Camping at music festivals this year? Be prepared!

I know that camping creates a wonderful image of setting up a tent on a sunny day next to a beautifully peaceful river in the middle of a forest. A forest so deep in the countryside that it would be more surprising if you bumped into somebody else than if you didn't. That's the image created in my mind anyway, but what does that have to do with music festivals? Good point, it doesn't have a lot, but the point I was trying to make was that whenever I picture a camp site I picture a sunny time, but you have to be prepared when you're camping at a music festival for the weather to take a turn for the worse.

There isn't a lot you can do to stop a thunderstorm, or a heavy shower, but you can make sure that it at least doesn't soak you through and ruin your festival experience. Sure you can sleep in your car (if that's allowed) but if it really is bad weather then even your car would be destined for the car salvage heap, plus, sleeping in your car really isn't all that fun. The first line of protection for a music festival camper knows what tent to take and the mindset approach to take. There are two main types of tent that should be looked at;

1. An expensive one that will protect you from all elements will be hard wearing, waterproof even if a tsunami hit it and large enough to cater for all your music festival items, including friends, camping equipment, music merchandise, food and drink. A tent that is so robust you'd probably have to buy your building supplies from builders merchants.

2. A cheaper, less robust, disposable tent that will give you some water protection, but won't be worth using again for next year’s festival events. Will be big enough for at least you and your luggage, but not much in the way of a social meeting point.

Obviously the above comes from two very different perspectives, and the main difference between the two is overall cost. A good quality tent can cost as much as you're willing to spend, £50, £75 and £100+. Cheaper tents can be had for as little as £10 if you know where to look, but the waterproof rating will be lower than the expensive tents. A 1500mm waterproof rating is generally considered good for most showers, anything less and you might be a little damp inside, obviously the higher rating the better the tent would be with regards to keeping water out.

Personally I would opt for the cheaper tent that can be thrown away once your music festival has finished and it's time to go home. As long as you have a roof over your head and a place to store your things then you are good to go. If the worst happens and the tent does get filthy, soaked, ripped and abused then the money you have spent on it hasn't been too big a loss. Of course this I am just speaking from my personal experience from the few music festivals that I have attended and I have noticed that you're not there at the festival to baffle people with your amazing tent that resembles some sort of office supplies.

That’s the tent sorted, but what about everything else that you’re likely to need? What about a sleeping bag? Your personal computer? A portable shower?. Those last two were joke items, your computer would only error and with no IT support in the middle of a field, what would you do? Also, a shower would be over kill. But a sleeping bag? Well, yes, a light weight one would be a good idea as the summer can give some warm nights and you don’t want to be uncomfortable in temperature when sleeping. Other items like a good quality backpack, cooking equipment (yes that includes knives and forks) are always a bonus. Refillable water bottles are a must as hydration should be at the top of your priority list, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Finally, don’t forget to pack a smile and have a good time.