Clothes for the festival

Short answer: Four days without proper washing put demands on the fabric. Choose layers you can wear again, and bring more pairs of socks than you think, because wet feet and cold nights spoil most festivals.

Fabric that does not smell after a day

Bamboo viscose does not turn unpleasant as quickly as many synthetic fabrics. That matters when there is no shower or washing machine nearby and you wear the same T-shirt more than one day. Air it overnight, and it is ready again the next morning, see bamboo T-shirts for women.

Evenings get cold

Even in July the temperature drops after midnight. During the day you stand in the sun in front of the stage, and a few hours later you are cold in the tent. A warm layer in your bag saves the evening, and it doubles as a pillow when you sleep, see bamboo hoodie for women.

More pairs of socks than you think

Feet get wet from dew, rain and mud, and wet socks ruin the day. Bring at least one pair per day, preferably more, and change into a dry pair before bed. Warm, dry feet make the night in the tent much better, see bamboo socks.

Layers instead of big pieces

A festival can bring sun, rain and cool nights in the same weekend. Thin layers you can take on and off cover it all better than one big jacket. An inner layer, a jumper and a rain jacket are a good starting point, and they take up less room than one thick winter coat.

When there is nowhere to wash

Air your clothes overnight, hanging them in the tent opening or over a line so moisture can escape. A fabric that dries is much better on day two. Keep clean clothes in a closed bag of their own, so they do not get damp or dusty. Worn clothes can go in another bag.

Underwear for every day

Underwear is what most needs changing. Bring one set per day, and you always have something clean in the morning, even when the rest of your clothes are worn. It takes up almost no space and does a lot to keep you feeling fresh when there is no proper shower.

Sleep warm in the tent

Cold rises from the ground at night. Sleep in a dry, soft layer and put on socks before you get into the sleeping bag. Never sleep in the clothes you sweated in all day, because the moisture in the fabric cools you down. A change before bed makes a clear difference to your sleep.

Pack light and smart

You have to carry the bag from the car park to the campsite, so every item needs a reason to come along. Roll your clothes, put socks and underwear in pouches, and keep the warm layer on top. Leave delicate items at home. What you bring should handle mud, rain and long days.

Frequently asked questions

How many sets should you bring to a festival

One set of underwear and one pair of socks per day, plus two tops for the whole trip. Add an extra pair of socks if the forecast promises rain.

What do you do when there is nowhere to wash

Air your clothes overnight. A fabric that dries is much better on day two, and clean clothes stay dry in a closed bag of their own.

What is most important to pack

Socks and a warm layer for the evening. You can manage with less of the rest, but wet feet and cold nights are hard to avoid otherwise.