Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[Aubrey]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

I'm not sure that kind of pole is as revelant as it should be. First of all if I had to ask myself what does fit me the best and make me comfortable espaecially during a long march, I would say Knapsack. Because we can put what we need and add more extra blancket in order to build a real bed and to stay warm. If I think of authenticity and accuracy I will choose Blanket roll without hesitation. Even if The ANV was issued with English Import stuffs and news one in country made in Richmond, NC...arsenal, the logistic and supply situation is worth. I mean knapsack is still a kind of a luxury. Furthermore if we all admit that most of the campaings occurred from springtime to the begining of winter, knapsacks seem to be useless, heavy and too warm. An infantryman doesn't need so much: a blancket, half shelter for a mess of 4, a gum also used as a poncho against rain (useful during smringtime and Fall), a shirt and personal items.
Well what I'm saying is ready to be discussed of course, Im open minded. :)

[Ordnance Interest]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

Perhaps this is evident, to others, but I understand that boiled linseed oil dries much faster than raw linseed oil.

Mark Wenger

[Silas]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

Because some threads need to be popped up to the top.

Forget about the vote. There are sixty-some pages of valuable information buried in this thread. Every member of this forum ought to the time to read the entire thread from beginning to end or, at least, skim it all. There's great stuff here.

I stumbled upon it - again - after a member asked a question about tarred canvas. Using the search function, I got here. The search function works when you use it.

[1861 Springfield]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[flattop32355]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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.

[lukegilly13]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[lukegilly13]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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.

[Old Reb]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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.

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[Charles Heath]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

"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?

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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

[Old Reb]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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.

[Parault]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

Robert,

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

[toptimlrd]

Re: Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

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.