Sleeping (while camping)

You will not have a good time at an event if you weren’t able to sleep well over the night. Ensuring you are warm and comfortable at night is vital.

The number one most important thing is what’s under you. You can use an air mattress, a sleeping pad, a cot, or a full-out bed. When making your choice, consider how long you are going to be at the event, how easy it is for you to get up off the “bed”, and how much storage/transport space you can use. An air mattress collapses well, but is it firm enough, will it stay inflated, can you stand up from the edge of it. Is a cot too firm? What if you put a foam mattress on it?

Once you have figured out the structure of your bed, next look to bedding. One word: Wool. Regardless of the bed you choose, you should have a thermal layer between you and the bed. Otherwise, that air mattress will be a heat sink and the cot will just expose your poor bottom to the whole of the air. Sheets like you use at home will go a long way to keeping you comfortable. A variety of blankets will ensure that you are warm when the temperature drops, but not too hot if it doesn’t. Wool makes the best thermal under layer, and should be the top most blanket on the bed. The wool will keep the humidity out during the day (always make your bed at camp!) and will keep you warmer at night. Your tent will not keep the heat inside the same way your home does. Even 20 degrees at night can feel frigid when it was 30 during the day and there’s only a thin fabric between you and the open air.

Pillows are a must. You sleep with a pillow at home, don’t expect to go without for four days just because you’re camping. Bring a pillow or pillows similar to what you use at home. There are camping pillows that are inflatable, or compressible, if packing space is limited.

Set up your tent mindfully. Pitch your tent on flat ground, if possible, removing any rocks, sticks, or debris. If the terrain isn't perfectly level, position your head uphill to minimize discomfort.

A tent isn’t as light proof as your bedroom. By a long shot. If you need darkness, consider taking an eye mask to sleep with.

Similarly, a tent is hardly sound proof, and events are loud late into the night. Plus your camp-mates probably snore. I know this because I’ve camped near most folk of the Althing and trust me, they all snore. Ear plugs are your friends. If you haven’t really used any before, do a couple of test runs some nights before the event to get used to them.

Anything you have next to your bed you should consider taking as well. I, myself, always have Kleenex and lip balm on my bed-side table, so I make sure I have these things when I go camping. Sleeping is highly ritualistic and your routines are fundamental to a good sleep.

SCA camping can be anywhere from minimalist to “glamping”. Your comfort is paramount, if you need to sacrifice some other “more period” gear in order to be comfortable while sleeping, do it.

Camping

 

Let’s start at the beginning.  SCA “camping” events are multi day events in the warmer months.  Camping is not mandatory.  If you truly hate it, you can always get a hotel near by.

Camping is an inexpensive and convenient way to experience everything the multi-day events have to offer.  Activities at these events can begin early, and end well past midnight.

Camping to attend an SCA event isn’t any different than car camping at a provincial park. More and more people are even bringing their RVs. So if you’ve been camping, you’re ready to just show up.

Camping events are Events. You must wear garb every day, in all weather. One can be forgiven for running to the latrine in mundane sleeping clothes or early morning coffees, but dress of the day is pre-17^th century.

There is no requirement for any of your camping gear to be a perfectly period artifact to match your persona. Bring your nylon tent and your popup and your propane stove.  Eat hot dogs and KD off plastic.

That being said, there are a few easy swaps to immerse yourself in the living history aspect of our hobby.

Bring your usual day event kit.  A pottery mug or cup, a basket to carry your thing (or pilgrim’s sack).

Chairs are in short supply at a camping event, unlike in the halls we usually occupy.  If space allows, a folding wooden chair is an easy thing to get and a nice touch. If you need a modern camping chair for whatever reason, consider covering it with a cloth or cloak.

As a rule, a cloth will hide  many a modern sin. Have a 6’ plastic folding table? Cover it with a cloth. Plastic cooler and no cloth covered table to hide it under? Stick a cloth on it.

We generally recommend packing in rough totes, for protection against infiltration and moisture. If you have equipment that doesn’t mind a little humidity, you could consider storing this kit in a wooden chest or box.

Remember, there are plenty of reasons to use nylon tents, and modern camping equipment. Much like orthotics and glasses, we do what’s right for us.