-Style)
Stay (reasonably) fresh & clean — even without daily showers.
- Hand sanitiser – you’ll need it after every loo visit.
- Wet wipes – your all-over wash for the weekend.
- Dry shampoo – extends your hair’s festival life.
- Toothbrush & toothpaste – bare minimum hygiene!
- Shower gel or soap – just in case you brave the showers or wash from a bowl.
- Deodorant / body spray – keep things fresh.
- Towel – quick-dry travel towels work best.
- Razor – optional, but useful if you want it.
- Period products / period pants – even if you’re not expecting it.
- She Wee – some find it a lifesaver for toilets or queues.
- Toilet roll – bring extra; it runs out fast.
- Contact lenses, solution & glasses – whatever helps you see the Pyramid Stage.
- Glasses wipes – dust & glitter don’t mix with lenses.
- Sun cream & after sun – you will catch the sun.
- Micellar water / wipes – for removing makeup or just refreshing your face.
- Moisturiser with SPF – protect & hydrate your skin.
- Hairbrush, grips & bands – essential if you’ve got hair longer than a pixie cut.
- Non-glass mirror – you’re not allowed to enter with glass, mirrors included.
Clothing & Accessories – Practical but Cute
The forecast is wild, the fields are muddy & fashion still finds a way.
- Waterproof jacket – keep you dry when it inevitably rains.
- Warm hoodie or fleece – it gets chilly at night.
- Thermal base layers – especially if you feel the cold.
- Trainers or walking shoes – for dry days & long walks.
- Wellies – crucial for mud.
- Fluffy socks – cosy for nighttime in your tent.
- Underwear & socks
- Period pants – a great back-up or alternative.
- Mix & match outfits – aim for comfort & fun.
- Sunhat &/or beanie – protect yourself from both sun & chill.
- Swimsuit – for showers or wild spas.
- PJs or warm loungewear – for nights under the stars.
- Outfit bags – keep clean clothes separate from muddy ones.
- Silicone heel pads – lifesavers if you’re wearing Docs or platforms.
Hair Care & Styling
Keep it low effort, high impact.
- Brush, bands & grips
- Dry shampoo
- Mini shampoo & conditioner
- Hair spray or gel – for the slick back look.
- No-heat curlers – easy, no-electric styling.
What to Take Into Glastonbury Each Day
You’ll walk a lot, so keep it light but prepared.
- Small backpack or waterproof bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Phone & power bank
- Sun cream (miniature even better)
- Poncho or packable waterproof
- Toilet roll or tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- Snacks
- Cash & card
- She Wee
- Earplugs (like Loops)
- Dry bag for valuables
First Aid & Health Kit
You’ll thank yourself for having these at 3am when your feet hate you.
- Paracetamol / ibuprofen
- Rehydration sachets
- Berocca or multivitamins
- Imodium – for food regrets
- Antihistamines
- Plasters & Compeed – blisters happen
- Personal medication
- Contraception or period delay pills
Food & Drink
Stalls are brilliant, but pricey. Having a few basics saves time & cash.
- Large bottles of water
- Cereal bars
- Crisps & salty snacks
- Instant noodles or pot snacks
- Alcohol in cans (no glass!)
- Soft drinks or mixers
- Reusable cup or mug
Glastonbury Festival Checklist Tips From a 2023 Survivor
- Pack light. You’ll carry it from the car to the campsite — and it’s not a short walk.
- Practice pitching your tent. Do it at home first (ideally sober).
- Leave space in your bag. You will come back with more than you brought.
- Don’t rely on makeup. By day two, you won’t care.
- Enjoy the chaos. It’s messy, magical, and totally worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Glastonbury Festival
What should I pack for Glastonbury Festival?
Essentials include your ticket, ID, bank cards, tent, wellies, sleeping bag, toilet roll, portable charger, and reusable water bottle. Layers and waterproofs are key — the weather changes fast!
What are the must-haves for Glastonbury?
Must-haves include sun cream, waterproof gear, earplugs, hand sanitiser, and comfy shoes. You’ll also need some cash, even though most places take card. Don’t forget your car park ticket if you’re driving.
Do I need wellies for Glastonbury?
Yes! Even in dry years, wellies are worth packing. Glastonbury festival is held on a working farm, and rain can turn the fields into a mud bath fast.
Can I bring alcohol into Glastonbury?
Yes, you can bring a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal use into the campsite (no glass bottles allowed). You can’t take it into the main arena, though.
What bag should I bring to Glastonbury each day?
A small backpack or waterproof crossbody is ideal. Pack your water bottle, sun cream, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, charger, and snacks to get you through the day.
What if I forget something — can I buy it at the festival?
Absolutely. There’s a Co-op supermarket on-site, and market stalls throughout the festival selling clothing, accessories, toiletries, and camping gear. You won’t be stuck if you forget a hoodie, glitter, or even a sleeping mat.
See also:
- Complete Beginner’s Guide to Glastonbury Festival 2025
- Glastonbury Festival Bucket List – The Must-Dos
Updated May 2025: This Glastonbury Festival packing list has been refreshed for 2025 with new essentials, outfit tips, FAQs & firsthand advice from my 2023 experience.
