Getting Started/Pack Your Bags

Phase 8 of 10

Pack Your Bags

Your ticket's booked, your costume's ready, and the event is approaching. Here's everything you need to bring (and a few things you shouldn't).

What you'll cover

• Review the packing checklist
• Prepare for weather and site conditions
• Know what NOT to bring

The Packing Checklist

This is your master list for getting event-ready. Not everything here is essential for your first event, but it's all worth considering. Experienced players have learned most of this the hard way, so you don't have to.

The Essentials

• Event ticket confirmation - the important part is your QR code, which is checked by the traffic team at the road entrance. Have it on hand as you drive in to keep things moving smoothly. If you can't pull up the QR code, your order number is all you need
• Tent and bedding (if camping) - or your tent rental confirmation
• Sleeping bag and something to sleep on - a camp bed, air mattress, or roll mat. Getting off the ground makes a huge difference to your sleep
• Costume - your main outfit plus your nation's Key Costume Item
• Water bottle - you'll be on your feet all day, stay hydrated
• Torch or lantern - the site gets properly dark at night. A small torch for getting around OC and an IC-appropriate lantern for in-game are both useful
• Any medications you need - make sure you've ordered these well in advance. The nearest pharmacy may be a drive away
• Phone and charger - a portable battery pack is worth its weight in gold since there are no power hookups on site

Costume and Kit

• Main costume - your base layers plus any armour, accessories, or props
• Spare layers - a warm extra layer you can wear under your costume. Evenings and nights get cold
• Wet-weather gear - a wool cloak or IC-appropriate coat for rain. Wool stays warm when wet, which makes it ideal for British weather
• Comfortable OC clothes - something to change into after time-out or around the OC areas
• Belt - useful for carrying pouches, props, and keeping layers together
• LARP weapons - if you have them. If not, there are a variety of LARP traders at the event itself where you can try on clothing and purchase weapons on the day. The list of traders is available on menhirsfate.com

Camping Gear

• Spare tent pegs and a mallet - not all tent pegs are created equal. Hard ground in summer can make standard pegs difficult to drive in, so consider sturdy steel pegs if you're buying new ones
• A tarp or groundsheet - extra protection under and around your tent
• Camp chair - somewhere to sit between encounters and around the fire
• Lamps or fairy lights - for inside your tent. Battery-powered LED candles work well for an IC feel
• Hot water bottle or hand warmers - for sleeping bags on cold nights
• Glow-in-the-dark guylines or markers - so nobody trips over your tent ropes in the dark

Food and Drink

• Snacks - cereal bars, biscuits, whatever keeps you going between vendor meals
• Tea and coffee supplies - if you're a hot drink person, bring a camping kettle or flask
• Reusable mug and cutlery - handy for the campfire and food vendors alike
• Any dietary essentials - food vendors cater for a range of needs, but if you have specific requirements, bring backup supplies just in case

Character Materials

• Character sheet - if you create your character early enough (usually up to a week before the event), your character passport containing key information about your skills and abilities will be waiting for you at the Bankers Guild. You'll also have a bank account there where you can withdraw your starting coin. Everyone starts with some!
• Any IC props - letters, pouches, coin purses, journals, trinkets
• A pen and small notebook - useful for taking notes in-game

Comfort and Extras

• Sunscreen - wear it every day!
• Insect repellent - especially for summer events
• A small first aid kit - plasters, painkillers, antihistamines. Medics are on site, but basic supplies save a trip
• Extra socks - several pairs. Layering socks is a veteran tip for staying warm and cosy, and dry feet are happy feet. This is the single most underrated piece of packing advice you'll ever receive
• Extra blankets - for covering chairs, wrapping yourself up around the camp, and adding warmth to your sleeping setup
• Bin bags - for wet or muddy clothes, and for keeping your tent tidy
• Earplugs - campsites can be lively late into the night

Preparing for the Weather

Menhirs Fate events are booked in the summer months when the weather is expected to be at its best. That said, British weather does what it wants and the best approach is to prepare for everything.

Layer up. Thermal base layers are your best friend on cold nights. A warm fleece or jumper worn under your costume keeps you comfortable without breaking the look.

Waterproofs are essential. Even if the forecast looks clear, pack them. A wool cloak doubles as excellent rain protection in-game, and a modern waterproof jacket is fine for OC time.

Sun protection matters. Summer events can be surprisingly hot. Sunscreen, a hat for OC time, and plenty of water will keep you going.

Sturdy footwear. Boots with ankle support are ideal. The site has well-maintained fields, but areas can get muddy and boggy if the weather turns. Bring a spare pair of shoes in case your main ones get soaked.

Veteran wisdom: Pack for the worst weather you can imagine, then hope for the best. You'll never regret having a warm layer you didn't need, but you'll absolutely regret not having one.

What NOT to Bring

A few things to leave at home:

• Anything off-brief - modern-looking items that break the setting. Check the Look the Part page if you're unsure
• Real weapons - this should go without saying, but only LARP-safe weapons are permitted on site
• Valuables - leave expensive jewellery, electronics (beyond your phone), and anything you'd be gutted to lose at home. The site is generally safe, but it's an outdoor camping event
• A bad attitude - come ready to have fun, try new things and be generous with the people around you. That's the only essential requirement

Don't panic: If you forget something, the community has your back. Experienced players are generous with spare kit, snacks, and supplies. Ask in your nation's camp and someone will help you out.

Campfires and Site Rules

If you're planning to bring a campfire, it must be raised off the ground and meet the event's safety standards. Fires burning directly on the grass are not permitted.

Full site rules, regulations, and other practical information are available on menhirsfate.com. It's worth having a read through before your first event.

Print This Page

This checklist is designed to be printed or bookmarked. Every packing item has a checkbox beside it so you can tick things off as you go.

For more detailed camping and site information, see the Camping Information page.

Bags packed? Let's walk through your first day.

Next: Your First Day ➤

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