Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[AZReenactor]

Re: Lined Blankets

I used a wool blanket lined with cotton sheeting for several years and it does help. Last spring I even slept through a nice little spring snowfall in California with nothing but blanket and overcoat (and uniform). The tight weave of the cotton helps to keep the wind from cutting through the blanket and the pocket of air between the cotton and wool provides extra insulation as well.

Keep in mind that If you do find yourself in really wet conditions it is best to roll up in your blanket with the cotton cloth on the outside. It will still block the wind but you need to use the wool to keep yourself warm and insullated from the wet cotton. Wrapping up in a cold wet sheet of cotton only serves to lower your tempurature further.

[Lone Guard]

Re: Lined Blankets

Excellent tip Troy.

[csa blacksmith]

Re: Lined Blankets

[QUOTE=vbetts]A couple of suggestions from Confederate newspapers:

4. Colored blankets are best, and if lined with brown drilling the warmth and durability are doubled, while the protection against dampness from lying on the ground is almost complete. . . .]

what is brown drilling? duck cloth? and I noticed on one of the other replies, cotton laps? what would those be?

[pipthelimey]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

Tom,
Regarding that famous "three Confederate Prisoners" picture, I have always wondered about the gear they are carrying. It seems to be like an inordinate amount of gear for July, and I've often wondered if upon becoming prisoners, (and newly shed of their rifle/cartridge boxes) if they didn't try and pick up equipment they thought might be useful at their final destination. Maybe one or more of them had been captured before and exchanged, and said "hey fellas, it's going to be cold where we're going." Just a thought. I'd love to hear other's opinions on the matter.

Andrew Jerram

[pvtbordonaro]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

Andrew,
We'll never know for sure, but I think you're right. That's what I would have done in their situation, anyway. And there were a lot of knapsacks lying around, that's for sure.
-Joe Bordonaro

[John Legg]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I like both

[Guy Gane III]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

In my opinion, if I am going to an event that is going to be ridiculously warm, then I prefer a bedroll... because I am not planning on lugging much around for the weekend.

If its a colder event, I am all for the knapsack. You can add more warm clothes and then you can roll up your greatcoat when it gets warmer and sling it to the top of the pack. Also, mentioned before... you can string up a coffee pot or boiler in the straps.

[Cpl.Jmartin]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I have always just rolled up my blanket, wrapped my ground cloth around it, tied it with with leather straps and used a piece of old horse saddle leather to fling it over my shoulder. It's homeade-cheap, comfortable (to me anyway) and maybe even done by a few resourcefull soldiers somewhere down through history.

works for me.....Jmartin
53rd GA

[EvilRob]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I like the knapsack. You can find your stuff easy and it makes a great pillow.

Rob Michael
Frockhead Mess

[John Legg]

Re: Lined Blankets

Wambaugh Sells them, check his out

https://www.wwandcompany.com/csblankets.html

John

[10TnVI]

Re: Lined Blankets

Definition of Drill- a strong, medium to heavy weight, 2X1 or 3X1 warp faced twill. Usually of cotton, it is similiar to denim-

Note this is not cotton sheeting but closer to a light canvas and probably exhibits some degree of water repellency

Other definitions of interest-

Cotton Twill. Twill is the name of a basic weave which can be executed in any type of sturdy yarn, natural or synthetic. The yarns float over two or more before passing under the next yarn; it is a progressed interlacing, tighter than satin, whereby a diagonal ribbed effect is created.

Osnaburg: a coarse, strong, plain weave, medium to heavy weight fabric, usually of cotton . Used for industrial purposes, drapery and upholstery.

Note this is not cotton sheeting but closer to a light canvas and probably exhibits some degree of water repellency.

[Lawrence]

Re: Lined Blankets

Would using oilcloth be appropriate?? It would defintely be wind resistant, and waterproof ... would make a nice little "swag" as we say out here in the antipodes ...

Shannon

[Charles Heath]

Re: Lined Blankets

Would using oilcloth be appropriate??

Shannon,

During the course of your research into lined blankets, how many documented instances did you discover them to be lined with oilcloth?

At least you didn't ask "how popular?" ;)

[10TnVI]

Re: Lined Blankets

oilcloth- see Ms. Betts post(post#2)in this thread for a reference to the practice.-

[markj]

Re: Lined Blankets

Jim,
Hit the search button. There are several excellent threads on how to stay warm.

Try making the attached item...if you dare.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger