Quick answer: what sleeping bag do I need for Glastonbury?
A 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 5°C or lower. Glastonbury is in Somerset in late June — nights regularly drop to 7–10°C and the festival has a history of cold, wet weather regardless of the date. A summer bag rated to 10°C comfort will leave you cold and miserable by 3am. The Highlander Hawk 300 (~£30) is the best budget pick. The Vango Nitestar Alpha 250 (~£50–£65) for mid-range.
Glastonbury camping is notoriously unpredictable. The festival takes place in late June in the Somerset countryside — which sounds warm, but the reality is a campsite that ranges from baking hot in the afternoon to genuinely cold after midnight. Getting your sleeping bag wrong is one of the most common ways to have a miserable Glastonbury night.
For the full Glastonbury gear guide including tents, rucksacks, and wellies, see our Festival Packing List UK.
What temperature rating do I need for Glastonbury?
Quick answer: what temperature does it get at Glastonbury at night?
Glastonbury nights in late June typically reach 7–12°C minimum temperature — but factor in wind chill from the exposed Worthy Farm site, dampness from rain or dew, and the reality that you may return to your tent at 3am having been dancing rather than generating body heat. A comfort rating of 5°C is the safe minimum. Going lower (0°C comfort) gives you margin for colder years and unexpected weather.
| Sleeping bag rating | Glastonbury suitability | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 10°C+ comfort (summer bag) | Not recommended | Cold on most nights, very cold in bad years |
| 5°C comfort (3-season) | Good — minimum recommended | Fine in most years, slightly cool in cold snaps |
| 0°C comfort (3-season+) | Ideal | Warm in all likely conditions |
| -5°C comfort (winter) | Overkill — too warm in a hot tent | Overheating in warm years |
Best sleeping bags for Glastonbury by budget
Budget: under £40
Highlander Hawk 300 — the most recommended budget festival sleeping bag in the UK. 3-season, 5°C comfort rating, weighs around 1.5kg, packs to a reasonable size. At ~£30 it is exceptional value and has been a staple festival recommendation for years. Not the lightest or most packable, but it does exactly what a festival sleeping bag needs to do.
Coleman 200 Adult — another solid budget option at ~£25–£35. Rectangular shape is more comfortable for wider sleepers. 3-season rated. Packs bulkier than the Highlander.
Mid-range: £40–£80
Vango Nitestar Alpha 250 — 3-season, excellent comfort rating, packs significantly more compactly than budget alternatives. Better quality fill and shell. A worthwhile upgrade if you attend Glastonbury regularly or want a bag that doubles for other camping. ~£50–£65.
Regatta Hilo Compact — compact and light for the price, genuine 3-season performance, packs into a stuff sack small enough to fit inside your main rucksack easily. ~£45–£60.
Premium: £80+
Alpkit Pipedream 250 — down fill, genuinely compact, light enough that you barely notice it in your rucksack. For regular Glastonbury attendees who want a bag that lasts a decade and takes up almost no space. ~£90–£120.
Glastonbury sleeping bag tips
Quick answer: how do I keep my sleeping bag dry at Glastonbury?
Pack your sleeping bag inside a waterproof dry bag inside your rucksack — do not rely on the rucksack’s rain cover alone. A wet sleeping bag is one of the most miserable Glastonbury experiences possible and very difficult to dry on site. A 20L dry bag fits most 3-season sleeping bags and is the single best protection investment for your kit.
- Use a sleeping bag liner — adds 3–8°C of warmth and keeps the bag cleaner across a 4-day festival
- Sleep in a thermal base layer — adds significant warmth without needing a warmer bag
- A sleeping mat is essential — sleeping bag temperature ratings assume insulation from the ground, which you will not have without one
- Air your sleeping bag out each morning — leave it unzipped across your tent during the day to reduce moisture buildup
- A beanie hat to sleep in makes a noticeable difference on cold nights
For the complete Glastonbury sleeping kit including tents, mats, and pillows, see our best festival sleeping bags UK guide and our how to sleep at a festival guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest it gets at Glastonbury at night?
Glastonbury nights in late June typically bottom out at 7–12°C, but in cold or wet years temperatures can drop further and wind chill on the exposed Worthy Farm site makes it feel colder. A 5°C comfort rating is the safe minimum — a 0°C comfort bag gives you margin for worse conditions.
Can I use a summer sleeping bag at Glastonbury?
Not recommended. Summer bags rated to 10°C comfort will leave most people cold after midnight in typical Glastonbury conditions. A 3-season bag with a 5°C comfort rating is the right choice.
How do I pack a sleeping bag for Glastonbury?
Pack inside a waterproof dry bag inside your main rucksack. Place the sleeping bag at the very bottom of the rucksack — it is the last thing you need on arrival and provides cushioning. Never pack it in an external pocket where it can get wet.
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