From hip flasks to mashed potato: 9 festival essentials chosen by the Shortlist team
Yes, one of them is loo roll…
It’s officially coming up to festival szn, meaning the whole of the UK is getting ready to drastically overestimate how good the weather is, put on a plastic poncho, and day drink without guilt.
If you’re a seasoned semi-professional festival goer then you’ll know to bring the fairy lights to be able to actually find your tent in the dark, remember your bum bag, and be a pro at doing the whole mouthwash vodka switcheroo.
However, there are always things it’s easy to forget - or, things that you make an executive decision you don’t *actually* need as you look at your overflowing bag. We asked our team what items they consider festival essentials, so you don’t need a packing list this summer.
Gerald, Editor in Chief
1. Flat folded Loo roll
It’s a classic, but you have to go for a flat loo roll. Most people know the old bring your own loo-roll trick, but if you’re a proper pro, you’ll know to bring flat, folded toilet paper to avoid taking up too much space, plus it can easily be slid into a pocket.
2. Pot Noodle
Again, it’s a classic must-have but never underestimate the power of a drunken or hungover pot-noodle. It will last forever so if you have any left over, just leave them in the cupboard for your next festival.
Marc, Content Director
3. Some kind of blow up chair
Maybe it’s the age, but having some form of seating that you can pack down and blow up is a game changer. Sitting in the sun by your tent with a group of mates and some drinks is the way to go.
4. A secret hip flask
There are loads of great options for doing a sneaky booze run - rather than trying to conceal a hip flask, why not go for something a bit more audacious. You’ve got your bar-noculars (binoculars with two drinking vessels), your decoy digital camera, ice-packs, even sunscreen. Get creative, and cheers!
Hermione, Content Editor
5. Instant mashed potato
If you have packed this, you are a certified festival weapon. Move over Pot Noodle, this is the ultimate midnight food. I personally go for Idahoan Perfect Mash Potato - they’ve got a whole range including Bacon and Cheese, Butter and Herb, Garlic, Cheese. Don’t ask me how they make it, just try it and tell me I’m wrong.
6. A Carabiner
I may be biased because I grew up in a family of sailors so have owned my own pen knife and carabiner since I was ten, but regardless, a carabiner is your secret weapon... Don’t want to lose something? Carabiner. Don’t have pockets? Carabiner. Don’t want to lose your friend who always bolts? Carabiner (and a bit of stretchy rope). Need to hang or secure something in the tent? Carabiner. You’re welcome.
Morgan, News & Features Writer
7. A Water gun
It’s fun, and it’s hydrating - what more do you need? Also, you don’t just have to keep water in there if you know what we’re saying. Relive some childhood fun and cool it down.
8. An Eyemask
Whether you’re sleeping in until two in the afternoon or are up early (why?) thanks to British Daylight Saving, you’ll be needing an eyemask, hangover or no hangover.
Bonus group essential
9. Tinnies
It goes without saying that you need a good old tinnie. An English festival without a tinnie is like Gavin & Stacey without someone saying ‘Oh What’s Occurring’ - unthinkable. But, half of the team are drinks experts, and the other half are festival experts, so we’ve rounded up the top tinnies that are definitely worth adding to your shopping list.
- MOTH Spicy Margarita, RRP £4, available at Sainsbury's
- M&S - The Marksologist range, Smoked Pineapple Daiquiri, RRP £3.50 available at M&S
- Whitebox Pocket Negroni, RRP £5.50, available at John Lewis
- Pentire Coastal Spritz RRP £3.75, available at Pentire
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin & Tonic, RRP £2.55, available at Tesco
Main image credit: Matthew Baker / Getty Images
