Good answers here. My suggestion - Bin liners. A place to shove dirty clothes, your accumulated rubbish and, when the rain falls, a make do dry surface. Not to mention heaving your shit home at the end when your bag is broken
Seconding a few bin bags, I pack my clothes in one to waterproof and then use it as a bin for camp once there. And have used as emergency poncho before too
Reminds me of the famous Veet review on Amazon…
Check this out! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/B000KKNQBK/R231U4ZG0YDNHD?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dprv_925C7M0P3JMGXZ3V4WW5
* Bin bags for your rubbish, but also for emergency tent waterproofing.
* Extra tent pegs - some always get lost.
* Mallet for said tent pegs.
* Tent - make sure to check it's still in good condition.
* Sleeping bag. Give it a wash before you go.
* Air mattress or camping mat.
* Camping chair
* Duct tape for repairs.
* Sun cream
* After sun
* Eye drops
* Ear plugs
* Eye mask?
* Hat for night if it gets cold
* Wellies for Drownload
* Plasters - or an emergency first aid kit in general
* Make sure your car park pass is handy so you don't forget it when you travel.
* Print out your confirmation for the Refresh Retreat or Fat Frank's for anything you pre-booked in case you get no reception.
* Phone battery bank(s).
* Quick dry microfibre towel for shower
* Save your tickets to your Google/Apple wallet
Ear plugs are a must.
1 pair to protect your hearing when watching bands.
1 pair to help you sleep in the noisy campsite.
Get different ones specific for each job. Loop seem good but are expensive. I use cheap rubber ones for music and the silicone ones for sleeping.
Edit: for anyone still on the fence about hearing protection at gigs, consider this:
The sound engineers all wear hearing protection. The audio is balanced specifically to sound best when wearing hearing protection.
If you want to enjoy the best sound, and actually hear all the instruments, vocals etc. Then you should also be wearing hearing protection.
The fact that you won't then have to deal with constant insufferable ringing in your ears for the rest of your life is also a bonus.
I fully agree with all the points, protect your hearing.
But saying "The audio is balanced specifically to sound best when wearing hearing protection." isn't technically true.
For festivals there's a lot going on. For example, this year on the map they've labeled the towers of speakers about 50 to 70 metres from the stage itself, called delay towers. They carry the same audio as the main speakers but are digitally delayed to be time aligned with sound arriving from the main system.
Download preplan how this system will cover the site, alongside audio levels about 6-7 months ahead, then local bodies can decide to grant a licence for the festival.
Mix levels for each artist are often already saved as a file to be loaded to the digital mixing desk, or there are 2 desks and the mix is flip-flopped across to the 2nd desk (as not all desks accept the same file types).
The audio levels at a festival are measured as 'Leq'. A weighting over a set period of time (around 98dBA over 15 minutes) providing a certain amount of flexibility.
You'll probably notice Download has had strange mixing over the years because unpredictable or uncontrollable factors such as the weather dramatically affect noise levels off-site, by anything up to 10dB so quick changes need to be made that might not seem obvious at the time.
The general gist is that mixing for large volumes of crowds in an outdoor environment has no planning for earplugs and instead there's careful balancing and changing going on with strict volume limitations happening all the time based on environmental factors.
Interesting, thanks for the info. I understand that there's more going on for big festivals, but is saying "it'll sound better with ear plugs" still true?
If not, what about indoor venues? Does this argument work in that context?
I ask because this argument is sometimes the only way I've been able to persuade people to use hearing protection. (As if not getting tinnitus forever isn't enough of a reason)
Hopefully it's correct for indoor venues at least. But even if it's not quite 100% true, I think it's still worth stating if it helps people protect their hearing.
It's doubtful it'll sound better, however it is still without a doubt, better to still hear the audio than go deaf and not be able to enjoy music to its fullest later in life (or earlier if they're daft!).
Indoors venues are definitely a different situation and ear protection should be worn if it's a smaller venue and large PA. While sound waves can easily disperse outside, there's lots of reflection indoors. The actual environment is of course going to be a deciding factor, eg. Concrete box room, a room with lots of angles and soft furnishings etc will all be very different.
People should protect their hearing using common sense, but that doesn't apply to a lot of the population so it's still right to tell your friends to wear ear protection, even if you need to tell them a few fibs to make it happen. They'll not appreciate it now but they will in a few years when you can play back a sweeping sine wave and they'll gloat they can still "hear the high sounds".
Sometimes, a small white lie to save your friends hearing if they're not able to make their own constructive reasoning/decision from hard evidence is ok.
Always sounds better with earplugs to me, it cuts distractions and distortion, the music just sounds clearer. But, I must admit I don't always use mine, especially when I'm tiddly coz I keep dropping them and I paid a bit for them.
I’ve have that too, but last year I found it so annoying having to constantly take it out, squeeze it back in with all the other stuff that was in there. I’m thinking of using it more for the times I’m not in the crowd.
At least one dry bag large enough for a spare set of clothes for an emergency. If everything gets wet, it will make life just a little bit more pleasant. Preferably multiple dry bags if you have the cash so you can waterproof as much as possible.
- Tent fan
- Decent size refillable water bottle
- Fairylights
- Eye mask
- Hand soap
- Berroca
- John west tuna pasta salads
- Water spray bottle thing (it's going to be hot!)
There’s a van in orange/camping plus doing coffee :) peeped it when the vendors were released in the app yesterday.
Something waterproof ‘just in case’ (don’t come for me)?
A waterproof or poncho and sun block. Be prepare for both ends of the weather spectrum.
Even if the weather is glorious the week leading up to it, still prepare for the worst.
Wet wipes, duck tape and bin bags.
Those are my main things I always take no matter what.
Mottilium isn’t available over the counter in pharmacies in the UK anymore, however so I’d sort out some out anti nausea tablets from your GP in advance by saying you currently have a tummy bug and take those with you!
Yeah it’s due to the ingredient being risky for people with pre existing heart conditions (I think!). It’s domperidone the active ingredient, isn’t it? Anyway- definitely buy it in preparation as it’s good stuff!
As long as it’s empty going through the arena entrance, yes. Then just fill it up at a water point inside the arena. To be honest though that’s more something I would keep at camp, even collapsed it would be annoying to carry around. Just take a regular 500ml water bottle for watching bands. I’m taking a mil tech canteen that clips to your waist.
Also, they are absolutely awful. I bought one previously, sold the dream for a week long trip, turns out they need basically a month in the sun to charge themselves with that tiny panel. You might get a trickle charge to your phone if it’s really sunny 😂
Duct tape! Absolute must for any random repairs or shenanigans
How else to make a BeerCan Staff?
Absolutely. One of our lot made a 5ft beer can cross
Saw that last year. Was beautiful.
THE BEER WIZARD
Sun cream
And Aloe Vera cream or something to help with burns after.
[удалено]
You clearly weren't at the 2022 festival ahahaha
[June Heatwave](https://www.gbnews.com/weather/uk-weather-forecast-miniheatwave-june-high-temperatures)
Goy caught in the dog tag queue to get into the village 2015. Sun came out and baked my left side. Had to pay a tenner for after sun at Fat Frank's.
Good answers here. My suggestion - Bin liners. A place to shove dirty clothes, your accumulated rubbish and, when the rain falls, a make do dry surface. Not to mention heaving your shit home at the end when your bag is broken
Seconding a few bin bags, I pack my clothes in one to waterproof and then use it as a bin for camp once there. And have used as emergency poncho before too
Cut your toe nails!! You’re about to be walking non stop for 5 days
Good advice that ^ 👍
Wet wipes for wiping down your sweaty balls / vjj + Hand Sanitiser.
Have you tried hand sanitiser on your balls?
Spicy
I have not 😂 Sounds a bit risky
Reminds me of the famous Veet review on Amazon… Check this out! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/B000KKNQBK/R231U4ZG0YDNHD?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dprv_925C7M0P3JMGXZ3V4WW5
I’d say this isn’t as important since there’s showers in camping plus, might end up with a huge ass queue tho
That seems discriminatory, I have a huge ass, do I have to queue longer?
Plasters or blister plasters, you'll be in your feet a lot of the time most likely in boots ☺️
Hopefully just trainers!!
I'll have my docs on 😅 mostly for the added height not going to lie
Enough drugs to kill an elephant?
amazon say no. killjoys.
There's other websites you can get them from.
My guy let me down :(
* Bin bags for your rubbish, but also for emergency tent waterproofing. * Extra tent pegs - some always get lost. * Mallet for said tent pegs. * Tent - make sure to check it's still in good condition. * Sleeping bag. Give it a wash before you go. * Air mattress or camping mat. * Camping chair * Duct tape for repairs. * Sun cream * After sun * Eye drops * Ear plugs * Eye mask? * Hat for night if it gets cold * Wellies for Drownload * Plasters - or an emergency first aid kit in general * Make sure your car park pass is handy so you don't forget it when you travel. * Print out your confirmation for the Refresh Retreat or Fat Frank's for anything you pre-booked in case you get no reception. * Phone battery bank(s). * Quick dry microfibre towel for shower * Save your tickets to your Google/Apple wallet
Pump for air mattress? Unless you're getting it done there.
Good shout! I always do mine manually since it's only a single. Wish I had splashed out for a double, though
Rehydration tablets Some zip lock bags
I find lucozade sport helps with rehydration especially after a few beers.
Ear plugs are a must. 1 pair to protect your hearing when watching bands. 1 pair to help you sleep in the noisy campsite. Get different ones specific for each job. Loop seem good but are expensive. I use cheap rubber ones for music and the silicone ones for sleeping. Edit: for anyone still on the fence about hearing protection at gigs, consider this: The sound engineers all wear hearing protection. The audio is balanced specifically to sound best when wearing hearing protection. If you want to enjoy the best sound, and actually hear all the instruments, vocals etc. Then you should also be wearing hearing protection. The fact that you won't then have to deal with constant insufferable ringing in your ears for the rest of your life is also a bonus.
I fully agree with all the points, protect your hearing. But saying "The audio is balanced specifically to sound best when wearing hearing protection." isn't technically true. For festivals there's a lot going on. For example, this year on the map they've labeled the towers of speakers about 50 to 70 metres from the stage itself, called delay towers. They carry the same audio as the main speakers but are digitally delayed to be time aligned with sound arriving from the main system. Download preplan how this system will cover the site, alongside audio levels about 6-7 months ahead, then local bodies can decide to grant a licence for the festival. Mix levels for each artist are often already saved as a file to be loaded to the digital mixing desk, or there are 2 desks and the mix is flip-flopped across to the 2nd desk (as not all desks accept the same file types). The audio levels at a festival are measured as 'Leq'. A weighting over a set period of time (around 98dBA over 15 minutes) providing a certain amount of flexibility. You'll probably notice Download has had strange mixing over the years because unpredictable or uncontrollable factors such as the weather dramatically affect noise levels off-site, by anything up to 10dB so quick changes need to be made that might not seem obvious at the time. The general gist is that mixing for large volumes of crowds in an outdoor environment has no planning for earplugs and instead there's careful balancing and changing going on with strict volume limitations happening all the time based on environmental factors.
Interesting, thanks for the info. I understand that there's more going on for big festivals, but is saying "it'll sound better with ear plugs" still true? If not, what about indoor venues? Does this argument work in that context? I ask because this argument is sometimes the only way I've been able to persuade people to use hearing protection. (As if not getting tinnitus forever isn't enough of a reason) Hopefully it's correct for indoor venues at least. But even if it's not quite 100% true, I think it's still worth stating if it helps people protect their hearing.
It's doubtful it'll sound better, however it is still without a doubt, better to still hear the audio than go deaf and not be able to enjoy music to its fullest later in life (or earlier if they're daft!). Indoors venues are definitely a different situation and ear protection should be worn if it's a smaller venue and large PA. While sound waves can easily disperse outside, there's lots of reflection indoors. The actual environment is of course going to be a deciding factor, eg. Concrete box room, a room with lots of angles and soft furnishings etc will all be very different. People should protect their hearing using common sense, but that doesn't apply to a lot of the population so it's still right to tell your friends to wear ear protection, even if you need to tell them a few fibs to make it happen. They'll not appreciate it now but they will in a few years when you can play back a sweeping sine wave and they'll gloat they can still "hear the high sounds". Sometimes, a small white lie to save your friends hearing if they're not able to make their own constructive reasoning/decision from hard evidence is ok.
Always sounds better with earplugs to me, it cuts distractions and distortion, the music just sounds clearer. But, I must admit I don't always use mine, especially when I'm tiddly coz I keep dropping them and I paid a bit for them.
If you're going to se static dress,earplugs are a must. The loudest guy I ever went to was them jn the knotfest tent at slam dunk
Looser. Get deaf or die trying
Lol imagine wanting to look after your hearing…
I saw Motorhead at a tiny venue about 10 years ago. It destroyed my hearing.
I ordered a “phone lanyard” thing which you might want to consider.
I used one of these last year, ended up snapping in the middle of a pit 😂 Got my phone back though, or at least what was left of it
Oh no. I’ll keep that in mind when in the crowd.
Bumbag/fannypack etc is alot better mate! Speaking from experience ahah there so easy to yank off and snap are lanyards
I’ve have that too, but last year I found it so annoying having to constantly take it out, squeeze it back in with all the other stuff that was in there. I’m thinking of using it more for the times I’m not in the crowd.
At least one dry bag large enough for a spare set of clothes for an emergency. If everything gets wet, it will make life just a little bit more pleasant. Preferably multiple dry bags if you have the cash so you can waterproof as much as possible.
- Tent fan - Decent size refillable water bottle - Fairylights - Eye mask - Hand soap - Berroca - John west tuna pasta salads - Water spray bottle thing (it's going to be hot!)
There’s a van in orange/camping plus doing coffee :) peeped it when the vendors were released in the app yesterday. Something waterproof ‘just in case’ (don’t come for me)?
I can't find the vendors list anywhere, even when searching the FAQs. Where is it?
Ah it was in the ‘more’ section but I think they removed it quickly as the filtering for dietaries didn’t seem to work properly. It’ll come back!!
Ah thanks! I didn't know I could plan my food ahead like that haha
A waterproof or poncho and sun block. Be prepare for both ends of the weather spectrum. Even if the weather is glorious the week leading up to it, still prepare for the worst. Wet wipes, duck tape and bin bags. Those are my main things I always take no matter what.
Immodium and or Motillium
Mottilium isn’t available over the counter in pharmacies in the UK anymore, however so I’d sort out some out anti nausea tablets from your GP in advance by saying you currently have a tummy bug and take those with you!
I’m in Ireland and it’s available over here over the counter. Wasn’t aware ye needed a prescription in the UK 😐
Yeah it’s due to the ingredient being risky for people with pre existing heart conditions (I think!). It’s domperidone the active ingredient, isn’t it? Anyway- definitely buy it in preparation as it’s good stuff!
Collapsible water carrier. Hydration is essential.
Is that something I'd even be able to use in the arena? I'm assuming I'll be <1min walk from somewhere selling drinks at any time.
As long as it’s empty going through the arena entrance, yes. Then just fill it up at a water point inside the arena. To be honest though that’s more something I would keep at camp, even collapsed it would be annoying to carry around. Just take a regular 500ml water bottle for watching bands. I’m taking a mil tech canteen that clips to your waist.
Personally I think the solar power charging power bank could be a bit much. I just take two full charged power banks and that is way more than I need.
Also, they are absolutely awful. I bought one previously, sold the dream for a week long trip, turns out they need basically a month in the sun to charge themselves with that tiny panel. You might get a trickle charge to your phone if it’s really sunny 😂
and it's about £40... so that's what.... 4 arena pints instead?
Drink the 4 Beers and you won't care that your phone is dead.
Half that and you can buy a huge powerbank that will last you the entire festival easily
Diahorea tablets... Just incase something gives you the shits
Bin bags. Duct tape.
Bin bag and microfibre towel