Weight Difference?

[rebel yell]

Pards,
Currently I pack a Federal rubberized poncho in my knapsack for a ground cloth, I was curious, is an oilcloth or painted ground cloth any lighter to carry?:confused: Thanks

[TimKindred]

Comrade,

A properly-made painted ground cloth will way much less than a rubber blanket. I obtained an excellent painted ground cloth from "Oak Hill" sutlery and am well pleased with it. I rarely ever take the rubber one into the field anymore.

See the section below in the sutler's area for nice painted ground cloths. Claude Sinclair makes an excellent item, and it's worth every penny.

Keep in mind this: There are examples of both painted cloth and rubber blankets being used by both sides. Some will say "This is a Federal ground cloth" and others will say "That particular style is a Confederate ground cloth". In reality, there is no such thing. Yes, certain styles were more commonly seen with one side than another, but both rubber blankets and painted cloth blankets were common civilian items before the war, and were well known by folks north and south. They were continously available for sale throughout the war to civilians and soldiers alike, so my advice would be to pick something you like and buy it.

Respects,

[HighPrvt]

A quality Gum blanket such as the one Jarnigan sells is not as heavy as the sutler row variety.

Jason Rich makes a nice painted ground cloth for $40, and offers several models.
www.homespunwares.com

[terry sorchy]

Generally the federal issued painted cloth blankets that were prevelent especially in the west had brass grommets in them. CS ones did not. Also Sekalas and Jarnigans rubber blankets are not very heavy. Not as heavy as the poor quality ones you find at events on sutler row.
It also depends on what side you want it for. If it is for CS usage and you have evidence the unit you are portraying was privy to captured articles after a certain engagement then by all means. If you wernt then I would stick to a CS issued cloth.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy

[rebel yell]

Generally the federal issued painted cloth blankets that were prevelent especially in the west had brass grommets in them. CS ones did not. Also Sekalas and Jarnigans rubber blankets are not very heavy. Not as heavy as the poor quality ones you find at events on sutler row.
It also depends on what side you want it for. If it is for CS usage and you have evidence the unit you are portraying was privy to captured articles after a certain engagement then by all means. If you wernt then I would stick to a CS issued cloth.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy
The rubber blanket I have now is from Jarnigans, I have looked at Jason's ground cloth's and I will get one of those soon. I have been shedding all the unnecessary weight that I can. Here is a Picture of how I campaign, Less is more!!! :cool: