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The basics:
A tent (mundane or period, either one is fine) and bedding. You'll probably want a camp chair, too. Later on, if you wish, you can add items like a shade fly, or period-style table and chairs, or a camp kitchen.
An earlier version of our camp,
built from an Army surplus tent and tarps
Best idea: Roll up single sheepskins and use them for pillows. They look period, and pack flat. Use joined sheepskins on top of your futon or air mattress. They're warm in winter, cool in summer. And they feel really, really good.
If you use an air mattress, put an old sleeping bag (or something similar) between it and the ground, or the mattress will drain heat from your body.
If you use a futon, an old waterbed liner can protect it from wet ground.
Always bring your heavy winter blanket. If you leave it at home, you'll need it.
Cover mundane stuff inside and outside your tent. Old tapestries, prayer cloths and piano scarves have a period look. Or use some of that $1/yard fabric here.
Don't hang a candle, lantern, or anything else from your center pole that you wouldn't want dropped on you.
Buy nylon netting (bridal veil fabric) and hang it at the door of your tent to keep out mosquitos and other bugs. Weight the bottom with lead fishing weights to keep your screen in place.
At events that prohibit open flames in tents, we use industrial glow sticks. They give off soft light (good enough to see where your shoes are) and last 8-10 hours. They also make safe night lights for kids.
Put a vent cap on the top of your tent (or your next tent) to let the heat out. Click here to see a drawing of a vent cap.
If you use tiki torches, anchor them securely. Don't just stick them into the ground. Drive a metal tent stake or piece of rebar into the ground, and tie the torch to it.
Use an old rug or a canvas floorcloth for the floor of your tent. Put plastic sheeting under it, or rubber pond liner, or paint the underneath side with rubber cement or rubber coating to keep your floor dry.
If you must use a Coleman lantern outside your tent, please shade it so the harsh light doesn't intrude on surrounding camps. Better yet, try candles or candle lanterns, or oil lamps, or some other alternative.
Hang bamboo or matchstick-style roll-up shades from your shade fly to block the sun, but not the breeze.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your camp. Don't hide or cover it.
Pack a box or bin with first-aid and medical stuff. Aspirin, tylenol, antibacterial ointment, rolaids, tweezers, bandaids, pepto bismol, ace bandages, calamine lotion, whatever. If you buy separate stuff for your camp box, you won't have to raid your medicine chest every time you pack, and you'll cut down on your packing time, too.
Whether you choose chemical or natural bug repellants, it helps if you don't use floral or citrus fragrances on your body, including soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Leave perfume at home unless you want to attract hungry bugs.
Bring extra batteries for things like your travel clock, camera or weather radio.
Things to pack: trash bags, wet wipes, hot packets, mosquito coil or citronella buckets, fly strip (sooner or later, you'll be glad you have this last one).
Build a box with dividers to stand your tiki torch cans in. Then you can fill them before you go, and leave the big kerosene can at home.
Build a storage box for your portable firepit, hibachi or grill. This keeps the grease and soot off the rest of your gear.
Pack a collapsible Army surplus shovel in case you need to dig a firepit, or a trench to divert water around your tent.
Practice setting up a new tent or shade fly before you get to an event.
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