Tent vs Campervan: Why Upgrading Your Festival Setup Is Worth Every Penny

🏕 Tent Camping: Classic, But… Complicated

Tent life is where most festival journeys begin. It's affordable, traditional, and keeps you immersed in the full, gritty spirit of the event. But it also comes with major downsides:

• Weather woes – One night of rain and you're sleeping in a puddle.

• Lack of comfort – Thin sleeping mats, cramped space, and zero insulation.

• Packing chaos – You lug everything on your back or in a trolley.

• Security concerns – Your gear is vulnerable unless you carry it all with you.

For some, that’s all part of the charm. For others? It’s a recipe for burnout by Day 2.

🚐 Campervan Camping: Your Festival, Upgraded

Now let’s talk about campervans. Whether you rent, borrow, or own one, switching to van life at a festival like Glastonbury, Boomtown, or Latitude is a serious level-up. Here’s why:

1. Comfort is King

Imagine ending a long day of dancing with a real mattress, proper bedding, and no soggy groundsheet. Campervans give you warmth, shelter, and real rest — so you actually wake up energized.

2. All-in-One Basecamp

A campervan is your bedroom, kitchen, wardrobe, and storage all in one. You can:

• Brew your own morning coffee

• Chill your drinks in a mini fridge or cool box

• Store your clothes neatly

• Lock away valuables securely

3. Bad Weather? No Problem

Festivals are notorious for unpredictable weather. With a campervan, you’ve got instant shelter, dry seating, and space to relax during a downpour — all while others are battling collapsing tents.

4. Better Hygiene & Facilities

Bring your own water supply, a portable toilet, solar shower, or even just a proper mirror and sink setup. These upgrades aren’t just nice to have — they’re life-saving when portaloos get grim on Day 3.

5. Leave the Stress Behind

Arrive. Park. Chill. No fighting tent poles or walking 40 minutes from car park to campsite. Everything’s together, and packing up at the end is a breeze.

🎒 Must-Have Campervan Gear for Festival Season

If you’re ready to embrace the van life, these essentials will take your setup to the next level:

• Pop-up canopy or awning – Create a shaded chill-out zone outside your van.

• Solar-powered lights or fairy lights – Keep things cosy after dark.

• Portable stove & cookware – Cook up breakfast while the rest of the field queues for £12 burgers. and powered cool boxes for those pre-mosh drinks

• Leisure battery or solar panel – Stay charged without draining your car battery.

• Camping table & folding chairs – Set up your own social hub.

• Thermal insulation – Stay warm at night, cool during the day.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Upgrade?

Tent camping may be traditional, but campervans offer comfort, convenience, and an entirely new way to experience festivals. Once you’ve done it, there’s no going back — and with the right campervan gear, you can transform your setup into a festival home-from-home.

🎶 Whether you’re heading to Glastonbury, Boardmasters, or Wilderness — make it the year you go all-in on campervan life. You’ll never miss that leaky tent again.