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Some of you were at BGR and one (If not both) of the Red River Campaigns.
If so feel free to add comments below for the folks that are new to this.
After two days the event will continue but will you be ready?
Unlike the typical event the various commands will be completely self sufficient living out of haversacks and wagons. Things like rations are covered and water will come out of creeks. However some have never been to an event of this scale. What should they add to their kit? It was suggested that I remind people of the usefulness of things like period tooth brushes, soap, and Toilet Paper.
Besides the blanket, uniform, musket, and accutrements there are other things that should be brought. Even the period sources mention cleanliness as a sign of a good soldier. One might want to consider throwing some lye soap into the knapsack. Last time I checked Fall Creek had period toothbrushes with the bone handle. Toilet paper was mentioned as a must have but that can disintigrate easily. I suggest scraps of old cotton such as muslin. It tears easily is still useful when wet and is still biodegradeable, albeit, the process is a little slower. In addition the muslin can also be used for cleaning muskets.
You will need to clean muskets. Said cotten cloth will also come in handy cleaning muskets as each soldier will want to clean his musket daily.
A worm with cloth on the end of a ramrod will suffice. Although enfields have that nifty hole at the business end of the ramrod. For rust that white campfire ash does wonders keeping muskets bright. A good musket cleaning kit ought to include a nipple wrench, screw driver, cone pick, cleaning patches, and worm (if practical). Enfield cleaning tools also have a small compartment for oil.
Regarding shelter neither army will have tents as seen at static camps. However a good oil cloth, floor cloth, painted canvass or gum blanket will prove wonders keeping the rain off when sleeping. If you don't have one yet a 4-5' x 7' piece of painted canvass will work wonders. I once laid under one in the middle of an open field during a thunderstorm and stayed perfectly dry. Its well worth its weight.
Socks have been mentioned before. Three pair wool and three pair cotton will keep one well set for the week so that every man will always have at least one dry pair of socks.
I'm sure there's more but I have to teach now.
Frank
If so feel free to add comments below for the folks that are new to this.
After two days the event will continue but will you be ready?
Unlike the typical event the various commands will be completely self sufficient living out of haversacks and wagons. Things like rations are covered and water will come out of creeks. However some have never been to an event of this scale. What should they add to their kit? It was suggested that I remind people of the usefulness of things like period tooth brushes, soap, and Toilet Paper.
Besides the blanket, uniform, musket, and accutrements there are other things that should be brought. Even the period sources mention cleanliness as a sign of a good soldier. One might want to consider throwing some lye soap into the knapsack. Last time I checked Fall Creek had period toothbrushes with the bone handle. Toilet paper was mentioned as a must have but that can disintigrate easily. I suggest scraps of old cotton such as muslin. It tears easily is still useful when wet and is still biodegradeable, albeit, the process is a little slower. In addition the muslin can also be used for cleaning muskets.
You will need to clean muskets. Said cotten cloth will also come in handy cleaning muskets as each soldier will want to clean his musket daily.
A worm with cloth on the end of a ramrod will suffice. Although enfields have that nifty hole at the business end of the ramrod. For rust that white campfire ash does wonders keeping muskets bright. A good musket cleaning kit ought to include a nipple wrench, screw driver, cone pick, cleaning patches, and worm (if practical). Enfield cleaning tools also have a small compartment for oil.
Regarding shelter neither army will have tents as seen at static camps. However a good oil cloth, floor cloth, painted canvass or gum blanket will prove wonders keeping the rain off when sleeping. If you don't have one yet a 4-5' x 7' piece of painted canvass will work wonders. I once laid under one in the middle of an open field during a thunderstorm and stayed perfectly dry. Its well worth its weight.
Socks have been mentioned before. Three pair wool and three pair cotton will keep one well set for the week so that every man will always have at least one dry pair of socks.
I'm sure there's more but I have to teach now.
Frank
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