You've signed up for a LARP event and it's getting closer. What's handy to bring along? Whether you're going as a player, extra, or even as an SL, some things are useful or even necessary for everyone to bring. That's why I've put together a packing checklist below with these items, so you can always keep this list handy when you're packing for a LARP event. When packing your LARP stuff, always keep in mind how you're travelling to the event: if you're driving your own car, you can often bring more and larger items than when you're using public transport.
Clothing
Extra socks. Socks only take up a small bit of your luggage space, but can make a world of difference. Many LARP events are (mostly) outdoors, so you'll likely have to walk through wet grass or muddy puddles quite often, which will get your socks wet. Besides making you lose body heat really quickly, wet socks can also lead to blisters faster. So make sure you have plenty of dry, warm socks so you can always swap them out when they get wet.
Base layers. In winter you get cold quickly. I can strongly recommend wearing thermal base layers under your costume. Think of a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers or leggings. This way you'll stay warmer for longer, even when you're not wearing a cloak. These base layers can also catch a lot of the sweat that undoubtedly comes out when you're running around and fighting. An under shirt is often easier to wash and swap than your complicated (and often expensive) costume. Even in summer it's nice to wear a shirt under your outfit. Just make sure there are no prints on it and that the colour of your base shirt matches your costume so it stands out as little as possible. Of course, you could also choose to use an IC under shirt. This makes your whole costume look even better and is often just as easy to wash as an OC shirt.
In character clothing. From the moment the time starts, it's really supposed to break immersion as little as possible. So for everyone walking around a LARP event, you should wear as much clothing as possible that fits within the LARP's theme. Whether you're a player, extra, SL or volunteer, if you're wearing your OC clothing, you stand out. How this looks differs of course for each participant group. Players will wear a full costume, while extras will often get a large part of their outfit from the LARP organisation's supplies and will therefore also often swap them. Game leaders and volunteers often wear a basic outfit that fits the LARP's theme, with or without a coif or tunic that indicates what role this person has within the LARP. When packing your clothing also think about the weather: if it's very cold and wet during the event, it's handy to bring a cloak or waterproof clothing.
Accessories. Of course it very much depends on your character what accessories you'll need. What's useful for practically everyone are belts and bags or pouches that you can hang from them. That way you always have your hands free, but you can still carry your personal items with you if you like.
Sleepwear. Bring clothing you can lie in comfortably, as you'll often share a sleeping space with multiple people who might not appreciate it if you prefer to sleep naked. Also in case of emergency or night-time toilet visits it's handy that you don't have to search for clothing in the dark to put on quickly.
Out of character clothing. For the journey to and from the event, it's often nice to wear your normal everyday clothing, especially if you're using public transport.
Personal care
Hygiene
Deodorant. During a LARP event you'll move around a lot, whether you're going to forage for herbs in the forest, stand watch or stand at the front line during every buts. This will make you sweat for sure. Do yourself and your fellow participants a favour and use deodorant regularly.
Dental care. This goes without saying, but don't forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste, and if you use one, your night brace.
Contact lenses and lens solution. This is fairly self-explanatory, but lens solution is often forgotten anyway. So remember that if you wear contact lenses, you pack your lens case and solution. It can also be handy to bring your glasses if you wear contacts, just in case of emergencies.
Intimate hygiene products. As someone with a uterus you never know exactly when your period will hit, so it's always handy to be prepared.
Shower items. It's not possible to shower at every LARP, but if it is, it's often really nice to shower after a long day. Also if it's very cold or it has rained heavily, it's nice to be able to warm yourself up with a shower. Definitely bring a (microfibre) towel and soap. If a shower isn't an option, it can be handy to use a washcloth with soap so you can still wash yourself a bit.
Make-up and/or face paint. Some races have a different skin colour than humans (think of orcs, goblins, animal-like races, etc.). If you're playing such a race, bring face paint in the colour that suits that race. It's handy to test the face paint on your skin before the LARP starts, so you don't have to walk around with a rash the whole event if you turn out to be allergic. Even for races that have your own skin colour, face paint and/or make-up can help you portray your role better. For example, you can add complicated tattoos, runes or other decorations that make you look scary or ethereal. Also think about cleaning products with make-up and face paint!
Hair items. Think of a hairbrush and/or comb to tame your wild locks or make them even wilder, if that fits your character, hair ties, hair and/or beard beads, hairspray, temporary hair dye etc. How your hair looks can make a world of difference to your character.
A mirror. If there are any mirrors at the LARP location at all, there are usually not enough for everyone to use at the same time. It can therefore be really handy to bring your own mirror.
First aid kit
Medicines. If you take (daily) medicines, bring a generous amount of them to a LARP event and make sure you can take them on time.
Plasters. An accident is never far away, even out of character. It's therefore always handy to have a few plasters with you. Blister plasters also prove to be quite useful during a whole event of trudging through mud.
Painkillers. Headaches or other pains can strike at unexpected times. It would be a shame if you had to miss (part of) the event because of it. Painkillers are always handy to have with you.
Sunscreen. Especially in summer you'll be outside a lot, but even in winter the sun can shine brightly. Always make sure to apply sunscreen well so you don't get sunburnt.
Insect spray. LARP events are often in nature, in the surroundings of forests and/or lakes. Especially in summer, many insects will swarm here. It's therefore handy to treat yourself and your surroundings regularly with insect spray or other repellents.
Earplugs and sleep mask. During a LARP event there will probably be more people in your immediate surroundings than you're used to, which means there will also be more noise and light around you than usual when sleeping. If you know you're bothered by this quickly, definitely bring a set of earplugs and a sleep mask to make sure you get enough sleep to fully enjoy the whole event.
Sleep and food provisions
What you need for your sleep and food provisions varies greatly, depending on the type of LARP and the location. For a LARP that takes place in a forest or on a field where there are no buildings and facilities nearby, you'll have to make different preparations than for a LARP organised at a scouts' campsite. I've therefore made a distinction between sleeping in a tent and sleeping in a dormitory, providing a packing list for both situations.
Sleeping in a tent
Tent with accessories. At a tent camp, a tent is of course very important. If you want to pitch your tent in the IC campground, it's often mandatory to bring an IC (looking) tent with you. This can be finished with modern zips and waterproofing, but it's important that your tent doesn't look visually disruptive. IC tents are often made of sturdy canvas and often have the cream white colour of unbleached cotton or linen, with the exception of landsknecht tents, which can have brighter colours. When packing your tent also always remember all your tent poles and enough pegs and guy ropes. If your tent is not equipped with a ground sheet, it's also wise to bring one.
Air mattress. During a LARP event the game often goes on late into the night and then starts again early the next morning. It's therefore important that you can sleep as comfortably as possible to make the most of the few hours you can lie down. It's therefore important to bring a comfortable air mattress to the event. You can choose between a mat that inflates automatically or an inflatable air mattress. You can then even place this on a camp bed to create even more comfort for yourself. Don't forget to also bring a pump if you choose an inflatable air mattress.
Sleeping bag and pillow. A mattress and a tent are of course not enough to sleep comfortably. So also bring a nice pillow and a good sleeping bag (or duvet), and a sheet to put on your air mattress. That way you won't get cold at night!
Extra blankets. If it's really very cold during an event that takes place, for example, in winter, it can be really nice to bring extra blankets and/or animal hides. You can lay these under and on your air mattress to keep out the cold, and also spread on the ground throughout the tent to keep in as much warmth as possible. Besides, it looks really cosy of course.
Chairs or stools. It's nice to be able to sit at your own tent to rest, eat, put on your shoes, or continue the game. Be sure to bring some chairs or stools that fit within the setting of the LARP.
Light. For your own safety and the safety of your fellow players, it's important to have plenty of light in and around your campground. Think of fire baskets (if permitted), lanterns, (LED) candles, etc. That way you'll always see where you're walking and where the guy ropes are. Besides, it looks really cosy, and can provide an extra bit of warming.
Tape and rope. These are two handy items you should really always bring with you when camping. You can use both items as a quick fix when something breaks. Rope is also really handy for hanging lanterns and other tent decorations.
Rubbish bags. Always make sure you leave the terrain where you LARP in the same state as you found it: clean up your rubbish and dispose of it where it's allowed. A rubbish bag won't look so nice in your camp of course, so you can choose to hide it in a nice basket or box.
Cooking gear. When participating in a LARP where everyone sleeps in tents, it's often customary that participants also do the cooking themselves. This can be arranged among the group or faction you're part of, so not everyone has to set up their own cooking place. Think of cooking gear such as a way and place to safely make fire, pans and kettles, a tripod to hang your kettle on, spoons, knives and chopping boards, but also for example a washing-up brush. Often a group agrees on who brings what.
Tableware and cutlery. Following on from the previous point, tableware such as plates, bowls and mugs and cutlery that fit within the setting of the LARP are also important to bring with you. Especially when you eat and drink in an IC campground it's nice if you have tableware and cutlery that fits within the story, so that immersion isn't broken by plastic plates and cups.
Plenty of food and drink. Bring at least enough food for a full breakfast and dinner, a simple lunch and a number of snacks. During the day you probably won't have much time to spend a long time on food, but it's important to keep your blood sugar high enough so you have enough energy to fully enjoy the event. Drinking is also very important: walking around in a heavy costume with probably many layers and fighting in a buts means you lose a lot of fluid. You can choose to carry a bottle of water
