After you acquire your basic uniform and equipment, you will want to pick up some items to make you a little more comfortable in the field, or to improve your soldier impression. You will need to get blankets to sleep under, and we will accept brown or gray wool blankets, or if you have a variation on that let us check it out first. A greatcoat ( left ) was a Civil War soldier's overcoat. Greatcoats are another item which can be purchased later, after buying the essentials. You may only wear it a couple of events a year, but when it is cold it comes in handy.

 

 

 

 

 

You will want to get some kind of rain gear. Infantry soldiers were issued rubberized rain capes that pinned in the front. A poncho is also acceptable. A good rubberized ground cloth can really help keep you comfortable sleeping. A tent is optional, and there are different kinds. Wait until you get everything you need before getting a tent.  

At left, the reenactor in the middle of the line is wearing a knapsack. It is a leather backpack that is used to carry personal items, extra clothing, blanket, greatcoat, rain gear, etc. There are a couple of basic types, soft pack and hard pack. The soft pack is more acceptable. It folds together like a file folder, holding the blanket between the two halves. It buckles on the bottom and has loops on top to hold a rolled up greatcoat or blanket. Knapsacks are very handy, and you can sometimes carry all you need for a weekend in your pack.

A vest is also something you may want to acquire at some point. A vest allows you to not wear your jacket when it is hot, but allows you to maintain your appearance.  During the war, it was considered improper to wear only a shirt and no jacket or vest.

If you wear glasses, check with us about the frames you have now they MAY be OK. However, to avoid damaging your primary glasses, you can usually find Civil War era ( or close to it ) frames at antique stores and have your prescription put in them. Contacts are acceptable, but remember you will be dealing with smoke, dirt, dirty hands, and you may not be able to clean your hands to handle your lenses. It is personal preference on contacts vs. glasses.

Mess gear ( plates, etc ) can be obtained at a variety of locations. Three tine forks are appropriate for the Civil War era. You will want to buy your cup at an event, but since there is such a large variety and they vary in authenticity, take someone along before you buy one. Plates can be found at antique stores, etc.