Lets Get Trolleyed

Top 10 Key Facts to Consider When Selecting a Festival Trolley

Attending a music festival is an unforgettable experience, but getting your gear from the car park to your campsite? Not so much. A good festival trolley can save you from multiple trips, strained muscles, and sheer frustration. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Here are the 10 most important factors to consider when buying a festival trolley.

1. Weight Capacity

Before anything else, check how much weight your trolley can handle. If you're hauling a heavy tent, camping chairs, a cool box full of drinks, and other essentials, you’ll need a sturdy model with at least a 70-100kg capacity. Lightweight trolleys may be cheaper but could buckle under pressure—literally!

💰 Low-cost option: Andes Folding Festival Trolley (£35) – Decent weight limit but not the most durable.💎 High-quality option: Sekey Heavy-Duty Folding Cart (£90) – High weight limit and robust frame.

2. Wheel Type

Festival terrains are rarely smooth. Think gravel, mud, grass, and sometimes sand. Wide, pneumatic (air-filled) wheels are best for rough terrain, while solid plastic wheels are fine for dry, paved paths but struggle in the mud.

💰 Low-cost option: Eurohike Festival Trolley (£40) – Small but suitable for flat ground.💎 High-quality option: Mac Sports All-Terrain Wagon (£120) – All-terrain wheels handle mud like a champ.

3. Foldability & Storage

Space is a premium in your car, so a trolley that folds compactly is a game-changer. Look for models that collapse into a small footprint with a quick-folding mechanism.

💰 Low-cost option: Decathlon Folding Cart (£45) – Folds down easily but slightly bulky.💎 High-quality option: Coleman Compact Wagon (£110) – Folds flat and is super durable.

4. Handle Length & Comfort

A trolley with an adjustable, padded handle will save your back and shoulders. If the handle is too short, you'll be hunched over like a goblin dragging your belongings through the mud.

💰 Low-cost option: Outsunny Folding Trolley (£50) – Decent handle but may wobble under heavy loads.💎 High-quality option: Timber Ridge Camping Wagon (£130) – Telescopic handle for easy pulling.

5. Durability & Frame Material

Metal frames are more durable than plastic, but steel is heavier than aluminium. If you're carrying a hefty load, go for a reinforced frame with crossbars for extra support.

💰 Low-cost option: Janoon Folding Cart (£35) – Lightweight but less sturdy.💎 High-quality option: Portal Alpha Wagon (£140) – Steel frame, built to last.

6. Terrain & Festival Conditions

Some festivals have smooth, paved walkways (e.g., Glastonbury's Green Fields), while others are muddy nightmares (looking at you, Download Festival). Choose your trolley accordingly!

💰 Low-cost option: Generic Camping Cart (£30) – Fine for dry festivals.💎 High-quality option: Vevor Heavy-Duty Beach Wagon (£150) – Works even on sand and deep mud.

7. Weight of the Trolley Itself

Some trolleys weigh a ton before you even load them up. If you’re solo or have limited strength, a lightweight aluminium frame is your best bet.

💰 Low-cost option: AquaTec Festival Cart (£40) – Light but small.💎 High-quality option: WORHAN Camping Trolley (£130) – Lightweight and high capacity.

8. Ease of Assembly

Nobody wants to spend 20 minutes assembling a trolley in the car park while their mates start drinking. Look for one that pops open and is ready to go within seconds.

💰 Low-cost option: Mountain Warehouse Folding Wagon (£45) – A bit fiddly but manageable.💎 High-quality option: WHITSUNDAY Collapsible Wagon (£100) – Instant setup, no fuss.

9. Additional Features (Canopy, Cup Holders, etc.)

Some trolleys come with extras like canopies to keep items dry, cup holders, or storage pockets. These are great if you want to keep things organised and protected.

💰 Low-cost option: Amazon Basics Folding Wagon (£55) – Basic but decent.💎 High-quality option: Radio Flyer 3-in-1 EZ Wagon (£160) – Includes a sun canopy!

10. Price vs. Investment

If you only attend one festival a year, a budget trolley might be fine. But if you're a festival veteran, spending extra on a high-quality, long-lasting trolley could save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

No trolley? No problem. Here are a few other ways to transport your gear:

✅ Backpack & Duffel Bags – Carrying everything on your back isn't fun, but if you're packing light, a large hiking rucksack could be an alternative.✅ Sled or Plastic Crate with Rope – If the ground is wet but not muddy, dragging a sled can be surprisingly effective.✅ Wheelbarrow – Sounds ridiculous, but some festival-goers swear by them!✅ Hiring a Porter – Some festivals (like IoW) offer porter services to help carry your gear for a fee.✅ Make Multiple Trips – Not ideal, but sometimes you just have to accept your fate.

Did you know that in 1970, the Isle of Wight Festival attracted over 600,000 people, making it the biggest music event of its time? It was so massive that the UK government actually passed the Isle of Wight Act 1971, restricting large gatherings on the island. Basically, the festival was so wild they had to change the law to stop it from happening again! 🤯