The countdown is on, and the festival you've been buzzing about is finally within reach. You're picturing iconic sets, sparkly outfits, and what's more, post-midnight food runs. Cheesy chips, anyone? But before you hit the fields and lose yourself in the music, there's one thing that can make or break your weekend: what you bring with you.
Festivals can be a chaotic blend of freedom, music, questionable hygiene, and core memories – but forget one key item and you'll be spiralling before the first headliner hits the stage. Because nothing kills the buzz faster than soggy socks, dead phone batteries or the realisation you forgot toilet roll.
We've been there, done that and learned from our mistakes... So, take note of the following essentials you need to pack for those upcoming festivals (Reading and Leeds, we're looking @ you). You can thank me later.
Psst! Want to win a pair of tickets to Forwards Festival? Sign up to our FREE Club Cosmo membership to be in the chance of snagging the ultimate weekend of summer celebrations where Olivia Dean, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, Barry Can't Swim, Confidence Man, Ezra Collective and many more are all playing!
Festival packing list
The essentials
Aka: Don't leave home without these
- Tent – Your home for the weekend. Get comfy.
- Sleeping bag – It can get freezing out in a tent, and a blanket will not suffice.
- Roll mat/blow-up mattress – Without this, you're going to be very uncomfortable... Take it from someone who has tried.
- Self-inflating mattress/camp bed – If you want to go a bit more boujee, invest in a self-inflating mattress or camp bed. They will save you time, hassle and your back.
- Mattress foot pump – Your lungs aren't as powerful as you think.
- Camp chairs – You don't want to 'pre' sitting in your tent, nor do you want to sit on the muddy grass.
- Rucksack – To pack all of the following!
- Trolley – To lug everything to your campsite.
- Toilet roll – Festivals are magical. The loos? Not so much.
- Wet wipes and dry shampoo – No showers and dancing all day... Need I say more
- Portable shower – If dry shampoo and baby wipes ain't gonna cut it, invest in a portable shower.
- Wellies and waterproofs – The British weather doesn't care about your cute outfit.
- Headtorch or fairy lights – Finding your tent in the dark = survival.
- Portable charger – For TikToks, directions and texting "Where are you??"
- Ticket, ID and bank card – Self-explanatory, but so easy to forget.
- Walking shoes – You'll be on your feet the majority of the day. Comfort > style.
- Plasters – Blisters happen.
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen – Hangovers also happen.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin, whatever the weather!
- Water bottle – A thermal water bottle is the GOAT. Stay hydrated and even accessorise with a handy water bottle body strap.
- Eye mask – Sleeping in a tent means being woken up by the early morning sun. So, mask up.
- Earplugs – Festival sound systems are no joke. Protect your ears while still enjoying the music with a snazzy pair of Loops.
- Hand sanitiser/hand wipes – Again, portaloos aren't all that nice.
- Food/energy supplements – You're going to be dehydrated/hungover, so stock up on the supplements (just make sure they can be taken with alcohol).
Quencha Self-inflating mattress
MOUNTALL Black Heavy Duty Foldable Garden Festival Trolley
Quencha Camping shower
Merry People Khaki Green Tully Ankle Wellington Boots
Caseify Rope Cross-body Strap - Blue/ Green (Braided)
Belkin USB C Portable Charger
Merrell Moab Speed 2
Myrkl 25 Dose Party Pack
Uniqlo Windproof Blouson (Stand Collar)
Experience 2
Sapling Climate Positive Vodka 70cl REFILL
Drink Pouches Reusable & Concealable Plastic Flasks
The fun stuff
Aka: Main character energy
- Glitter and face gems – An easy way to amp up any outfit.
- Bum bag – Your ride-or-die accessory.
- Phone strap – Not an essential but an accessory that's incredibly convenient.
- Sunglasses – Make 'em cheap, because you'll probably lose them... If you're anything like me.
- Disposable camera – Because vibes look better on film (and your phone might die!).
- Snacks – Stay fuelled because a squashed pain au chocolate ain't gonna cut it.
- Alcohol – Self-explanatory, TBH. Top tip: Glass usually isn't allowed in festivals, so opt for drinks pouches or cans like the Sapling Climate Positive Vodka refill.
Optional but iconic
Aka: If you've got room to spare in your rucksack
- Fairy lights – For decor and light at 3am... not dancing (unless…).
- A cute picnic blanket (like this Voited one!) to make morning alfresco lounging that much chicer
- Spare outfit for day 5 – Mud happens and weather changes.
- Playing cards – For games around camp.
- Flag pole – A 2/3 metre extendable flag pole from Amazon will be handy for finding friends in the crowd.
Now go forth, dance all night, sleep a little, and above all, enjoy! Festival season is officially here!
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
