Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Re: Going Campaign - Knapsacks

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.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: Going Campaign - Knapsacks

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.

[AZReenactor]

Well crafted questions are as useful as well crafted answers...

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.

You may also want to check out the knapsack articles in the AC research articles section on Uniforms & Gear.

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

[Civilian_Soldier]

Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[Justin Runyon]

Re: The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Re: The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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.

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Re: The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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.

[nick19thind]

Re: The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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

[Texyank]

Re: The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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

This subject is pretty well covered here.

[ericmaggard]

The Proper BlanketRoll when Campaign'in

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.