Camping packing tips for beer festivals – the ultimate list!

Drinking Robinson’s Trooper out of my drinking horn at Download Festival

I’ve missed camping.  As a member of Girlguiding I camp fairly regularly and with the lockdown last year I didn’t get to go.  But!  Beer festivals are back and with that, you may need to camp.  As an experienced camper, for both festivals, holidays and with kids, here are my camping packing tips.

The Ultimate Camping Packing Tips List

Your tent – arguably the most important thing you are going to pack.  My top tip on this one is to put the tent up in your garden before you set off.  That way, you know how to put it up and that you’ve got all the parts.

Solar lights on your guy lines will save trips.

Solar string lights – wrap these around the guy lines at the front of your tent so when you come back in the dark you can see them – no tripping over, especially at beer festivals!

Head torch – keep it in your day pack for the way home (and also if you need a wee in the night!)

Wind up lamp – you can keep this in your tent to light it.  I like to hang mine from the roof of my tent with a carabiner.

My first Guiding camp blanket… I now have 3!

Sleeping bag, pillow, roll mat – one of my fave things to take if I haven’t got to lug stuff too far are the foamy jigsaw pieces to line the floor of my tent with.  If you have to carry stuff a long way from your transport, pack light and take a foam roll mat instead.  When I’m camping with Girlguiding I take my camp blankets too.

Appropriate clothing – We all know what the great British weather can be like.  Pack light but pack well – think hat, sunglasses, waterproofs and extra socks.  There is nothing worse than wet feet!  And don’t forget comfortable shoes.  The festival staple wellies are also a good shout!  And don’t forget the sun cream and after sun!

Packable waterproof jacket – don’t sacrifice comfort for fashion with this one.  You can still have a good time if it’s raining if you’ve got the right gear.  And a packable coat can go in the bottom of your bag just in case.

Reusable water bottle and coffee cup – let’s think about the environment while we enjoy its bounty.  Find where the water point is closest to you or make sure you fill your bottle before you head back to your tent so you have some for the morning.  If holiday camping I also take a larger container so we have water on hand if we need it.

A battery alarm clock and charging blocks – there may not be easy access to charging points for your phone.  Bring a couple of charging blocks to keep you topped up.  And don’t forget the correct cables!  I also use a battery-powered alarm clock so I can turn my phone off at night but still get up on time for all the fun.  To save your battery even more, turn off any notifications you don’t need while you are camping.

Beer notebook – I keep a beer journal with my reviews in.  I started this to save battery on my phone when out and about – a camping beer festival is a great time to use this. 

Download What 3 Words – this app gives each 3 square meter spot in the world a 3 word name – this will be great for finding your tent and friends at the festival! 

Picnic mat/groundsheet and foldable chair – I always pack a couple of small groundsheets or a picnic mat.  Then you can sit down wherever you might find yourself.  I’ve also just purchased a packable fishing chair – perfect for if you are settling in one place or chilling at your tent.

Travel first aid kit – as a Girl Guide I live by the phrase ‘Be Prepared’.  Plasters, a basic bandage, pain killers and insect bite cream are useful to have at hand.  In the current situation also think about packing extra masks, hand sanitizer and anti-bac wipes.  Baby wipes are also a must!

Plastic bag – pop a couple of bags for life in to collect your rubbish in (leave the campsite as you found it) and to separate dirty or wet laundry.

And finally – toilet roll!  Always take at least one toilet roll and pop it in your day bag.  If nothing else, take a packet of tissues. You will find yourself in a toilet without at some point.

A few of the essentials

Think about how you are going to pack all of this – you might need to carry it quite far from where you park your car.  I use a wheelie duffle bag but you might need to pack even smaller if you are using public transport.  Attaching things together with carabiners or bungee straps can work wonders.

So that’s my ultimate list of camping packing tips for beer festivals.  Have I missed anything you would take?  Let me know in the comments!