Rain or shine, the festival must go on! As the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, it’s essential to come prepared for all eventualities. Your festival experience should not be dampened (pun intended!) by the surprise rain showers. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the essentials to ensure you stay dry, warm, and most importantly, have a blast, regardless of the weather. So, let’s dive in and find out what to pack for a festival if it rains!
1. Wellies or waterproof boots
A staple of British outdoor fashion, Wellington boots, or “wellies,” offer robust waterproof protection for your feet. They’re perfect for trudging through the mud and puddles typical of a rainy festival. Choose a pair with good treads for extra grip and stability.
2. Waterproof tent
Your home base at any festival, a waterproof tent, is crucial to your comfort. It’ll keep you dry during downpours and shield you from the wind. Look for one with a high hydrostatic head rating – the higher the number, the more rain the tent can withstand without leaking. Try the one above from Argos, currently only £18!
3. Rain ponchos
Rain ponchos are lightweight, packable, and ideal for unexpected showers. They cover a large part of your body, providing extensive protection. Opt for reusable and eco-friendly versions to help reduce plastic waste.
4. Thermals
The secret weapon against the cold; thermal underwear can make a huge difference. Made from special fabric, it traps body heat, providing an extra layer of warmth. They’re lightweight and can easily fit under your festival outfit. Decathalon have lots of options for men and women, so you can choose ones that aren’t too pricey.
5. Waterproof jacket
Invest in a waterproof, breathable jacket. It’s possible the most important item you need to know about when thinking what to pack for a festival if it rains. Look for one that is also breathable to avoid overheating while dancing to your favourite bands. A hood is an added bonus for head protection. It will shield you from the rain whilst preventing you from overheating.
6. Dry bags
These specially designed bags offer a watertight seal, ensuring your belongings stay dry. They come in different sizes, suitable for electronics, clothes, or even food. Compact and flexible, they won’t take up much space in your backpack. You can get a whole range from Amazon for under £12, made for snorkelling gear so you know it’s good for separating wet items from dry.
7. Microfibre towel
Microfibre towels are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly. They’re perfect for drying off after a rain shower or wiping away the mud. Plus, they can be easily squeezed into your bag without adding much weight.
8. Insulated flask
A rainy festival is NOT the time for iced coffee. So instead, keep your drink warm with an insulated flask instead. You can buy loads of different ones for affordable prices, some even have a mug on top – like this one is also from Amazon for just £16.99.
9. Waterproof phone case
A waterproof phone case will protect your lifeline from rain and mud. Look for one that allows full functionality so you can still take photos and videos without exposing your phone to the elements. If you want to ensure your phone stays dry, you can also throw in a waterproof camera to make sure you capture memories for your lifetime of the festival while keeping your phone safely tucked away.
10. Sealable plastic bags
Simple yet practical, sealable plastic bags can safeguard your important items from the rain. They’re perfect for keeping cash, tickets, and IDs dry. Plus, they’re transparent, allowing you to quickly identify what’s inside.
11. Umbrella hat
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This hands-free solution will keep you dry and won’t obstruct your view of the stage. You’ll obviously not look the coolest, but it will keep your dry while allowing you full mobility. Plus, you won’t miss any of the stage action because of a conventional umbrella.
12. Waterproof backpack
A waterproof backpack is essential for carrying your festival gear. Look for one with plenty of compartments for easy organisation. Padded straps will add to your comfort during long days on the festival grounds. Find more of the best festival backpacks here.
13. Torch
With rain comes clouds and low light. An easy-to-carry torch will ensure you can safely navigate around the festival grounds. You could just use your phone’s torch, but if it’s raining you might not want to expose your phone to getting wet. Choose a torch with a long battery life and adjustable brightness settings. Even the small ones that are easy to pack in your festival rucksack are useful for if it rains.
14. Extra socks
Nothing ruins a festival vibe faster than wet feet. Extra socks are a comfort essential at a rainy festival. Choose thick, warm materials like wool for maximum cosiness. Remember, keeping your feet dry is crucial for maintaining body heat and avoiding blisters.
15. Tarp
A tarp is a versatile piece of gear. It can provide an extra layer of protection for your tent, be used as a groundsheet, or create a makeshift shelter. Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to pack and can be a real lifesaver in wet weather.
16. Portable charger
With a portable charger, you’ll never have to worry about your phone dying mid-festival. Choose one with high capacity for multiple charges. Remember, in a crowded festival, having a charged phone is essential for staying connected with your friends and it means you can take as many selfies as you want! This is especially handy if you’re heading to a European festival where plug sockets aren’t the same so then you have to pack adapters etc.
17. Hand warmers
They seem like they’re made for old people, and you wouldn’t necessarily consider these when thinking what to pack for a festival if it rains. But hand warmers are like little bursts of heaven on a cold, rainy day when you just can’t heat up! They’re small, portable devices that can generate heat for hours. They can be a real comfort during cold, rainy nights too. Just shake them up, and they’ll provide a steady source of warmth for your hands or pockets.
18. Portable seating
A lightweight, waterproof chair or stool can be a real luxury at a festival, especially when the ground is wet. Look for one that’s easy to carry and quick to set up. Some even come with a carry bag for easy transportation. Compare the best types of seating for festivals here.
19. Waterproof speaker
A waterproof speaker ensures that the party continues, rain or shine. Look for one with good battery life and easy Bluetooth connectivity. Some are even designed to float, so they won’t get damaged in puddles. What Hifi outline some of the best to make it easy to find the right one.
20. First aid kit
We all know dancing and falling go hand-in-hand (if you don’t, watch the gif above). So a waterproof first aid kit is a must-have for any festival. It should contain bandages, antiseptic wipes, plasters, and any personal medication you might need. Being prepared for minor injuries or illnesses can save your festival experience from unnecessary discomfort.
21. Extra underwear
If you slip, you’ll no doubt end up with mud and water not just on your trousers, but your underwear too! Pack extra underwear accounting for this, so if it rains at the festival you’ll still have a dry behind!
Remember, festivals are all about fun and music, not about being cold and wet. So, with this comprehensive packing guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the festival come rain or shine. And don’t forget to learn how to smuggle these essential items in too. Don’t let the British weather rain on your parade! Or if you think it might, head to one of these festivals abroad.
Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Published on July 31, 2023
