Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[DougCooper]

Well said Charles, and just goes to show that there are no new lessons, only re-learned lessons...and all lessons were first learned by the real deal. Was that list from RR2?

One thing I just did was toss my small Mohawk "sharp but too small" knife in the keepsake drawer and am searching for a serious replacement.

[Spinster]

A piece of Mexican chocolate will make you a hero.

Even moreso if you manage to emerge alive from the distribution.

I asked one of the young Brits what he needed to go on, and the reply was "A bit a sugar, please".

Knowing that he was obviously not making the old southern request for a little kiss, I went to gather a few things up in my apron. Mexican chocolate was of course repackaged, and not immediately recognizable, so that I had time to lay my loaded apron down and step back.

It took a moment for the pack of hounds to descend........:p

[SCTiger]

"Some of the gear from "no-name" makers held up rather well, too, but campaigning isn't about the gear. Never has been, and Gribble points that out (once again) in his thread about myths, etc." -The Heef


My equipment performed exactly as I wanted it too, except for the items I did lose from fumbling around in the dark or running from Johnny Reb, I will never know. It must have been a great advantage to a pursuing force, your fleeing enemy literally resupplied you from dropping so much equipment.

Maintenance was the big key here, you can't let that leather gear set up for 2 years then drag it out of the box dried out, then subject it to subtropical humidity. I am not a leather expert but, my common sense tells me that you have to have your equipment oiled up and inspected before hitting the field. Same deal for socks. My old socks had holes, the newly purchased ones didn't.

Ask me about period underwear, just don't march with them wet. As much as I considered the feet. I didn't think much about the fabric around my legs. The flannel is alright when it's dry, when you add salt and water, then it becomes fine grade sand paper.

All of my equipment from the approved vendors on this site held up and performed exactly as they were supposed to. I didn't expect anything spectacular, stuff wears out and I believe that most of this WBTS equipment was disposable and never meant to serve past six months in the field, in reality it was probably shorter, maybe every 3-4 months. We also didn't dig rifle pits or trenches, which will also destroy clothing very quickly.

As to the Brand X stuff, as was said before some of it was too thick, over-engineered or designed for light duty as a costume. Making the gear to the original Army specifications has many benefits, it's accurate and it's in that functional zone, not too thick to be burdensome, not too light to be "theatrical" grade.

Great thread BTW.

[Old Reb]

I lost my do rag.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Good stuff here.

In addition to Tom's do-rag, I contributed a few items to the Kisatchie Lost and Found pile- my tobacco pouch (not good) and a poke sack with table knife. I also lost a small cork to my bourbon bottle. Fortunately this came up missing after Captain Murray and I had downed the contents on St. Patty's morn with the Napoleon barking away for background music.

Regards,

[Silas]

Ask me about period underwear, just don't march with them wet. As much as I considered the feet. I didn't think much about the fabric around my legs. The flannel is alright when it's dry, when you add salt and water, then it becomes fine grade sand paper.
Taking a suggestion from one of the Lazy Jacks, I sewed a pair of drawers using leftover wool fabric from a US issue shirt. At first blush, it sounds brutal ; however, I was comfortable, warm, and dry the entire weekend. I also wore my US issue, wool shirt.

I've learned over time that cotton kills. Cotton drawers and shirt soak perspiration. By the end of the day, you're swimming in your own sweat. If you don't remove your outer clothing and allow your wet stuff to dry, you freeze at night. It's even worse if the temps drop into the thirties as it did Friday night.

My gear took a serious hit. Much chain stitching in my double bag knapsack needs redoing. My brogans may have marched their last miles as seams on both shoes ripped, the sole on one shoe is somewhere on the trail, and a heel plate decided to join the sole somewhere in the wilderness. My hat has worn thin, and I may replace it with a go-fast model like Col. Aufmuth wore. (To the absolute consternation of Doug Cooper.)

The corn boiler was a godsend to my mess. Boiled coffee in the mornings. Carried my uncooked meat ration during the day. Cooked rice pilaff one night, boiled rice the next, and made cornmeal mush the final night. Didn't burn the inside once. All were good meals made in conjunction with things made by Charles Mathis using Doug Cooper's skillet. Best hoe cakes I've ever had were those cooked by Charles on Thursday night. I still have some of the bacon issue in my fridge and am planning to drop it into some field peas I purchased in Louisiana.

I relearned the lesson that soldiering isn't that hard if everyone in your mess contributes. The lesson is that many hands make light work. Those who tried to get by on their own labor had a much harder time than those who knew the lesson.

I'm so glad this wasn't my first campaign event. I felt sorry for those who were experiencing their first true campaign event. Did my best to help ease the suffering of the newer guys in camp and on the march.

Thanks for the cards, Gribble. Folks in my platoon sported them in our hats. Seeing a scattered pack on the trail was a great period moment. Looked like someone was afraid to be caught dead with the Devil's tools in his pocket.

[Charles Heath]

Ask me about period underwear, just don't march with them wet. As much as I considered the feet. I didn't think much about the fabric around my legs. The flannel is alright when it's dry, when you add salt and water, then it becomes fine grade sand paper.

Then again, you've read the paragraph above, albeit written by others, at least 500 times over the years. Probably next in line would be the woe of the cotton sock, and the fallacy of packing the general store (what was Winnie (Bago's) real name at Burkittsville 2005 ? ...or that overloaded pack mule at a certain Chickamauaga NPS LH....wait....that latter feller was Gribble) in the knapsack. See the learning curve? In my collection of purchasing mistakes kept as props, er, "training aids," for the "comparative shopping" class, I keep a certain knapsack from a well known maker of gear that that has about 1.75 times as much carrying capacity as an actual issue knapsack. Those things have probably sworn off more would be campaigners than all the myths combined. Why? Well, empty spots must be filled, right?

Just for fun, I wore an old pair of osnaburg wet/dry sandpaper drawers made by a wonderful gal who is no longer in the vendor world of the hobby (what a shame), and had no problems. These drawers are about eight years old, and doing fine. The designer name canton flannel drawers blew out at the usual stress point seams, and you can guess the rest.

Learn. Relearn. Learn again. It is good the hobby has a campaign event every few years to bring back the memories of fieldcraft and soldering and marching and "whoa, you gonna eat that?" ;)

[Emily Burns]

I lost a hand stitched handkerchief. If you found it, please keep it with my compliments. You might want to wash it first.

[Old Reb]

Perhaps do rag is not the proper authentic term for the handkerchief I lost at BGR. But it was a special handkerchief. Actually, a Bob Taylor handkerchief that Fred Baker, at the risk of ruining the entire Rich Mountain scenario since he was suppose to be captured at the base of the mountain and not at the top, used as a tourniquet on my mortal wound received after firing one volley at the stalwart Yankees. On a more serious note, and closer to the topic, for I do not dare risk being mod whipped or having anyone take off their mod hat on me, except I do think Justin does a good job of taking off his mod hat, I attended to one main thing at BGR when it came to equipment and that was taking good care of my feet. I wore a pair of Robert Serio shoes and a pair of Karin Timour socks and they served me well and I had no blisters. I lost nothing else and all my equipment held up well. It wasn’t the first time I had been to a dance.

[Rob Murray]

With the exception of my original scabbard tip coming off (found and fixed the first evening) all my equipment and clothes performed splendidly, though my "Abe Thomas" blanket was to thin. I was very envious of Rob Carters Charlie Childs blanket. Anybody want to sell one let me know (I know,wrong place for this). I did make the march wearing Mickey Black socks,:eek: no problem. Did have a pair of wool ones though. Dry warm socks at night can't be beat. I was amazed at what I saw come out of packs and haversacks. A lot of folks went way to heavy IMHO. Fred, it was nice celebrating St. Patties Day with you. Great background music.

[Charles Heath]

But it was a special handkerchief.

Just as I would be heartbroken should my genuine Carter & Jasper linen hankie with the nice little Mobile, Ala., stamp should ever take French leave. Lots of memories in that fair sweat-n-snot rag. One day, it may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, but until that day comes....

[SCTiger]

Charles:

Yes I learned a lot from Chickamauga in 2003, also other events where we would march 2-4 miles total for the weekend, which was the equivalent of one morning for BGR. My pack was half the weight of that fine event 3 years ago. We still need to move as much as we can on these weekend LH's, if only to remind us that "you can't bring it all."

I was marching up a long slope at BGR and chuckling about Franklin, 2004, when that was described as a "death march." It's hilarious now.

Silas, I am glad you appreciated the cards, I left part of my fat butt on the trail too, hope you didn't pick that up. :D

[Tom Ezell]

I anticipated fouled weapons, as some companies were firing all day and then had to go on guard at night, not having time to clean weapons with the bad guys so close. But we never had any serious problems there, and in the morning the weapons still worked. The cone pick was feely used and occasionally a cone removed and cleaned, but our company never had a serious problem requiring disassembly beyond that.



A gentle reminder that this will work when we're only firing blanks, but not so when you actually need to load expanding ball. Happily no one in the hobby does that (except for that odd Mudsill event in Georgia many years ago), but it still bears remembering. A clean weapon is a happy weapon, and there's ample documentation of having the troops clean weapons by squads in turn, while the other squad (or platoon, etc.) provided security.

[Dan Hadley]

the only thing I left behind in Kisatchie, besides my heart, and a chunk of my soul, was my folding knife. Had a backup, so I was covered.

Well, I also left behind some well-covered fecal matter, but we shant go into that. No- let's! I've heard many fellers comment, myself included, on how their bowels can go dormant for the duration of a 'normal' event. How convenient. BGR forced the hand, or the sphincter, of most, though. I intentionally did not pack any modern wipe. I used what scrap paper I had on hand (I always save my cartridge bundle paper), and when not that, a handful of clean (and plentiful) pine needles did the job just fine. OK enough about that stuff.

My equipment and i held up fine, but neither of us would have done so well, had proper checks and preparations not been made. older and supposedly wiser- just no excuse for not being prepared

got along fine without any underdrawers. did fine in boots vs. shoes too. swapped to cotton socks one day- did fine, though wool is better. I got one blister on my left heel on day two, but thankfully did not get worse, and I was able to cheerfully trudge along. yanking those gunboats off my dogs at the end of the day was sheer bliss.

one telling reminder for me that BGR was such a memorable event are the dreams I've been having lately. bizarre, like dreams can be, but each one involving me and my gear, my rifle- my worldly belongings- caring for it and worrying about it- joined in close kinship with a few of my comrades from Co. A.

God granted me a reprieve from whatever was ailing me before and during those marches- except for a hacking cough- but once I got home, I got plenty sick, along with a fever one night, which was filled with fitful technicolor dreams of columns of four, by company into line, marching though briars and brambles, and charred pine underbrush, crossing bayous... loading, firing, loading... memorable stuff!

thanks Tom & Fred, great job.

Dan Hadley

[DougCooper]

Dang Dan - you must be something when you are "healthy".

Ah, the trip to the sinks - remind me to thank Mike Watson for his oustanding dual purpose cartridge/sink paper.

I too showed up with a racking cough and cold and a tweaked back. The marching cured the back and the cold kept me awake but otherwise did not get worse, until like Dan, I relapsed upon arriving back in "civilization."

BGR, the event that cures all ills, mental and physical. It certainly cured many a bad feeling about the hobby.

[Dan Hadley]

yup.

Dan Hadley

[Dan Hadley]

trip to the sinks? i just backed up against a pine tree. except for that one time when a fallen log a couple feet off the ground looked like it would make a good seat, only to give way when upon it I sat! the forest creatures got a good laugh out of that.

Dan Hadley

[DougCooper]

trip to the sinks? i just backed up against a pine tree. except for that one time when a fallen log a couple feet off the ground looked like it would make a good seat, only to give way when upon it I sat! the forest creatures got a good laugh out of that.

Dan Hadley

Brevet Sink might be a better term - a promotion for a small gully with a convenient tree. :D

[hooyahmicah]

I was also sick on my way up. I was getting over it (for about the 4th time in the last few weeks), and feared BGR causing yet ANOTHER relapse. But, it didn't. :D

And also, a curious side note...I gained exactly 10 pounds over BGR. I had expected to lose weight, but not so. Even with all the marching and hauling, I don't think I could've gained that much muscle mass that quickly... Any ideas or similar stories?

[PogueMahone]

You boys are gonna make me tell you about my secret spot, aren't you?

At our Saturday night bivouac, I made my way (further) into the woods and looked for a likely spot. I almost alighted upon a rather large log that looked solid, when I saw it! A thick branch of a fallen tree, still green and parallel to the ground. I ventured over and gave it a "test sit". It was solid and sturdy. The sunlight was dappling through the trees and the breeze was just right. I remove my hat and belt, dropped trousers and took up the Harper's Weekly. I read an interesting article about how the Democrats must run an anti-war Presidential candidate against the Republicans. I mused upon the irony of the times. I read the ads on the back page. Yes, I took my time and enjoyed my visit to the "sink". If I'd had my pipe, I'd have smoked a bowl.

However, I suspect this is where I gained a little travelling partner that I found on my nether regions during a post event shower. There is no free lunch.

As to Charles' list, I did, as usual, lube my soft skin to protect against galding, however it did no good against the chafing of the seams of the drawers between my thighs. My drawers were a bit loose when I arrived and only got worse as the days passed. I finally took to pulling them up as high as they would go and cinching a belt about my waist as tight as I could stand it to keep them up. The chafing ceased to hurt the next day and I was fine.

We all learn lessons at these real campaign events. In our company, we admonished the men to lighten their loads before the event, again Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Still, I marched behind guys carrying 2 blankets and way too much gear. You could see them struggle, but none ever complained, to their credit.

Good event. Too bad more of you didn't attend. If you don't go, you don't know.

[huntdaw]

My gear held up very well. I was wearing captured Federal leathers at this one and found my box plate trying to fall off but put it in my knapsack before it did. Besides that everything carried well and I had no real discomfort.

I would get a little moisty in the nether regions during the day's march. Whenever we camped for the night, I dropped the trousers and lounged around in my drawers to let things dry out. That worked pretty well and I never had any chafing problems. Plus, it lent a bit of dapper gentility to an otherwise ungentlemanly gathering - or I was just being a cracker depending on one's outlook I reckon.

Cracker is as Cracker does.

BGR - Where the foundations for the Cracker Mess were laid.

[DougCooper]

I was also sick on my way up. I was getting over it (for about the 4th time in the last few weeks), and feared BGR causing yet ANOTHER relapse. But, it didn't. :D

And also, a curious side note...I gained exactly 10 pounds over BGR. I had expected to lose weight, but not so. Even with all the marching and hauling, I don't think I could've gained that much muscle mass that quickly... Any ideas or similar stories?

Micah - you don't weigh anything to begin with. Are you sure the 10 pounds wasn't dirt? :confused:

One strange thing I noted - adrenaline. I probably slept only 2-3 hours each night due to being the Sgt of the Guard 3 of the 4 nights, and generally regretting a thin blanket and hard ground. But everytime we knew the enemy was near, any hint of being tired vanished. Not sure how long we all could have kept going but I expected to be dog tired half the time, as other folks expected as well. It simply did not happen and now I understand a bit more of how much coffee, adrenaline and comradeship can offset lack of sleep and hard marching every day.

I lost about 4 pounds - think it all went over to Micah.

[Spinster]

Doug, I think Micah just snagged that weight from whatever was floating in the air--I clocked an 8 pound loss myself, and am glad to be back to the days where I lose weight at events rather than gain.

The Kitsachie cured whatever ailed though--as our Happy Caravan moved west, we were all coming down with various forms of consumption. By Sunday night, I was considering setting up some sort of giant croup tent and putting everyone inside. By Monday, I was calling Kimberlee to inquire about adding a few things to her traveling drug box. And by late week, we were all clear eyed and clear lunged.

Must have been all that chicken soup.........

[DougCooper]

to her traveling drug box. And by late week, we were all clear eyed and clear lunged.

Must have been all that chicken soup.........

A most frustrating thing was having a cup full of God's Own Chicken Soup that was too hot to eat just then while trying to run the skirmish line after leaving the camp. Guess that is why the position of "trail arms" was invented. Finally got it cool enough to down the hatch without breaking stride or spilling any. Never had the like and we felt like we could whip the whole world and march forever on "pollo de Banks."

[Spinster]

We've kept enough of a breeding line on that flock that you will likely experience pollo de Banks on another campaign event.

And, while they were dang pricey free-range organic chickens to buy, like all well made authentic items, they performed better than the generic stuff, whether in the pot, on the nest (I believe the Federals got the boiled eggs), or in general entertainment value while whipping the little dog Tad.

[AZReenactor]

I managed to emancipate a boiled egg from a young girl while garding a small group of ladies and children. Man was it was tasty and well worth the handful of beans I traded so as not to have to just steal it. 2nd Platoon was also privileged to eat a few chickens that Cpl. Talks a lot managed to get away from the teamsters. They were darn good eating. I only wished we could have had the other two after Ms. McReary let it slip that they were slated for the lazy Jacks. Darn Cami's quickness!

[Alamo Guard]

I hoped that Muleskinner would have brought that rooster by the cilian camp to entertain the feathered ladies.
One of my lessons learned is how well a canteen can hold up and not rust while filled with Natchez Spring Water. That old canteen was quite rusty it seems before the event on the inside. However afterwards it seemed to be clean as a whistle on the inside after being filled with the spiritual liquid ya'all consumed.

[Anna Allen]

I hoped that Muleskinner would have brought that rooster by the cilian camp to entertain the feathered ladies.
One of my lessons learned is how well a canteen can hold up and not rust while filled with Natchez Spring Water. That old canteen was quite rusty it seems before the event on the inside. However afterwards it seemed to be clean as a whistle on the inside after being filled with the spiritual liquid ya'all consumed.

That there "Spring Water" sure was some powerful stuff. :eek: Don't know how you fellows can stand it.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Anna,

Like Tom said in reference to us poking each other with knives, such is common practice in the Ground Hornets. We use whiskey in lieu of water for most settings. It keeps the boys calmed down a bit. Some are apt to tear one another asunder if we don't keep them properly hydrated. Thus, Dusty's mission was one of necessity. A few more events with us and you'll no doubt take to it as well. Step two will be out-eating Frank in a crawfish throwdown.

Cordially,

[Charles Heath]

Step two will be out-eating Frank in a crawfish throwdown.

Now, now, now, does Frank suck head or cheat by just eating just the tails?

Mudbugs-R-Good.

[Gallo de Cielo]

From what I gather, Frank sucked heads in front of the ladies. Quite a scandad indeed. Still, he may be granted honorary Pelican State status. He still has trouble pronouncing words like Caddo and Sabine and calls them counties instead of parishes, so that might work against him.

[Anna Allen]

Anna,

Like Tom said in reference to us poking each other with knives, such is common practice in the Ground Hornets. We use whiskey in lieu of water for most settings. It keeps the boys calmed down a bit. Some are apt to tear one another asunder if we don't keep them properly hydrated. Thus, Dusty's mission was one of necessity. A few more events with us and you'll no doubt take to it as well. Step two will be out-eating Frank in a crawfish throwdown.

Cordially,

Ah, that explains it. I can stand the stuff a lot more when I'm freezing my toes off. But otherwise, it's gonna take me a little longer to admit to actually enjoying it.

On second thought... I guess I should mention there was one particular afternoon where I did actually take great joy in a swig of the Spring Water... :rolleyes:


From what I gather, Frank sucked heads in front of the ladies. Quite a scandad indeed. Still, he may be granted honorary Pelican State status. He still has trouble pronouncing words like Caddo and Sabine and calls them counties instead of parishes, so that might work against him.

And yes...I believe I saw him suck heads......

[Marylander in Grey]

I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions on how an Officer would carry his blanket if not wearing of a knapsack.
I see some Farb guys with various contraptions but I havent had any success in viewing pictures for what I am looking for.
I would appriciate any and all help in this matter

[Charles Heath]

Unlike most fora, this one has a dandy search engine. Hard to believe, but it is true.

Please use the phrase "blanket roll" to bring up the last 67 threads (yes, count 'em) on this subject to include, but not limited to tump lines, snapsacks, blanket rolls, private purchase rigs, going without your blankie (oh, the horror), using the blanket as a shelter, herring dip net, and a whole lot more.

If that isn't enough, then check out the lovely articles section. Good reading can be found for free. Good luck.

[ericmaggard]

Gents

I would like to find out how to do a proper blanket Roll that includes your gum blanket and Shelterhalf rolled into the blanket.


Questions:
1. Is that the way they carried it inside the roll is there any proof or reference to including these (2) items in the roll.

2. Did they go into battle with the roll? Was this roll drop along with the packs?

3. What else was included in the roll? For survival while on the march.

[Texyank]

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8281&highlight=blanket+roll

This subject is pretty well covered here.

[nick19thind]

1 The rubber poncho was the outermost layer of the roll, keeping your blanket, spare clothes and shelter half dry when on the march.
2 Soldiers were reluctant to drop their packs before going into battle as they feared if abandoned they would be stolen by either the advancing enemy or their own reinforcements. Regiments could end up miles away from where they were before the battle
3 Shelter tent, rubber poncho, blanket, spare drawers, socks and shirt, maybe an extra pair of boots, personal effects such as pictures and mess equipment, the same kind of stuff you'd expect to find in a knapsack

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

When rolling a bed roll either the mule collar, or the "hobo" roll you can get all of your basic toiletry items, extra socks, shirt, drawers, candle, and a few odds and ends in without a problems. However putting the poncho or gum blanket on the outside is nice to get the roll dry, but you better have two if there is a possabilty of foul weather, because once your poncho is rolled up, you can get it out. so, you have to havea second poncho draped over your belt to keep you dry. Also, some folks when doing the mule collar roll don't put a gum rubber on it because it causes so much extra heat. One point, from personal experience, when rolling a mule collar make sure any personal items are not right on the bottom, or they can fall out, and or make sure your straps are tight enough to keep everything secure. Also the prevoius post that lists the old thread is very helpful when looking into how to do one or more ways to makea bed roll. It gives you lots of options. IMHO the hobo style, leather sling with roll just on your back is the best way to go. I have had the best results with that, using my Mexican war style leather strap set.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

First, my thoughts on blanket rolls, what to pack in one, how to make one (with period quotes in support), and photos, are presented in the article, "Knapsack and Haversack Packing 101" which is posted on this very forum in the Research Articles subfolder.

1 The rubber poncho was the outermost layer of the roll, keeping your blanket, spare clothes and shelter half dry when on the march.

I don't necessarily agree with that for a few good reasons:

1. A gum blanket on the outside, with the black side out, makes a blanket roll, particularly the "mule collar" variety, exceedingly hot and uncomfortable in the summertime.

2. Why keep your blanket protected from rain when, if you WEAR the gum blanket over you AND the blanket roll, it keeps you both dry?

I suspect the truth was that some soldiers made blanket rolls with the gum blanket inside, some with it on the outside, and others with the gum blanket folded and worn over the waist belt (or something else) for easy access in the event of rain. As always it's a "dangerous" thing to make absolute statements about how millions of soldiers did something.

2 Soldiers were reluctant to drop their packs before going into battle as they feared if abandoned they would be stolen by either the advancing enemy or their own reinforcements. Regiments could end up miles away from where they were before the battle

Perhaps, but it depended on the battle and its circumstances, and the troops and their level of experience. Again, absolute statements should probably be avoided. As a counterpoint to the quote above, I offer the veteran Irish Brigade's charge on Antietam's sunken road: they not only ditched their packs or blanket rolls before making the charge, but also their haversacks and, for some, canteens.

3 Shelter tent, rubber poncho, blanket, spare drawers, socks and shirt, maybe an extra pair of boots, personal effects such as pictures and mess equipment, the same kind of stuff you'd expect to find in a knapsack

See my article for a slight counterpoint on what to pack; however, it varied with the soldier. I suspect the "typical" soldier did not often carry extra footwear in his blanket roll, and mess furniture was usually in or on the haversack. Also, the typical Yank foot soldier would probably have had a gum blanket instead of a poncho. The article includes, among other things, a comparison of a reenactor's (i.e., my) typical marching load against the detailed instructions provided to the Army of the Potomac on what to pack and wear for the Chancellorsville campaign.

[Justin Runyon]

Thank you Kevin, you saved me the trouble of making that same post.

Nick, Please watch your throwing out of claims with little or know supporting material.

[Civilian_Soldier]

Pards,
I have been reenacting for little more than a year now and am seeking to further my campaign impression. What is your take on a packed knapsack with a rolled bedroll over that? Pictures would be greatly welcome.

Thanks

[AZReenactor]

Luke,
First I pulled this thread from over in the authenticity forum since it is probably about as basic and unresearched as a query can get.

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking for here.

I suggest you check out this how to wear a knapsack discussion (http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3181&highlight=knapsacks).

You may also want to check out the knapsack articles in the AC research articles section on Uniforms & Gear (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/links/browselinks.php?c=14).

Then once you've done a little homework comeback here and clarify exactly what information you are looking for.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Why would a soldier, who had to march sometimes 20 or more miles a day, carry both a knapsack and a blanket roll? Even in cold weather, only one of them is necessary. Heck, at Rich Mountain 2006 about 120 of 180 total Federal participants came to the startling realization that they COULD survive for most of an event without either a blanket roll or a knspack... like real soldiers often had to do.

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

I'm not trying to stir things up, but I guess the question I have is where did and why do some reenactors carry both the blanket rool and knapsack? I've not seen much documentation to do this and I don't, but I did remember that the picture of the three Confederate prisoners at Gettysburg, the guy in the middle wears both what appears to be a Federal double bag and a sizeable bed roll. I could be wrong but the image seems pretty clear. Does anyone have any clue as to why he is dressed in said manner. I know that elsewhere on the forum we discussed this picture, and we noted all the apparently "new" Federal gear they were wearing. My disclaimer is this I submit this photo as evidence that it happened at least once, but I am NOT suggesting everyone go out and do this based on one photo.

[Secesh]

John Jackman of the Ninth Kentucky Infantry, CS, states in his diary / memoirs that he carried blanket, overcoat, and knapsack throughout the War, as did Marion Hill Fitzpatrick from Georgia ( "Letters to Amanda" ). I think it would boil down to a matter of preference, both then and now. Thanks.

[LibertyHallVols]

I tried to find a bigger version of this pic, but no luck.

check out the soldier on the right. Looks like he could be wearing an I&C pack, but there is certainly a blanket roll over the top of it.
http://www.nps.gov/archive/gett/getttour/images/graphics/csmarch2.jpg

I don't think this is the only AC Redwood sketch showing this practice.

[J_V]

Reply to Mr. Ambrose:

Echoes of Glory offers a plausible explanation to the three Confederates wearing knapsacks and blanket rolls upon their capture, and the key word is capture.

Per EOG "...probably in preparation for a long captivity..."

So that is at least one possible reason - though not an entirely conclusive one - for those fellas wearing both.

Context is everything.

Regards,

Jonathan Vaughan

[BrianHicks]

No doubt, the carrying of both a Blanket Roll and a Knapsack occurred. (reference the above posted images) but how prevalent was this?

Soldiers were issued one blanket per man, as well as a knapsack. For most, the blanket went into the knapsack, as it was designed for. Others may have acquired a second blanket, or simply had other items in the knapsack, and wore their blanket as a roll along with the knapsack.

How many out there have carried both a blanket roll, and a knapsack?
How comfortable was this?
And for how many miles for how many consecutive days?

I have tried it... once, and found it very uncomfortable. I have also carried a knapsack, with a blanket inside, and a second blanket rolled and tied to teh bottom of the knapsack (LBL , March 2003) for a two day distance of 19+ miles and found it tolerable. But I dare say, that a blanket worn as a Roll, and the knapsack on top of that roll, would not have been intolerable for me, for that same distance.

Some folks can tolerate what others may deem intolerable. And what you can endure for a three day period with just a few miles, may not be the same if you had to cover 20+ miles per day with the same load configuration.

Now... let's think this through down another line of questioning.

Why would a soldier, who has a knapsack, not place his blanket in the knapsack, or roll it and tie it to the top (or bottom) of said knapsack?

-Perhaps it is winter, and he has a second blanket already in the knapsack?

-Perhaps he has numerous other personal items in the knapsack, and there is no room left for the blanket?

-Perhaps he has a kibbler, or MexWar style knapsack, and after placing a ground cloth, a shirt, socks, rations, etc. in the knapsack, that heavy blanket just wont fit into the knapsack.

-Perhaps the soldier hates packing his blanket into his knapsack each morning, but prefers to keep it simply as a roll, and therefore he can use the blanket more easily each night, and be ready to move quicker each morning..

-Perhaps he gets chilled easily, and has dropped knapsack previously, only to find that the knapsack never made it up the Mtn. to them, and if he had only had a blanket roll across his shoulders, he would have avoided the chills after he was separated from his knapsack.

For me... it's a matter of what was most common. Although there is evidence that this type of wearing of Blanket roll and Knapsack occurred, it is mentioned rarely, and seen rarely in photos and sketches when compared to the wearing of one or the other (but not wearing both).

[Joe Walker]

I have seen at least one other Redwood with a sketch of a Reb "headed to the rear" with his pack and his horse collar bed roll. Hanging from this pack or bedroll is his coffie boiler. I will stick my neck out and tell you that I think...........the knapsack wansn't meant for packing blankets around! It was to carry other clothing items. OK, we all have carried out bankets in the knapsacks and I have for 20 years but many times I carried my blanket around the knapsack. OK, you Yanks and Rebs carry the US double bag with the blanket sandwiched in but in lieu of the greatcoat, the top of the knapsack comes in handy- yes?. And you have seen US soldiers with just the bed roll too. So- if you got stuff, too much you don't want to roll it up in the bedroll/gum blanket, you got your good old knapsack (a suitcase no doubt). I have a repo French knapsack (ala Thomas Taylor with the side/top straps (see also dead La boys along the fence at Sharpsburg) that really is handy. OK, put the blanket on top, around, or over your head. I will stand by and let the comments roll in.

Joe Walker

[LibertyHallVols]

Anyone ever try stuffing a properly reproduced 5# Fed blanket (one that actually weighs 5#, made to the proper dimensions) into a properly reproduced (e.g. correct dimensions) Fed knapsack? ...and acutally buckle it into the lower bag, not stuff it between the bags! How much fun was that?

Now, try adding in all the stuff many reenactor articles say you should pack in a knapsack: extra shirt, socks, drawers, huck towell, housewife, writing kit... &c. Good luck!

This article references rations going in, as well!
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8551

My first post may have been a misinterpretation of the original question. However, I think Mr. Walker might be on to something here. Packing a knapsack for 36 hours (typical weekend event) is one thing. But packing it cuz you live out of it would appear to be something quite different (I wish I'd have gone to BGR!!).

So, to tie this back with the Redwood sketch, those fellows were crossing the Potomac and could've had all manner of goodies in those knapsacks that could have easily displaced their blankets. Just a thought.

I've pondered trying this at an event just to see what its like and if it helps me manage my load any better. In packing a knapsack with a blanket inside, I find myself getting it folded "just so" in order to close the pack and have it fit comfortably. Maybe this is the wrong approach?

...and to extend the caution on context and referencing photos and sketches: Don't use that sketch as an excuse to go to your next event without your trousers! :wink_smil

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Anyone ever try stuffing a properly reproduced 5# Fed blanket (one that actually weighs 5#, made to the proper dimensions) into a properly reproduced (e.g. correct dimensions) Fed knapsack? ...and acutally buckle it into the lower bag, not stuff it between the bags! How much fun was that?

My repro blanket is a 4+ pound Wisconsin Veterans' Museum blanket (later 1990s) highly accurate to the original from which it was produced. My knapsack is a fairly good reproduction based on the originals I've seen and handled. I've never had much of a problem packing my knapsack with things like,

* Blanket, inside
* Gun blanket, inside.
* Shelter half, inside.
* Extra shirt.
* Extra socks.
* Small canvas bag of "stuff" including sewing kit.
* Small journal book, and some extra papers and pencils.
* Overcoat strapped on top.

Yes, that's a bit of a bulky knapsack, but it packs and I've carried just that load on quite a few marches.

The only repro blanket I'm aware of that weighs a full 5 pounds is County Cloth's blanket. I suspect a number of originals didn't weigh quite 5 pounds, either.

[DougCooper]

The key to federal knapsack blankie stuffing, even a Childs 5 lb, is to fold it like an accordian, not folding it over on itself multiple times. This way it preserves the length and width and simply adds to the height, and is easier to flatten as well.

As for wearing both a blanket roll and knapsack, and documentation - who cares? The soldiers did whatever worked born of experience. The small size of a I & C knapsack makes it tough to fit a full size blanket inside. At BGR (23 miles up and down hills) many of us with Brit knapsacks did just that and it worked great. Taking the blanket out of the knapsack and making a roll of it is very light, and makes nary an impression on one's shoulders. Stuffing it inside a small CS knapsack puts more stress on the shoulder straps and more stress on you. Everything else, including skillet or coffee pot, etc, went inside the knapsack. Life was good - I felt like I could carry it for hundreds of miles in that fashion, as indeed many of them did.

In order of dressing:

Accouterments
Haversack
Knapsack
Blanket roll - over left shoulder
Canteen - over right shoulder resting on roll

See photos - first is day 4, second is at the end, day 5

[tmdreb]

Why wear both a knapsack and a blanket roll? Because it's more comfortable? Because it can make better sense to wear your gear that way? Because your blanket's too big / knapsack's too small / etc....

I'm lucky enough to own one of the FHW double woven civilian blankets. I believe when I bought it they were advertised as being 6.5 lbs. Whatever it truly weighs, the only way it will fit in my Mexican War style knapsack is by making it so thick as to set my center of gravity much farther up and to the rear than is practical. Plus, it's impossible to maintain a proper interval with the man behind me.

Before I had the aforementioned knapsack, I borrowed one based on the Pritchard example. There's really no place to fit a decent blanket in one of those. This is not the only knapsack of the 19th Century that cannot contain a blanket inside of it.

Theoretical generalizations aside, there are quite a few good reasons to carry both a knapsack and a blanket roll. Also, from the illustrations posted previously, we know it was done. Why knock a documented and sensible practice?

[Longbranch 1]

Not to initiate anything other than rational discourse on subjects mentioned in this thread;

To J.V . and respondents: As per the image of captured Rebs referenced to EOG. Blanket rolls and Knapsacks,
The inference being that having both was in preparation for a long imprisonment .
And that either or both the knapsack / Blanket roll were obtained after capture in anticipation of that imprisonment.

From whom were they obtained? And how?

My ultimate questionwould probably be this: ( Excluding Officers)

(1 When would a Prisoner, even under force of arms, be allowed to appropriate
sustenance from a battlefield?

Just a thought,

Kevin Ellis

[Rob Weaver]

A consideration for sketches, prints and paintings that's worth remembering. Although the artist might very well be accurately portraying something he saw, he may be incorporating a model, or something he particularly liked in his work. John Trumbull, American Revolutionary War painter, liked dragoon uniforms, and painted them accurately. But he also painted the same dragoon helmet repeatedly. It may have been a model he possessed or he simply liked. James Walker liked red blankets and incorporated them so often that they're signatures. He also liked tucker rolls, and accurately depicts how soldiers wear their equipment. AC Redwood also has a distinctive look about his soldiers. Artwork is a little different from photography, in this respect.

[J_V]

Not to initiate anything other than rational discourse on subjects mentioned in this thread;

To J.V . and respondents: As per the image of captured Rebs referenced to EOG. Blanket rolls and Knapsacks,
The inference being that having both was in preparation for a long imprisonment .
And that either or both the knapsack / Blanket roll were obtained after capture in anticipation of that imprisonment.

From whom were they obtained? And how?

My ultimate questionwould probably be this: ( Excluding Officers)

(1 When would a Prisoner, even under force of arms, be allowed to appropriate
sustenance from a battlefield?

Just a thought,

Kevin Ellis

Mr. Ellis,

I am not certain at all from whom they would have been obtained. My original post in this thread was meant at face value, and wasn't for the purpose of debunking the practice of packing both a knapsack and blanket roll. But there still remain possbilities within the universe of possibilities. Were they given a blanket by their captors for some reason? (There are many sources that indicate a shortage of blankets in the ANV) Did the man in the center take the blanket or knapsack from a fallen comrade amidst the initial chaos of a capture situation? Or did he always pack that way? I don't know, but none of those possibilities strike me as beyond the pale.

It is also interesting that the two men on either side seem to be wearing their blankets inside their knapsacks, so either the man in the center wore his blanket on the outside as personal preference or as a result of some factor of his capture situation.

Regards,

Jonathan Vaughan

[hiplainsyank]

After searching to no avail, I am wondering if anyone has instructions for how to make a gum blanket, with rubber sheeting available from Nick ************. Or is that material not the correct material to make one with?

Thanks for any help.

[Rebel Yell1863]

After searching to no avail, I am wondering if anyone has instructions for how to make a gum blanket, with rubber sheeting available from Nick ************. Or is that material not the correct material to make one with?

Thanks for any help.

Pard, try this link.
http://web.archive.org/web/20010714031207/home.earthlink.net/~wsmittle/oilcloth.htm

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

IMHO, kinda/sorta, but not exactly...

The difference being that the gun blankets have "sealed" or heat fused/bonded" edges and reinforcements formed "in the oven."
The best one can do, IMHO, with rubber sheeting is to simulate that process with vinyl, contact, or windshield, cement.

Others' mileage may vary...

Curt

[TobiasJones]

Joanna,

I was about to ask the good people of the forum the same question.

Does anyone know if this info is in The Union Sketchbook or similar book? I was interested in finding the dimensions.

Evan O'Dell

[Charles Heath]

Evan,

Open your copy of the CRRC-2 to page 142 for a pleasant surprise.

[TobiasJones]

I'm gonna have to add that to my collection. Thanks Charles.

Evan O'Dell

[MuddyWaterMess]

I have learned the whole theory that i take what i got just as i would have. I have a mindset impression and no matter what it takes to pull that off as accurate as possible i do that. I may carry a ground cloth i may not. At some points i carry just a coverlet i pray i can spoon if not i dont. Personal comfort is something i like to try and leave at home on event weekends. Now i know to some this is not the case and by no means am i saying everyone should be like this but what i am saying is i know that if they could have it they would but sometimes that was not the case. I like to portray the few that lacked i feel it adds a sense of realism to the event. I feel that someone should do what they feel they want to do as long as they stay in the authentic spectrum. I belive that if one would like to carry two gum blankets they need to do so. I do think that what they do should be in reason with much thought. Just my boring rambling 2cents. thanks

BEN JENKINS

[Pennvolunteer]

Two points on this. First, after 24 years of Army service, my "modern" experience would tell me that soldiers make themselves comfortable in any era. 2 gum blankets would be a tremendous advantage, just for the same reasons we are describing here, make a "sandwich" with 2, or for building shebangs, it would have been handy to have. If not issued, lots of battlefield scrounging has always gone on throughout history. And as for carrying extra weight, soldiers will throw away un-needed stuff and carry what they need to stay comfortable and survive. I think there is plenty of primary source evidence as listed here to support that, and if you talk to old soldiers from WWII through today, you find that is a common thread.
So, to my second point on this discussion, the reason I looked is I am looking for a second gum blanket myself. So, I have looked at the "Goodyear 1844" vulcanized reproductions, and just noticed a couple of listings for painted groundcloth. I'm looking on advice regarding the actual authenticity of having the painted groundcloth vice the vulcanized gum blanket. Does anyone have insights or advice as to which would be best (I think gum blanket, but want to ask), and if having a painted version is correct?

[Clsinclair]

I have a copy of the Federal Quartermasters order of 20,000 (could be more as my copy is at home) painted/oil cloths in the year of 1862. The specifications were 71" X 46" with a two inch seam down one side and on one end and 1" on the other end and side. 18 grommets at no more than 14" apart. 1" tape for each blanket so that it could be tied off as a shawl. Two of the grommets were spaced on the edge for the tape. There's a picture of one of these in Echo's of Glory. I got the copy out of a 2002 issue of "The Watch Dog" . Also there should be a seam in the cloth as drill and canvas was only 27.5" wide at the time.

Regards,
Claude Sinclair

[Chip42]

Dan:

I have a photocopy of the notebook of the quartermaster of the 7th Michigan from May '64. In it he documents equipments carried by various soldiers to include:

gum blankets: Up to 2 per man
Shelter halves: Up to 3 halves per man. (very interesting)

Happy to scan and post or e-mail if you would like to see.

Highly detailed info, as he even covers who had breast and box plates and who didn't.

From this piece of documentation, one would guess that the 7th didn't put much stock in uniform discipline.

Hope this helps.

Sam Lowe
Botsford Mess

Aut Viam Invenium Aut Faciam

[Marylander in Grey]

Gentlemen,
My 2 Cents is research your unit. Read the letters and diaries, find the QM reports for issued gear and base your impression on what was common amoung the men you portray.
IRYOS

[Bob 125th NYSVI]

So it boils down to:

(1) it is documented to have happened
(2) soldiers (at least Union) had ready access to sufficient quantity
(3) it was an individual's choice

Now it probably didn't happen early in the war because none of the soldiers had the experience to "modify" what the army issued and of course access would have been limited until supply caught up with demand.

So if you want to do it, do it (I do because a second oil cloth is very VERY handy). Just remember you have to carry it.

No can say for sure it wasn't authentic nor what proportion of soldiers didn't do it.

[Justin Runyon]

I think that this has been answered sufficiently, thanks to all of those that provided some of the excellant responses Scott, Troy, Bob, Aaron, et al.

[RoanokeRifle]

Hello,


I've been to several Civil War era homes, and a common thing to do I guess would be to have a hand-painted floorcloth extending the entire length of the room.
A carpet substitute.

A friend of mine was looking for antiques on the Eastern Shore and came upon two seperate peices of such a ground covering and they were the same dimensions and everything as a regular groundcloth.

These were painted almost like a compass Rose, black and white.
(We agreed they would have been the coolest groundcloth a soldier could have....)

Hence, my question:

I was wondering if anyone has documentation on the use of these as a groundcloth by a soldier in the Civil War.

[ephraim_zook]

Well, they'd have to carry it on their backs... Does that sound practical?

Ron Myzie

[Secesh]

Please don't be the one guy in the ranks carrying one of these....

[C.R. Henderson]

Get in touch with Jason Rich of Homespunwares.com . He has done some research into these.

[Cfarrell]

Wait one minute...I know that Mr. Ezell (Tom Ezell), once carried a painted ground cloth with a checkered blue and yellow pattern. I understand he had done a lot of research on the topic. He might be a good person to ask!

A little more then a year ago, Danny McCoslin submitted an article over painted cloth to the Ground Hornet newsletter. The article was unfinished at the time, but he had gathered a lot of information as well. He also made one...and ended up selling it here on the AC.

Now I'm not saying they were used all the time and that they will work at every event or every time period...I am saying that a few people have done research over the topic and might share it, BEFORE its ruled out!

I have found on account of a lady in east Texas, ripping up the carpet from her house to make blankets for the Texas soldier, and the newspaper encouraging fellow readers to do the same! Was it painted?...probably not....but you never know..........

Regards,

[Vuhginyuh]

“Cool” is the key word here. Are you asking if they were really used or do you have access one and want to use it because it is cool?

If your question is pertaining to a North Carolinian carrying one then I would emphatically say no. As a matter of fact I will plead with you not to. North Carolina issued and distributed practical things, not heavy painted floor cloths. Perhaps you can find an isolated instance or two of a soldier finding and carrying one for a while but they were not available from the State of NC.

A carpet blanket is not a painted floor cloth.

There have been a few discussions about floor cloths and carpet blankets in the past. Hit the search button.

[RoanokeRifle]

Thanks for the imput I was just wondering.

I don't even have access to one, and the question was more for the friend.

I realize NC Troops were fairly well supplied, and somthing liket this wouldn't have been the norm, and we're all pushing for the portrayal of the average soldier on campaign.

Just thought I'd ask.

[DOC1861]

I greatly question the practicality of the use of a floor covering as a ground cloth. The floor covering was a heavy canvas that was painted then varnish at least 4 times for durability. Not something easily rolled or folded. Now as for carpet that is a different story.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

It has been my understanding that floor coverings would be about the consistancy of modern linoleum, being both laminated canvas and heavily penetrated with paint and varnish. In looking at period style floor coverings in the MoC and Windsor Castle, they have almost no resemblance of having been canvas.

I realize that these are different than what you might find in more middle-lower society homes, but perhaps what needs to be shown is a documented account of floor covering use...

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

[RoanokeRifle]

Ahh,

Maybe it's the condition of the one's we looked at that could make them seem suited for such use as a groundcloth.

These two were very pliable.

Oh well.

[Spinster]

While I have no dog in the fight as to the conditions and happenstance that could cause a soldier to be in possession of such a cloth.......

I've used such cloths for a number of years as a civilian---and in our household, that means VERY heavy useage under adverse conditions.

When made with linseed oil and pigments, over a heavily sized canvas, the initial product is quite heavy and firm.

However, It only takes a few incidents of normal disaster---flooding rains, icy cold, and laying in the back of the wagon (or truck in my case), for the cloth to become very pilable. Dirt and sand abrasion add to the pliability.

And the initial process to make one is very similar to that for military issue painted groundcloth.

While adequate military supply and uniformity is certainly the norm, the item would prove useful enough, and portable enough to act as a ground cloth when military issue ones were not available.

When and where this happened is a fine quest for pursuit---with a special eye toward the unit portrayed and the differences in the Eastern and Western theaters of the War.

[jacobite8749]

In the book "My Dear Wife, Letters to Matilda", the letters of Sid Champion to his wife, he mentions several times, the use of oiled tablecloths as wet weather gear. theses oilcloths remained popular for years, and are now, in certain areas (picnic, BBQ ) having a revival. Whilst similar to floor cloths in construction, they are made using a lighter cotton, and are far more flexable and portable as well as being documented. Never aving seen a period one, I have no idea what they may look like. Remembering them from the 50's (aaagh) they always appeared drab things on the table that could be just wiped over. Moden ones are very colourful.

[Charles Heath]

I was wondering if anyone has documentation on the use of these as a groundcloth by a soldier in the Civil War.

Considering it took all of two minutes to come up with six primary source references, the answer is "yes," and then some. That was accomplished without cracking a single book in the library, but it does me no good to look up these blurbs from the old boys themselves time after time, so I suggest getting on the learning stick and making it happen. A lot of new folks come over here, and wonder why the old, crotchety, and mean cretins on the AC Forum got that way, well, this thread is an excellent example.

The single biggest defect amongst reproduction floorcloths, other than the use of incorrect paint, has to be the "factory fresh" look. Too many look too new, and to answer a question asked somewhere else in this thread, why yes these floorcloths do become more pliable over time, as they are used as groundcloths, tentage (four pebble method), tarps, and raingear. When relatively fresh from the house floor, these painted cloths are very water resistant. Give them a few months in the field (that would be years for us in our time) and they are far less so, especially with holes worn in them, and the inevitable cracking and peeling that occurs where twisted and/or folded.

The first one to re-post the article describing the period factory floorcloth production process, complete with steam powered printing rollers, wins the kewpie doll. The lock goes on for now, and this heads for the Camp of Instruction with other unresearched newbie questions.

[paulcalloway]

Here's a link to my search results:
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/search.php?searchid=516490

[fedhead]

Has anybody measured the surviving examples, and whats the bleed through like on the unpainted sides .

[Clsinclair]

Has anybody measured the surviving examples, and whats the bleed through like on the unpainted sides .

I know that using too much corn starch you will get cracking and too little you will get more bleeding. If no sizing is used you get much bleeding.

Claude Sinclair

[jdgiv]

Having made a few oil clothes I can say that there will be a measurable amount of bleed through.
Respectfully Yours,
James Gould

[Clsinclair]

Having made a few oil clothes I can say that there will be a measurable amount of bleed through.
Respectfully Yours,
James Gould

Bleed through is still based on how much oil you use and the amount of sizing. Having made about 500 Federal/Confederate painted oil cloths you learn by experience. Yet, I still sometimes use too much corn starch for sizing or too much linseed oil.

Best Regards,

Claude Sinclair

[Vuhginyuh]

This always perplexes me, whats the big deal about bleed through? I've seen Ray Bass make four dozen at a time; each with a varying degree of bleeding.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Of course I'd still love to see some documentation behind the whole corn-starch sizing thing...

[Clsinclair]

When I say that mine don't bleed thought I am meaning that the mixture does not saturate the untreated side. The mixture does go into the cloth and some does seep through to the unfinished side so it does have spots in it. I have found that if the material is not sized that it can add very much weight to the oil blanket because the all of the cloth becomes saturated. A 2002 issue of "The Watch Dog" had a copy of the Federal Quartermaster's specifications on an order of painted oil cloths. The measurements were to be 71" x 46" with 18 grommets. The spacing of Grommets were to be 1" from the edge of one end and one side and 2" on the other end and side. Two grommets were to be placed right on the edge so that a 1" tape could go through to make a shawl or cape. There's a picture in EOC of an oilblanket with those specifications with a person using as a shawl. I need to go back to the book, "The Federal Shelter Half" or something along those lines and find the reference regarding a suggestion of sizing or treating shelter halves.

I have found nothing regarding Confederate specifications on painted oil cloths. They had them because they had a recipe for making them. One person ordered a few from me saying that he had documentation that twine was used to go through the handsewn grommets to make a shawl for protection of the rain. Using one daily on the ground would quickly wear a painted oil blanket out.

Regards,
Claude Sinclair

[Clsinclair]

I have researched sizing with cornstarch and the only reference I found is at:

http://www.geocities.com/union_guard/oilcloth_and_painted_accoutermen.htm

It appears that cornstarch was not listed in the original recipe and that the author added it below the recipe as a suggestion. Does anyone have a copy of the Confederate Ord. book that list the recipe? However, I don't doubt that sizing was not used. I made two painted oilcloths this weekend with one using cornstarch to size and one without any sizing. I used 8 oz cotton duck. It took me a half of a gallon of paint (lampblack and linseed oil) to cover the unsized cloth. It took less that a quart to finish the sized cloth. The unsized cloth was totally saturated and heavy. The sized cloth was about half the weight. There was some bleeding on the sized cloth but nothing like the bleeding on the unsized cloth. There's an example of a painted oilcloth in Echo's of Glory showing both sides of a Federal Painted Oil Cloth. Notice the lack of bleeding on the unpainted side? Actually I didn't notice any bleeding but I did notice the placement of one of the edged grommets to make a shawl or cape out of it. It appears that the example in EOC was size because of the lack of bleeding.

I held the example that I did not size to the sun you could see the light of the sun. I held up the example that I sized and you could not any sun. I then ran the hose over one that I use myself and it was totally waterproof and it is over a year old. I used the search function and some writers stated that the painted oilcloths were not supposed to be waterproof. I disagree with that assumption.


I held the example that I did not size to the sun you could see the light of the sun. I held up the example that I sized and you could not any sun. I then ran the hose over one that I use myself and it was totally waterproof and it is over a year old. I used the search function and some writers stated that the painted oil cloths were not suppose to be waterproof. I disagree with that assumption. I feel that painted oil cloths varied somewhat from one maker to another. Just like the depot clothing system. I still have not found anything regarding Confederate painted oil blankets.

Regards,

Claude Sinclair

[LWhite64]

The following are from the Rome(GA) Tri Weekly Courier.

November 7th, 1863
"Annual Report of the Quartermaster General of Georgia...we are sorry to learn from the report that Gen. Foster was not able to purchase a single blanket-blankets cannot be bought in Georgia, nor in the South..."

November 21st, 1863
"Another Appeal to the Women of Georgia...Under such circumstances in this dark hour of trial ought there to be a blanket in the house of any citizen of the Empire State? Ought not the churches, the parlors, and the bed rooms to be stript of every carpet, if necessary and hurried to the army...I believe there are carpets enough in Georgia to supply the Confederate army with blankets...then have them cut, lined with cotton cloth, and hemmed."

November 24th, 1863
"Blankets for the Army...carpets lined with osbaburg and hemmed are even prefered by soldiers to blankets, lining will be furnished by the Quartermaster on application."

December 24th, 1863
"Blankets for soldiers...has determined to try and supply this want in some extent by the manufacture of what are called comforts or comforters. These can be made out of our thinnest Factory cloth, padded with bits of carded cotton and quilled. The cloth should be as light as possible and the padding not too thick-otherwise the article will be too heavy for transportation...we have already sought and found the assistance of the ladies of Augusta and its vicinity...The Augusta Factory, in a spirit of most liberal patriotism, have offered to furnish us with the material upon very just terms...other factories in our state will do the same...The cloth used by us here is thinner then shirting-shirting will do about 7 1/2 to 8 feet long, by 6 feet wide, it would be better if dyed some color, but we have no time to wait for this to be done..."

Enjoy.
Lee

[Daryl Black]

Those 20th TN QM returns for late December show some blankets coming in. Wonder if they were the fruits of this effort.

[Charles Heath]

A while back, Eric Burke asked a good question about "comforts," and that thread is now merged with this one. Some of the newspaper quotes dovetail well with the ones Lee recently posted, too.

[PrvtA]

Recently, I've found an article about a 18th century tarp. Has anyone run across this before and would this be correct to use for the period of time we portray? The web page is, http://reenacting.net/mystuff/trektarp.html . Thanks in advance.

Corp. Kevin Alexander

[pipthelimey]

I've not seen anything like this in my readings, especially out of something as light as cotton. The closest thing I can imagine is a plain, linseed-oilcloth, or a piece of canvas. I have a handmade oilcloth, made a little bit longer. It's got 4 handsewn grommets, and rather then trying to set it up all nifty like the "trektarp" you mentioned, I just set it up as a lean-to if rain beckons. You can generally tell which direction the wind is going to be blowing. Jason Rich makes nice ones. www.homespunwares.com

[Poor Private]

On the "Traditional Muzzleloader Forum" this is called a Diamond tent . They have a whole thread on tentage from rev war to civ war. This is a very good forum if your interested in BP weapons and all time frames -very laid back and the guys help you out alot. Joining is easy and there is over 10k of members to the forums.

[mnreb]

Hi.
I have found the short roll to be more comfortable than the blanket roll. However, thats just me. I also use a knapsack from time to time.

Bill Feuchtenberger
1st South Carolina Volunteers

[DougCooper]

For long distance marching, one can hardly beat blanket roll (just the blanket) with everyting else in the knapsack. See photo. A short roll works as well but sways a bit on its sling if not tight enough. When portraying an officer I usually use a short roll.

[Old Reb]

Major Grisamore of the 18th Louisiana Infantry, Gray's Brigade, Mouton's Division makes reference to the men putting their knapsacks on the wagons for their retreat from Natchitoches to Pleasant Hill in early April 1864. He also mentions how happy the men were to be reunited with their knapsacks because often when they did such they might not ever get their knapsacks back. For Journey Into the Piney Woods the wagons will be reserved for provisions and ammunition, so tote 'em if you got 'em.;)

[csasoldier_61]

IMHO If you have to carry a knapsack and a bedroll then you might want to think about if you really need all that stuff.

Adam "OX" Johnson

[SamuelCathey]

YEs, I say go light. Remember too that really the idea of only using what you carry on your back is really not correct. These guys had lots of cooking gear, food etc. in the wagons. I hate to say it but it is probably most correct to travel as light as possible and then go back to your car and get stuff that would have very often been in camps in the evening once they had been retrieved from wagons.
Sam Cathey

[Old Reb]

and what if your car is 20 miles from where you are bivouaced for the night? Nice walk for you skillet I reckon.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Tom makes a good point. Traveling with what you need for a weekend is the WRONG way to pack. What we are attempting to show is a three-day slice of any given week for a Civil War combatant. It's a shame when folks start casting out stuff from their knapsacks because it will save weight. Yes, one doesn't want to be burdened like a 49er going into the hills but you would want and need certain things. Something to cook in (that skillet that might be left in the car), socks, a spare shirt, letters from home, picture, Bible, etc.

Any that come to Into the Piney Woods and leave their skillets in the car will probably be left behind on the trail.

Regards,

[Charles Heath]

Some events are measured in square feet, some events are measured in square miles, and then there is that linear thing.

[Hank Trent]

YEs, I say go light. Remember too that really the idea of only using what you carry on your back is really not correct. These guys had lots of cooking gear, food etc. in the wagons. I hate to say it but it is probably most correct to travel as light as possible and then go back to your car and get stuff that would have very often been in camps in the evening once they had been retrieved from wagons.

To restate the obvious that others have stated, that only works if

1) you're portraying someone at a time and place where, historically, they retrieved their gear from the wagons at night

and

2) some form of "wagon" is being portrayed, either an actual wagon, a magic invisible kabuki truck that drops things off, or I suppose there could also be a loop-around march with a scheduled window of opportunity to leave camp briefly to return to your car.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Charles Heath]

Hank,

To point out the obvious, very few campaigner, progressive, or hardcore events provide 24-hour access to conveniently parked vehicles, although this happens more often than not at static living histories. Grumpy calls these "SOYAs," and for good reason. Come to think of it, I can think of at least one event in 2007 where the nearest of the two vehicles involved was literally over 75-miles away(as the crow flies), but I digress.

Sometimes we do have wagons, and sometimes the Kabukimobile (I'd call it a Kurokomobile, but how few other than Sparky and Silas would understand that level of detail, and, besides, 2 of 3 are painted white not black!) Contracting for wagons is both risky and expensive, however, in recent years more and more events have functional wagons. By "functional" I do not mean the pneumatic tired, metal sided, touron-totin' variety seen here and there. One day, perhaps before the 175th anniversaries, the issue of modern breeds and modern horse furniture will be addressed, but that's an old issue batted around in other threads. As for me, I liked seeing four-ups of right smart oxen at not one, but two CW era events this year. :)

Campaign events (those with signifcant movement) are few and far between. Far too many people interpret campaigning as "sleeping without tents." Moving bodies of troops overland is still a formidable challenge, even if the battalion sizes are smaller than they were ten years ago. Extended play events are somewhat rare, although the 2009 season shows great promise. Blah, blah, blah...same old song and dance.

This comes down to figuring out how much tail to put on the dragon.

[ley74]

Are we going to have a 3rd year anniversary party for this thread? I know of only one other this old. It is approaching 3,000 posts, on another forum, that is.:)

[Abrams]

What I would carry would totally depend on the season, distance from re-supply (wagon/car) and distance traveled.

Winter travel demands more gear.

If a short distance is to be travelled, I would likely take more creature comforts. If a long distance to be hiked, then believe me, I can get by on an amazingly small amount of stuff.

If the trip is to be done circular, or end up near a re-supply point, I would travel very light to enjoy the trip more, and not wind up chanting to myself "step, breathe, step, breathe.." while staring at a spot 4 feet in front of myself.

So it all depends on many factors as to what I would carry.

[justthemiller]

Recently I attended the WIG-hosted LH at Chickamauga NBP where I carried, (in addition to the usual musket, cartridge box, canteen, haversack/canteen ensemble) a knapsack that contained; knit nightcap, one blanket, a painted groundcloth, pair of socks, shirt & a small chess set and a brand new mess kettle attached to the back of the knapsack. And that was the MOST I've carried to an event in years. I felt I was traveling heavy till I spied some of the other folks tricked out in what could only be described as a Si Klegg "serious miscalculation" knapsack look. Folks should travel light whenever possible. This malarchy about what will we do w/o this or that is just so much guff. If you can't carry it, just do without it. If you get cold or wet or you can't cook your rations the way you like because you don't have proper mess gear then bully, you've just experienced something of what the original soldiers had to go through.

[DougCooper]

Recently I attended the WIG-hosted LH at Chickamauga NBP where I carried, (in addition to the usual musket, cartridge box, canteen, haversack/canteen ensemble) a knapsack that contained; knit nightcap, one blanket, a painted groundcloth, pair of socks, shirt & a small chess set and a brand new mess kettle attached to the back of the knapsack. And that was the MOST I've carried to an event in years. I felt I was traveling heavy till I spied some of the other folks tricked out in what could only be described as a Si Klegg "serious miscalculation" knapsack look. Folks should travel light whenever possible. This malarchy about what will we do w/o this or that is just so much guff. If you can't carry it, just do without it. If you get cold or wet or you can't cook your rations the way you like because you don't have proper mess gear then bully, you've just experienced something of what the original soldiers had to go through.

Exactamundo James. As a former Si Klegg (carry it all just because I can and because somebody once did) I have changed my ways to traveling lighter. BGR was the great teacher, not because the knapsack was too heavy...but because I kept careful track of what I used over 5 days. If there is anything in the knapsack that you do not use in 5 days, you sure as heck won't use it in 2 days, so out it goes...forever.

[Gallo de Cielo]

Lost in the 60+ pages of posts and fifteen thousand views this thread has had is perhaps one thought I'd like to again stress.

"If there is anything in the knapsack that you do not use in 5 days, you sure as heck won't use it in 2 days, so out it goes...forever." Doug Cooper

I'm picking on Doug a bit here (not that I don't like you Doug- you know the Hornets love to have you out!) but I would reason that it is incorrect to pack light, "for only two days," because that's not what these guys did. Yes, we may only need what we have for two days but our impression should be grounded in the notion of snatching two days randomly from four years of war. Clearly, every man's load would vary based on many factors but I'll say that Doug's post above is, in my opinion, not the best way to pack. Maybe some of that stuff is heavy but suck it up a bit. If you like chess enough to carry a little set, or a Bible, or letters from home, or a dime novel, or a journal, or some other trinket or knick knack- carry it. Think bigger picture. Yes, you would spread mess-gear out and lighten the load as much as you could but you still had to live and you still had people back home or some non-required, non-military item you were toting to help keep your sanity.

My two cents on a thread that could be printed and bound and sold due to the volume of posts...

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Agreed...
It can be a different "mind set" when one already, previously, "knows" the tim elimits of one's outting is going to be 1, 2, or 3 days versus not knowing whether 1-3 daze might end up being a month or a year or two...

An instance occurred during this march showing how easy it is to misjudge the carrying capacity of men by their size. One of the six-footer heavy weights of the company in the right files where the tallest men are paced, had been complaining considerably on account of his sore shoulders, although it was not in a cross manner, he being really one of the best natured of men, when he was jokingly scolded for his grumbling by the orderly, marching to the left- a light weight and much smaller sized man. The result was that another heavy member, known as ‘Buckshot,’ who marched in the center of the company, a tent mate of the orderly, made a wager that that the latter had the heaviest load in the company. This the orderly had no idea thaat was the case, although he was carrying besides the usual articles of "extras," shoes, etc., extra ammunition and the company books. However, when they reached Cumberland they weighed up, and sure enough the sergeant's knapsack weighed 28 lbs. to 22 for his tent mate, the third heaviest being 17, and that was not the big fellow's either. This is mentioned as showing that it was not always the biggest looking man that stood the greatest "wear and tear." For while it is true that there were some heavy men, and the two above mentioned were among them, who seemed able to stand everything—good marchers, rough and ready campaigners—yet is it also true that the light weights, from 140 down, were unexcelled for all manner of hard service.
We sometimes hear, out of service, of men carrying 70 lbs. in their knapsack. But no such back-breaking, side-splitting weight was carried by the soldiers—unless some
unfortunate was working out a sentence, walking a beat under guard thus loaded; in lieu of the ball and chain, or log substitutes for thumb-tying, the stocks and other hard
inflictions. A knapsack must not be shoddy to hold 70 pounds. In light marching order the knapsack, if carried at all, which was hardly the case, had little more within or on
top than a rolled blanket, sometimes extra rations, and the balance of 60 rounds of ammunition that couldn't go in a 40 round cartridge box. At other times the knapsack
varied all the way from a new outfit—generally with new troops—to the smallest possible kit or supply of extras, principally underclothes, poncho or rubber blanket, and
woollen blanket—overcoats turned in. These all told, with 9 or 10 lb. gun, 40 rounds, canteen of water (pretty weighty), haversack packed with hard bread, coffee, sugar, and pork boiled or raw, added, 40 pounds would be more with all accouterments ; and frequently half that was all the boys carried, particularly when off on some hurried service requiring quick movements, wherein the weight of the knapsack itself cut no figure. The average weight of a knapsack with us on general service would not exceed, well packed, 15 pounds.

C. A. Stevens, Berdan’s United State Sharpshooters in the Army of the Potomac, 1892

Curt
pp. 79-80

[PrivateGross]

That pretty much falls in line with my own experience backpacking. If your total load is any more than 40 pounds you're going to have a miserable time of it. One thing I've done for my CW impression is simply go for walks wearing my full kit. I have 40 minie balls I cast just to give my cartridge box its proper weight, and I go with full canteen and haversack as well. Given my average walk is about 4 miles, I learned pretty quickly what works and what doesn't as far as packing methods and how to wear things for maximum comfort goes.

Peter gross

[ewtaylor]

Lost in the 60+ pages of posts and fifteen thousand views this thread has had is perhaps one thought I'd like to again stress.

"If there is anything in the knapsack that you do not use in 5 days, you sure as heck won't use it in 2 days, so out it goes...forever." Doug Cooper

I'm picking on Doug a bit here (not that I don't like you Doug- you know the Hornets love to have you out!) but I would reason that it is incorrect to pack light, "for only two days," because that's not what these guys did. Yes, we may only need what we have for two days but our impression should be grounded in the notion of snatching two days randomly from four years of war. Clearly, every man's load would vary based on many factors but I'll say that Doug's post above is, in my opinion, not the best way to pack. Maybe some of that stuff is heavy but suck it up a bit. If you like chess enough to carry a little set, or a Bible, or letters from home, or a dime novel, or a journal, or some other trinket or knick knack- carry it. Think bigger picture. Yes, you would spread mess-gear out and lighten the load as much as you could but you still had to live and you still had people back home or some non-required, non-military item you were toting to help keep your sanity.

My two cents on a thread that could be printed and bound and sold due to the volume of posts...

I agree with Fred and Doug on this one. I agree with Doug on the lines of taking to much stuff you will never use, however I agree with Fred on a soldier taking with him sentimental things (or hobby related items).
A friend of my wife's had an acestor in the 19th TN Inf. He was in that regiment for 4 years. She has the items he carried while in the War, which included a cameo from his mother, a ring he wore from his father, and 4 little baby spoons with the names of his brother and sisters engraved on them. He carried them for 4 years and brought them back home at War's end.
I think each of us should carry something we could have a good 1st person conversation about. Be it a pic of a sweetheart, a dime novel, cards, dice, newspaper, something.
everett taylor

[Silas]

Greatcoats don't go on top of knapsacks. Maybe :

The Sunday morning inspection in camp will bear a brief mention. It takes place after guard mount, on the parade ground. Each man must appear to the best advantage he can. His brasses must be cleaned and his musket in good order ; knapsacks packed tidy, and everything about him must be as neat as possible. The band form on the parade ground, the companies march to the music and form as if on parade. The Adjutant turns and salutes the Colonel, telling him the batallion is formed. The Colonel then gives the order for the companies to right wheel, the right of the companies standing still, thus leaving a space between each company. Then the front ranks come to an about face, so as to face the rear rank, which has stepped to the rear about four paces, before the front rank has got the order to face about thus leaving a space between both ranks for the inspecting officer to pass through. "Unsling knapsacks' is the order after "ground arms," [167] and each man puts his knapsack at his feet, unpacked and the contents laid bare to open inspection. It is funny sometimes to see the contents, especially after a campaign. A soldier has perhaps a shirt; a pair of socks, and a prayer book or testament. Some have more, and some less, more generally the latter, but in winter-quarters, where there is a chance to have plenty of clothing, the knapsack of a tidy soldier is worth looking at. The overcoat is folded in a nice roll and strapped on top; the blankets, shirts, drawers and socks, with a soldier's album, which almost every soldier carries with the pictures of dear and loving friends at home. All have their proper places in the knapsack.

pp. 166-67, Four Years Campaigning in the Army of the Potomac (http://books.google.com/books?id=Y5xbjvQlcI8C&pg=PA16&dq=civil+war+sentinel+picket&as_brr=1&ei=uRSlR5jpOYKoiQGLt-jHCA#PPA166,M1)by Color Sergeant Daniel G. Crotty, 3d Michigan Volunteer Infantry (1874).

[DougCooper]

Lost in the 60+ pages of posts and fifteen thousand views this thread has had is perhaps one thought I'd like to again stress.

"If there is anything in the knapsack that you do not use in 5 days, you sure as heck won't use it in 2 days, so out it goes...forever." Doug Cooper

I'm picking on Doug a bit here (not that I don't like you Doug- you know the Hornets love to have you out!) but I would reason that it is incorrect to pack light, "for only two days," because that's not what these guys did. Yes, we may only need what we have for two days but our impression should be grounded in the notion of snatching two days randomly from four years of war. Clearly, every man's load would vary based on many factors but I'll say that Doug's post above is, in my opinion, not the best way to pack. Maybe some of that stuff is heavy but suck it up a bit. If you like chess enough to carry a little set, or a Bible, or letters from home, or a dime novel, or a journal, or some other trinket or knick knack- carry it. Think bigger picture. Yes, you would spread mess-gear out and lighten the load as much as you could but you still had to live and you still had people back home or some non-required, non-military item you were toting to help keep your sanity.

My two cents on a thread that could be printed and bound and sold due to the volume of posts...

I was not talking about Bibles (I always carry one) or other keepsakes. I was talking about extra mess gear, extra clothes, towels, etc.

[EVOC]

At BGR, I only recall two Confederate soldiers with blanket rolls. I was one of them and perhaps there were a couple more. Granted the soldiers we portrayed had acquired a lot of Federal gear, but it still did not seem representative to me.

Description of "Typical Soldier from Confederate Veteran Magazine, 1893:

Across his body from his left shoulder there is a roll of threadbare blanket, the ends tied together resting on or falling below the right hip. This blanket is Jobnny's bed. Whenever he arises he takes up his bed and walks. Within this roll is a shirt, his only extra article or clothing. In action the blanket roll is thrown further back and the cartridge box is drawn forward, frequently in front of the body. From the right shoulder, across the body, pass two straps, one cloth the other leather, making a cross with blanket roll on breast and back.

[Old Reb]

28th Louisiana retreating from near Alexandria were ordered to dump their knapsacks on the wagons with the promise when they arrived at Pleasant Hill they and their knapsacks would be reunited. Four days later the promise was kept and the men eagerly changed into a clean shirt and socks if they had such items. If they didn't, some took off their dirty shirt and socks and pretended to put on clean ones. So, throw your stuff on the wagons and hope you are reunited with the wagons, or, just carry your stuff and hope it isn't too heavy for making 25 miles a day. Of course, that is real war stuff and refarbactors ain't the same.

[toptimlrd]

Well, I'll jump in on this one. Whether for two days, five days, etc. my knapsack has the same basic stuff in it with only a couple of variations. Here's the list:

Blanket
Gum blanket (if not on my belt in the back)
1 shirt
1 (maybe 2) pairs of socks
1 extra pair of drawers
sleeping cap
small bible
small tin of tooth powder
toothbrush
comb
Small tin containing needle, thread, pins, and a couple scraps of fabric (much smaller than a typical housewife)
some musket cleaning items (patches, jag, oily patch) (my Confederate cartridge box does not have an implement pocket on it)
Pencil, and a few pieces of writing paper
Maybe an arsenal pack or two
Shelter half when scenario calls for it
Greatcoat on top ONLY if absolutely, positively necessary which is seldom in my neck of the woods. I hate the extra weight.

[Parault]

Robert,

That is pretty much what I carry. Plus or minus an item or two.

[Old Reb]

After reading what folks carry I realize that I don't carry enough stuff so I will try to do better in the future by stuffing as many needless things into my pockets as I can carry. What I do consider important and do carry is a canteen, a cup and a spoon and a blanket. Beyond that and a rifle, caps and some cartridges, ain't much else important.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

This is what I carry in my Isaac and Campbell, or Federal double bag knapsack:

1 blanket

tooth brush

gum blanket

1 extra shirt

1 pair of extra socks

extra ammuntion

housewife

soap

2 candles

newspaper and letters

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

"After reading what folks carry I realize that I don't carry enough stuff so I will try to do better in the future by stuffing as many needless things into my pockets as I can carry. What I do consider important and do carry is a canteen, a cup and a spoon and a blanket. Beyond that and a rifle, caps and some cartridges, ain't much else important."
__________________
Tom Yearby

Tom,

Always good words!

Folks,

After 623 posts (previous to mine), this thread is getting exhausting now days!

Any thoughts on shutting her down, AC mods?

[Charles Heath]

Aaron, and after all those posts and all those views, there is likely somebody, somewhere, out there in the distance who has yet to even take the baby step of reading this foundation article:

Knapsack 101 (http://www.columbiarifles.org/Articles/Blanketroll_Packing.html)

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

AND, the Saga continues..........

[Old Reb]

This thread someday may rival the spoon thread on the OTB. In a rare moment of seriousness, I must say that what one carries or does not carry should be based on research into what actual soldiers carried and not personal whims and wants. Less is better as any one that has humped with a load knows, but again, research into reaility is better than a personal want list. This horse may not be dead, but it is getting old.

[lukegilly13]

In my double bag I carry in the envelope side: shelter half and guy rope, extra shirt, sanitary poke sack (contains soap, comb, toothbrush, powder, shave kit, matches), extra socks.
Folding side: blanket (or overcoat depending on weather), small towel, extra food.
I want to add...that 17lbs carried strategically packed beats 15lbs "thrown together" packed. I pack my bag, put on gear, and walk 3 miles. If something is a burden, I re-position. I have sort of developed my own system.

[lukegilly13]

Sometimes I close up the knapsack with my gum blanket in between the two bags.

[flattop32355]

Comfort, or as close as you can get to it, will vary from person to person. So will the utility of any given item. Same as for the originals, there will be some items that are a must for one man and a burden for another.

The end point of the whole debate for both blanket roll and knapsack is simply this: If you want to carry it, and are able to carry it, carry it. If you don't want it, don't carry it. If you want to carry it, but you aren't able to, then don't carry it. If you're going to carry it, carry it according to period means and the given event requirements.

[1861 Springfield]

I will say threads like this, while maybe tedious for long timers, are a boon to new members like myself.