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| Ok, so the intent isn't to go all out no camping but you get the idea |
An idea came as I traveled back from Harper's Retreat on Amtrak. At present as far as the SCA is concerned I am a single person at events. My wife isn't interested and I am not a part of any household or informal group. In addition I'm not that interested in driving long distances (4+ hours or driving through NYC) by myself. On the other hand I don't fight so I don't have to bring armor or weapons. I had everything for Harper's Retreat in one large rolling duffel which worked well enough but many things felt un-optimized.
What about a minimalist SCA camping kit that would allow me to get to events via public transit (possibly flights, Amtrak, local buses) with or without a rental car at the event end? Something that could be carried easily by one person even on a bus. More or less backpacking to an event although my rolling duffel also fits the bill. Certainly not glamping! I'm sure this isn't a new idea but it seems like an interesting plan.
My thought is that the camping supplies are going to be modern. A backpacking tent to replace the generous 2 person car camping tent that I used at Harper's. A modern sleeping bag that can compress down for carrying not a sleeping roll. On the other hand some of the clothing could do double duty. Viking pants can work fine for traveling once you train yourself that everything is in the pilgrim's scrip. Add a hat that can work for both period and yet not be too out of place in a modern setting and you are fine. Obviously you could just go full garb and roll with it but I'm not quite that outgoing!
No cooking gear which means you either need to pack food, hit a grocery store on the way in, or depend on the event. That's a limitation but not a huge one if you are talking about one evening, one full day, and a morning.Current Thoughts
Clothing
1 tunic (two would be better)
1 outer garment (coat or kaftan as I play as a Georgian)
1 pair of Viking style pants
1 pair of Moschevaya Balka style shorts/boxers
underwear, socks, and shoes because I haven't switched to authentic in those areas yet
1 hat (bonus if I can wear it while traveling)
1 belt with pouch
1 water bottle with period appearance
1 pilgrims scrip (or other traveler's bag that can be carried off as a slightly eccentric messenger bag/shoulder bag)
Incidentals
1 dopp kit
1 modern shirt for travel
food as needed
A&S or down time supplies as needed
Camping Supplies
Tent
Small mat for in front of the tent
Folding chair or stool
Sleeping bag
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