This is not meant as a fully comprehensive, or mandatory list, it's just recommendations, and reminders to try and think of things to bring that will keep you comfortable, and help with your enjoyment of the camping experience. Please chime in with ideas on LARP camping hacks and things that I may have left off the list that you have found invaluable at events.
Tent (medieval style or modern, this is a bring your own tent event) make sure you have at least basic camping shelter, or a plan. Affordable hotels are only a few minutes down the road. Sleeping bag, blankets, or bedroll Cot, air mattress, or foam mat to sleep on Pillow, or pillows Sensible shoes shoes (bonus for waterproof) you'll need something comfortable after adventuring all day, but still camp safe. Towel and washcloth
Comfy clothes to sleep in Undergarments (we recommend 2 sets/day) Socks (at least 2 pair/day) Always bring more socks Band Aids & antibacterial ointment (for boo boos and blisters) Deodorant (please, for heavens sake wear and reapply frequently, everyone will thank you.) Work/hiking/combat boots to wear in case of extended wet weather and/or blisters. Personal hygiene items such as , wet wipes, dry shampoo, soap and toothbrush Flashlight (make it period with an led in a lantern) Sunscreen Bug spray Any medicines that you might require A tarp for floor of tent to protect from moisture, and an extra one for your gear if it doesn't fit in your tent. Phone charger
If you wear glasses, safety glasses/helmet for your protection, contacts with appropriate solution and cases.
Trash bags, make it cleaner then when you showed up, great for wet or dirty clothes
Again, Camping Wet wipes for rapid personal hygiene.
Other useful items:
Mead horn or other period cup
Feast wear, wooden plates, period style utensils all add to your immersion
Period style musical instruments, drums, flutes, lutes, banjolins, harps (make sure they are camping safe) Money to purchase stuff and alcohol DIY is great, but garb, armor, and LARP weapons must be approved (to approve ahead of time, email larpadventures@gmail.com with photographs) “Period” camp items. Things such as coffee pots, period camp chairs, banners, etc...
A camp chair can be easily made period friendly by draping a tapestry over them, accent with furs for a comfortable place to sit in camp.
Things to not bring on-site:
Please avoid bright colors, modern patterns, and logos Alcohol from sources other than Mountain Run Winery (required by law) “Real” weapons, or fire arms
Fireworks
Some more questions came up...
Food- Some food is provided with your event package purchase. Basically, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, there will be some charge for the dinner feast, but we try to defer as much as possible to the group for expenses. Other snacks that will be available in the tavern are a'la carte, but inexpensive. We like cash, but the winery also takes credit.
12pm Check-in begins, that is noon (12am is midnight) Do not expect a formal check in or event content until Friday afternoon. That said early arrival and even Thursday night camping is by special arrangement only.
Footwear - For shoes, wear something black or brown if you cannot afford or do not have boots or period style footwear. Leggings or leg wraps are a good alternative or accessory to cover modern footwear. Sensible shoes (bonus for waterproof) you'll need something comfortable after adventuring all day, but still camp safe. Work/hiking/combat boots are ok to wear in case of extended wet weather and/or blister prevention. Water - Potable delicious water is available onsite. Period containers are encouraged, we offer stainless steel camp cups for sale as well as some drinking horns.
Photography - It is encouraged, try not to be obnoxious with your phone, there are "How tos" online about making book style covers for your phone if you are interested in preserving maximum immersion.
Jewelry - Accessories can really personalize and make a costume, but can be dangerous in combat and you don't want to lose something precious running around in the woods. Try and use common sense, and remember that you are responsible for your own personal items.
Eye glasses - When possible try to avoid wearing modern eyewear, like sunglasses, some folks need them to see and safety is always the prime concern. If you wear glasses, safety glasses/helmet for your protection, contacts with appropriate solution and cases.
Writing utensils for our journals or spell books. - There are lots of period looking options for writing and we will have a brief class on how to make quill style ballpoint pens that are a lot of fun
Think I would add ziplock bags. They make organizing a bin a bit easier and are another layer of protection in case of rain. Keeping a spare set of clothing for the drive home in a zipper bag (the 2 or 2.5 gallon size work super well) in the car can make a HUGE difference.
Snacks, water and soft drinks! These can go a long way to keeping you going and enjoying the event.
Large plastic storage tubs, these are great for organizing gear keeping stuff dry...using as tent tables.