Your Sustainable Summer Festival Checklist
Nail your eco-friendly festival packing list with affordable camping gear, tent hire, and tips for a low-waste summer.
Festival season is calling and whether you’re off to Glastonbury, Latitude or a secret local weekender, prepping for your summer getaway can get… expensive. And let’s be honest, most of the stuff we buy for festivals ends up in the back of a cupboard or left behind in a muddy field (👀 tents, we’re looking at you). So, if you're wondering what to pack that's on the budget and planet-friendly side, you're in the right place. Here's your low-cost, good-for-the-earth festival checklist, complete with some real stories from fellow festival-goers.
1. Rent a tent for an (almost) guilt-free Glastonbury ⛺
Every year around 250,000 tents are left behind at UK festivals. That's a lot of waste for something just used once. Here's a smarter option: hire a tent instead.
Sure, buying a tent feels like the start of a life-changing outdoorsy era - but let's be honest. That £100+ tent is probably heading straight to your attic for next 11.5 months.
It’s a great quality item that saved my pocket and helped me stick to the Glastonbury ‘love the farm, leave no trace!’ pledge.
Larner, Crystal Palace.
With 21 pickup points across London, renting is easy. We've got 2-person and 3-person tents from trusted brands like Vango and The North Face, so you sleep easy even if the British weather doesn't cooperate!
Best of all? At least your accommodation will be guilt-free - even if the rest of the festival isn't.
“I took Peggie the 3-Man Tent to Glastonbury! So easy to pick up and drop off. So cheap to hire. It’s a great quality item that saved my pocket and helped me stick to the Glastonbury ‘love the farm, leave no trace!’ pledge. I felt so smug...”
— Larner, Crystal Palace borrower
2. Be the envy of your campsite with a festival trolley 🛒
If you’ve ever lugged your kit across a field in 30-degree heat (or knee-deep mud), you’ll know the value of a good trolley. But not all trolleys are up to the task.
The best festival trolley is sturdy, foldable and ready for anything - from grassy hills to sandy beaches. Bonus points if it can carry a tired child, a weekend's worth of kit, and your entire crate of Strongbow.
4 hours in, other trolleys started buckling... Not ours. It remained steadfast. We couldn't have done it without it.
Oliver, Morden.
The rentable festival trolley from Library of Things ticks every box AND comes with two built in cup holders, because setting up base is thirsty work!
“We unfortunately ended up in the longest queue in all of Somerset, our trolley laden with a 6-person tent, many crates of Strongbow Dark Fruits and our camping chairs.
4 hours in, other trolleys started buckling... Not ours. It remained steadfast. We couldn't have done it without it.”
— Oliver, Morden user
3. DIY your festival outfits with a hired sewing machine🎭
Want a one-of-a-kind festival fit without dropping £££ on fast fashion? Rent a sewing machine and make something totally original without the waste or wardrobe regret.
Whether you’re sewing a statement co-ord or updating a secondhand find, our easy-to-use sewing machine comes with everything you need to get started, including bobbins, needles, threads and a handy carry case. It's perfect for beginners or seasoned stitchers alike.
“I love to make my own clothes and quilts, but couldn’t bring my machine when I moved to the UK. Borrowing one helped me de-stress and feel like myself again doing what I love (and saving money!)”
— Molly, Kentish Town user
4. Make festivals with kids a breeze with a travel cot 🧸
Bringing the little ones to the festival? A travel cot makes family camping way easier. It's safe, comfy, and folds away when you're done.
No need to sacrifice your storage space at home, this rental means you can rest easy knowing your toddler has a calm spot to nap, sleep or recharge.
“We went on a family holiday with a toddler and needed a travel cot but didn’t want to buy it as we don’t have storage space. This is such a great service and the best thing to do for the environment!!”
— Dalston borrower
This is such a great service and the best thing to do for the environment!!
LoT member, Dalston.
5. Sleep better with a pop-up camp bed 😴
Let’s be real - after a long day of dancing in wellies, a thin foam mat just doesn't cut it. A pop-up camp bed gives you that off-the-ground comfort your body will thank you for.
It’s quick to set up, easy to carry, and saves you from buying and storing a bulky one you’ll rarely use. Festival sleep = upgraded.
(We don’t have a quote for this one yet, but we'd love to hear your feedback!)
What else is in our planet-friendly packing list?
- Hydration is key, but single use plastic is passé. A reusable water bottle should be top of the packing list.
- Keep a reusable cutlery set in tow for those festival food truck stop-offs. Need bowls, plates and cups for campsite feasting? Rent the party kit.
- Solar powered charging banks can bring peace of mind when you've got a packed day and night ahead!
Planning more outdoor adventures or low-impact getaways? Check out our tips on five easy outdoor DIY projects or help your holiday plans along with these six sustainable travel ideas.