Virginia Infantry impression

[Kirby the great]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered hundreds of times over....just can't track down specific answers. I normally do Union, but I'm putting together a CS kit for the "on our own soil" 5-day event next year since I had an ancestor in that battle. My ancestor was in the 31st then the 25th VA infantry and enlisted in '61 at the start of the war. Trying to figure out the best impression I can do that would match someone who was in both of those regiments.

So far I have a black civilian hat, grey RD 2 Jacket, and a pair of Tart Brown Jeancloth Trousers on the way, all used to keep costs down. I plan on using my federal Brogans (comfort) and my 1861/63 FrankenMusket springfield, prob the early war cap pouch too, and scabbard. I also have a cartridge box I have removed the "US" from and can swap the strap with a white cloth one, or leave the black strap on it.

So as you can see I need a few things, and some information.

1: Belt buckle. I don't want to do a black belt with CS....seems too cliche even if it's common. I see TopHat has 4-5 Virginia state buckles but were any reserved for officers/NCO's only? There's the VA Intertwined, Sic Semper Tyrannis, and their variants. I'm also not opposed to a Georgia Frame/buckle belt if it'll fit my scabbard/cap pouch. Also open to other suggestions.

2: Belt colors. Black, or brown? Either issued/common?

3: Canteen. What canteens were common for 31st/25th infantry or available? I see wood, metal, covered, uncovered, white strap, leather strap.....so many choices. What would be good for a Virginia impression?

4: Haversack. I probably could use my federal one but I'd like something different. I see a lot of different styles. What would've been issued from the Richmond Arsenal vs what was actually used?

5: Knapsack/etc. I have a knapsack for federal impressions that originally had a wood frame that I've since removed. Think it would be acceptable, or go with something else? My only limitation is I have contacts that require solution and drops. While I'm not opposed to using glasses....I'd like to try and keep using my contacts if I can.

6: Warmth. Federals had the great coat. What was the CS alternative? I see CS Greatcoats...was anything else available or common?

Thanks for any help. I've been trying to find answers for a week and find one thing, then another that contradicts it, then lack of info....it's so confusing. Thank you!

For the belt, use a roller buckle belt, I think black or brown are good for the colors. Get a drum canteen, they're found just about anywhere, but try to get tin. You can find Reb knapsacks at wambaugh and white, Beauregards tailor, k windahl, or the depot, just remember to get one from onasburg. The knapsack will be fine, for the contacts, try to find a small tin box big enough to fit them and the solution can go in a poke sack. And for warmth, if a Reb overcoat is too expensive, I think a yank one would do(maybe?) cause I know how expensive they can be.