Pack like a pro with these summer festival essentials
Written byJodi M Johnson
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
Festival season has landed. Bringing sunshine (we hope), tunes and good times. Dodge the drama with our fave fixes for sunburn, sweat and whatever else gets thrown your way
Our top picks
Balanced pH
Wype
Wype Starter Kit Gel For Toilet Paper 100ml
£10.99
24-hour odour protection
Wild
WILD Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt Mini Deodorant 16g
£3.00
UVA and UVB
Q+A
Q+A Squalane SPF50 Hydrating Daily Facial Sunscreen 50ml
£15.00
Whether you’re camping in a muddy field or soaking up rays in a sun-drenched park, festivals are the ultimate summer vibe. But between the heat, dodgy food and one-too-many drinks, your body might need a little back-up. That’s where our festival checklist comes in. From snacks to SPF and drinks to deodorant, here are our must-haves to keep you feeling fresh, fuelled and ready for those headliners.
Our festival must-haves
This soothing, fragrance-free formula transforms ordinary tissue into a gentle and effective wipe, using skin-loving botanicals like aloe vera and chamomile to calm and moisturise while you clean. Each compact 100ml bottle delivers around 250 pumps, making it a long-lasting essential that’s easy to slip into your bag – and the ergonomic applicator keeps things hygienic on the go. Unlike traditional wet wipes, it’s flushable, so there’s no need to worry about blocked loos. Its smart formula makes it a feel-good choice for staying comfortable all weekend.
Festivals aren’t always glamorous – especially when it comes to the loo. Wype is the flushable, refillable alternative to toilet wipes you’ll wonder how you managed without. Simply pump this gel onto a square of toilet paper before wiping for an instantly fresher feel.
Viva La V is designed to keep vulvas feeling fresh, with vitamin E to help nourish and moisturise intimate skin (especially during drier times like menopause).4 It’s pH matched to the natural vaginal microbiome – because, let’s face it, we need all the comfort we can get. It’s a festival gamechanger, but it’ll also come in handy during periods, postpartum, emergency refreshes and after intense gym sessions. Or try the Original version, suitable for behinds of all kinds. Each 50ml bottle is refillable so you can use it again and again.
Hay fever can quickly put a dampener on festival fun, but Pirilieve Hayfever Relief tablets help keep symptoms firmly under control so you can focus on the music. Designed for adults and over 12s, these once-daily tablets work to ease sneezing, runny or blocked noses and itchy, watery eyes – offering reliable, all-day relief in a simple, no-fuss dose. With a non-drowsy formula powered by fexofenadine, it’s a practical addition to your festival kit that helps you stay ready to enjoy every moment outdoors, even when pollen levels are high. Remember to always read the label before use.
Long days dancing and walking between stages can leave you seriously dehydrated, which is where SiS GO Hydro tablets come into their own. These handy effervescent tablets dissolve quickly in water to deliver essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium, helping your body absorb fluids more effectively and stay hydrated. Lightweight and easy to carry, they’re ideal for tossing into your bag and mixing on the go, so that you can keep going from the first act to the final encore.
Long days in your wellies and late nights dancing? This fruity, nutty pick-me-up is your secret treat. Whitworths Fight Fatigue Wondermix supports your energy levels when the tent life starts taking its toll. Packed with copper and manganese, this moreish on-the-go mix helps support normal energy-yielding metabolism, meaning it helps your body turn food into energy. With banana chips, almonds and juicy strawberries, it’s perfect for munching between sets or sprinkling over your morning yoghurt (if you’re fancy like that).
When showers are scarce, this mini deo from Wild brings that much-needed fresh cotton scent. So, when your favourite song’s on and you want to throw your arms in the air, this natural deodorant has your back (and your pits). With long-lasting odour protection and a gentle natural formula, it keeps you smelling sweet. Plus, it’s travel-sized – perfect for your bumbag or backpack.
After a long day of glitter, SPF and dancing, your skin’s crying out for a proper cleanse. This cleansing oil is your answer to fresher skin – no faff, no fuss. Packed with apricot oil and witch hazel water, it melts away makeup (yep, even waterproof) and grime in seconds. It’s fragrance-free, vegan and perfect for giving your face some TLC after a day in the field. Prefer something even simpler? Try the Magnitone WipeOut SuperNaturals Bamboo Microfibre Cleansing Cloths – just add water and wipe the day away.
When you’re spending all day outdoors chasing stages and soaking up the atmosphere, your skin needs some serious backup. A full day in the sun (yes, even British sun!) can leave your face feeling frazzled. That’s where this SPF staple steps in. Q+A’s Squalane SPF50 Hydrating Daily Facial Sunscreen gives you broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, without the heavy, greasy feel. It hydrates with plant-based squalane, so your skin stays soft, smooth and glowing even after hours of queuing, sweating and sun exposure. Plus, it absorbs fast with minimal white cast, making it a festival bag no-brainer.
If you’re clocking up those steps running between stages, staying hydrated can fall off the setlist. This refreshing citrus and botanical blend keeps you feeling fresh and ready for the next big act. If citrus isn’t your thing, they also have vitamin B-infused blueberry and mint as well as pomegranate and rhubarb blends. Packed with 180mg of elemental magnesium (48% of your daily NRV) this clever can helps top up your magnesium levels while you sip. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance and normal energy-yielding metabolism – just what you need to keep going strong over a busy weekend.
Festival fixes: our top tips (and what to do)
Sure, chasing good vibes is top of the list – but looking after yourself means the fun keeps going all weekend. From dodging heatstroke to staying hydrated (and steering clear of undercooked burgers), here are a few classic festival mishaps and how to handle them...
Loud booming music can leave your ears ringing for hours and even cause lasting damage. Pack ear plugs to protect your hearing, sleep through campsite noise and still enjoy your favourite bands. Opt for ones that filter sound (not block it) and avoid standing too close to the speakers.
Let’s face it, festivals aren’t the most hygienic places. Muddy fields, shared toilets and questionable food expose you to stomach bugs that can leave you rushing for the loo. Food poisoning usually kicks in with cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea – not ideal. If you find yourself suffering, make sure you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.1
If it hits, take it easy, sip plenty of water and stick to bland foods like plain rice cakes or crackers. Support your body by replacing lost water and salts with Dioralyte or similar. Avoiding alcoholic drinks and drinking more fluids like water and rehydration drinks can help to keep you hydrated.
The government suggests aiming for about six to eight glasses of fluid a day.2 It’s just a rough guide though – some days you might need more, especially if you’re spending time in a sweaty, crowd-packed tent. It all counts too – water, sugar-free drinks and tea and coffee can all help you stay hydrated. Though if sipping on these doesn’t make any difference and you spot signs of severe dehydration, seek medical help immediately.
Festival FAQs
Staying hydrated at a festival isn’t always easy, especially when you’re caught up in the music, but a little effort goes a long way. Try to sip water regularly rather than waiting until you’re thirsty, keep a reusable bottle on hand and make the most of refill stations when you spot them. It can also help to mix in some non-alcoholic options between drinks so you can keep your energy up and enjoy the weekend without feeling wiped out.
Electrolyte drinks can be a great extra support, especially if you’ve been dancing for hours or it’s particularly warm, as they help replace the salts you lose through sweat.3 It’s important to think of them as a handy top-up alongside your regular water intake, rather than a replacement, so you stay properly hydrated and feeling your best throughout the day.
When you’re on the go all day, having the right snacks can make a real difference to your energy levels. Things like nuts, granola bars, fruit, wholegrain wraps and protein-rich bites are all great options, as they release energy more slowly and help keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
The final say
From SPF to snacks and hydration to hygiene hacks, with this festival packing list, you’re now prepped like a pro. Want more ways to stay fuelled and fresh? Check out 5 hydrating foods you need and how to improve your gut after an indulgent summer.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. NHS. Food poisoning [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2021 [cited 2025 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/
2. NHS. Water, Drinks and Your Health [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
3. J. Maughan R, Shirreffs SM. Recovery from prolonged exercise: Restoration of water and electrolyte balance. Journal of Sports Sciences. 1997 Jan;15(3):297–303.
4. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Apr 21]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/80273
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