Music festival camping essentials: complete pack list

Want to know what to pack for camping at a music festival? Save the stress of sourcing essentials once you’ve set up camp with our list of must-haves for any music festival trip.

With these 7 items, you can kick back and enjoy the good music and good company knowing you're prepared for (almost) anything the festival throws at you!

What to pack for camping at a music festival: 7 things to bring

Ready to head off festival camping in a van? With these essential items on your packing list, it’s easier than ever to get ready for an incredible time.

1. Clothes for any weather

Naturally, you want to look your best while at the festival. That said, when it comes to what to pack for camping at a music festival, one of the most important tips is to bring clothes that can handle a little wear and tear.

You’re going to be partying all weekend long, which can bring a lot of dirt and mud along with it. If rain is forecast for the weekend, or even just to be extra prepared, pack those gumboots and raincoat to truly cover all your bases! If you still want to show off your outfit, opt for a clear poncho, which you can likely find for a low price at your local Kmart.

You also want to make sure you’re protected from the elements, no matter what weather you’re in for. It’s so easy to get lost in the tunes at a music festival and lose track of time. As a result, your arms are now a nice beetroot red from the sun! Instead, bring along some long-sleeve tops to help protect in all weather, and so you don’t have to remember to reply with sunscreen. Also remember your hat, sunglasses and even pack your gumboots if rain is forecast!

2. A good backpack

Next thing on the list is a sturdy yet lightweight backpack that you can carry around all day. While your campervan is the perfect base for all your creature comforts, you’ll also want to head out to various concerts and won’t venture back to base for hours on end. So it helps to have all the essentials on hand and easy to access!

Here are some of the features you want to consider:

• Antitheft zips: music festivals can be rife for a little pick-pocketing here and there. With hidden zips in your backpack, you can hide all your valuables out of sight and out of mind.

• Drink bottle holder: more on this below, but a drink bottle is a must to keep you nice and hydrated throughout your day.

• Plenty of space: you don’t always know what the weather is going to do in New Zealand! Find a backpack that offers plenty of space for your raincoat, hat, sunglasses, and more, so you’re prepared in all cases.

The Gearshop has plenty of options for you to choose from.

3. Large water bottle

Water might not be your drink of choice for the entire festival, but it is important to have on hand as the day goes on. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!

Not all drink bottles are created equal. The last thing you want is to run out of water straight away with a small bottle, or to find that it has warmed up with the heat of the sun and isn’t as refreshing as you might have hoped.

The Hydro Flask has a TempShield™ which is their double wall, vacuum-insulated technology that keeps your drink at the right temperature. Pour in ice water in the morning, and it will be just as cold when you reach for it in the afternoon.

4. Camping chairs

Whether you’re gathering around your campsite before the concert or settling in when the night winds down, you want to have somewhere comfortable to sit! While the ground might work temporarily, it’s not the best option and will take away from your enjoyment.

Instead, make sure you have enough chairs between your group that you can pop out whenever the need arises throughout the festival. Many Camplify campervans even come with their own outdoor table sets, so you don’t have to bring any yourself - one less thing to worry about!

If you do need extra to accommodate the group, look for something that folds up nice and small. Shop a number of different camping chairs at Complete Outdoors.

5. Large cooler

A music festival sure does build up an appetite and thirst, and there’s nothing worse than running out of food supplies mid way through a festival! A campervan with a fridge is the perfect solution, helping you to store heaps of ingredients, nibbles and drinks. That way, you can make it through the weekend without the expense of relying on food stalls for every meal.

It can also help to have an esky on hand, so you can maximise your food haul and bring your drinks outdoors. Bunnings has a great range of coolers, many complete with ice packs and wheels, to keep your food and drinks nice and cold.

6. First aid kit

When you’re looking at what to pack for camping at a music festival, a first aid kit should be at the top of your list - even if you do hope to never use it. From simple grazes to more serious accidents, a first aid kit is one of those essentials you will never regret having on hand, especially at a festival.

Once again, many of Camplify’s campervans come with first aid kits included, so it helps to contact the owner before your travels to find out what they have, so you can work out if you need anything extra.

Kathmandu stocks a range of quality first aid kits and supplies for your camping needs.

7. Portable Chargers

The last thing you want is for your phone to die while you’re out and enjoying the gig. It not only means no more snaps of your favourite artist, but also makes it impossible to stay in contact with other members of your group.

The easiest solution? Be sure to pack a portable charger with you.

Hire a campervan for your next music festival

Camping at a festival is often one of the best parts of the entire experience, assuming you have packed the right gear to bring along. And with a campervan, you can trade the stress of a muddy tent for the pleasures of a proper bed! This is the smart way to glamp. And now that you know what to pack for camping at a music festival, you can sort out campervan hire on the North Island or campervan hire on the South Island easily with Camplify!

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide AA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

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