Highfield Festival Packing List: 87 Smart Essentials for Camping

Top 10 Non-Negotiables

Start with the essentials that can ruin your trip if forgotten. Your ticket (printed or digital QR code) is the first thing to double-check before leaving home – losing it between gates is a nightmare, as travel blogger Victoria Philpott discovered at a UK festival. Bring a government-issued ID, your bank card, and some cash, though ATMs are usually available, per her advice.

A fully charged phone and a portable charger are lifesavers for meeting up with friends and capturing moments. Pack any medications in their original packaging, inside a waterproof bag. A refillable water bottle is crucial for staying hydrated, and you can refill it at free water points – but check the festival map once you arrive. Sunscreen, earplugs, toiletries, and a reusable bottle round out the list of musts.

Camping Gear Checklist

Your tent is your home for the weekend. REI advises choosing a tent that suits the weather and the number of people – a pop-up for easy packing or a sturdier model for wind and rain. Practice setting it up at home first, and don't forget a mallet for pegs, a groundsheet to keep moisture out, and a repair kit for unexpected tears.

For sleep, a sleeping bag rated for cool nights (check the TOG or comfort rating) and an inflatable pad or lilo for insulation from the cold ground will make a huge difference. A pillow adds comfort, even a compressible one. If rain is forecast, protect your sleeping bag in a plastic bag while transporting it, as Philpott advises.

Campsite extras can elevate your experience: a small lantern or headlamp for hands-free lighting, a tarp or tapestry for shade, and a camping chair for relaxing. Remember tent repair tape, which can fix anything from a broken pole to a fabric tear. If you're car camping, you can bring more, but if you're hauling gear on foot, keep it minimal.

Clothing and Footwear for August Weather

August in Leipzig can swing from hot and sunny to cool, rainy, and even chilly at night. Pack a rain jacket with a hood, warm layers like a hoodie or fleece, and a warm hat for after sunset. A versatile wardrobe of shorts, t-shirts, and long pants will adapt to the weather shifts.

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is non-negotiable. Waterproof boots or shoes with good grip are ideal for muddy paths or wet grass after rain. Break them in before the festival to avoid blisters. Sandals or flip-flops are useful for showers and hot days. Don't forget a sun hat and sunglasses for those bright afternoons.

A bandana is a festival multi-tool: wear it around your neck to stay cool when dampened, or use it as a face mask against dust. Swimwear might come in handy for quick dips in the nearby lake, but check if swimming is actually allowed at Störmthaler See, as not all German lakes have designated swimming areas.

Food and Drink: Bring vs Buy

Festivals like Highfield offer a wide range of food vendors, so you can choose to buy most meals on-site. However, packing some easy meals and snacks saves money and time, as Philpott points out. Cold sandwiches, pasta salads, and granola bars are good options. If you plan to cook, remember a portable stove and necessary utensils.

Abide by the no-glass policy common at German festivals: bring drinks in cans or plastic bottles instead. A reusable water bottle or cup is a must, as many events provide free water refill stations. For perishable foods, pack a cooler with ice; check if you can refreeze or buy ice on-site.

Festival Gear and Accessories

A lightweight daypack is essential for carrying your valuables, water bottle, and sunscreen during the day. A portable phone charger or power bank is vital for keeping your phone alive for photos and communication, as noted by REI. Foldable chairs are great for relaxing at your campsite or in front of stages, but check if they're allowed in the main viewing areas.

A headlamp or flashlight helps navigate at night, especially for trips to the portable toilets. To find your tent in a sea of similar ones, attach a brightly colored flag, wind spinner, or other marker to make it stand out. Glow sticks can be fun for evening identification, but be mindful of light pollution if you're trying to sleep.

Personal Care and Hygiene

Many festivals provide shower facilities, but lines might be long and water cold. Pack biodegradable soap and shampoo, plus a quick-dry towel. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for touch-ups between showers. Keep a small toiletries kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and face wipes.

Don't forget hand sanitizer and your own toilet paper or tissues – portable toilets often run out. A basic first aid kit with plasters, pain relievers, and rehydration salts can handle minor mishaps. Insect repellent is crucial for evenings, and aftersun or aloe vera soothes any sunburn.

What NOT to Bring to Highfield

German festivals enforce strict rules to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. Common prohibited items include glass bottles, open fires, and your own alcohol. Professional cameras and drones are typically banned to protect artist rights and privacy, and illegal substances are absolutely forbidden. Fireworks, weapons, and other dangerous objects are also not allowed.

Check the Highfield Festival official website for the most current list of prohibited items, as rules can change annually. When in doubt, leave it at home or in your car – confiscation at the gates is a guaranteed way to start your festival badly.

Packing for the Journey

The walk from the car park to the campsite can be long at Highfield. A luggage trolley or a cart with sturdy wheels is worth its weight if you're carrying heavy gear. If you're traveling by public transport, consider a backpack with a padded hip belt for easier carrying. Plan to make multiple trips if needed.

Printable Checklist and PDF

To make packing easier, you can create a printable checklist by copying the categories and items into a spreadsheet or a note-taking app. REI offers a downloadable PDF version of their festival camping checklist, which you can adapt.

Tips for Different Weather Scenarios

Hot weather demands shade, hydration, and cooling accessories like a misting spray or a damp bandana. Cold nights require warm layers, a quality sleeping bag, and possibly a hot water bottle. Rain means having a waterproof jacket, dry changes of clothes, and a groundsheet for your tent. Wind requires securing your tent with strong pegs and using a windbreak if possible.

Plan Your Visit

These tips come from experienced festival goers and pack experts, but nothing beats official sources for site-specific rules like banned items or shuttle times. Check the Highfield page on Festjourney for details on camping, getting there, and where to stay nearby.

For international visitors, remember to bring a power adapter for German outlets and check that your bank cards work abroad. Carry some euros for smaller vendors, and consider downloading a translation app for convenience. With this checklist, you're ready to enjoy everything Highfield has to offer.