Carrying stuff at faire...

[Myfanawy]

At AZRF, I found that if I wanted to walk around hands-free, I ended up with so much stuff hanging off my belt that it got too heavy after walking around all day with it on. So, I went down to Cost Plus this afternoon, and found this nice blue woven bag to take to Ren in the Pines this weekend. I originally set out to find a basket, but quickly realized it would be much more convenient to carry this bag over my shoulder. I still plan on wearing my belt with my belt pouch (for the important stuff like driver's license, cash, keys, etc.)

What about you ladies--are you the type that has too much stuff to carry comfortably on a belt? (And if so, what do you haul your stuff around in?) Or are you able to cut down on what you carry enough so you don't need anything beyond a belt pouch (or 2)?
--M

[Tapestry MacGillicuddly]

Granted I'm so new, I'm only imagining what it will be like. But I've had the same thought about the belt getting too heavy. I'm looking for a nice willow reed basket to carry my stuff in.

Tap ;~D

[Myfanawy]

I have a pewter tankard, so that's one main thing that weighs my belt down...it's OK with just that and the belt pouch, but if I start adding my bamboo flute, camera, a bottle of sunscreen and one of water (both absolute necessities!), then it becomes too much. (I am planning on picking up a wooden tankard sometime soon, as that will be much lighter to carry than the pewter one.)

A basket is certainly more authentic, but it's more of a pain in the butt to carry than something you can sling over your shoulder. Since this isn't the SCA (no offense to any SCA members here, but I know a lot of people in the SCA are authenticity nazis), I figure no one will really mind if I have a shoulder bag, especially since it's not completely modern-looking (like a Gucci bag or something...not like I have the money or the desire for one of those...)
--M

[Tapestry MacGillicuddly]

I've got to figure out the drinking vessel thingy... I don't know what I want. But I know I need light weight. I'm hoping to keep the contents of my basket light. People have been carrying baskets and bags over their shoulders for ages so I think you should be okay no matter what. Unless it looks like something that's totally futuristic.

Tap ;~D

[Myfanawy]

I regularly carry around my bass clarinet (which weighs about 30 pounds) on my back--thank goodness for the backpack straps! (It sucks to carry it by the handle. My double clarinet case cover also has the option to use backpack straps) And I also carry my single clarinet case over my shoulder all the time--so I'm best with the shoulder bag. I think my main concern is having my hands as free as possible--it just makes life easier.

Fortunately, the bamboo flute (and ocarina) are MUCH lighter than a bass clarinet!
--M

[rosefaeries]

Ok gals, find your nearest mountainman/muzzleloader re-enctor supply place. Pick yourself up a burden basket. Period appropriate and what is even better it has shoulder straps. Can wear it back pack style or on one shoulder. The shop in Sister's Oregon carries 2 sizes. I think that Crazy Crow Trading Post carries them also. (And they have a website) I will try and see if I can locate my catalogs that have that sort of thing. I will see if I can locate them tomorrow. But if I packed them before my surgery,well I won't see them until after August. Hope this helps.

[Bean]

I have been trying to find a small basket with a lid, but all I seem to find are large, picnic size ones. I have a large pouch that most everything fits in, but sometimes my back bothers me so I would love to find a basket. I guess I'll have to keep on with the search............

[Myfanawy]

I have been trying to find a small basket with a lid, but all I seem to find are large, picnic size ones. I have a large pouch that most everything fits in, but sometimes my back bothers me so I would love to find a basket. I guess I'll have to keep on with the search............

Yeah, I found some nice baskets, but they were all picnic-sized too...
--M

[Margaret]

I picked up my totin' basket at Michael's Arts and Crafts. It's small, but fits the important stuff. Money, keys, ID are always in my pouch and my mug is pretty light, so belt weight isn't much of an issue.

Check some place like that or check Joanns. Each of those places has a ton of baskets to choose from

[Lady Sarah]

What about you ladies--are you the type that has too much stuff to carry comfortably on a belt? (And if so, what do you haul your stuff around in?) Or are you able to cut down on what you carry enough so you don't need anything beyond a belt pouch (or 2)?
--M

On my belt I have: 1 ceramic mug/drinking vessel; 1pouch for the keys, checkbook, cell phone, etc; 1 pouch / favor hanger for the favors; 1 small coin bag for the change and other monies; 1 candy pouch to give out to the kidlets. I also have a fan tucked in somewhere, and have been spotted with a wine horn, a suede flogger and a rabbit fur tickler. The weight isn't that much to me as I keep it evenly distributed across the hips.

Things like sunscreen and bottles of water I keep at the hostel. And other water replenishment I can get at the FoF.