By Mykola Avenirov, Founder of MedievalExtreme
After a long day of fighting, your armor is muddy, sweaty, and you’re exhausted. I get it – the last thing you want is a tedious cleanup. But taking a few quick, high-ROI steps now will save you hours of maintenance (and nasty surprises) later. Let’s keep it realistic and practical, focusing on what you’ll actually do when packing up your gear.
Before Packing
- Knock off the mud and dirt: Brush or wipe off the biggest clumps of dirt. It takes seconds and saves your bag (and steel) from getting wrecked in transit.
- Give your gear a breather: Lay out your armor to air for a few hours if possible. If you’re rushing, at least towel off the worst sweat and moisture.
- Separate padding from metal: Don’t shove your sweaty gambeson into the same bag as your steel. Keep the soft kit separate to avoid rust and stink.
- Dry the leather bits: Dry the leather straps before they sit damp for hours. This helps them last longer and crack less.
Packing
- Use a proper bag or case: A 120–130 L armor backpack or tough plastic hard case makes life easier. It handles the weight and won’t break when tossed into a trunk.
- Keep wet and dry stuff apart: This one’s important — use plastic bags, compartments, or wrap wet padding separately to avoid surprise rust later.
- Smart weight distribution: Heavy parts (helmet, brig) at the bottom or closest to your back. Wrap sharp edges in padding if needed.
- Secure small parts: Shove gauntlets inside your helmet or sabatons inside greaves to save space and avoid losing stuff.
- Label your bag and gear: At a tournament, bags look the same. A bright tag or name patch will save your gear from walking away with someone else.
Packing smart is one thing — fighting smart is another. Avoid these common pitfalls: Top 5 Mistakes New Fighters Make
After Returning Home
- Unpack soon: Yes, even if you’re dead tired. Letting armor stew in sweat for a week is a guaranteed way to grow your own rust farm.
- Dry everything completely: Hang up gambesons, turn padding inside out, pop helmets open. Set up a fan if needed. Just make sure it’s bone dry before storage.
- Wipe the grime: Once dry, give your steel a wipe to clear leftover mud or sweat salt. No need to shine it — just remove the worst.
- Store smart: Avoid damp garages or sealed trunks. Store your gear somewhere dry and cool. Keep the bag unzipped or toss in a silica pack if unsure.
- Quick gear check: As you unpack, scan for damage: damaged straps, missing rivets, etc. It’s easier to fix now than panic later.
Extra Steps (For Armor Nerds)
- Oil your steel: A quick wipe with WD-40 or mineral oil helps stop rust. Scrub problem spots gently before oiling if needed.
- Leather care: If your straps are drying out, rub in some leather balm (or beewax or anything for leather care). Helps stop cracking and keeps flexibility.
- Wash your padding: When your gambeson starts to smell like a dead goblin — wash it. Gentle cycle, sports detergent or vinegar rinse, air dry fully.
- Use moisture absorbers: Silica packs or rice in a sock can help long-term storage, especially if you’re in a humid place.
- Touch up the finish: If your armor’s painted or blued, touch up the battle scars before they rust. Looks cool, lasts longer.
Bonus: Don’t Forget the Checklist
If you haven’t already — grab the Tournament Preparation Checklist. It’s free, useful, and will save you from forgetting something important when packing for your next event.
Even if you just hit the basics — drying your stuff and separating the sweaty layers — you’ll be way ahead of most fighters. Your armor will last longer, smell less, and be ready to go for the next battle.
– Mykola Avenirov
Founder, MedievalExtreme