Quick answer: what do I need to pack for Glastonbury?
The non-negotiables: tent, sleeping bag (5°C comfort), sleeping mat, wellies, waterproof jacket, power bank (20,000mAh+), earplugs, eye mask, sun cream, hand sanitiser, blister plasters (Compeed), paracetamol, and your wristband. Glastonbury-specific essentials most people forget: a portable phone charger (the site has limited charging and 200,000 people), cash (card machines fail in mud and crowds), and a small padlock for your tent zip.
Glastonbury is a 4-day camping festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. The site covers approximately 900 acres. You will walk 8–12km per day. The weather ranges from blazing sunshine to ankle-deep mud. The campsite has no power outlets. Planning what to pack properly is the difference between a brilliant festival and a miserable one.
For the complete festival packing list covering every item in detail, see our Festival Packing List UK and Festival Camping Checklist UK.
The Glastonbury packing list
Shelter and sleep
| Item | Notes | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Freestanding dome for ease of setup. Blackout inner for sleeping past 5am | Amazon |
| Sleeping bag (5°C comfort) | 3-season minimum — nights drop to 7–12°C | Amazon |
| Sleeping mat | Non-negotiable — insulates from cold ground | Amazon |
| Camping pillow | Inflatable — packs to nothing | Amazon |
| Sleeping bag liner | Adds warmth, keeps bag clean for 4 days | Amazon |
| Dry bag for sleeping bag | Keeps it dry in Glastonbury mud | Amazon |
Clothing and footwear
| Item | Notes | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Wellies | Essential in any wet year — bring welly socks | Amazon — see our wellies guide |
| Trainers or walking boots | For dry days — wellies all weekend destroys your feet | Amazon |
| Waterproof jacket | Packable, 5,000mm HH minimum | Amazon |
| Layers (2–3) | Evenings are cold — merino or fleece mid-layer | Amazon |
| Socks (1 pair per day + spare) | Change daily minimum | Amazon |
| Underwear (1 per day + spare) | Non-negotiable daily change | — |
| Thermal base layer | For cold nights and sleeping | Amazon |
| Sun hat or cap | 6+ hours in a field with no shade | Amazon |
| Poncho (cheap backup) | Covers you and your day bag in sudden rain | Amazon |
Power and navigation
| Item | Notes | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | Your phone is your ticket and your navigation | Amazon |
| USB-C cable (short) | 30cm — charge in your pocket | Amazon |
| Head torch | The campsite is dark — essential for returning at night | Amazon |
| Waterproof phone case | Mud and rain are inevitable | Amazon |
Day bag essentials
| Item | Notes | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Day bag (15–20L) | Worn all day on site — padded straps essential | Amazon |
| Reusable water bottle (1L+) | Glastonbury has free water refill points | Amazon |
| Cash | Card machines fail in mud and crowds — bring £100+ in notes | — |
| Printed ticket / wristband info | Download tickets offline before you lose signal | — |
Health and hygiene
| Item | Notes | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Hand sanitiser | After every portaloo — non-negotiable | Amazon |
| Baby wipes (large pack) | Your primary washing method for 4 days | Amazon |
| SPF 50 suncream | Apply daily regardless of forecast | Amazon |
| Blister plasters (Compeed) | Full mixed box — blisters are almost inevitable | Amazon |
| Paracetamol and ibuprofen | Headaches and sprains — pack both | Amazon |
| Earplugs (x4 pairs) | Campsite noise until 4am — essential for sleep | Amazon |
| Eye mask | Somerset sunrise at 4:30am floods your tent | Amazon |
| Insect repellent (DEET) | Somerset fields, evening — biting insects are real | Amazon |
| Travel toilet paper | Portaloo supplies run out by day 2 | Amazon |
| Dry shampoo | Apply at night — sorted by morning | Amazon |
Glastonbury-specific extras
Quick answer: what do people forget to pack for Glastonbury?
The items most commonly forgotten or underestimated: cash (card machines regularly fail), a small padlock for the tent zip (basic security), a printed or downloaded offline copy of your ticket, welly socks (thin socks cause blisters in wellies), a short charging cable (30cm is far more practical than a full-length cable), and a camp chair for the downtime between sets.
- Small padlock — basic deterrent for your tent zip when you are away on site
- Lightweight camp chair — Glastonbury has multiple areas where you will want to sit
- Cable ties — mark your tent, secure your gear, a thousand uses on site
- Waterproof document pouch — for wristband information and important cards
- Reusable cup — Glastonbury has moved to reusable cup systems at many bars
- Bin bags — at least two large ones. One as inner bag waterproofing for your rucksack, one for dirty clothes and rubbish
What not to pack for Glastonbury
- A large suitcase or wheeled luggage — completely impractical in mud. Rucksack only
- Glass bottles — banned from most festival sites including Glastonbury
- Drones — banned at Glastonbury
- More clothes than one outfit per day plus one spare — unnecessary weight
- An expensive camera unless you are a professional — mud, crowds, and theft risk make this a bad idea at a camping festival
Related reading
- 🎒 Complete Festival Packing List UK
- ⛺ Festival Camping Checklist UK
- 👢 Best Festival Wellies UK
- 🧥 Best Festival Waterproof Jackets UK
- 😴 How to Sleep at a Festival
- 🏥 Festival First Aid Kit UK
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important things to pack for Glastonbury?
Tent, 3-season sleeping bag, sleeping mat, wellies, waterproof jacket, power bank (20,000mAh+), earplugs, eye mask, hand sanitiser, blister plasters, paracetamol, and your wristband. Everything else builds on this foundation.
Should I bring wellies to Glastonbury?
Yes — even in drier years wellies are the practical choice for a significant portion of the weekend. Glastonbury’s clay soil turns to thick mud quickly. Bring wellies and a pair of trainers for drier conditions — switching footwear based on conditions prevents the foot problems that wellies cause when worn continuously.
How much cash should I bring to Glastonbury?
At least £100 in notes per person. Card machines at Glastonbury are notoriously unreliable — particularly in muddy conditions and at peak times when connectivity is stretched. Cash is essential for food stalls, bars, and campsite vendors who may not have card facilities.
Is a sleeping mat necessary at Glastonbury?
Yes — a sleeping mat insulates you from the cold ground and is the foundation of your sleeping comfort. Sleeping bag temperature ratings assume you are insulated from the ground. Without a mat, cold conducts straight through your bag from the ground regardless of its rating.
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