Things We Can't Go Camping Without

As LARP traders, and outdoor enthusiasts, we spend more time camping than most. Working a LARP event is not the same as attending. You can't just shut the door when it's cold and wet; there's less running around fighting monsters to keep you warm; and, you can't leave the tent when the sun is glaring down, either. 

These are a few glamping essentials we have come to value as 'must haves' for those long weeks working outdoors. Yes, they're luxuries. Yes, they're expensive. But, we love them!

A Bell Tent

We realised that we’d receive half a dozen facetious comments about a “tent” being the one thing you can’t go camping without if we didn’t say it. We will probably still get some. But, this one is actually cheating, because when we’re trading, we often sleep in the vans to allow for more stock space when packing - the one downside to bell tents is that they are heavy!

However, bell tents are an amazing investment, and we have a range in different sizes for personal camping trips and events where we attend as players. Most LARPers buy them for how they look. However, that is just one good feature. Canvas bell tents are much better in cold temperatures than polyester alternatives, since the thick fabric traps warm air. We choose tents from Bell Tent Boutique because they’re also better than normal tents in warm weather, too, with plenty of windows and a groundsheet that can also be unzipped to allow airflow.

Now, not all bell tents are made equal, but the top feature of Bell Tent Boutique tents and similar designs is that they are so easy to put up. Their construction makes them super easy to erect, even if you’re doing it solo. When they’re up, they are also really stable, even in poor weather conditions. 

The Heated Vest

These are fantastic if you run cold. Powered by rechargeable battery blocks that slip into an inside pocket, our vests have four settings. On low, you can get about twelve hours of decent heat from a 27000mAh powerbank. On high, these batteries last about four hours. Typically, we use the rolling setting that alternates between low and high heat, which means you still feel the warming effects.

Most heated vests come with a special mesh bag so you can tuck the wires away safely in the pocket and still pop the whole thing into the washing machine - ideal if you're using it for camping. 

Harrie's vest, which was just an Amazon purchase you can find linked here, has zips down the side. This is ideal for adjusting the sizing depending on the layers you wear above and below.

You can actually see the vest tucked beneath her doublet in the photo here - oopsie! 

Thermal Mugs & Bottles

Hydration is super important at LARP events. It can be really easy to forget to drink water. A standard double-lined thermal bottle is an absolute blessing. You can leave a good one of these (like the ones we sell as part of our Jonas Bottle Holders) in direct sunlight, and the water inside stays cool, even when the bottle is too hot to touch.

Conversely, a high-quality thermal mug is perfect for keeping hot drinks warm when it’s freezing. Is camp getting attacked? Attending a three-hour war council meeting? Pop the lid on one of these cups, and your drink will still be hot when you get back.

Boots

Whatever happens, invest in some good footwear. We would recommend the following:

Muck Boots. Even though these are less authentic-looking, they are Harrie’s absolute favourite for LARP footwear. The neoprene tops and shaped soles make them super comfortable, and they’re still 100% waterproof. They’re also much warmer than regular wellies, although Harrie favours the fleece-lined ones for extra warmth.

Merrell. For walking boots, we like Merrell. They’re high quality, with a range of fits, and offer differing levels of padded insulation. They have some plain styles, but parts of their women’s winter collection look very LARP-appropriate. Harrie has a pair of sheet-ice boots with fur-lined tops and 300g of insulation — ideal for Empire’s notoriously challenging weather.

Dublin Boots. These are a great option if you want authentic-looking, high-quality, high-topped boots. Designed for equestrian sports, they're excellent quality and produced from real leather. 

Camp Bed

Okay, so this is where we get really bougie. We both have a TFG camp bed and matching sleeping bag. They are incredibly comfortable and super warm — ideal when working long hours and then falling into bed on a freezing night. They’re bulky and expensive, but they’re also the BEST!

Our particular model is no longer available, but any bed that’s lifted off the ground is going to offer you superior warmth. The width of angling beds and sleeping bags is far superior to alternatives, so you can roll and move freely inside whilst still staying warm. Their adjustable legs are perfect for uneven ground, or for those who might need to prop themselves up.