There are several kinds of reenactments. One of the most exciting but most exhausting that I frequently participate in is a field event, when a ton of groups get together for a full weekend. It’s a full immersive experience for the public, with battle reenactments, firing a drill demos, period field encampments to explore, and more olive drab and old canvas than seems humanly possible.

Naturally, these weekends take a lot of planning and a lot of materials, especially for reenactors like me who: 1. Camp out for the full weekend, and 2. Try to do so as authentically as possible. But there are some modern conveniences that a tired gal in scratchy wool just can’t do without. So without further ado:

Five things [that aren’t really period appropriate] that you need for a WWII field event

5. Earplugs

Okay, seriously. This is so self-explanatory it shouldn’t need to be said. But battles, even fake ones, are noisy. I bring a whole box of earplugs (tan, because I love my photography friends and nothing ruins the authenticity of an awesome shot like neon orange foam stuffed in someone’s ears) to each event. I even keep two pairs in my uniform pocket in case a firing demo catches me off-guard. It’s amazing how many long-time reenactors will suddenly be requesting a spare pair of earplugs when they see me putting them in prior to a major battle. Historically accurate? No. But show me a reenactor who rides in a Sherman tank without ’em, and I’ll show you a reenactor with early hearing loss.

4. Band-Aids

Another self-explanatory one. Not only are these ideal for those unexpected blisters (because no matter how many times I say, “I need to wear these boots more before the next event to break them in better,” I always get to ‘the next event’ having forgotten to even pull them out of my footlocker), but they come in handy for other stray injuries. Like that time I was trying to cut fabric scraps into bandages and stabbed myself with a bayonet. Oh, the irony…

3. Phone Case

A common chorus in my circle of reenacting friends is “Hide the technology!” I am ashamed to admit that some professional photographers have come dangerously close to capturing evidence of me using ‘advanced military technology’ (read: iPhone in a bright yellow phone case). Oops. So this year I invested in a Gizmon iCA5 phone case. It won’t stand up to close scrutiny, but the 3D case looks like a vintage camera and definitely meets the 10-foot rule.

2. CLIF Builder Bars

Sometimes you just don’t know when chow will be ready (or what it will be) at an event…or when you’ll be pulled in to help out with a demo you weren’t expecting…or when you’ll get involved in a great conversation with a visitor and run out of time for actual food. Next to water, a box of high-protein bars is one of the most important things to have on hand!

1. Starbucks VIA

I am a coffee addict. I’ve had four shots of espresso today and am seriously contemplating more. So a weekend sans-coffee (especially a weekend with limited sleep and “rustic” accommodations) is not an option. A lot of groups will make a pot o’ joe over the campfire or a cook stove, but having a few packets of Starbucks VIA is a bit more reliable (as much as I want, as strong as I want, whenever I need it). I like to mix up an iced VIA in a water bottle and keep it stashed in my pack or tent. Then I can refill my canteen cup out of public sight and at least look authentic.  😉

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So there you have it, just 5 of my non-authentic essentials for a weekend full of WWII reenacting.

What are some things you absolutely have to have for a weekend of camping?