In Sweden, the historical camping season has begun, and with that lots of clever reenactors are sitting at home, working on their packing lists and piling their things in large heaps. For your convenience and enjoyment, I have asked around after the best packing tips, clever hacks and what-not-to-forget as a beginner.
Here it is, the Ultimate Packing List! Containing everything and more, just what you need to plan your event. Just adjust after your preference and need, and print it out!
Tent:
- wooden pegs
- tent pegs
- tent walls/roof
- rope
- sledge
- extra rope, pegs and mending stuff
Sleeping arrangements:
- bed/cot/mattress/air mattress
- bedding: sheep’s skin, wool blankets, pillow, duvet, sleeping bag.
- mosquito net
- sleeping clothes; warm socks, cap, shift/shirt etc
In the tent:
- tarpaulin floor
- cloth/fabric floor
- carpets/furs
- furniture like stools, benches, table, chests
- curtains for privacy
Clothes:
- underwear
- a change of modern clothes for travelling
- two pairs of shoes (or more)
- swimwear historical or modern depending on the rules
- socks, and extra socks. Some more socks.
- shifts/shirts
- middle layers for warm days
- overlayers for cold and rainy evenings
- headwear that protects against the sun
Food, eating and cooking:
- eating utensils: spoon, knife, pick/fork, plate, bowl, jug and glass
- food storage: cloth bags, chests, plastic bags, cool bag with freezing blocks
- water container to carry with you during daytime
- fire maker (matches, striker etc)
- towel/rags for hot kettle, table, dishes
- fire extinguisher
- fire pit/somewhere to make your food
- tripod for your pot
- firewood, coal
- pot to cook in (frying pan or cauldron)
- dish brush and dish soap
- towel
- tasty drinks
- snacks
- food for all your meals
- trash bag or bin with a plastic bag inside for icky trash
Necessities:
- toilet paper
- towel
- soap
- hand sanitiser
- plastic bags
- wet wipes
- your regular medicines and toiletries like toothbrush etc
- menstruation pads
- abrasion patches (band-aids for your feet)
Good Things to have:
- power bank
- extra socks
- extra medicines (for cold, pains, band-aids etc)
- extra blanket/sleeping bag for warmth
- sunscreen
- earplugs
- mosquito repellent
- snacks
- first aid kit
- cloth sacks to store things in
- cloth sacks, baskets, fässing, bags to carry things in
- mending/sewing bag
- fluid replacement (to put in water if the event is very warm)
- axe
- small broom for the tent
To make the stay more enjoyable:
- candles in lanterns, and/or led candles for lighting your tent in a safe way
- heater for the tent + fuel for the heater
- toys according to your hobby; sewing projects, swords, bow, armour etc
*Please be advised that some events have restrictions on fire and cooking or modern equipment etc so be sure to learn what rules apply to the event you want to visit!
Good luck with your packing and adventuring! I am going to pile some more “important-looking-stuff” now for my trip to DW next week.
