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Ok I was thinking... back in the day most glens probably looked like Gypsy wagons with stuff everywhere. How can we accessorize our kit so it looks a little more authentic then just one blanket and a half full pack? Off the top of my head I am thinking rope/cutting tools/kettle.... does anybody know of any other stuff we could strap on (he said strap on *snicker*).

mike.

Dead rabbits and or chickens.

But not one of these.

I like your style

LOL !! Stop! You guys are killing me.

This past January (09) I handed out the "Account Book" to all those that attended the practice and in it is a list of the "Necessaries" (and their specs) that each of us should have in our possession at all times and, therefore, what should generally be in our back packs. The strap-ons though are essentially an extra blanket, messtin, and the big a** Glengarry knife. Supper may have been slung from it as well, all be it briefly. Of course, the great coat was slung from the bottom too.

The clothing warrant and necessaries included the following:
Pr Grey Trousers
Pr Cdn Short Boots
Waistcoat/Barracks Coatee
3 pr socks
3 shirts
Black neck Stock
Pr Braces (Breeches slings)
Knapsack (Glengarry Backpack)
Forage Cap
2 shoe brushes
Blacking Ball
Clothes Brush
Button Brush
Stick (button stick)
Sponge
Comb (small teeth on one side)
Razor
Soap and shaving brush (shaved on Wed. and Sun.)
Straps for Great coat
Turnscrew, brush and worm.
Knif, Fork, Spoon (with case)
Mess Tin and cover
Pr of Mitts
Great Coat
Winter Forage cap

Including the musket it was nearly 40lbs weight.

So, what you weren't wearing of the necessaries you had in the pack.

It would be really cool if each of us had exactly what was meant to be in the pack, not only for display and discussion with civilians but for authenticity's sake.

Cheers,
Pud


p.s. Mike, if you didn't get one of these account books then let me know and I'll bring one to Toronto at the end of January.

What about a shovel or axe. Could have on of each per ten or 12 guys.

Absolutely Bill ! A pioneer would come into play for that sort of thing. Typically, a pioneer would be attached to a company (3 platoons),... but we could make it work. The best examples I've ssen in the reenactor's world are the guys who have portrayed the pioneer for the IMUC, Scots and 8th.

Ultimately one could have: Leather Cobbler's Skirt, India pattern Musket, Broad Axe, Pick-Shovel, Glengarry Knife, second Haver Sack filled with holdings of ball, patch, flint, steel, firestarter and kindle (kindling). He might even have a tightly bound bail of straw or Fag Bundle on his back to assist in scaling a seige wall.

Damned heavy and awkward,.......need a big bugger to pull that one off. I'd recommend Red Jess for that one :^)


Pud

Thinking of some of the stuff I carry on my modern kit while I'm working. I think the rope as well as some light weight pots/kettles and definatly pioneering tools (axe, shovel etc).

Broad axes are hard to find, so keep your eyeballs peeled at garage sales and antique shows.

$300 at Lee Valley

300 bucks ?!! Ouch!
Antique places for sure,.........I got my broad axe head (120 years old) at an old place in London about 15 years ago for $35 and then bought a $10 piece of pre-shaped hickory........that did the trick.

You gotta get out into the country and away from the big city and its prices man,........ya gotta

Pud

p.s. Rope is a great idea too Keith,.........and congrats on the new musket!!