10 best festival essentials to buy now for August 2025 – from tents to power banks

If you’re squeezing in one last UK festival before summer winds down, you’ve probably already braced yourself for £7 pints, epic queues and the inevitable Sunday night regret. But when it comes to your gear, there’s still time to upgrade without rinsing your budget.

We’ve rounded up ten of the most practical, best-value bits of kit to see you through – whether you’re off to Boardmasters, Creamfields, Reading or one of the smaller boutique festivals still to come. All come from trusted UK retailers and many have been tried and tested by seasoned festival-goers.

Here are our 2025 festival lifesavers – from quick-pitch tents to wet wipes that actually leave you feeling human again.

1. Quechua 2 Second Pop-Up Tent – £99

This is the ultimate tent for people who hate pitching tents. It genuinely takes seconds to set up, thanks to its automatic pop-up frame, and folds away into a flat disc that fits easily in a trolley or on your back. It’s roomy enough for two or snug for three, ventilated to reduce condensation, and has water-repellent outer fabric to handle light showers. Plus, it’s one of the few budget tents that doesn’t feel flimsy.

Buy now from Decathlon

2. Mountain Warehouse Traveller 50 Sleeping Bag – £19.99

When temperatures dip at night, having a proper sleeping bag makes all the difference. This one from Mountain Warehouse is designed for summer use – it’s thin, lightweight and folds up small, making it ideal for travel. It comes in bright colours for easy identification and is made with breathable fabric that helps prevent overheating after a day in the sun (or the beer tent).

Order from Mountain Warehouse

3. Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch – £30

No one wants to be fumbling with a phone torch at 2am while trying to find their way back from the loos. This USB-rechargeable head torch keeps your hands free and throws out up to 300 lumens of clear, wide-angle light. It’s water-resistant, compact, and has multiple brightness settings – great for everything from reading in your tent to navigating muddy tracks.

Get it from Go Outdoors

4. Belkin 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank – £27.99

Your phone is your ticket, camera, group chat lifeline and flashlight, so keeping it charged is non-negotiable. This high-capacity Belkin power bank can deliver up to three full charges, with two USB ports and a sleek rose gold finish that makes it easy to spot in your bag. It’s robust, compact, and great value for a 20,000mAh model.

Buy from Currys

5. Pits & Bits Filthy Festival Wash Kit – £11.74

Let’s be honest: the festival shower is rarely worth the queue. This hygiene kit from Superdrug is a game changer. It includes towel-off body wash, shampoo, and biodegradable wipes in a resealable bag. Designed specifically for festivals, it’s light, effective, and lets you stay semi-presentable without braving the communal cubicles.

Buy the full kit at Superdrug

6. Soltan Kids Once Sunscreen SPF50+ – £13

You’ll be out in the sun for hours, often without realising just how strong it is. This long-lasting SPF 50+ cream from Boots is ideal for all skin types, even sensitive. It’s water-resistant, easy to apply, and doesn’t leave that sticky white residue that clings to your clothes. One application lasts up to eight hours, even with dancing and sweat involved.

Get it at Boots

7. Peter Storm Packable Waterproof Jacket – £18

Festival weather is unpredictable at best. This lightweight waterproof from Millets folds neatly into its own pouch, making it ideal for throwing into your daypack. It’s breathable, fully taped, and comes in a range of colours. The perfect shield from sudden downpours without weighing you down when the sun comes back out.

Check it out at Millets

8. Eurohike Folding Festival Trolley – £65

You’ll thank yourself for this within minutes of arriving. Designed to handle grass, gravel and festival tracks, this sturdy folding trolley makes it easy to lug your tent, backpack, crates and sleeping bag from the car park to your pitch in one go. It collapses flat for storage and even has a handle with a good grip – crucial when you’re half-asleep on Monday morning and trying to pack up in a rush.

Buy from Go Outdoors

9. Three Rivers 3-in-1 Seat Cooler – £29

This clever bit of kit is part folding stool, part cooler bag, and part backpack. It’s strong enough to support a seated adult, folds up in seconds, and keeps drinks cold for hours. If you don’t fancy sitting on damp grass or queuing at overpriced bars all day, this is a very savvy buy.

Shop now at Dunelm

10. JBL Go 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker – £34.99

This small but mighty Bluetooth speaker is perfect for campsite hangouts. The new Go 4 model delivers upgraded sound and up to 7 hours of battery life, plus it’s waterproof, dustproof and comes in a punchy colour range. Whether you’re chilling between sets or hosting a tent party, it’s a guaranteed mood-lifter.

Pick one up at Currys

If you’re shopping for festival kit on a budget, it’s also worth checking out second-hand listings on Vinted or Facebook Marketplace – especially for one-use items like pop-up tents or camping chairs. Just remember to check everything works before you set off.

Prices and details updated on August 8 2025