Gear check.

[Christian1863]

I will be joining the 15th Massachusetts either this year or early next year they frequently attend Gettysburg i believe..

things i have already: Sack coat, Trousers, Braces, forage cap, Cartridge box, Cap box,

things i need to save up for and will be buying the us made versions from CC sutlery: Size 11 1/12 Rough side out Brogans, Food storage/utensils, US Made tarred haversack, 1855 oval cartridge box plate, m1858 Smooth side navy blue canteen, Puppy paw belt plate, m1855 Belt. if anyone has any of these items for a decent price id be interested in eventually buying once i get money.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

Definitely get a blanket; that's all you really need.

Signed, the weirdo whose shelter half has been in her knapsack for two straight seasons.

 

[Dan Kohli]

One piece of advice I have given to younger folks who haven't yet reached their full hight. Get the good items that aren't size dependent and wait to get the quality uniform items when they are fully grown.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

One piece of advice I have given to younger folks who haven't yet reached their full hight. Get the good items that aren't size dependent and wait to get the quality uniform items when they are fully grown.

Looking at original cast photos, there were quite a few ill-fitting uniforms. There's always the option of going a bit big and leaving room to grow if you don't mind not having an optimal fit. In fact, even in authentically minded circles, there's actually way too many tailored-to-fit uniforms.

 

[7thWisconsin]

"Original cast" lol.
Whatever you do do NOT get clothing that's too small! I deliberating bought a coat that was too small once because I was trying to get the look of having been issued the wrong size. It was a terrible idea and I was stuck with an uncomfortable coat for several seasons until I could wrangle another.

 

[Christian1863]

One piece of advice I have given to younger folks who haven't yet reached their full hight. Get the good items that aren't size dependent and wait to get the quality uniform items when they are fully grown.

Yeah I'm done growing in height now and I can't find a Coat that

"Original cast" lol.
Whatever you do do NOT get clothing that's too small! I deliberating bought a coat that was too small once because I was trying to get the look of having been issued the wrong size. It was a terrible idea and I was stuck with an uncomfortable coat for several seasons until I could wrangle another.

I bought a sack coat when i was 13 and i was about 5'6 and im a little over 6'1 now and before i got a bigger size i couldnt even move my arms it was funny. i also have very long arms so any coat i get looks way to small.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

We have a fella in my company who's gone through multiple coats because he's been getting wider and wider since joining. It's comical for sure when he showed up complaining he can't button his coat he got at the beginning of the season...

 

[Dan Kohli]

Yeah I'm done growing in height now and I can't find a Coat that

Great! Also, I'd suggest getting leathers from Missouri Boot and Shoe or L.D. Hanning. Second hand would probably be preferred. The blanket roll can be a good substitute for a knapsack for a while.

 

[bayonet]

We have a fella in my company who's gone through multiple coats because he's been getting wider and wider since joining. It's comical for sure when he showed up complaining he can't button his coat he got at the beginning of the season...

You know they have medicine to stop that now and reverse it

 

[bayonet]

Looking at original cast photos, there were quite a few ill-fitting uniforms. There's always the option of going a bit big and leaving room to grow if you don't mind not having an optimal fit. In fact, even in authentically minded circles, there's actually way too many tailored-to-fit uniforms.

Apparently during the ACW Sack Coats only came in 4 sizes. So pick one.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

You know they have medicine to stop that now and reverse it

Considering he drank 6 Dr. Pepper in 1 day, we know what the issue is. This on top of multiple milkshakes that weekend.... I'm not entirely sure we can convince him to go on those meds, or if they'd help.

 

[wuzreb]

Definitely get a blanket; that's all you really need.

Signed, the weirdo whose shelter half has been in her knapsack for two straight seasons.

A blanket and a good gum cloth if he can find one. Helps keep the weeds out of your blanket and your underwear.

 

[wuzreb]

Looking at original cast photos, there were quite a few ill-fitting uniforms. There's always the option of going a bit big and leaving room to grow if you don't mind not having an optimal fit. In fact, even in authentically minded circles, there's actually way too many tailored-to-fit uniforms.

I'd say don't worry if a coat is a little oversized. It was the army, you got what the quartermaster threw at you. Nobody wants to wear a tent, but enlisted men weren't wearing tailored coats, especially if it's a sack coat. If it's a little big, that's great for a growing young man. It would suck to suddenly sprout more shoulders and his sleeves 2 inches below the elbow!