What to pack for Wacken?
Equipment recommendations based on 20 years (!) of Wacken experience

Sea of mud chocolate pudding in front of the main stages

Rule number 1: Always always, always bring rubber boots and add some soft orthopedic inlays for comfortable walking and thermal improvement. Wear quality running socks (you know, the ones with a left and right model) to avoid blisters. I’ve never had any issues with high quality seamless tight-fitting socks, even in rubber boots, while others complained about blisters. Bring extra band-aids for blisters to be on the safe side. As your feet might get swollen during the day from hours of standing and walking, make sure there is enough room left in the rubber boots and that the socks are not too thick.

Abandoned shoes and socks by anonymous

Waterproof hiking boots are great but will work only until the mud chocolate pudding flows in from above, if cut too low. And once the strings are soaked, your hands get messy.

It is also essential to bring a quality raincoat — the Wacken ones sold out fast(er, harder, louder­) — rain ponchos to cover you and a bag, as well as headwear. During heavy rain I recommend dry fit pants and special water repellent pants on top and layers of clothes. Always remain dry and comfortable so your energy lasts. Basically, it is best to plan as if you are going on a wet hiking trip.

Also, ensure your tent has an extra layer of protective sheet underneath so rainwater does not push through the tent floor. Bring an extra gazebo tent for sun and rain protection. Be prepared for possible cold nights by packing a scarf, fleece cap (ears get cold quickly), woolen socks and thermal underwear, sweatpants and fleece jacket. Invest in a quality sleeping bag that is keeping you warm. A sleeping mask and ear plugs enhance the quality of your sleep. Be prepared that once the sun comes up, your tents heats up and you need to shed the layers. Pack flip flops for showering to avoid catching athlete’s foot. By the way, the infamous slogan ”Showering is not heavy metal” is bullshit as shower camps are available for personal hygiene. To avoid cold water, it is best to shower outside the busy times, not in the morning. Just change “Rain or shine” to “Hot or  cold”, feel fresh and smell nice!

“But what if it does not rain”, you ask? Awesome, be grateful, be happy! However, even with promising weather forecasts, it is recommended to always be prepared for all possibilities as the wind changes quickly and it only takes one heavy shower to turn soil into chocolate pudding, sometimes chocolate soup.

By the way, 2025 wasn’t nearly as bad as 2015, my toughest year so far as it was rainy and cold. 2010 had the worst overall temperature drops at night, I was literally freezing. But I’ve also experienced years wearing dust masks with temperatures in the 30s Celsius and visiting the local village outdoor pool. Rain or shine, right? With promising weather forecast, pack swimming gear if you have some extra time for a trip to the pool, sun protection, chap stick, a cap/hat. For very hot summers, pack a dust mask as the mud can also affect your lungs once it gets very dry; however, this is rare…

I also recommend packing electrolytes, regardless of the weather. The local pharmacy on Wacken main street can also help you out in case you forgot to bring something.

If you have the financial stability, Residenz Evil tents or Moshtel containers are a more comfortable option. The trend of more comfort (“glamping”) is getting more and more popular.

Last but not least, don’t allow the weather to affect your mood, take it with a grain of salt. Go with the flow, forget about reality, politics, wars, news… be silly, laugh and enjoy!

Words & Photos by Äfa Angelhardt

Pool photo courtesy of W:O:A Festival GmbH