Careful packing
(edited with permission from Baroness Helena von Eltz' article)
Everyone probably is familiar with this situation: you are on your way to an event and when you arrive at the site, you notice you have forgotten something important. You can avoid this by making your own list of the items needed at an event, and ticking off the items from the list you have already packed. This list can be divided into three categories: clothes, dining equipment and everything else.
Something to wear
Medieval clothing takes up most of the space when packing and makes the biggest difference between a medieval event weekend and a regular weekend trip. It is a waste of time and space to take many sets of clothes because you won't have time to change clothes often while partying and enjoying the event and company. Most people take two sets of clothes with them; common clothes and something finer for the feast. A good way to spare space is to take just one set of clothes and different kinds of pieces of clothing. By changing the head-dress, tunic, buckles or belt you can make common garb suitable for the court quickly and easily.
When choosing the clothes for an event it is good to remember that often events also have outdoor activity, and that it can be a bit draughty indoors. Take some warm clothes and good shoes with you.
Dining
One of the aspect of a medieval event is that you have to take your own eating things with you. You will need at least your own cup, knife, spoon and bowl. A tablecloth covers the table and it is nice to wipe one's face with a napkin. It is very handy to wrap everything fragile into the napkins and tablecloths. If you get interested in setting up a table and would like to make it fancier, you can take a water pitcher, a bowl for handwashing, a saltcellar and, a larger number of glasses and tablecloths. Remember to discuss with your friends about the things each one of you should bring to avoid ending up with seven tablecloths and no bowls at all. This way you can also agree on who brings what, and it is a lot easier to pack when one doesn't have to bring every single item needed at the table.
Although the tables at a medieval event are filled with delicacies you should still take some snacks with you. Food is often served at times that vary from the normal lunch and dinner times so you might get hungry while waiting for a meal. Also, you won't be so disappointed if you happen to miss the breakfast or lunch when you have some snacks in your backpack. Good snacks that fit the medieval atmosphere are e.g. cheese, sausage, bread, nuts and dried fruit. And because it is difficult to eat in the dark, take a bunch of candles - allow for more than one in case they break or get lost.
Personal needs and usages should not be forgotten when attending events. A person with a caffeine addiction should take along some instant coffee to prevent bad temper. Correspondingly, a nicotine addict should make sure they have enough cigarettes with them.
Prepare for everything possible
"Everything else" is in fact the most important part of the list. The "everything else" contains such items as medicine, hygiene products, pyjamas, toothbrush and something to keep you occupied. It is important to pack any medicine you might need, such as a pain reliever. If you suffer from allergies or other chronic health conditions, prepare for them also. Women are often surprised by their period starting in the middle of an event, so be sure to prepare for it. If you think you will find a special someone at the event, prepare for it also.
Your own shampoo, toothbrush, towel and spare clothes for Sunday can make your day surprisingly better. You don't need to borrow from your friends.
Pyjamas and other sleeping things shouldn't be forgotten. In a good sleeping bag you won't be cold even though the heating at the event site could be ten times better. Many places require a pillow case and sheets in addition to a sleeping bag. You will be more comfortable if you bring your sheets.
When leaving for a medieval event remember to prepare for the season's demands. In the winter take care that you have brought enough warm clothes and good shoes. In the summer sun lotion and a head-dress are your best friends. In addition to everything mentioned before you should remember to bring your personal hobby equipment such as armour, bows and handicraft equipment. If an event has lectures, a pencil and notebook will be useful.