The Ultimate Medieval Camping Checklist: What to Pack for Your Tent

Whether you’re participating in a historical reenactment or outfitting an entire Medieval encampment, you want custom canvas tents that resemble the authentic shelters of old. And if you accessorize and pack wisely, you can even transform that period-appropriate canvas tent into a believable Medieval campsite that makes you feel like you and visitors have stepped back in time.  

In this guide, we cover a few tent structure styles that reflect the Medieval era, along with essential accessories to pack for your tent to make it an authentic experience.

First… A Medieval Camping Tent 

Since a Medieval tent is the main piece tying your camp together, you want to choose the right one. If you plan to sleep in it or spend multiple hours reenacting for the true-blue experience, your tent also needs to be a practical and solidly made shelter, preferably made of real materials like canvas (not nylon) and wood poles (not metal or faux wood). 

Here are a few sturdy canvas tent styles that you can effectively use time and time again for Medieval historical settings.

The Miner Tent

The pyramid-shaped Miner tents are very compact, making them easy to store away and transport to the battlefield, Renaissance fair, or whatever reenactment you’re participating in. They are also easy and quick to set up, allowing you more time to enjoy the rest of the festivities. It’s safe to say they are also the most historically accurate for the Medieval era. 

They’re often designed with a shade, inviting you to spend time outside and showcasing your Medieval trade (such as a blacksmith, leather maker, or stew cook, among others).

The TT Tent or Double-Wedge Tent

The TT tent, also known as the double-wedge tent, is slightly more spacious than the Miner Tent, particularly in terms of headroom. It’s perfect for smaller traveling troupes and actors, but who still require space for accessories and gear. 

Wall Tents

Larger canvas medieval wall tents are another option, offering the most spacious interior. If you’re cast as a wealthy nobleman, knight, or shopkeeper, this option could be historically accurate and believable. It could also work for historically accurate military tents and communal areas. The catch is that the bigger they are, the more people it takes to set up. 

Additional Tent-Specific Accessories

No matter the Medieval tent style you go for, remember to bring the right stakes and tools you need to build it. Bring heavy-duty wooden stakes to secure the tent, along with a mallet. Bring spare rope (preferably something fibrous, not nylon) and extra canvas patches for any necessary repairs. A shovel or spade will help create drainage around the tent if it rains. 

A canvas awning or tarp is a must, especially in wet conditions. It would be helpful to create a sheltered area for cooking or gathering with fellow reenactors or visitors. You can also use a canvas tarp as a windbreak or an interior tent wall.

Essentials to Pack for Your Medieval Camping Tent

Once you’ve chosen a Medieval camping tent, it’s time to add all the accessories to make it as authentic as possible. It can be tricky to find accessories, as you need to balance authenticity with practicality, making your tent both comfortable enough to live in, yet realistic and true to its past.

Ground Coverings and Rugs

Since you and your guests might be trekking in and out of your tent, carrying in mud, straw, and other debris, it’s essential to keep your tent floor protected.

Luckily, many outfitter tents lack a floor and have only sod cloths, which work great. However, if you need your tent to be both presentable and livable, consider unrolling a canvas ground cloth or even laying down a few wool or woven rugs. This will protect you from the cold and dampness, and make cleanup easier. 

Bedding & Sleeping Arrangements

Start with a bedframe or cot. A wooden bed frame cot is preferable, but you could also use a metal one and cover the frame with the rest of the bedding. Sleeping on the ground in a canvas bedroll can also give a true period feel. 

Wool blankets and furs provide the most authentic – and toasty warm – experience to your Medieval-inspired sleeping quarter. A must for outdoor reenactments in cold weather! 

Seating & Furniture

Think wooden stools and folding camp chairs. You could even carry a small table or folding stool topped with a tray for writing, preparing meals, or keeping other gear elevated and off the ground. 

Another great furniture addition is a trunk or storage chest. Not only can you use it to transport all your other reenactment gear, but it can double as seating by simply throwing a sheepskin pelt over it. 

Cooking Gear & Camp Kitchen

You don’t need a huge cauldron – a tripod to hang a cast-iron pot will do just fine! Cookware made from period-appropriate materials, such as clay stoneware, cast iron, carved wood, and even horn, looks and performs better than plastic anyway. 

The same goes for hauling and carrying food and provisions. Keep produce and bread in leather or canvas bags, and use a bucket or metal pitcher for water and to stay hydrated.

Lighting

When it comes to creating a realistic Old World setting, lighting can be challenging to get right. You’re recreating a time before the invention of electricity, after all. You need to have warm lighting that is believable yet provides efficient illumination.

If you're safe, beeswax or tallow candles are the most authentic way to create a lighting ambiance. You can keep the candle secure inside metal lanterns, so it's not an open flame. Stake some torches outside your tent (taking caution they don’t get out of hand or too close to the canvas).

The key to good lighting around your Medieval camp is to position light sources evenly around the site. This will help create a well-rounded glow that provides adequate visibility. 

Build Your Own Medieval Camping Checklist 

When it comes to creating a Medieval camping checklist, many items will fall into what kind of tradesperson or actor you’re representing. As you make your setting, consider the type of tools or gear your persona would have historically carried and build from there. 

Of course, prioritize function first, and then period accuracy second. Straw is the period-accurate mattress filler, but a modern-day bedroll will keep you warmer if the weather turns.

Also, consider multi-use items that help you pack lean and serve several purposes. 

Recreating an authentic, practical, and immersive Medieval campsite starts with the right tent, building it out with accessories and gear that ultimately bring it to life and transport you back in time.