Dustproof Supply: gear that survives the festival.
The walk from the car to camp is the first test of the weekend. We've watched plenty of cheap wagons fold up halfway there. Here is how we choose one.
Rules first. Every festival sets its own rules and they change from year to year. Check the official festival FAQ and the current-year rules before you buy anything on this page. Where our list and the official rules disagree, go with the official rules.
Some fests limit wagon size or ban motorized carts. Read the rules before you buy a big one.
What matters in dust and mud
- Wide wheels. Narrow plastic wheels dig into sand and pack up with mud. Wider wheels roll over it.
- A frame that folds flat. It has to fit in the car with everything else.
- A fabric bed you can hose off. Dust gets into everything, so you want to be able to rinse it at home.
- A real handle. You'll be pulling it a long way over uneven ground.
Our pick
Our collapsible heavy-duty utility wagon is the one we list in Camp Comfort. Check the load rating and wheel size on the listing against what you plan to haul.
Load it smart
- Heavy and square stuff goes on the bottom: water, the cooler, bins.
- Tie the load down with bungee cords so it doesn't spill on a bump.
- Make two trips instead of building a tower that tips over.
If the forecast says rain, read festival camping in the rain before you go. A wagon on wet ground is a different job.
Related guides: our first festival camping checklist and rain and mud packing list.
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Gear from this guide
Want it pre-packed? See our festival essentials kits, built by fest type and climate.