Checklist for Minimalist Festival Packing - WAYKS

Get festival-ready with these carefully curated packing lists, featuring all my personal must-have items for a weekend of dancing and camping. The checklists cover everything from versatile festival outfits to delicious snacks and cosy camp gear—all while still fitting inside this minimalist backpack setup. Ideal for a hands-free commute by train or bus.

The Globetrotter Bundle consists of several modular bags and travel accessories, which can be mixed and matched. For my festival packing, I store heavy camp gear and shoes inside the Day Pack Original. The Cube has insulating properties, so I can use it as a small cooler bag. The Day Pack Mini attaches to the outside of the larger Day Pack Original. I fill it with lightweight items like clothes and small cooking utensils. We designed the Sling Combo with festivals in mind. It expands when needed and can hold a water bottle and hoodie for the cooler evenings.

1. Festival Bag

Keys
Festival ticket
ID/driver's license
Cash + cards
Phone
Water bottle
Ear plugs
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Sunglasses + wipes
Lip Balm
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Hand fan
Body mist spray
Bandana
Eye drops
(Portable ashtray)

Earplugs
Loud music and noisy crowds can take a toll on your hearing. Eargasm's High Fidelity Earplugs are designed to preserve sound clarity. Unlike traditional foam earplugs that can muffle sound, these ones reduce volume evenly across frequencies. They are comfortable to wear for longer periods and perfect for an all day festival.

eargasm high fidelity earplugs

Water Bottle + Filter
When your body is working overtime and running on little sleep, hydration is crucial. Always carry a water bottle and take advantage of the festival’s refill stations. A reusable bottle with an integrated water filter can be particularly useful. The soulfilter from Soulbottles can filter out 99.9 % of all bacteria and viruses in the water.

Soulbottles Soulfilter

Sun Protection
A large-brimmed hat not only looks cool but also prevents headaches and dizziness from sunstroke and keeps your face dry in rainy weather.

Refreshing Body Mist: DIY
Fill a small spray pump bottle, such as an empty deodorant container, with water. Spraying your body with the fine mist while on the dance floor will help you stay cool on hot, sunny days.

Dust Protection
In dusty festival areas, cover your mouth and nose with a bandana or scarf. You can also soak the fabric in water and wear it around your neck to stay cool. Carry a small bottle of eye drops for instant relief from eye irritation and dryness.

Keys
Festival ticket
ID/driver's license
Cash + cards
Phone
Water bottle
Ear plugs
Sunscreen
Sunhat

Sunglasses + wipes
Lip balm
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Hand fan
Body mist spray
Bandana
Eye drops
(Portable ashtray)

Ear Plugs
Loud music and noisy crowds can take a toll on your hearing. Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs are designed to preserve sound clarity. Unlike traditional foam earplugs that can muffle sound, these ones reduce volume evenly across frequencies. They are comfortable to wear for longer periods.
eargasm high fidelity earplugs

Water Bottle + Filter
When your body is working overtime and running on little sleep, hydration is crucial. Always carry a water bottle and take advantage of the festival’s refill stations. A reusable bottle with an integrated water filter can be particularly useful.

Sun Protection
A large-brimmed hat not only looks cool but also prevents headaches and dizziness from sunstroke and keeps your face dry in rainy weather.

Refreshing Body Mist: DIY
Fill a small spray pump bottle, such as an empty deodorant container, with water. Spraying your body with the fine mist while on the dance floor will help you stay cool on hot, sunny days.

Dust Protection
In dusty festival areas, cover your mouth and nose with a bandana or scarf. You can also soak the fabric in water and wear it around your neck to stay cool. Carry a small bottle of eye drops for instant relief from eye irritation and dryness.

2. Footwear

Breathable Sneakers
Padded Insoles
Waterproof boots
Flip flops
Sport socks
Woollen socks
Blister pads

Sport Socks
Breathable socks made from polyester blends are best for hot days. There is no better feeling than putting on a pair of fresh socks, so make sure to bring some extra pairs. At night, wearing warm woollen ones may be your best bet.

Rubber flip flops
My Birkenstock sandals in EVA material are comfortable enough to wear a full day of dancing. They are easy to clean and suitable for wearing in the festival showers.
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Foot Care
Once your feet start hurting, the festival fun is over. Add comfy, padded insoles to your shoes, and use preventive blister pads before they start appearing.

Sport Socks
Breathable socks made from polyester blends are best for hot days. There is no better feeling than putting on a pair of fresh socks, so make sure to bring some extra pairs. At night, wearing warm woollen ones may be your best bet.

Rubber flip flops
My Birkenstock sandals in EVA material are comfortable enough to wear for a full day of dancing, are easy to clean, and also suitable for wearing in the festival showers.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Foot Care
Once your feet start hurting, the festival fun is over. Add comfy, padded insoles to your shoes, and use preventive blister pads before they start appearing.

3. Festival Clothes

Breathable underwear
Lightweight T-shirts
Longsleeve shirt
Body/swimsuit
Loose-fit pants
Shorts / Maxi Skirt
Warm pants
Hoodie
Rain poncho or coat
Sun hat
Bandana/scarf
Watch

Compression Packing Cubes
When packing for a festival, it's important to strike a balance between being prepared for various weather conditions and keeping your luggage light and manageable. Packing Cubes are a game-changer for saving space in your bags and keeping your tent organised. I usually pack one outfit per cube, making it easy to find and keeping my clothes wrinkle-free.

Multipurpose clothes
Choose clothes that can serve multiple purposes. A bodysuit can work as a base layer, swimwear or a top. A scarf can be used for warmth, dust protection, or as an outfit accessory.

Layering
Allows you to stay warm on cooler days and mix & match clothes while packing less. A buttoned longsleeve shirt can be layered over a body or T-Shirt during cooler mornings and removed as the day warms up.

Quick-Drying & Breathable Fabrics
Opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials, especially for underwear and base layers. Choose lightweight, natural fabrics like cotton or linen for your T-Shirts, Pants or Dresses to help you stay cool in hot weather.

Colour Coordination
Stick to a colour scheme that allows you to easily mix and match all your items. This way, you can create different outfits with fewer pieces.

Compression Packing Cubes
When packing for a festival, it's important to balance being prepared for various weather conditions and keeping your luggage light and manageable. Packing Cubes are a game-changer for saving space in your bags and keeping your tent organised. I usually pack one outfit per cube, making it easy to find and keeping my clothes wrinkle-free.

Multipurpose clothes
Choose clothes that can serve multiple purposes. A bodysuit can work as a base layer, swimwear or a top. A scarf can be used for warmth, dust protection, or as an outfit accessory.

Layering
Allows you to stay warm on cooler days and mix & match clothes while packing less. A buttoned longsleeve shirt can be layered over a body or T-Shirt during cooler mornings and removed as the day warms up.

Quick-Drying & Breathable Fabrics
Opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials, especially for underwear and base layers. Choose lightweight, natural fabrics like cotton or linen for your T-Shirts, Pants or Dresses to help you stay cool in hot weather.

Colour Coordination
Stick to a colour scheme that allows you to easily mix and match all your items. This way, you can create different outfits with fewer pieces.

4. Sleepwear

Sleep Mask
Ear plugs
Cozy hoodie
Thermo shirt
Heat Packs

Sleep Comfort
Getting a good night's sleep at a festival can be challenging with all the noise from nearby campsites, late-night parties, and early morning activity. Invest in a good pair of earplugs and an eye mask to ensure restful sleep.

Heat Packs
A thermal shirt helps retain body heat, and Heat Packs keep hands and feet warm when temperatures drop at night.

Hand Warmer Pack

Sleep Comfort
Getting a good night's sleep at a festival can be challenging with all the noise from nearby campsites, late-night parties, and early morning activity. Invest in a good pair of earplugs and an eye mask to ensure restful sleep.

Cold nights
A thermal shirt helps retain body heat, and Heat Packs keep hands and feet warm when temperatures drop at night.
Hand Warmer Pack

5. Toiletries

Microfibre towel
Toothbrush
Tooth tablets
Solid soap/shampoo
Deodorant
Body powder
Foundation with SPF
Moisturizer
Hairbrush
Hair accessories
(Festival makeup)
Mirror
Compostable wet wipes
Menstrual Care

Solid Soaps
They are compact, leak-proof, and lightweight. I keep mine in aluminium tins with integrated drainage grids.

KLAR Seifen Solid Shampoo
KLAR Seifen Aluminum Soap Tin

Body Powder
Reduces body moisture and prevents chafing from physical activity, e.g., under the bra line or on the inner thighs.

Wet Wipes
Use compostable wet wipes kinstead of plastic-based ones. Dispose of them properly in the bins, not in the festival toilets. For instructions on how to make your own reusable wipes, take a look at our article about Sustainable Festival Practices.

Decomposable Wet Wipes

Menstrual Care
Menstrual cups provide longer peace of mind and require fewer visits to the festival toilets. Using biodegradable cup wipes is sufficient to clean them during the weekend. Leak-proof period panties can provide extra protection and be stored in a sealable wet bag.

Silicon Menstrual Cup

Merula Cup Wipes

Solid Soaps
They are compact, leak-proof, and lightweight. I keep mine in aluminium tins with integrated drainage grids.

KLAR Seifen Solid Shampoo
KLAR Seifen Aluminum Soap Tin

Body Powder
Reduces body moisture and prevents chafing from physical activity, e.g., under the bra line or on the inner thighs.

Wet Wipes
Use compostable wet wipes kinstead of plastic-based ones. Dispose of them properly in the bins, not in the festival toilets. For instructions on how to make your own reusable wipes, take a look at our article about Sustainable Festival Practices.

Decomposable Wet Wipes

Menstrual Care
Menstrual cups provide longer peace of mind and require fewer visits to the festival toilets. Using biodegradable cup wipes is sufficient to clean them during the weekend. Leak-proof period panties can provide extra protection and be stored in a sealable wet bag.

Silicon Menstrual Cup

Period Cup Wipes

6. First Aid

Prescription meds
Band-aids + blister pads
Insect repellent
Electrolyte tablets
Aloe vera gel
Charcoal tablets
Ibuprofen
Hot patches
Tiger balm
Vitamins
Aromatic balm
Eye Drops

Muscle Pain & Relaxation
Hot patches and Tiger balm are soothing for sore necks or cold feet. Adding some scented aroma balm to your wrists and neck can help you relax.

Immunity Boosting Vitamins
To avoid getting sick during or after the festival, start boosting your immune system a few days before. Bring supplements containing Vitamins B12, B6, C, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron.

Muscle Pain & Relaxation
Hot patches and Tiger balm are soothing for sore necks or cold feet. Adding some scented aroma balm to your wrists and neck can help you relax.

Immunity Boosting Vitamins
To avoid getting sick during or after the festival, start boosting your immune system a few days before. Bring supplements containing Vitamins B12, B6, C, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron.

7. Food & Drinks

Protein Energy Balls
Granola nut bars
Pre-made wraps
Carrot + cucumber
Hummus dip
Pasta
Tomato sauce
Bananas/apples
Candy
Chips/crackers
Frozen watermelon
Ground coffee
Oat milk powder
Vegetable broth
Prosecco Secco Soziale

Non-Perishable Food

Plant-based snacks are ideal for festivals as they can withstand the summer heat and remain tasty throughout the weekend. Fresh fruit is excellent for hydration and provides essential vitamins. Pre-made wraps filled with hummus, avocado, fresh veggies, and tofu offer a satisfying and nutritious meal. Nut bars and dried fruits are convenient and energy-dense snacks. Carrot and cucumber strips paired with hummus dip make for refreshing and crunchy treats.

Sekko Soziale Prosecco
is not just a sparkling and refreshing beverage, but it also supports an important social cause. Every liter of Sekko Soziale sold supports the initiative EXIT-Deutschland, which helps people leave right-wing extremist groups. This socially responsible sparkling wine is vegan, organic, and fairly produced, making it an environmentally and socially conscious choice.

Sekko Soziale Prosecco

Snacks on Hand
To maintain energy throughout the day, keep small, high-energy snacks like nuts and granola bars accessible. My personal favourites are protein balls with raw cacao and dates.
Protein balls are easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and nut butter.

dm Bliss Balls

Drinks & Coffee
Sarting your day with a good cup of coffee can make all the difference. Packing ground coffee and a portable French press ensures you can enjoy a fresh brew every morning. For a creamy, plant-based alternative to regular milk, bring along some oat milk powder. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and just needs water to reconstitute.

BlueFarm Barrista Oat Base

Prosecco with a social cause

Vegetable Broth Powder
Just add some hot water and you'll have a comforting and warming beverage, perfect for cooler evenings or when you need a quick pick-me-up. Rich in essential nutrients and minerals, vegetable broth helps replenish your body, especially after long days of dancing and physical activity. It can also can soothe an upset stomach or aid in digestion.

Non-Perishable Food

Plant-based snacks are ideal for festivals as they can withstand the summer heat and remain tasty throughout the weekend. Fresh fruit is excellent for hydration and provides essential vitamins. Pre-made wraps filled with hummus, avocado, fresh veggies, and tofu offer a satisfying and nutritious meal. Nut bars and dried fruits are convenient and energy-dense snacks. Carrot and cucumber strips paired with hummus dip make for refreshing and crunchy treats.

Sekko Soziale Prosecco
is not just a sparkling and refreshing beverage, but it also supports an important social cause. Every liter of Sekko Soziale sold supports the initiative EXIT-Deutschland, which helps people leave right-wing extremist groups. This socially responsible sparkling wine is vegan, organic, and fairly produced, making it an environmentally and socially conscious choice.

Sekko Soziale Prosecco

Snacks on Hand
To maintain energy throughout the day, keep small, high-energy snacks like nuts and granola bars accessible. My personal favourites are protein balls with raw cacao and dates.
Protein balls are easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and nut butter.

dm Bliss Balls

Drinks & Coffee
Sarting your day with a good cup of coffee can make all the difference. Packing ground coffee and a portable French press ensures you can enjoy a fresh brew every morning. For a creamy, plant-based alternative to regular milk, bring along some oat milk powder. It's lightweight, easy to pack, and just needs water to reconstitute.

BlueFarm Barrista Oat Base

Prosecco with a social cause

Vegetable Broth Powder
Just add some hot water and you'll have a comforting and warming beverage, perfect for cooler evenings or when you need a quick pick-me-up. Rich in essential nutrients and minerals, vegetable broth helps replenish your body, especially after long days of dancing and physical activity. It can also can soothe an upset stomach or aid in digestion.

8. Cooking Gear

Expandable water tank
Lunch box
Insulated cup
Cutlery
Cooking pan
Gas stove
French press
Cooking spoon
Pocket knife
Bin bags
Paper towel
Spices
Dishwashing liquid
Sponge

Reusable gear
To minimise waste, bring reusable cutlery, plates, and cups and some dishwashing liquid + sponge.

Solid Dishwashing Soap
Lunch Box with wooden cutting board

Expandable water tank
Often an overlooked item, but very essential for storing clean water. This expandable water tank from Decathlon is lightweight, folds away easily and can hold up to 10L of water.

Decathlon 10L Expandable Water Tank

Reusable gear
To minimise waste, bring reusable cutlery, plates, and cups and some dishwashing liquid + sponge.

Solid Dishwashing Soap
Lunch Box with wooden cutting board

Expandable water tank
Often an overlooked item, but very essential for storing clean water. This expandable water tank from Decathlon is lightweight, folds away easily and can hold up to 10L of water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Decathlon 10L Expandable Water Tank

9. Camping Gear

Power bank
charging cables
Solar-powered lantern (or string light)
Torch/headlamp
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Packable chair
Foldable table
Foldable organiser

Repurpose household items
Instead of purchasing new gear, consider looking around your household for items that may be repurposed for camping needs.

Table
I repurposed my IKEA GREJIG shoe rack as a small, foldable table that fits perfectly into the WAYKS Day Pack and is also lightweight.

IKEA GREJIG shoe rack

Decoration & Lights
Solar-powered string lights or these lanterns from Sonnenglas harness the sustainable energy the sun provides. It's a win-win for you and the planet and adds a magical vibe to your campsite.

Sonnenglas Solar-powered latern

Keeping the campground tidy:
I use a hanging clothes organiser to organise clothes and cooking gear. Placed on the ground, this organiser can also work as a bin bag divider.

IKEA RASSLA Clothes Organiser

Portable Table
I repurpose my IKEA GREJIG shoe rack as a small, foldable camp table that fits perfectly into the WAYKS Day Pack and is lightweight.

IKEA GREJIG shoe rack

Decoration & Lights
Solar-powered string lights or these lanterns from Sonnenglas harness the sustainable energy the sun provides. It's a win-win for you and the planet and adds a magical vibe to your campsite.

Solar-powered Head Torch
Sonnenglas solar-powered camp light

Organising the campground
I use a hanging clothes rack to organise clothes and cooking gear. Placed on the ground, this organiser can also work as a bin bag divider and keeps your camp area nice and tidy.

IKEA RASSLA Clothes Organiser

Ultralight, packable camp chair
The Helinox Chair Zero weighs just 490 grams, is very lightweight, easy to setup, and folds down to a compact size. It supports up to 120 kg and provides comfortable seating with good back support. Admittedly, it comes with a high price tag, but if you are a frequent hiker or festival-goer, this chair may be worth the investment.

Helinox Chair Zero

Repurpose household items
Instead of purchasing new gear, consider looking around your household for items that can be repurposed for camping needs.

10. Festival Tent

Tent
Ground Tarp
Emergency Blanket
Rope
Duct Tape
Safety pins

Tent Model
My personal go-to-tent and a favorite among campers and festival-goers: Decathlon's Quechua 2-second Fresh&Dark tent. It allows you to pitch it in just a few seconds. This is achieved through a unique mechanism that involves simply releasing the straps and letting the tent unfold and pop up on its own. Another standout feature is the Fresh & Dark technology, which ensures the interior stays cool and dark, even during the day.

QUECHUA 2 Seconds Fresh & Dark Tent

Ground Tarp
Placed under the tent, it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and sharp objects, ensuring your tent floor remains dry and undamaged, and preventing mud and water from seeping in during rainy weather. You can also use it as a sitting base outside your tent or attach it between two tents and use as a sun sail.

All Weather Ground Tarp

Heat Reflection - Emergency Blanket
To keep your tent cool during hot festival days, cover it with an emergency blanket. Make sure that the silver side faces up. This reflective surface bounces sunlight away, and will significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your tent (up to 90% of radiant heat). Also known as space blankets, the foils are very lightweight and available at most pharmacies.

Tent Model
My personal go-to-tent and a favourite among campers and festival-goers: Decathlon's Quechua 2-second Fresh&Dark tent. It pitches in just a few seconds, achieved through a unique mechanism that involves simply releasing the straps and letting the tent unfold and pop up on its own. Another standout feature is the Fresh & Dark technology, which ensures the interior stays cool and dark, even during the day.

QUECHUA 2 Seconds Fresh & Dark Tent

Ground Tarp
Placed under the tent, it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and sharp objects, ensuring your tent floor remains dry and undamaged, and preventing mud and water from seeping in during rainy weather. You can also use it as a sitting base outside your tent or attach it between two tents and use as a sun sail.

All Weather Ground Tarp

Heat Reflection - Emergency Blanket
To keep your tent cool during hot festival days, cover it with an emergency blanket. Make sure that the silver side faces up. This reflective surface bounces sunlight away, and will significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your tent (up to 90% of radiant heat). Also known as space blankets, the foils are very lightweight and available at most pharmacies.

11. Cooler Bag

Zip lock bags
Ice Packs
Frozen (coconut) water
Frozen fruit
Cooling eye patch

Ice Cube Alternatives
To improve insulation, add the Cube Inlay to the Cooler Bag. Pack reusable ice packs to keep your food & drinks cold without the mess of melting ice. To save space, pre-freeze some coconut water in tetra packs and use them as cooling packs —and later enjoy them as refreshing drinks.

Frozen Fruit Snacks
Prior to the festival, cut and freeze some watermelon. Store them in a zip-lock bag for a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Puffy Eyes Rescue
My final must-have is the cooling eye patch. It reduces puffy eyes after a little sleep and is a true glamping highlight for me.