You have signed up for a LARP event and it is approaching. What is useful to take with you? Whether you are going as a player, extra, or even as an SL, some things are useful or even necessary for everyone to bring. Therefore, I have compiled a packing checklist below with these items, so you can always keep this list with you when packing for a LARP event. When packing your LARP items, always consider how you will travel to the event: if you are driving yourself in a car, you can often take more and larger items than when traveling by public transport.

Extra socks. Socks take up only a small part of your luggage space, but they can make a world of difference. Many LARP events are (primarily) outdoors, so it will happen quite often that you have to walk through wet grass or mud puddles, causing your socks to get wet. Besides causing you to lose your body heat very quickly, wet socks can also lead to blisters more quickly. So make sure you have enough dry, warm socks with you, so you can always change them when they get wet.

Base layers. In winter, you can get cold quickly. I can strongly recommend wearing a thermal base layer under your costume. Consider a shirt with long sleeves and a long trousers or leggings. This will make you less likely to suffer from the cold, even when not wearing a cloak. This base layer can also absorb a large portion of the sweat that inevitably comes when you are running around and fighting. An undershirt is often easier to wash and replace than your complex (and often expensive) costume. Even in summer, it's nice to wear a shirt under your outfit. Just make sure there are no prints or logos on it, and that the colour of your undershirt matches your costume, so it is as unobtrusive as possible. You can also choose to use an IC undershirt. This ensures your entire costume looks even better and is often just as easy to wash as an OC-shirt.

In character clothing. From the moment the time starts, the aim is to break immersion as little as possible. So for everyone walking around at a LARP event, it's important to wear as much clothing as possible that fits the theme of the LARP. Whether you're a player, NPC, GM, or volunteer, if you wear your OC clothing, you stand out. How this looks varies, of course, for each participant group. Players will wear a full costume, while NPCs often get a large part of their outfit from the LARP organization's stock and will therefore often change it. Game masters and volunteers often wear a basic outfit that matches the theme of the LARP, possibly with a chaperon or tunic indicating what role this person fulfills within the LARP. Also consider the weather when packing your clothes: if it's very cold and wet during the event, it's handy to bring a cloak or waterproof clothing.

Accessories. It naturally depends a lot on your character what kind of accessories you will need. What is useful for almost everyone are belts and pouches or bags that you can hang on them. This way, your hands are always free, but you can still carry your personal belongings if you prefer.

Sleepwear. Bring clothes you can comfortably lie in, as you will often share a sleeping space with multiple people, who may not appreciate it if you prefer to sleep naked. Also, in case of emergencies or nighttime bathroom visits, it's handy not to have to search in the dark for clothes to quickly put on.

Out of character clothing . For the outbound and return journey, it is often comfortable to wear your regular daily clothing, especially if you are traveling by public transport.

Deodorant. During a LARP event, you will move a lot, whether you are foraging in the forest, standing guard, or at the front line during every skirmish. This will undoubtedly make you sweat. Do yourself and your fellow participants a favor and use deodorant regularly.

Dental Care. This is self-explanatory, but don't forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste, and if you use one, your night guard.

Contact Lenses and Solution. This is also fairly self-explanatory, but contact lens solution is often forgotten. So remember to pack your lens case and solution if you wear lenses. It can also be useful to bring your glasses in case of emergencies.

Intimate Hygiene Products. As someone with a uterus, you never know exactly when your menstruation will start, so it's always handy to be prepared.

Shower Products. It is not possible to shower at every LARP, but if it is, it is often very nice to take a shower after a long day. Even if it is very cold or has rained heavily, it is nice to be able to warm up with a shower. So be sure to bring a (microfiber) towel and soap. If a shower is not possible, it can be useful to use a washcloth with soap to clean yourself a bit.

Make-up and/or Face Paint . Some races have a different skin color than humans (think of orcs, goblins, animal-like races, etc.). If you play such a race, bring makeup in the colour that matches that race. It is useful to test the makeup on your skin before the LARP begins, so you don't have to go through the entire event with a rash if you turn out to be allergic. Even for races that do have your own skin color, makeup and/or cosmetics can help to portray your role well. You can, for example, add intricate tattoos, runes, or other decorations to make you look intimidating or ethereal. Also, think of cleaning products when it comes to makeup and cosmetics!

Hair items. Think of a hairbrush and/or comb to tame your wild locks or make them even wilder, if that suits your character, hair ties, hair and/or beard beads, hairspray, temporary hair dye, etc. How your hair looks can make a world of difference for your character.

A mirror. If there are any mirrors at all at the location of the LARP, there are usually not enough for everyone to use at the same time. It can be very handy to bring your own mirror.

Medications. If you take (daily) medications, bring a sufficient amount to a LARP event and ensure you can take them on time.

Band-aids. Accidents happen easily, even out of character. So it is always handy to have a few band-aids with you. Blister band-aids often turn out to be indispensable when trudging through the mud for an entire event.

Painkillers. Headaches or other pains can also strike at unexpected moments. 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 the summer, you will be outside a lot, but even during the winter, the sun can shine brightly. Always make sure to apply sunscreen well so you don't get sunburned.

Insect repellent. LARP events are often held in nature, in areas with forests and/or lakes. Particularly in the summer, many insects will be attracted to these areas. Therefore, it is handy to regularly treat yourself and your surroundings with insect repellent or other deterrents.

Earplugs and sleep mask. During a LARP event, there will likely be more people around you than you are used to, which means there will also be more noise and light around you than usual during sleep. If you know you are sensitive to this, be sure to bring a set of earplugs and a sleep mask to ensure you get enough sleep to fully enjoy the entire event.

What you need for your sleeping and food provision varies greatly, depending on the type of LARP and the location. At a LARP that takes place in a forest or on a field with no buildings and facilities nearby, you will need to make different preparations than at a LARP organized on a scouting terrain. Therefore, I have made the distinction between sleeping in a tent and sleeping in a dormitory, providing the packing list for both situations.

Tent with Accessories. In a tent camp, a tent is of course very important. If you want to be in the IC tent camp, it is often mandatory to bring an IC (looking) tent. This may be finished with modern zippers and impregnating agents, but it is important that your tent is not visually disturbing. 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 colors. When packing your tent, always think of all your tent poles and enough pegs and guy lines. If your tent is not equipped with a groundsheet, it is also wise to bring one.

Air Mattress . During a LARP event, the game often continues late into the night, only to start again early the next morning. Therefore, it is important that you can sleep as comfortably as possible to make the most of the few hours you can lie down. It is therefore important to bring a comfortable air mattress to the event. You can choose between a self-inflating mat or an inflatable air mattress. You can even place these on a camp bed to create even more comfort for yourself. Don't forget to bring a pump if you choose an inflatable air mattress.

Sleeping bag and pillow. Of course, an air mattress and a tent are not enough to sleep comfortably. Therefore, also bring a comfortable pillow and a good sleeping bag (or duvet), and a sheet for your air mattress. This way, you won't get cold at "s night!

Extra blankets. If it gets really cold during an event, for example, during the winter, it can be very nice to bring extra blankets and/or animal hides. You can place these under and on your air mattress to keep the cold out, and also spread them on the ground throughout the tent to retain as much warmth as possible. Additionally, it looks very cozy.

Chairs or stools. It's nice to be able to sit by your own tent to rest, eat, put on your shoes, or continue the game. Therefore, be sure to bring a number of chairs or stools that fit within the setting of the LARP.

Light. For your own safety and the safety of your fellow players, it is important to have sufficient light in and around your campsite. Consider fire pits (if allowed), lanterns, (LED) candles, etc. This way, you can always see where you're walking and where the guy lines are. Additionally, it looks very cozy and can provide a bit of extra warmth.

Tape and rope. These are two handy items that you should always bring when camping. You can use both items as an emergency solution when something breaks. Rope is also very useful for hanging lanterns and other tent decorations.

Garbage bags. Always make sure you leave the area where you LARP as you found it: clean up your trash and dispose of it in a place where it is allowed. A garbage bag doesn't look very nice in your camp, so you can choose to hide it in a nice basket or chest.

Cooking equipment. When participating in a LARP where everyone sleeps in tents, it is often customary for the participants to cook for themselves. This can be arranged within the group or faction you are part of, so not everyone needs to set up their own cooking area. Think about cooking equipment like a way and place to safely make a fire, pots and kettles, a tripod to hang your kettle on, spoons, knives, and cutting boards, but also, for example, a dish brush. Often, it is agreed upon within the group who brings what.

Crockery and cutlery . Following the previous point, crockery such as plates, bowls, and cups and cutlery that fit within the setting of the LARP are also important to include. Especially when eating and drinking in an IC camp, it is nice if your crockery and cutlery match the story, so that immersion is not disrupted by plastic plates and cups.

Enough food and drinks. Bring at least enough food for a substantial breakfast and dinner, a simple lunch, and some snacks. During the day, you probably won't have much time to spend on eating, but it is important to keep your blood sugar high enough so that 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 participating in a fight means you lose a lot of fluids. You can choose to carry a bottle of water in an IC appropriate holder, or you can hang a cup on your belt that you refill regularly.

Toilet paper. Especially when extensive facilities are not provided by the organization, it can be useful to bring a few rolls of toilet paper. Even if you don't need it for toilet visits, toilet paper can be helpful when cooking or quickly cleaning something. 

Sleeping bag and pillow. When dormitories are available, there are usually beds for everyone. If not, it is also important to bring an air mattress (with pump). In any case, bring a sleeping bag or duvet, a comfortable pillow, and a fitted sheet for the mattress, so you can get as much of your usual night's rest as possible.

Crockery and cutlery . When you don't have to set up a camp, you will likely not need to cook for yourself, and therefore not need cooking equipment. However, at a LARP location, there is often not enough crockery and cutlery available to provide for every participant. Additionally, it is of course more enjoyable to have a set that fits within the style of the LARP. It is often your own responsibility to wash your crockery and cutlery after eating, so that you can use them again at the next meal.

Snacks and drinks. At a LARP event where you do not have to cook for yourself, you are provided with breakfast, where you can also pack a lunch for yourself, and dinner. All snacks you consume in between and drinks are at your own expense. Sometimes a tavern is set up where you can order drinks and (warm) snacks, but this is not always the case. Additionally, it is handy to carry some small snacks and drinks with you, as you never know how long you will be occupied. Consider dried fruit or meat, a muesli bar, or nuts. A bottle of water in an IC holder can also be very useful if you are occupied for a long time.

A power bank. There are often few to no power outlets available at a LARP location. During the event itself, you will use your phone very little, but it is useful to be available on the way there and back. So bring a power bank to charge your mobile phone, so you can return home safely after the event.

Batteries . Carefully consider whether you need batteries for anything: do you have an illuminating staff that operates on batteries, LED candles, or other battery-powered technology with you? If so, bring an extra set of the type of battery you need for this.

Sewing kit. It can happen that your costume gets damaged. It's useful to quickly secure it with a few stitches to prevent the damage from tearing further and to avoid spending much longer fixing your costume afterwards. If you're handy with needle and thread, it's also very nice for your fellow participants to be able to quickly come to you for a small repair. You could even play IC with this!

Props and weapons. This is, of course, very dependent on the type of participant and also on your character. Some participants won't need to bring any props and weapons at all, while others might load up a whole van. Carefully consider what is important for your character: are you playing an alchemist? Then you might bring items like mortars, glass bottles and tubes, herbs, and the like. Are you playing a soldier? Then think more about your armor, swords, and shields.

Alcohol and tobacco products. Every LARP has its own policy regarding alcohol and smoking, so always check with your LARP group, but generally, in 18+ LARPs, alcohol may be consumed, provided you do not participate in a skirmish afterwards. Alcohol is always at your own expense, but if there is a tavern, beer is often served there. Occasionally, mead will also be served. Other alcoholic beverages you will need to bring yourself. Additionally, it is usually the case that smoking is only allowed in certain locations to minimize inconvenience to non-smokers. So, think about whether you want to consume alcohol and whether you smoke when packing, and plan accordingly.

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