Outdoor festival camping checklist

Preparing for a multi-day festival getaway this summer? We’ve got your festival packing checklist covered. While it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of summer festival season, some simple planning and prep will go a long way to provide you with an amazing experience. This list covers the necessities and a few extras that you’ll be grateful you packed.

Campsite set-up and sleeping

• quality waterproof tent (so you can use it post-festival too)
• an easy way to find your tent, like a bright light or flag
• lock for your tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• camp chair (look for lightweight, portable ones)
• tarp or shade shelter
• extra blankets for the chillier nights outside
• camp pillow
• light layers for sleeping
• ear plugs and eye mask
• headlamp or flashlight
• rechargeable lantern or string lights

Camp kitchen

• camp stove and fuel
• outdoor cookware
• pot grabber
• utensils (try out a spork!)
• dishes (or save space and eat straight out of the pot)
• cup or mug
• coffee maker (the Aeropress is awesome)
• portable table or picnic blanket
• food and snacks
• water filter or treatment tablets
• portable sink
• biodegradable dish soap and sponges
• lighter or waterproof matches
• cooler and ice
• food storage containers
• garbage bags (the garbage bins aren’t always close by)
• multi-tool
• can opener
• bottle opener/corkscrew
• hand-crank blender
• ice cream ball

Festival essentials

• map of the festival/campground
• schedule of what’s happening
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• jacket and warm layers for the evening
• waterproof outer layers (ponchos work well and pack small)
• extra underwear and socks
• comfy t-shirts (look for ones with UPF rating)
• pants and shorts
• hat
• bandana or neck gaiter
• camera and phone
• extra power source
• water bottle (hydration bags make it super easy to sip)

Other daytime activity gear

• comfortable shoes or boots
• daypack
• yoga mat
• portable camp games
• speakers and headphones
• sandals for around camp

Personal items and extras

• first aid kit
• extra batteries
• pack towel
• stuff sacks
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• soap and hand sanitizer
• extra toilet paper
• bug spray
• cash and credit card

To make things easier on yourself and your fellow festival-goers, you can find all the gear on this festival checklist in lightweight, compact versions – which also makes them great options for apartment dwellers. The great news about this list is that you can tailor it to your other weekend getaways. Not only will you be festival-ready, but you’ll be set for all your summer adventures.

Have any questions? Stop by yourlocal MEC store* to chat with staff who can help you get ready for camping, either at festivals or other campsites.*