Whether you're heading to a music festival like Electric Picnic or planning a laid-back camping trip in the countryside, having the right equipment can make all the difference between a dreamy adventure and a camping nightmare. To help you pack smart, we’ve pulled together the ultimate checklist, based on tried-and-tested categories and extras for every kind of outdoor experience.
Power & Lighting Essentials
Keep your devices charged and your path lit:
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Power Banks – Perfect for phones and small electronics.
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Power Stations – Great for multi-device charging or small appliances.
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Handheld Torches – For late-night bathroom runs or tent setup.
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Speakers – For campsite vibes or morning tunes.
Transport & Camp Comfort
Make setup easier and chilling more enjoyable:
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Trolley Carts – For moving gear from car to site.
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Camping Chair – Relax in style and comfort.
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Camping Table – Eat, prep, or play games around it.
Shelter & Sleeping Essentials
Because good sleep matters, even at festivals:
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Tent
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Air Bed or Sleeping Mat
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Tent Mallet
- Blanket
- Towel
Cooking & Eating Gear
If your festival or campsite allows cooking:
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Portable Gas Stove – Quick hot meals or tea.
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Kettle – For hot drinks or boiling water.
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Pan – Cook eggs, soup, or grilled cheese.
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Chopping Board – For meal prep.
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Mug – For hot drinks in the morning chill.
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Soup – Instant comfort food.
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BBQ (check if allowed) – Great for group meals.
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Tableware – Plates, bowls, and utensils.
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Drink Bottle – Stay hydrated.
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Solar Panel Charger – Sustainable power backup.
Repairs & Emergencies
Stay prepared for the unexpected:
- Duct Tape – For quick fixes.
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Repair Kit – Especially useful for tents or air beds.
- Rain jacket– Always handy.
- Rain trousers
Cleanliness & Hygiene
Keep things tidy and fresh:
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Cleaning Equipment
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Wet Wipes or Cloths
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Bin Bags
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Wet or Dry Bag – Store dirty or wet clothes separately.
Personal Care & Protection
Don’t let weather or bugs get in your way:
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Insect Repellent or Killer
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Windbreaker
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Dry Socks (always pack extra)
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Earplugs – Block out noise while sleeping.
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Sleeping Mask – Great for early morning light.
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Beanie, or Warm Hat – Nights can get chilly.
- Beanie with lights - Perfect for late-night walks or navigating the campsite.
Fun & Bonus Extras
Because festivals should also be fun:
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Travel Games – Great for downtime and bonding.
- Bubble Machine or water gun– For playful fun at campsites or crowds.
🧐 Do You Really Need All This Gear?
Not always. While this list covers music festivals, camping trips, and outdoor events, not all festivals require the full setup. Here’s a quick guide:
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Day Festivals: Bring the basics—power bank, wet wipes, bottle, rain jacket.
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Camping Festivals: You’ll likely need most of this list.
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Music Festivals: Add extra comfort and fun gear (e.g. speakers, games).
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Wellness or Food Festivals: Cooking gear may not be necessary if vendors are on-site.
Always check the official guidelines of the event you're attending.
Upcoming Music Festivals in Ireland – Summer 2025
Ready to put your checklist to the test? Here are some major events you won't want to miss:
Forest Fest 2025
📍 Emo Village, Laois
📅 July 25–27, 2025
🎤 Headliners: Franz Ferdinand, Orbital, Manic Street Preachers, Therapy?, Kula Shaker
🎵 Plus: Pillow Queens, The Stranglers, Sharon Shannon, X-Press 2, Teenage Fanclub & more
🌐 forestfest.ie
All Together Now Festival 2025
📍 Curraghmore Estate, Waterford
📅 July 31 – August 3, 2025
🎤 Lineup: Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, London Grammar, CMAT, Wet Leg, Bonobo, Groove Armada, The Voidz
🌐 alltogethernow.ie
A.Wake Festival 2025
📍 Westmeath
📅 August 16–18, 2025
🕺 Lineup TBA – stay tuned for announcements!
Electric Picnic 2025
📍 Stradbally, Laois
📅 August 29–31, 2025
🎉 One of Ireland’s biggest music festivals. Lineup to be announced!
✅ Final Thoughts
From your power bank to your bubble machine, packing smart means you’ll spend more time enjoying the festival and less time solving problems. Use this guide to prep like a pro—and make your 2025 festival season unforgettable.