With Harvest of Souls War XIII quickly approaching I decided to put together a list of what is typically needed for camping at the event. This is primarily geared towards first time event goers, but it works fine as a checklist for event veterans as well.

This is just the camping related items. I'm counting on you to bring your weapons, garb, sashes, and related gear without consulting a check list.

Weather
Current weather forecasts (as of the 10th) are showing lows around 50° and highs around 85°. There is a decent chance of rain this time of year. Usually it turns up as light showers in the afternoon but it has also come down hard the last two years.

Shelter
Being wet and cold in the middle of the night and having to retreat to your car is no fun.

• Tent (check for poles, stakes, and rain fly)
• Tarps (one for under your tent and one for over your tent if it leaks)
• Sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot (plus pillow if needed)
• Sleeping bag
• Blankets (in case of cold snap or damp sleeping bag)

That covers you for a dry place to sleep. Some people like to bring extra pillows, blankets, rugs, and wood burning stoves to make the inside of their tents more like home. Don't forget your pump and batteries if you bring a large air mattress.

Clothes
Besides your garb and clothing to last you the weekend there are a few additional things that are needed for a camping event. Most of these are in case you get wet and will help keep you from feeling miserable.

• One more change of clothes than you think you need (including shoes)
• Additional socks (damp socks make people grumpy)
• Rain jacket (hooded cloak or plastic emergency poncho work too)
• Something warm (hoodie, cloak, or jacket will help keep you warm at night)
• Hat (to keep the sun off you and for warmth in the evenings)

The general rule for extra clothes for a non-backpacking camping trip is that if you are not sure if you're going to need them and you have room, bring them. Leave one dry set in your car just in case.

Food and eating
Besides the actual food for several days of camping, there are other things that are often overlooked. There is also a restaurant on site in case you don't want to bring any food at all.

• Water jug/bottle (there is a water spigot at the camping area for refills)
• Dishes and utensils (anything that you would need to actually eat the food you brought>
• Soap and scrubber (to wash any utensils and dishes you will reuse)
• Cookware (pots, pans, marshmallow skewers, etc for preparing your food)
• Can opener (if you bring canned food)

Once you have figured out what you are bringing for food, take a look at all your food and make sure you can locate everything you need to prepare and eat it with.

Other
Pretty much everything else.

• Flashlight/lantern (plus batteries/fuel, it's going to be dark)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes abound, the frogs have been slacking this year)
• Sunscreen (high altitude + sun = burn)
• Trash bags (by far one of the most versatile things to have)
• Tape (not just for weapon repairs)
• Knife (in case you are attacked by a badger)
• Bottle opener (if you're over 21)
• Towel (in case of rain, shower, or hosing off after falling into a pond)
• Washcloth (Wet-Naps work well too)
• Personal items (deodorant, toothbrush, feminine pads, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Medications

Just remember that if you miss packing something, it's a long trip back home.

If I missed anything, please comment and I'll add it to the list.