A guide to preparing for festivals - By: Jamie Hanson

So excited about how close we're getting to the festival season...what with the last of the Glastonbury tickets being sold on Sunday it's really got me in the frame of mind for the festival season. Glastonbury, Reading, Leeds, Latitude, Benicassim, Soundwave, Bestival and Isle of Wight! They all get me going! They're the festivals I try to go to - funds permitting! It's always fairly pricey...getting festival gear, camping equipment and the like! After spending a small fortune on the festival tickets it makes sense to try and seek out good deals on camping tents, picnic ware, sleeping bags and any other outdoor equipment you think will make your outdoor festival experience all the more exciting! The key is simply to get really good value gear at good prices.

Buying quality yet cheap camping gear is the key!

Wet weather and British festivals go hand in hand so it helps to be ready for a mud bath - don't spend a fortune for the most expensive gear, of course you can do if you wish, but kit at festivals always gets broken and wrecked - if not by you by others! Think of the mud, the rain, alcohol, and any other obstacles that could potentially damage your kit! In the past I have spent a fortune on stuff...buying expensively branded kit which typically got ruined and had to be left there so I've now decided to get on board with quality gear that doesn't break the bank and it isn't too much of a pain if it gets ruined or damaged.

Camping tents

So how many of you are going to the festival? We all know that tents can be relatively compact living areas so I've found that when I've gone to festivals with groups it's been worthwhile investing in a tent that is slightly bigger than your required needs. Come on now...you don't just have your clothes and sleeping bags do you? You've got crates of beer, cider and the like to store so it's definitely worth purchasing a tent that sleeps one or two people more than you actually need. Backpacker tents are ideal if you're travelling by yourself and need a lightweight tent that's easy to cart around

Sleeping bags for all weather conditions

Festivals in Europe over the summer months allow for you to be a little more flexible in the type of sleeping bags that you buy. To be honest...was in Croatia last year and actually all I needed was a silk sleeping bag liner as it was so warm outside but I guess it would be advisable to at least take a 1-2 season sleeping bag for a little comfort and warmth! Festivals in the UK are a completely different story with regards to sleeping bags...our weather here is so unpredictable that you need to be sure to take either a 1-2 or a 2-3 season sleeping bag with you. If you can try and opt for a microlite sleeping bag as these will be uber lightweight and easy to carry - whether it's from the car at Glastonbury or travelling round Europe on the way to Soundwave with your rucksack in tow! Try to find a sleeping bag with a shoulder baffle and an inside pocket - the shoulder baffle is more comfortable and offers a little bit of cushioning whilst the pocket is handy for keeping your mobile or camera in! If you fancy indulging in a little extra comfort then get yourself a travel pillow - they don't cost the earth, are lightweight to travel with and you can be guaranteed to get quality sleep...when you do!!!

Camping accessories and festival kit

There are so many places that have fantastic deals, discounts and Buy One Get One Free offers on camping equipment and accessories so it makes sense to use these offers! You don't need to go mad on equipment for festivals...remember there will be loads of places to get drink and food but obviously if you're watching your money the camping cookware and picnic sets definitely will come in use. Picnic rugs and blankets are also brilliant for use at festivals when on camping trips...you never know when you want to snuggle up in a blanket when chilling outside the tent talking until the early hours!

About the Author

When going to a festival invest in a hard wearing rucksack and don't forget your sleeping bag.

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