As we rush towards festival season, our team here at O&C has been reminiscing about their first and favourite festivals- and the things we wish we’d have known before we donned our wellies and rucksacks!

Festival Survival from Outdoor and Country

“Don’t scrimp on your festival footwear.”

Calum, Marketing Assistant
Favourite festival? Kendall Calling, Lake District, UK, 2009
“Invest in some decent wellies that you’ll want to wear rain or shine,” says Calum, “and don’t forget to break them in before you head off!” Festival go-er or not, we can all agree there’s nothing worse than an ill-fitting pair of shoes- especially when you’ve no alternative. A decent pair of wellies will not only keep your feet warm and dry when the Great British weather does its worst, but they’ll be comfortable enough for trekking to your campsite and dancing all night.

Calum’s top picks for festival wellies:

Hunter Balmoral Wellies, Aigle Benyl Wellies, Hunter Field Norris Wellies

“Bucket, fedora or trilby- whatever your style, take a hat.”

Hannah, Copywriter
Favourite festival? Electric Daisy Carnival, Orlando FL, 2012
“When it’s hot, it’s hot!” warns Hannah. “I’ve been lucky enough to have warm weather every time I’ve been to a festival and there’s nothing worse than overheating and getting headache when you’re trying to enjoy the music.” A hat isn’t only great for protecting your head from the sun but can help to finish off your festival outfit with an added dash of style. “In the warm weather, a wide brimmed fedora is my pick because they’re stylish and provide a nice amount of shade” suggests Hannah. If the weather is looking bleak, take a waterproof bucket hat to let the drizzle drip away.

Hannah’s top picks for festival hats:

Barbour International Falcone Fedora, Barbour Floral Bloom Straw Fedora, Barbour Cairn Wax Bucket Hat

“Pack-away waterproofs are a festival essential!”

Maisie, Marketing Assistant.
Favourite festival? Summadayze, Melbourne, Australia, 2012
“Barbour wax jackets look great at festivals, plus they’re wipe clean and warm if the weather takes a turn,” says Maisie. “If you’re staying optimistic then poncho or waterproof that can be packed away in your bag is ideal for the unpredictable weather!” Trekking backwards and forwards to the campsite every time there’s a downpour is unrealistic, so opt for a jacket that looks great with everything you have and that can be quickly chucked in your bag or tied around your waist when the sun comes out.

Maisie’s top picks for festival waterproofs:

Aigle Travel Pack Wateproof, Joules Printed Poncho, Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket

“Take the comfiest backpack you can find.”

Katie, Marketing Manager
Favourite festival? Glastonbury, Somerset, UK , 2010
“Anyone who has been to a festival will tell you just how much they hate the walk from the entrance to the campsite, and although quirky and colourful backpacks look great, your back and shoulders won’t thank you for the cotton webbed straps and lack of hip support!” Don’t forget to check the literage of the bag- if you’re not into travelling light you might need a bag that offers over 30L, even if you’re only away for two days! If you still want to go for something colourful, opt for a rucksack expert like Millican, whose bags come in a range of vibrant shades.

Katie’s top picks for festival rucksacks:

Millican Smith 25L Roll Pack, Musto Essential Rucksack 30L, Millican Fraser Rucksack 32L

“It’s not all about the rucksack- you’ll need an essentials bag, too!”

Hollie, Buyer
Favourite festival? V Festival, Stafford, UK , 2006
“You need to take a few essentials down to the stages with you” says Hollie, “your phone, maybe a camera, and a bit of cash needs to be stashed away somewhere!” We love cross body bags for a safe and stylish way to keep your bits and pieces close to hand, plus with so many colourful choices they’re perfect for festivals. If you’re going to a one day festival, a Fjallraven Kanken has great storage plus a seat pad in the back- ideal for when you’re waiting for your favourite act!

Hollie’s top picks for festival bags:

Brakeburn Coral Cross Body Bag, Joules Netta Cross Body Bag, Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

Is there anything you wish you’d known before heading off to your first festival? Don’t forget to join the conversation and share your festival style with us on our Instagram @OutdoorandCountry, Twitter @OutdoorCountry and Facebook! Not prepared yet? View all of our men’s and women’s waterproofs, wellies, bags and hats.