I've discovered that there are a lot of people in the SCA who have never camped before. I on the other hand sometimes think I was drawn to the Society in part because of my love of smelling like smoke and being cold.

I thought I'd put together some tips for the SCAdian who is new to this whole camping business -- because I think it's fair to get used to camping at all before you take the plunge into the deep end of camping medievally.

Modern Tent:

In case you don't think you're ready to commit to all this, it's okay to start with a modern tent. But what do you do if you don't already have one? Having shopped for quite a few tents, I finally feel able to comment on the subject.

• However many people they say it will sleep is a lie. We are two people with a not unreasonable amount of stuff, and we have a 10x12 tent. It is a very nice size.
• Two doors are better than one.
• It is best to have a tent where you can stand up comfortably in at least some part of it so you can change clothes. I'm never going to struggle while hunched over again. Remember that if the height of your dome tent is 6 feet, even a short person will still have to be right in the center of the tent to be able to stand up because of the shape of the tent.
• Practice setting it up before you get to the event. Yes, this applies to modern tents, too. In fact, when you're in the store picking a tent you might want to see if you can see one set up and get a feel for what it's going to take to go from a bag of nylon and poles to a sleeping structure.
• When you set up: staking, ropes, and rain fly are not optional. Ever. You do not want to put the stakes in when the wind picks up. You do not want to put the rain fly on when it starts to rain. Even a staked tent will blow away in high winds, but an unstaked tent will blow away with the slightest provocation.
• Buy a tarp that's as close to the size of your tent's footprint as you can find. This goes under your tent when you set it up. If it's too big, fold the edges under completely or you'll just collect ponds with it.

Bed:

• You don't actually need the lowest temperature rated mummy bag. It's summer, not backpacking in the Alps! (Actually my lady insists on adding her disagreement with this statement. She has an ultra super duper down mummy bag and she loves it. But she tends to get more cold than I do generally.)
• You really need something to raise you off the ground, even if you're young and spry. We've gone from nothing but sleeping bags to a thin foam pad to an air mattress to cots. That that cot was the best 40 bucks I have ever spent. I've never slept so well while camping. Being elevated also keeps you much warmer. Options for beds include: cots, air mattresses (with or without a frame), lots and lots of padding (like foam pads), and elaborate period style beds. You should know that air mattresses are pretty much doomed to leak -- it is their way.
• I get lots of blankets of different sizes and types so that I can constantly readjust during the night. Layers are good in bed, just like with clothes. Layers underneath you and not just on top of you will keep you warmer. I sleep on top of a sheepskin and it makes a big difference.
• Pillows! Next time you buy new pillows, save the old dead ones for camping. It's worth having a real pillow for camping. As an added bonus, they'll smell like home which will make it easier to fall asleep.

Food:

For more tips, see my food pages for more!

• You will not want to cook as much as you might think you do. Bring lots and lots of snacks. At least for the first couple of times you camp, don't plan elaborate meals. Canned soup is great, as is pasta (I think fresh tortellini is an awesome camping food). Bring things that you don't have to cook to eat, like nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, salad fixings, smoked fish, cheese, beef jerky, etc.
• Remember to stay hydrated!

Comfort and Clothing:

You will get pretty cold when you're outside, even in the summer. Houses shield us quite a bit, so it's often a shock the first time you spend a night outside.

• Layer up. Plan for warm days and cold nights. I usually bring long underwear to events, even in August. Flannel pajama pants are wonderful, too, and can be worn under most garb to keep your legs warm.
• Remember what mom always said about losing heat through your head, and bring some hats. A wool knitted cap will make a big difference.
• Wear garb that can get wet and dirty, because it will.
• Bring sturdy shoes. You will want shoes that can stand up to being wet, keep your feet warm, and are easy to slip on when you need to make a midnight run to the biffy. Don't tell anyone, but I have a pair of brown Crocs that I always bring camping because they meet these needs well -- they are divine in a rain storm.
• Don't have a cloak? Bundle up in a blanket!

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