Festvival Camping

Gavin83

I wouldn't bother with an airbed, they're horribly uncomfortable and awkward at a festival. Take a soft blanket or something similar to stick underneath instead, along with a pillow. It's the pillow you'll miss if you don't have as sleeping on a jacket isn't ideal.

Besides that don't forget wet wipes and of course beer/drugs depending on your preference.

Sharon87

Thanks guys.

I will be taking an air bed though I think I have one upstairs. I find them really comfortable. I just need to make sure we've got a pump for it!

I'm going to make a list now on Word, so I don't forget things! I'll be going by train and then there are buses put on to get to the venue. It's Sonisphere festival in Knebworth.

Seems wet wipes are the most essential thing after the tent lol. I want to take my digital camera with me it's similar to this one: http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77444/show.html as that's what I do when I go to gigs, take my camera. I may need to put it on a lanyard round my neck though! An over the shoulder bag is a good idea too, I'll have one with an adjustable strap so it doesn't bounce up and down when I'm jumping and dancing.

I won't be taking a pot noodel (bleugh) but probably something like crisps, cereal bars, something I don't need to cook! I've bought a sleeping bag for about a tenner from Argos and these wellies: (so cool) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380274608265&var=650008766842&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2496wt_1139

I can't forget suncream and a hat, but I have a feeling if I take it I'll jink the weather... I'll take a brolly too

Anyone know of any good battery powered phone chargers? I'll still be taking that.

kt21

i went to my first one last year. would defo reccomend-

air bed (with battery powered pump)
wet wipes
toilet roll (the andrex loo on the go ones are brill)
collapsable water carrier (for drinking water, washing and cleaning teeth when you cant be bothered to trek to the water tap)
hand gel
warm jumper
few snacks
tent and sleeping bag
wellies

bluenoseam

Don't bother with the brolly, you'll just annoy other people & potentially poke their eye out, bearing in mind that a chunk of people there WILL be drunk/out their face so watching where they are going is not high on their list of priorities - besides that fact if you're wearing a lid it's not going to be an issue! The problem with festival food is that it can be pricey - think train station/motorway services and you'll be on the right track, it's not all pies & chips, but be carefull, some stuff is better than others! last time i went to T we found this killer lil Veggie van (practically swearing in my eye!!) but for fake sausages they were awesome and not too pricey, brilliant for lunch/breakfast whichever it was closer to!

On the phone front, i wouldn't worry too much, most festivals are hit by network providers who have a van where you can "quick charge" your phone.

Don't get too hung up on a bag, again it's something which isn't really "needed", a lot of places don't let you take bottles between campsite & arena and other than that, i doubt you'll need much other than a wallet/purse & your phone in your pockets - ofcourse your camera round your neck. It might just be me, but at festivals/gigs i prefer to have as little to worry about as i can, so if i can't get it in my pocket, it's not really required and you'll find it a lot easier to move around.

making me really want to forget all the "sensible" parts in me and book up for a festival now, 4 days without a shower, sleep or proper food - dang it sounds good!

Ponkle22

Other things to consider:

a raincoat/warm coat for the pre evening outdoor bands (it can be freezing - even down the front).

Some bin liners - one as a door mat if its wet or muddy, so you can clamber out of your tiny tent easily.

A carrier bag to stash just inside your tent (so you can put your muddy boots in overnight). Dont't leave boots outside your tent - they can disappear overnight.

Travel toothpaste from a chemist - tiny tubes. Remember when you spit it out (by your tent) to watch which way the wind blows first.

Halfords sell a tiny torch on a karribener (sp??) clip - handy as an extra torch at night.

spare socks - can be freezing at night.

Just take a pillowcase and stuff your clothes inside for a pillow.

You never take enough money but equally you want to spend loads when there (not very MSE) so take a bit more but not too much.

Tie some ribbons or similar to your tent to help you find it. (nothing too nice or they will disappear).

Enjoy!

purplerose

When I priced the cost of buying all that stuff + camping tickets against a nearby hotel when I was going to the Download festival a few years ago - the hotel was the cheaper option, so I went there instead. Glad I did as it was one of the driest, dustiest festivals I'd been to and my allergies went mental - no way I could have camped in that. So aye, take anti histamines if you're prone to that kinda thing.

ailuro2

Get down to Poundland, they usually have bivvie tins, foldable frying pan etc, though at most festivals now camping stoves and fires are banned, so start saving now for the burger vans....;)

I agree with earplugs, waterproofs, wellies, torch so you can see in your tent, bin bags, duct tape, a flag....

bambinaUK

My sons festival list

1 x pair doc martins
3 x pairs of socks
3 x replacement underwear
2 x tshirts
1 x waterproof army poncho
2 x trousers

1 x sleeping mat
1 x cheap sleeping bag
1 x very cheap tent

He returned home with his boots, trousers and the sleeping bag.

Socks and underwear and tshirts all went in the bin at the end of each day. The poncho became extra insulation over the top of his tent and his 'friends' set fire to his tent on the last day!!!
This being your first festival, be careful where you camp and who you camp with.

Sharon87

Well I'm camping with my brother, his girlfriend and her mates who I've met a few times before.

I will take more. Interesting idea about the pillow case full of clothes lol. Good idea.

I'm guessing I'll need a couple of towels as well. I'll be taking 2-3 pairs of socks for each day I'm there. Here's a rough clothes list:

3 t-shirts for day time
1-2 t-shirts for night time
2 pairs of jeans
pair of leggings
1 skirt
wellies
boots
7/8 pairs of a socks - including my thick fluffy ones for night time.
jumper
leather jacket
2 towels
underwear for each day

I'm going to have a lot to take! I want to camp this time for the experience, but the next one, I might just travel up each day, Knebworth's not far from North West London!

I'm getting tempted to go Download as well now... all depends if I get more money lol.

b1505

Ignore what has been said about BBQ's and camping stoves. All the festivals I've been to we've had either a stove or a BBQ and never had any problem. Some places now won't allow gas stoves but still allow BBQ's.
Make sure you take plenty of socks, if it rains and you don't have spare pairs your feet will freeze. Also take something warm to sleep in...I was always freezing in my tent when I was trying to sleep.
Obviously essentials like dry shampoo, baby wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, paracetamol and toilet roll.
I also agree with the people who said bin bags...I was so glad I took them my first year as my tent ended up leaking...put them all around the inside of my tent and I was fine.
If you can carry it then some form of chair (but make sure you put it inside your tent when you're not there) if you're planning on sitting around your camp...my mates who didn't take one regretted it.