Forum
Period Gear for Living in Culhaven
Not a post about setting up a commune sadly 😀
In August it was the first event in a long time I tried to stay fully 'up the top' and fully living IC. sadly illness meant I had to retreat to plastic camp on the Saturday night and a fair bit during the days, but it got me thinking about the IC kit that makes the biggest difference to me.
For me having a wicker backpack, Waterskins/Costrel and a sling bag means I can carry a 'living' travel set up to Culhaven. Also some of my own lamps and lanterns to illuminate my camp. These are mostly from re-enactors markets or self made/modified.
What items have you found most useful to living comfortably in the fort and where do you source them from? - In Character or period only please.
Hi Dave. You kind of hit the essentials with your own list. Ill add a few things to proceed with though for IC camping kit
SHEEPSIN RUG
Id add that a good sized sheepskin rug is handy for if you are bedding down IC- good insulation from the ground and a soft bench rug in the day! There was a trader at Torm and another at ARM selling reasonably priced fur rugs; but also you can bag a bargain with some lucky searches on Ebay or a car boot (I got a great car boot brown fur rug for £7) I usually use a couple of leather belts to wrap around the tight rolled rug for ease of transportation (and you can then hang them up out of the way on branches hooks etc or strap to your basket.
Re tinkers Packs-
Some second hand pet cat baskets (for transporting pets to the vet) can be fairly easily converted into wicker backpacks- use the flat bottom/floor as the side that sits against your back. Remove the metal grid door (could add a leather flap here to make a lid for your pack. ) Add two buckled straps or long belts fed thru the wicker for carrying. Make sure its been well cleaned before use! You can add extra pouches/straps/tying thongs onto it for extra carrying and extra interest.
HESSIAN /wool/ linen/ soft leather SACKS
various sizes-9 more useful with a drawstring.) Good for spare clothes ,food etc. Kelly windsor occasionally makes a few for sale in various sizes. Ebay sells cotton/jute type ones (usually sold as gift bags for weddings) in a variety of sizes.
WOODSHAVING FIRELIGHTERS
(available in some hardware shops and supermarkets) These look like they are made from finely shredded woodshavings doused in wax balls. They look far more IC than most firelighters and really burn fast and well.! (and no paraffin smell) Ideal if you are keen to get your fire started without fuss. I keep a few in a small wooden box or leather drawstering pouch.
Also don't forget the uses of a wool blanket.
It's a cloak, a covering, bedding, a sack - it covers a multitude of sins and uses and will even stop you (mostly) getting set on fire as long as it's real wool.
Again, ebay or charity shops are your friend as they are harder to come by than they use to be but once you have one and take care of it, you'll have it for years.