Festival Season is here again! Festivals – mud, sun, rain, porta loos and hosepipe showers - not the place for your favourite suitcase and Italian leather shoes.
So, what do you really need to survive? The Sporting Lodge has handpicked a few suggestions that will help you on your way to your ultimate festival survival kit!
1. The Bag
Comfort, durability and space are most important when choosing your backpack. If you like to take all your luxuries and more, we suggest the Fjallraven Kaipak 58L Rucksack. It's practical, rugged and weatherproof. Plenty of pockets to organise your gear, a carry system with airflow, and a support belt with even more places to keep your stuff. Compression straps can be used when the bag is not fully loaded, and it also comes with a rain cover if the weather turns bad. Durability and comfort are essential for a long weekend in a field. We recommend Gramicci packable shorts for their easy-adjust belts and rugged build.
If you like to travel a bit lighter, we recommend choosing a Fjallraven Kanken. They range from 16L to 27L with large compartments, and if you really can't live without your technology, there are even a few with laptop compartments! View our range to find your perfect size.
2. The Outer
Umbrellas aren't the most convenient at a festival, so a good all-round outer layer is essential. For protection without the weight, a few options are available.
Firstly, the Fjallraven Poncho. Simple, robust and your new best friend if it starts to rain! The poncho is big enough to fit over your rucksack and can also double up as a tarp if you decide to sleep under the stars. Multifunctional and folds up so small it fits in your pocket, ready to go.
If you want something a bit more substantial, we enthusiastically recommend the Fjallraven Greenland Jacket. Available for Men and Women, this traditional piece will withstand the test of time. Made from hard-wearing G-1000, which can be waxed for extra protection against the elements. Plenty of pockets and designed for layering up underneath. This coat is lightweight and packs up tight when not needed. The Fjallraven Greenland Jacket comes in various styles and colours. We have a full range of products available.
3. Shoes
Wherever in the world you're going this year, there is going to be mud, so practical footwear is a must!
For ladies, we recommend Ariat wellies. Robust and practical with exceptional comfort. Available in a range of colours and at a fantastic price of only £90!
For men, we have the Beretta Lario Wellington Boots. 100% natural rubber, with cotton and polyester lining. Features toe, forefoot and heel protection. We stock a wide range of men's wellingtons, so if these aren't for you, see the full range here.
Another possibility, if you're not a wellie person, is a versatile pair of Swim shoes—Norwegian-made, water-resistant, lightweight, fast-drying, durable footwear. We have a great range, from sneakers to goloshes. These Swims Penny Loafers in Brown are a classy and practical option for those hot summer days. Alternatively, when you need a simple pump that gets better with age and a bit of 'patina', a pair of classic Novesta plimsolls is the perfect festival companion."
When you're back at the campsite, give your feet a break from wellies with slip-on styles like the Birkenstock Boston, perfect for easy on-off wear.
