9 Tips for LARPing in the Summer Heat

LARPing in the summer can be an unforgettable experience. Sun-drenched quests, lush green fields, and long evenings of immersive roleplay. But let’s face it: fantasy adventure gets a lot less fun when you’re dehydrated, sunburned, or fighting off bugs every five minutes. Whether you’re battling orcs or brokering deals in the tavern, here’s your definitive guide to staying safe, comfortable, and in-character during the hottest LARP events of the year.

1. Hydration is Everything

Staying hydrated is the single most important thing you can do when LARPing in hot weather. You’ll be walking, fighting, and talking all day, usually in layers of costume.

• Drink before you’re thirsty. If you’re waiting until your mouth feels dry, you’re already dehydrated.
• Bring water with you on every adventure. Bota bags and Canteens often can look great with various characters. Water bags can also be hidden in costuming as well!
• Refill and hydrate whenever at the inn. Mystic Realms provides water and another drink for free at events, so be sure to take advantage and refill as much as you can!

2. Electrolytes, More Than Just Hype

Water alone isn’t enough when you’re sweating for hours in the sun. You lose electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, which are essential for muscle function and avoiding fatigue or cramps.

• Pack Gatorade powder or electrolyte powder or tablets to mix into your water.
• Snack on salty foods like pickles, pretzels, or trail mix to replenish sodium levels.

3. Sunscreen, Your Armor Against Fire Damage

Sunburn is the real-world version of fire damage, and it can ruin your weekend fast. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher before and during your event.

• Don’t forget tricky spots: back of the neck, tops of ears, and under bracers.
• Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re sweating heavily.
• Skin paint does not count as sunscreen. Be sure to use some spray sunscreen on top of skin paint if possible

4. Deodorant, Your Roleplay Ally

We’re all in this together—and that means close quarters, shared tents, and packed taverns. Do your fellow adventurers a favor and reapply deodorant throughout the day. Seriously, take it up to the inn with you. Future you (and everyone else) will thank you.

5. Bug Spray, Don’t Let Bites Break Immersion

Summer is peak bug season, especially for ticks and mosquitoes. Bug spray is essential for preventing bites and tick-borne illnesses.

• Get tick specific repellent. The forests of New Jersey are LITTERED with ticks that can have lyme disease, so please protect yourselves.
• Spray your hair, socks, and pant legs to stop ticks from hitching a ride.
• Reapply every 4 hours to make sure you are well protected from bugs.

6. Keeping Cool in the Heat

Heat is the biggest difficulty in the summer, so be sure to use some of these tips to keep yourself cool.

• Use neck wraps or cooling towels, many players soak them in water and wear them under collars or hoods.
• Hand fans are a fun and stylish way to help keep cool in the hot summer heat.
• Relax in the inn. The inn at Evermore is air conditioned, now sporting 3 units compared to 2 in years past. So please be sure to take time to rest next to a cool AC unit to recuperate.

7. Costume Smart, Not Hot

Staying in character doesn’t have to mean overheating. Choose costumes that are breathable, flexible, and layered strategically.

• Linen, cotton, and light wool are breathable fabrics that still look immersive.
• Short sleeves are okay, you can always add stylish pieces to make it more than just a shirt.
• Long pants or full leg coverings are still a good idea for protection from bugs, sunburn, and plant scrapes.
• Light colors can help keep you cooler with less heat absorption from the sun.
• Wide-brimmed hats help keep the sun out of your eyes and off of your skin.

8. Staying Overnight? Stay Fresh(ish)

For weekend events, if you’re staying overnight then you won’t have a shower. Here’s how to stay fresh for the weekend:

• Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for greasy hair.
• Baby wipes can clean most of your body in a pinch. Great for a quick refresh between battles.
• Bring a clean change of underclothes for each day, even if your outer layers stay the same. Multiple pairs of socks in one day is a GAME CHANGER.
• Deodorant, as mentioned above, is incredibly important throughout the day. Antiperspirant preferred.

9. Be on the Lookout

With extreme weather you need to keep an eye out to make sure yourself and others are all doing well.

• Pace yourself. Be cognizant of your own limits and take breaks in the shade or in the Inn when possible.
• Check the forecast. Pack for storms, excessive heat, and even chilly evenings to be best prepared.
• Buddy system, Keep an eye on your fellow adventurers for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, confusion, or nausea.

Final Word: Don’t Let the Sun Steal the Show

LARPing in summer heat doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right preparation, you can stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in any of the realms at Mystic Realms. For any new players, we give many tips as well for what to gear up for a Mystic Realms LARP event in our FAQ section.So pack smart, hydrate well, and bring your best character to life, even under the sun.

See you on the field, adventurer. Stay cool out there.