We asked Their Excellencies to share a pro-tip for Pennsic – they did not disappoint! Keep reading to find out their “must-haves” for long camping events.
“Having a water bottle with a strap allows for hands to be free to do other things, such as a fist-pump for a well-earned war point!
The water bottle on the left is in a carrier that I sewed in 2007 to use at my first Pennsic. The carrier is made of scraps that I had of white linen, and poly brocade, and was sewn on the plane ride from Artemisia. I made this one to fit all the way over a water bottle, to disguise it. This had room to fit, in addition to the plastic bottle, my phone, a fold-up fan, and my drivers license, credit card, and cash. It has held up surprisingly well, and, as you can tell, has seen lots of use.
If there is one thing we all know about being outdoors in August, it’s that it is HOT! And when it’s hot, there must be hydration! In addition to a Mug of Choice (the bottomless mug from Beast and Boar, something amazing from Feed the Ravens, sturdy wooden or metal mug to hang on the belt, etc.), it is useful to have a bottle with a lid, so that even if you are on the field cheering on martial activities, you have water with you.
The leather one encloses a glass bottle, and is the thing that I got two years ago to be a fancy replacement for the linen one. However – I still use both! The thing that makes these both so helpful is the long strap. I can wear them over my shoulder, or cross-body (…though be careful of leather straps and hot weather; tanning and dye-ing tend to come off on clothing…), or put them in my basket or wagon. Either way, I know that if I need water (shopping is thirsty work!) and none is immediately available, I have a couple of sips with me. Remember: hydrate, don’t die-drate!!”
Thank you for the Excellent advice Your Excellencies!