Yoga Festival Packing List: 50 Things Not to Forget!

A yoga festival is all about relaxing and connecting the mind, body and soul. So the last thing you wantm is to be stressed before you even get there thinking of all the things you need to take or might forget. Work your way through this yoga festival packing list to make sure you have all the essential items ready to go.

Yoga festivals are a different kind of holiday. They’re focused around relaxation, honing your skills, and reconnecting with yourself. So it makes sense that you need to approach packing for a yoga festival differently to another trip away.

It may seem like an easy task at first, but you’ll soon find out you need more that just yoga pants and a mat while you’re away. Things like headbands, phone chargers and baby wipes are things you can easily forget…but definitely need. Trust me.

And if you’re camping, then you’ll need all the stuff to keep you sheltered, dry, warm or cool depending on the location and time of year, and more.

But instead of stressing out about all the things you need to remember to pack, which is kind of the opposite point of heading to this kind of wellbeing retreat anyway, my yoga festival packing list is an easy-to-follow checklist.

1. Tent

The first thing that you really do need to pack is a tent. The thought of sleeping under the stars might sound alluring, but trust me you’ll want that tent when it’s raining, or you just want to relax in privacy.

And some of the following items include camping accessories to make sure you can put up the tent easily (and keep it up).

2. Mallet

If you’ve been camping before, you’ll know you need to add a mallet to your yoga festival packing list. No mallet = fly away tent. Don’t be fooled, it does happen! Make sure those pegs are in nice and deep.

3. Sleeping bag

After all that hard work stretching, flexing and strengthening those core muscles, having a cosy place to tuck up at night is soothing for the soul. A sleeping bag here is essential. Unless you’re going to a summer yoga festival, I recommend getting to cosiest sleeping bag out there. It’s just a nice way to end the day.

The Quechua cotton sleeping bag is a good option, as it has a nice feel to it and can be converted to a duvet. Make sure you check temperatures though as this sleeping bag is suited to 10°C nights.

4. Blanket

This will come in handy for camping, but also during your yoga practice (or other wellbeing activities). A lot of yoga festivals include meditation, sound baths, talks and more, which is a lot of stillness.

If it’s cool outside, a blanket is a great way to stay warm. But even if you end up at a yoga festival in glorious weather, you can still make use of your blanket as something to sit on too!

5. Sliders

At a yoga festival, you spend a lot of time barefoot or in grip socks, but it’s important to pack a pair of shoes as you travel from class to class. Or across muddy fields or in the toilets for that matter. Sliders are ideal for this, so they’re worth adding to you festival packing checklist.

They’re much easier than trainers or gym shoes to slide on and off – kind of obvious by the name. You can pick up some great sliders from adidas for your yoga festival, from the women’s footwear section.

6. Travel mug or cup

If, like me, you need a coffee to start the day, you’ll want something to sip it out of. And if, like me, you like more than one, a travel mug is ideal for wandering around festival grounds with your coffee in hand.

It’s also a good way to be eco-conscious. By taking a reusable travel mug, you don’t have to worry about wasting cups.

7. Carrier bags

Ok these aren’t exclusive to a yoga festival packing list, but just any festival or camping list. But they’re one of those items you really wouldn’t think to take.

Carrier bags really come in handy for so many things. Whether it’s somewhere to dump your rubbish til you find a bin, or to put wet clothes into, or separate clothes into laundry, or to wear over and protect shoes from getting wet, or just generally carry stuff around.

I usually take at least 3 or 4 with me, depending on how long the festival is.

8. Compact mirror

While yoga is all about letting go and working on your inner-self, you’ll still want to know how you look each morning. But instead of running to the campsite toilets every time you need a mirror, take a compact one instead.

They’re small enough to fit in your bag and definitely come in handy. If you’re planning to take makeup – finding a powder with a mirror solves this problem!

9. Baby wipes

I have a separate holiday packing list for kids, which obviously includes baby wipes, however they really come in handy for all ages when it comes to a yoga festival packing list.

Baby wipes are so good for cleaning hands and they’re pretty gentle for the face too if you run out of face wipes. They’re also just a good product to have if you don’t manage to shower.

10. Hand sanitiser

Although I said baby wipes were great for cleaning hands, I still recommend taking hand sanitiser with you. As much as I love festivals, they’re not necessarily the cleanest of places. Hand sanitisers are great little savers for staying as germ-free as possible.

They’re also a great item for a yoga festival because you spend a lot of time using the same equipment (unless you take your own). So it’s a nice way to share and care.

11. Rain mac

Don’t go to a festival with a fancy new coat. It’s just never a good idea. Save it for a weekend city break or something, and instead take your best waterproof.

A rain coat or mac will really come in handy if it starts to rain. But even if it doesn’t – it’s so much easier to clean. So you won’t have to worry about muddy fields or spilling drinks etc.

12. Towels

Festivals generally require packing a towel – if you’re planning on showering at least. But I decided to include more than one towel on the yoga festival packing list because you’ll want separate towels for exercising and showering.

It’s also a good idea to take a sweat or face towel with you during classes. Even if it’s not hot, it’s nice to be able to freshen up.

13. Yoga Leggings

They don’t have to explicitly be yoga leggings, but leggings that work for practising yoga are clearly an important item to take with you to a yoga festival.

It’s a good idea to take a few pairs too, depending how long the festival is. Leggings are also pretty comfortable and flexible, and are easy to squash into a bag.

14. Deodorant

Speaking of staying fresh – deodorant is an ESSENTIAL item in your yoga festival packing list. You’ll no doubt spend your days sweating and stretching, and no one wants to be the person who didn’t put on deodorant while doing that.

It’s also one of those items that’s easy to forget, even though you use it everyday at home. Make it the first one to go in your bag.

15. Harem pants

And for when you want something a little looser than leggings, harem pants are the ideal yoga festival outfit for when you’re doing – or not doing – yoga.

They’re comfortable and a nice alternative to joggers if the weather is nice. Plus you can still practise yoga in them if you don’t love the idea of tight-fitting leggings. They’re commonly worn by yoga practitioners, so you know they’re a good choice for a yoga festival.

16. Underwear

This is another item that’s not exclusive to a yoga festival packing list. Nevertheless, it’s still an essential. Although not all activities will be sweat-inducing, it’s a good idea to pack more than you need though.

17. Socks

Another festival staple, socks in abundance are a good idea. If it rains, you’ll need extra pairs, and if it’s hot, you’ll want fresh pairs.

But you might also want to consider grip socks for doing yoga too. If you don’t like the idea of bare feet then this is a good alternative. They’re non-slip and cosy, and arguably more hygienic.

18. Sleepwear

This will generally depend on the weather at the time of the festival, but it’s always a good idea to have some kind of sleepwear on your camping festival packing list.

One of my festival hacks is to pack sleepwear that can double up as daywear – it’s not the best BUT there are definitely times you just can’t be bothered changing at the end of the day and just want to curl up.

19. Swimwear

Many yoga festivals include wellness activities, have saunas and hot tubs, and/or take place by some kind of water. So having swimwear will come in handy.

Although UK festival packing lists don’t often have to account for good weather, you might be lucky and get a good spell of sunshine. So you can spend some of that time sunbathing and soaking in the Vitamin D while it’s around, which is where swimwear will also come in handy.

20. Moisturiser

If the yoga festival is only one day long, then you might be able to get away leaving this out. But I always like to have moisturiser with me when I stay overnight.

It’s especially nice to have something to slather on your face and body if you’ve had massages, been in saunas or generally sweated and then cleansed the skin. Plus, it will stop you having dry skin if the weather is hot.

21. Shampoo and conditioner

There’s not really much explanation needed for these, but they are important items for festival packing. While festivals tend to always get a bit grunge-like, it’s still nice to freshen up and have clean hair where possible.

Lush do a lovely range of solid shampoos which I find easier better to have on my camping festival packing list. It’s just less messy and less bulky and they smell divine.

22. Headband

Nothing is more annoying than hair sticking to your face during a downward dog. If you hair permits, you might get away with a bobble. However if you’re prone to flyaways or have layers or fringes, headbands are much more efficient at keeping hair at bay.

23. Sports bra

Exercising in a non-sports bra just isn’t the same, and given you’ll probably be doing quite a bit, sports bras are essentials for a yoga retreat packing list.

If you do forget this, some yoga festivals sell merchandise and clothing on site.

24. Sun cream

Even if the UK forecast is showing thunder and lightening, I always pack sun cream with me just in case. Maybe it’s just misplaced optimism. But it’s always better to be prepared than burnt.

25. Camping stove

A lot of yoga festivals will have amazing food on site, so you might not need a camping stove. However, if you want to cook your own food then this is a good item to have on your festival packing checklist.

You can get portable gas ones for under £20 from the likes of Amazon, which are handy and compact to take with you. It’s worth being mindful of possible windy conditions though, as you may need a wind shield to prevent it from going out.

26. Yoga mat

This is probably the first item you think of when considering what to take to a yoga festival. But it’s not one you can pack into a bag in preparation, so it’s worth keeping on your festival packing list until it’s in the car (or however you’re planning to get there).

There are tons of places you can get yoga mats from that are great for festivals. Etsy has some unique ones that stand out, which is ideal for a festival where there will be lots of yoga mats lying around.

27. Foot pump

Instead of lying on the ground, bring an inflatable mattress to relax on at night. If it’s not self-inflating though, you’ll need a foot pump to blow it up.

They might not be as fast as electric ones, but it means you don’t have to worry about hooking them up to power. Moreover, it’s a workout in itself – strengthening the leg muscles and enhancing cardiovascular fitness!

28. Sunglasses

Yoga festivals, especially those held outdoors, can be dazzling experiences, quite literally. High-quality sunglasses provide UV protection, reducing the risk of cataracts and other sun-induced eye problems. They also reduce glare, making your environment visually comfortable so you can focus on the asanas and not the sun.

29. Portable charger

Yoga festivals tend to be about disconnecting, so you hopefully won’t be on your phone too much. However, you’ll no doubt want some photos or use festival apps to book sessions – or even stay connected with other festival-goers.

Or, if you’re one of those people that are terrible with signposts and navigation, you might rely on a phone for GPS purposes. A portable charger ensures you’re not hunting for an outlet and can recharge on-the-go.

Check out my post for the best portable phone chargers to take to festivals.

30. Clothes pegs

Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or simply want to wash a set of sweaty clothes, clothes pegs come in handy. They’re also useful for hanging up prayer flags, mats, or towels to air out.

31. Ear plugs

The ambiance of a yoga festival is generally peaceful, but there can be moments of high energy or loud music. Ear plugs are handy to have on your yoga festival packing list by allowing you to retreat into silence when you need to.

They’re also essential for light sleepers who are adjusting to unfamiliar nighttime sounds. When camping, you never know if you’re going to end up next to silent sleepers or snorers, so it’s best to be prepared.

There are lots of different ear plugs, from disposable to reusable and silicone to noise-cancelling. Read my blog for advice on which are the best festival ear plugs.

32. Bank card

There’s bound to be stuff you want to buy at the yoga festival. They often have merchandise, craft and artisan fairs, street food, extra wellness activities and more. Plus you’ll most likely need your card to travel to and from the festival.

It’s such an easy item to leave til last, but arguably the most important one.

33. Vitamins

No one wants to get ill during a festival. So staying healthy with vitamins, hydration and as much sleep as possible is key. Yoga festivals tend to offer healthy and nutritious food, however that doesn’t always mean you’ll skip the street food and go straight for a smoothie bowl each time.

That’s why a multivitamin is part of my yoga festival packing list. It can supplement any nutrients you might miss in your festival diet, ensuring you remain energetic and your immune system stays robust.

34. Pillows

Comfort is crucial for relaxation and quality sleep. Bringing a familiar pillow can make camping or resting in unfamiliar settings feel more like home.

Additionally, a pillow can double as a support prop during certain yoga poses or meditation sessions.

35. Trainers

Beyond the yoga mat, festivals may offer hiking trails, dances, or other physical activities. Trainers offer the necessary support and protection and offer a comfortable alternative to barefoot or flip flops.

A good pair cushions the feet, provides arch support, and distributes weight evenly. At a yoga festival, where you might find yourself transitioning from a serene meditation session to a vigorous dance circle or a nature trail, trainers keep up with the pace, ensuring your feet are protected from sharp objects, uneven terrains, or prolonged standing.

36. Torch

Whether you’re at a multi-day yoga retreat or an overnight festival, the absence of city lights means you’ll need a torch to find your way in the dark. It’s great for helping you spot any tent ropes and pegs that you’d otherwise fall over, or simply find where the path to the toilets is.

Moreover, if you’re into late-night reading or journaling, adding a torch to your yoga festival packing list can help out here too. Many modern torches also come with adjustable brightness settings and modes, allowing you to set the intensity of light based on your needs. Why not consider a head torch to keep your hands free too?

37. Wellies

A staple for many festival-goers worldwide, wellies have long transcended their basic utility to become a statement of both fashion and preparedness. When the skies open up and the grounds of a yoga festival turn from solid earth to muddy pathways, wellies serve as the ideal footwear. They keep your feet dry and provide traction, ensuring you can move from one session to another without the discomfort of soggy feet or the risk of slipping.

But beyond the practical, wellies also offer a playful edge to festival attire. From vibrant patterns to glossy finishes, there’s a pair that speaks to every personality.

38. Toothbrush and toothpaste

While this duo might seem basic, oral hygiene at a festival takes on a greater significance. After indulging in festival foods, treats, and perhaps even a few campfire marshmallows, maintaining a clean mouth is vital not only for fresh breath but also for overall health. This is a DO-NOT-FORGET item for your yoga festival packing list.

Whether you opt for a traditional toothbrush or an eco-friendly alternative, remember that this simple act is both self-care and a nod to sustainability, especially if you’re using environmentally friendly products.

39. Cool boxes

For keeping things fresh, a cool box will really come in handy. It’s a good idea to find one that’s both sturdy and spacious though, to make sure you fit everything in.

My list of the best festival cool boxes covers different types, from those on wheels to electric ones. By opting for a high-quality cool box, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh drinks and food while you’re at the festival, as well as travelling there and back.

Quicklist of yoga festival packing list essentials

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