Impressions Ponchos

[RickyTexan]

Hi friends.
Working on confederate impression and wondered whether there were known examples of soldiers putting a slit in their sleeping blanket roll to use as a poncho when they got cold. I recognize they carried spare items in their roll so wearing their roll would cost them a way to carry things. Just curious. Thanks
Ricky

 

[captaindrew]

Hi friends.
Working on confederate impression and wondered whether there were known examples of soldiers putting a slit in their sleeping blanket roll to use as a poncho when they got cold. I recognize they carried spare items in their roll so wearing their roll would cost them a way to carry things. Just curious. Thanks
Ricky

Acquiring a good Federal gum blanket is perfectly legit for a CS impression. When they got their hands on one they held onto to it. I would recommend that before cutting a slat in a good (and expensive) blanket. It can be folded and tucked into your waist belt or hung over your haversack or end of the bedroll so you can grab it easily when needed without undoing anything.

 

[captaindrew]

I'll add that a good quality gum blanket is one of the most versatile things you can carry in your kit. Not only to wrap around you in the rain but is a great ground cloth, can be used as a shelter half, carrying things like a bundle of firewood, the list goes on and on. In warm weather that's all I carry. If you consider buying one I'd suggest LD Hanning or South Union Mills.

 

[RickyTexan]

Thank you all. So folks wore the gum blanket for warmth even on dry cold days then?

 

[captaindrew]

Thank you all. So folks wore the gum blanket for warmth even on dry cold days then?

If you expect to be doing many cold weather events I'd invest in a good great coat. I misunderstood your question. A gum blanket will help stay dry but won't do much against the cold. If needed on occasion you can wrap your blanket around you but again I wouldn't start cutting slats in a good blanket.

 

[RickyTexan]

If you expect to be doing many cold weather events I'd invest in a good great coat. I misunderstood your question. A gum blanket will help stay dry but won't do much against the cold. If needed on occasion you can wrap your blanket around you but again I wouldn't start cutting slats in a good blanket.

Thanks. Some of the readings I recently saw did exactly that. A lot of folks apparently turned in their great coats to quartermaster so they wouldn't carry them or toss them during hot months. And they would wrap their blankets like natives and secure under their belts. What I enjoy about reenacting is trying to see how the facts on the ground dictated the history.

 

[Stainless Steel Mucket]

A good gum blanket or painted cloth may save your life. It traps your heat and protects you from wind and wet.
FFS don't slit it to make a poncho. Wrap the blanket around you instead. Fasten around the neck with a hook or blanket pin.

- S.S. Mucket