Sep 23, 2025

Pack perfectly for the festival: your survival checklist with Dextro Energy*

Do you know that feeling? The sun is slowly setting, your feet are throbbing, your voice is already hoarse – and yet, of course, you don't want to go home. A festival means a state of exception: you don't want to miss a single second, you want to dance until the very last encore. But how do you best keep going without needing a week's vacation afterwards? We have the answer: from checklists with must-have food and drinks to the perfect festival camping packing list that includes more than just "toothbrush" and "tent".

The reality of festivals: why perseverance counts

Whether you're at Tomorrowland, Rock am Ring, or a small indie festival: festivals are an exceptional state for the body. Did you know that, according to pedometers, festivalgoers take an average of 30,000 to 50,000 steps per day? That's roughly equivalent to 20 to 35 kilometers – and that's usually on uneven terrain, between tents, stages, and food trucks, under extraordinary circumstances.

Extreme weather conditions: Many festivals take place in the summer. Temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and higher are not uncommon – as are thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Shade is often scarce, and on dusty or muddy ground, fluid loss through sweating increases rapidly.
Crowds and adrenaline: Thousands of like-minded people, loud music, jostling in front of the stages, long lines at food trucks and toilets – your senses are on high alert, you're constantly in motion. While the adrenaline provides an energy boost, it also depletes your reserves.
Excitement, little sleep, partying: The anticipation of the acts, seeing friends again, and the constant schedule often keep you celebrating late into the night. Many sleep outside, usually uncomfortably, and unhealthy indulgences take their toll.
Nutrition and energy requirements: At festivals, people often eat irregularly and reach for fatty, salty snacks. However, your body uses more energy because you're walking, dancing, and staying awake a lot. On average, festival-goers burn up to 3,000 calories per day – that's equivalent to about three hours of jogging.
Self-care and mental health: Amidst all the activity, many forget to take care of themselves: not drinking enough water, no sunscreen, no rest. This catches up with them by the second day at the latest.

Energy demands can skyrocket on a festival day. No wonder many people are already exhausted by the second day – and miss out on the best acts! But your health should still be your top priority. Taking care of yourself means experiencing more, remembering better, and staying fit until the very end – and our festival checklists are the perfect way to do just that.

Perfectly prepared – the ultimate festival packing list

Those who prepare thoughtfully lay the foundation for a festival that's not only fun but also leaves a lasting impression. The right food and equipment ensure you can fully concentrate on the music, your friends, and the adventure. With a little planning ahead, you'll not only ensure comfort but also have the energy for everything that comes your way. Here you'll find plenty of tips and inspiration for your perfect festival packing list.

Festival food: Snacks and groceries – your survival essentials

The food on offer at festivals is vast – but often expensive, greasy, or unbalanced. To keep you going from the first act to the after-party, you should opt for smart snacks that won't weigh you down but will keep you full and energized for longer.

Nuts, dried fruit, granola bars: Convenient and filling snacks with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Our bars fit in any pocket and provide you with a quick carbohydrate boost.
Fresh fruit: Simple and refreshing, e.g. apples, bananas or tangerines.
Dextrose tablets are ideal if your circulation is sluggish after long nights and lots of exercise. Dextro ^Energy cubes contain fast-acting carbohydrates that quickly replenish your glycogen stores and can also provide you with important nutrients like magnesium and calcium , and even refreshing caffeine .
Salty snacks: Not only do they help with cravings, but they also replenish lost salt. If things get really sweaty, our Salt Tablets can help.

Fast-acting carbohydrates and a balanced intake of nutrients will equip you for the entire lineup. But water is absolutely essential.

Drinking: Hydration is an absolute festival must-have

Water is your most important festival essential and should be on every checklist! Especially in the heat , with physical activity and long nights, you need a plan to keep your fluid levels under control. Dehydration often creeps up on you unnoticed – the only remedy is: drink, drink, drink!

Festival water bottle for refilling: Environmentally friendly, practical and always within reach – especially practical and often allowed are collapsible bottles, which you can get cheaply and sometimes already with carabiners for attaching.
Electrolyte powders or tablets : They replenish lost minerals and make tap water more palatable. The delicious Zero ^Calories tablets and Iso Drinks from Dextro Energy ^* reliably supply you with electrolytes.
Drinking reminders: stopwatch, mobile phone alarm, colorful wristbands – anything that reminds you to drink regularly.
One more tip: Always refill your bottle whenever you pass a typical festival water station. That way you'll never run dry.
Organization is everything: those who plan well have fewer worries and more fun.

Good organization not only saves you time when packing, but above all, it ensures less stress and more spontaneity on site. Knowing where everything is frees up your time for new things – and allows you to enjoy the festival in a much more relaxed way.

Your packing list with the most important festival equipment for camping and more:

…for camping:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat: Pay attention to comfort – a good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold.
Camping chair or picnic blanket for relaxing breaks and long nights
Camping or headlamp: Make yourself independent of mobile phone light
Garbage bags: For order, keeping things dry – and as a seat cushion when wet.
Gaffer tape (fabric tape): Repairs almost anything – from tents to shoes
Cooler box or cooler bag: For fresh snacks and drinks or medicine
Cable ties, tent pegs and tarpaulin: Extra security and base or stand
Towel, shower gel & shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, etc.

…for the festival grounds / the bag:

Fanny pack or chest pouch: Keeps valuables safe and within easy reach
Small snacks and a collapsible water bottle
Sunscreen, wet wipes and disinfectant gel
Cap, sunglasses, scarf and rain poncho
Earplugs & hearing protection: For the stage during the day, for sleeping at night.
Power bank (preferably solar-powered): Keeps mobile phone and speaker alive
Small emergency kit: plasters, blister plasters, mini dextrose packs , hair ties, safety pins

Extras:

Waterproof bags for electronics and valuables: Protect against moisture
Mini fans or handheld fans: For quick cooling in hot weather
Glow sticks or bands: They look cool and help you find yourself in a crowd.
Glitter tattoos and festival glitter for the face

By the way: If you want to save space and carry less, create a shared checklist that specifies who should bring what. Some festival essentials, like sunscreen, a speaker, and camping gear, can also be shared. But even the best equipment is only useful if you use it cleverly on-site – you can read about how to make the most of your preparation at the festival itself in the next section.

Young people sit relaxed on camping chairs in front of tents at a festival site and laugh together.

With our festival packing list and the right nutrients, you'll be perfectly equipped and ready for a carefree break with good music and lots of fun.

Your on-site checklist with practical reminders for the festival

The best preparation is useless if you get caught up in the rhythm of the crowd and forget to take care of yourself. Here are a few strategies to help you remember to practice good self-care at the festival:

Make self-care a regular part of your day: Schedule fixed times for short breaks. After each activity, grab a snack, have a drink, or sit in the shade for a bit. A ritual (e.g., hydration breaks with your friends) helps maintain routines.
Use reminders: Set reminders on your phone for specific times: "Drink up!", "Apply sunscreen!", "Snack time!". Modern festival apps often even offer health reminders.
Share responsibility: Coordinate with your friends – everyone takes a turn reminding the group about self-care. This way, no one gets left behind, and you'll all have more fun together.
Listen to your body: High levels of adrenaline and euphoria can mask signals like thirst, hunger, or exhaustion. If you notice yourself becoming irritable, tired, or shaky, take a break and replenish your energy – even if your favorite band is playing.

By the way: Damp nights, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and overcrowded restrooms no longer have to be part of your festival experience. Organizers are gradually offering fantastic options that can transform your next festival into a pleasant musical mini-vacation.

Modern festivals – these extra tips will help you relax.

Glamping instead of camping: Those who want more comfort can now find prefabricated tents, electrical hookups, mattresses and even mini-cabins in many places – for more energy and less stress.
Self-care offerings: Chill-out areas, yoga classes , massage services, fresh water stations or even healthy food trucks can be found at more and more festivals.
Experience community: Design your camp with fairy lights, cushions and a communal area – this will turn it into a haven of well-being.
Sustainability: Use reusable cups, avoid single-use plastics, sort your waste – the climate and the festival community will thank you.
Smart gadgets: Mini solar lights, foldable stools, portable fans or waterproof Bluetooth speakers make life easier.

Our packing and checklist will help you have the best festival experience.

The perfect festival begins even before the first band takes the stage – with clever preparation, smart snacks, plenty of fluids, and a conscious attention to your own needs. Those who take care of themselves not only experience more but also inspire others to get the most out of their festival experience.

^* contains carbohydrates

^° at Zero Calories: applies to the prepared beverage

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.