Period correct camping gear

Bristow Kid · May 02, 2006, 09:50:36 PM

I am looking for information on period correct camping gear. Especially tents. And places where they might be purchased.
Bristow Kid

Hill Beachy · May 02, 2006, 10:35:23 PM

Try some of the sutlers who sell to reenactors of the War Between the States. You may want to weed out the military gear, but much of it is common to our period as well. Or depending on your persona, perhaps it's YOUR gear, left over from the War.

Some possibilities:

http://www.blockaderunner.com/
http://www.ushist.com/
http://www.fcsutler.com/index.html
http://www.jamescountry.com/

And of course, River Junction (from our own time period): http://www.riverjunction.com/

Have fun!

Bristow Kid · May 02, 2006, 10:53:51 PM

Thanks for the info Hill

Books OToole · May 03, 2006, 09:35:51 AM

If you want to go authentic and light, read the next issue of "The Shootist."

I own three pc tents. They are all from Panther Primitives. The one I used for the article, I have had for almost 20 years.

Books

Silver Creek Slim · May 03, 2006, 10:03:02 AM

Here's the link in Panther Primitives.
http://www.pantherprimitives.com/

Slim

Lone Gunman · May 04, 2006, 12:02:02 AM

Many of us out here on the plains have canvas homes made by Don Strinz:

http://www.strinztipi.com

when compared side-by-side I think his tents are just a tad better than the rest. Plus they're guaranteed forever against just about everything except maybe total destruction by fire or tornado. When I was 'home-invaded' by a wayward cow at Ackley a few years ago Don stitched up the damage free of charge. You can't ask for better service than that.

Delmonico · May 04, 2006, 12:53:40 AM

A canvas tarp about 9X12, and a couple of wool blankets or quilts was home for many folks. I've spent many a night in one. Have even been snowed on and rained on.

Bristow Kid · May 04, 2006, 06:12:43 AM

Thanks for all the great information y'all. It was just what I was looking for. The links were great and I think I found what I am looking for. But I am still open to suggestions.

Del, What would be some basic camp cooking gear?

Delmonico · May 04, 2006, 09:27:09 AM

A dutchoven and a coffee pot would be a good start. The size of the coffee pot and the dutch oven would depend on how many.

Montana Slim · June 23, 2006, 07:42:06 AM

What do ya'll use for cots and inside-the tent furnishings?

Thanks,
Slim

Books OToole · June 23, 2006, 09:41:25 AM

Slim;

When I set up my full blown Taj-ma tent, I use a take down bed design from The Prairie Traveller by Randolf Marcy (1859).

In my "Authentic Compact Camp" from the March/April Shootist, I used a 'Gold Medal Folding Bed' patented in 1890. This extremely handy folding cot is known the world over as the ubiquitous army cot. Look for one with wooden legs and canvas rather than the alluminum & nylon. I got mine at a church sale for $ 5.00.

The small table I use in my tent (also pictured in the March/April Shootist) was built from a descriptiion in The Art of Travel by Francis Galton (1856). It is essentially a set of oversized camp stool legs with a top that is two 1" X 10" X 24" boards attactched legthwise with a couple of brass hinges.

My large table (the top measures 48" X 27") is also from The Prairie Traveller.

If there is interest, when I set up the new improved Taj-Ma Tent for the August KVC Trade fair, I will take pictures and write it up for the Shootist.

Books

Montana Slim · June 24, 2006, 07:58:26 AM

Thanks, guys!

It would have been so easy to ask our folks camping last week for a peek inside their tents, but I didn't think of it at the time

. I plan to start working on camp materials over the next year....will hunt-down or make some of the typical outside items such as table, chairs, etc.

I have some periodic back discomfort & I find it best to get up off the ground. A cot has worked best for me.

Camp SOP seems to be to cover / disguise modern items at the campsite to the best ability. This could be especially useful during my start-up period.

I'm keeping an eye out for any info on where to buy, or photos / plans to make items for the camp.
a few photos on-line would get me started...Shootist articles would be greatly appreciated, for those inclined.

Slim

Pawnee Bill · June 24, 2006, 10:59:54 AM

Quote from: Montana Slim on June 24, 2006, 07:58:26 AM
Thanks, guys!

I'm keeping an eye out for any info on where to buy, or photos / plans to make items for the camp.
a few photos on-line would get me started...Shootist articles would be greatly appreciated, for those inclined.

Slim

Slim
Get yourself a copy of " The Prarie Traveler" It has all kinds of good stuff like that>
Cheers
Pawnee Bill

Dr. Bob · June 26, 2006, 10:13:31 PM

Slim,

Books has done more research than anyone that I know on camp furniture for the period 1840 - 1900.

He has the skinny on chairs too. Directors chairs are PC as are Windsor and ladderback. Folding stools are good at least back to the Rev. War as Geo. Washingtion had several in his cam gear with red canvass seats. Books was always on my case about my red one till he found out that the Father of our Country had a bunch of them. Plain canvass is probable more appropriate.

I have a small bed Ca. 1840 that I take and it breaks down just like a modern bed. It is probably a little short for you.

A wall tent is great for room and head space. I do fine in my 8 X 10 with 36 inch walls and a 7 foot height. I put a 10 X 16 fly in front and live under it except to change clothes and sleep.

Whe I want to simplyfie things I take my 12 X 12 Pyramid tent. It has an attached fly and only takes 3 poles to set it up. I can still use the bed, the field bar,

and a table & chair. My tents are from Panther Primitives and I have been very happy with their products.

I highly recommend sunforger fabric. It is virtualy waterproof and very durable. It kept me dry in a 5" thunderstorm last June at Garnett at a KVC event. The thunder was just a continious roll for over an hour. So much lightning that is not dark for more than a second or two in all that time.

If you have any questions use the e-mail link or I'll be happy to call you, [lots of cell minutes] and we can chat.

Montana Slim · June 28, 2006, 07:08:07 AM

Thanks Pards!

I'm leaning

toward a wall tent, so as to be able to stand "upright" (reduce back problems). The extra room will be useful as I'm sure my son would like to join me. I can likely design/construct tables & perhaps canvas-type folding chairs. I have a folding stool (perfect for my son), but find back support more comforting these days. I anticipate beds/cots will be a bit more difficult.

I noticed the usefulness of the tent "flys" while resting under them at Hooten....definitely on my wish-list".

It'll take months for me to put it together, if I'm lucky......always going somewhere on travel.....looking forward to returing home in time for a weekend on-the-road with my family

I'm also hoping to pack all the gear in my SUV.

Thanks again!
Slim

Brian Why · June 29, 2006, 10:11:17 PM

I found The Prarie Traveller online here. Hope it helps.
http://www.kancoll.org/books/marcy/index.html

Books OToole · June 30, 2006, 10:18:20 AM

Marcy's book was considered so good in its time that it was issued to new Lieutenants graduating from West Point if they were being assigned to fronier posts.

I obatained a facsimile copy many years ago and finding additional copies for my fellow re-enactors is what started my business. Now it has been reprinted in a soft cover facsimile edition and is readily available.

The Prairies Traveler is great for the basic requirements. So far it is the only book I have found that adresses American camp furniture.

If you are looking to portray a more affluent traveler I would reccomend. British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas 1790-1914 by Nicholas Brawer. It is a bit pricey, but it is a great book.

Books

Delmonico · June 30, 2006, 10:34:10 AM

I need to figger out a press for them desicrated veggies, got some that are loose from 2001, got a rain day and ended up with abunch of turnips, tator, onions, parsnips and such. Still use from from time to time.

Hill Beachy · June 30, 2006, 08:24:34 PM

Quote from: Books OToole on June 30, 2006, 10:18:20 AMIf you are looking to portray a more affluent traveler I would reccomend. British Campaign Furniture, Elegance Under Canvas 1790-1914 by Nicholas Brawer. It is a bit pricey, but it is a great book.

Well of course it's a bit pricey -- like you said, it's for the more affluent traveler, right?

Black River Smith · July 03, 2006, 08:26:28 PM

Books, thanks for the lead to this book.

Brain Why, thanks for the links.

Now this is the type of information I have been missing but wanting to read. I have the common reference books but I prefer this 'first hand information' or stories. I really enjoyed reading some of the letters and stories left on Independence Rock in Wyoming. Now that is history.

Please provide more/other titles, that are not so common and worth the reading, sometimes Books.

I found this one in a teachers bookstore " Daily Life in a Covered Wagon" by Paul Erickson it contains the journal writings of the Larkon family on their trip to Oregon.

This is the new type of info I like, How they lived and survived.

Thanks again.