Over the years I've been to at least 300 festivals across the globe, from the muddy fields of Glastonbury to the scorching deserts of Coachella.
But while I've endured some pretty extreme conditions in my time, Reading Festival (and its sister Festival, Leeds) are one you really don't want to turn up to unprepared. From sweaty mosh pits to miles-long toilet queues, without the right arsenal of gadgets and accessories you're going to have a pretty grimy experience.
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That's why I've put together a definitive packing list. The cost of all these must-have items - plus tickets and travel - brings the total to just under £1,300.
It might sound like a lot, but trust me: these items are a lifesaver. Read on for my ultimate Reading Festival checklist.
Reading Festival packing list
Campsite
- Tent (£199.99): This is your home, your palace, your sanctuary from the carnage. If you've not got one, you're sleeping in the mud, simple as. Don't be a cheapskate; get a decent one. Single skin tents are a joke; if it rains, you’re screwed. I recommend a pop-up blackout tent, which will let you sleep in after a mad night.
- Self-inflating sleeping mat (£89.99): A night on the floor is a proper buzzkill. After a full day of banging tunes and pint-sloshing, you'll want a decent kip. Get one of these, and you'll be as fresh as a daisy. You don’t wanna be huffing and puffing, blowing up an air bed. Get a self-inflating one!
- Sleeping bag (£19.99): Even if the sun's blazing, it gets proper chilly at night. Don't be the bloke shivering at 3am. A decent sleeping bag is a lifesaver. Put your clothes in the bag that it comes in: pillow sorted.
- Portable shower (£54.99): Let's be real, communal showers are minging. A portable one is a game-changer. A quick spray and you'll feel like a new man.
- Beach poncho (£40): Perfect for drying off after your morning wash - or just staying cosy at night.
- XXL wipes (£4.50): For a quick evening wipe-down, these are the way forward. I’m a big bloke, and this giant wetwipe sorts me right out.
- Torch (£9.99): Navigating your way back to your tent in the pitch black is a mission. A torch saves you from stacking it over a guy rope or, worse, stumbling into someone else's tent and getting a proper earful. Don’t waste your phone battery; buy one!
- Ear plugs (£9.99): Festivals are 24/7 chaos; block out the 5am drum circle and actually get some kip.
- Malibu Piña Colada mini cans (£23.88): Tastes like a holiday, fits in your pocket; cocktails on demand, what more could you ask for?
Arena
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- Mini wet wipes (£8.76): Festivals are grim, Porta-loos are grimmer! Stay fresh with a wet wipe. One mini pack a day in your bag should do it – and as an FYI, there is never any loo roll and don’t look down.
- Alpine ear defenders (£29.95): Look after your ears. If you get to the front of the stage, the sound is massive, and you don't want to be buzzing for a week. These let you enjoy the tunes without ringing in your ears forever.
- Comfy trainers (£120): Under Armour seems to be the brand of choice for you to get a bit of that Ibiza Final Boss Aesthetic. Just don’t be a guy who shows up as a full kit w*nker… for any footy club. It’s not a vibe. Make sure they match your outfit every day, then you only need one pair.
- Ankle wellies (£95): Reading is notorious for being a mud bath. If it's raining, your trainers are getting binned. Don't even think about turning up without these. It looks like it’s gonna be sunny, but you never know.
- Portable urinal (£22.99): This is for the tent, because that walk in the middle of the night is brutal. And pissing out your door is rank.
- Power bank (£67.96): Because the last thing you want is to lose your friends in the middle of a crowd
- Lunchbox sling bag (£58): Listen up, you don't want to get robbed blind. This nifty bag has got proper anti-theft zip clips to protect all your gear. Inside, six pockets, so your charger, wallet and all the essentials are safely tucked away.
- Blister plasters (£4.49): It’s a rule that someone in the group will whinge all day about their shoes hurting. I always carry a pack to shut people up when they're bitching about a blister.
- Portable fan (£19.99): Because let's face it, no one enjoys sweating like a rotisserie chicken while waiting for their favourite DJ.
The morning after
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- Rave packs (£54.99): Festivals take their toll. These are the secret weapon to help you bounce back so you can go again, and again, and again.
- Liquid IV sachets (£6): You've been on the beers all day. You're dehydrated. A sachet of this in your water will sort you right out. A proper lifesaver.
The extras
- General admission including camping (£325): A weekend ticket including standard camping will set you back £325 or £360 with early entry included. For an additional fee you can splash out on upgrades, like the Pink Moon Boutique Village - or Silent Disco headsets. See the Reading Festival website for more
- Coach travel (£50 approx): Depending on where you're travelling from, a coach ticket will cost between £30 and £100 return
- Supermarket food and drink for three nights (£30): Assuming you're not planning on splashing out on the on-site vendors, at a conservative estimate three days' worth of food and drink will likely set you back a minimum of £30 per person
TOTAL: £1,288.49
What can I take into Reading and Leeds Festival?
Banned: Aerosols over 250ml, disposable BBQs, campfires, air horns, drones, fireworks, glass bottles or containers over 100ml, large soundsystems, spray cans - full list of prohibited items here
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Permitted in the campsite only: Alcohol (for over-18s); camping equipment; cans; flat-based cooking stoves; sealed drinks bottles; reusable drinking bottles (no glass); full list here
Who's playing at Reading and Leeds Festival 2025?
The annual rock festival has enlisted headline acts including Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, plus Travis Scott. The Kooks, AJ Tracey, Royel Otis, and Suki Waterhouse will also take to the stage.
The LADbible Team