Tents and camp gear

[Ranger]

I work with a youth scouting group known as the Royal Rangers. One part of the program is called the Frontiersmen Christian Fellowship (FCF). The FCF camps, dresses, cooks, etc., entirely in pre-1870's gear. Our participation in the FCF is new to us and we're looking to acquire some gear.

I realize that this inquiry is not specifically about civil war reenactments, but I figured that you guys were probably the most knowledgable people to ask about gear.

My biggest need is to aquire pre-1870's style tents (new/used/donated). I need enought to accomodate about 10 people. Other tips and leads on gear to outfit a functional camp would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ranger

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Sir,

Alot would depend on the type of impression...I'm assuming your'e looking for something that might be appropriate for a civilian impression?

Paul

[10TN]

OK-Pre 1870- any civil war tentage would be appropriate for the period 1865-1870. Large quantities of excess military stock were available on the surplus market at cut rate prices. I'd personally reccommend a Sibley tent-sleeps up to 18, 10 will find it comfortable with gear, plus you keep everyone in one place and under positive adult control. Also has the benefit of facilatating unit bonding and esprit de corps. It's also much easier to transport and set up than a tipi and it's use predates the American civil war by some years.
Likewise, CW period knapsacks(backpacks in modern parlance)and haversacks would be an appropriate item, both basic designs date from the 1850's. For an somewhat earlier look, Mexican-American war period equipment was also available.
Periosd clothing can be obtained fron any number of sources and of quality ranging from costume to fully authentic, depending on your level of commitment to the specified motif.

[tompritchett]

As far as ease of set up and probable availability of used tentage, I would personally go with A-frame tents. Depending upon the age of the campers, each can easily hold 3 - 4 campers each. From an historical point of view, there were plenty left over from the war. For cooking gear, I would suggest a long metal grate for the fire (remember readers, we are no longer talking about an Army on the campaign), a large cast iron skillet, a medium size dutch oven and a large size dutch oven. Using those items, you can pretty well cook any meal that you would need at sufficient quantities for your groups. For ideas on how to store your equipment in the field and such, I would suggest visiting a "mainstream" Civil War reenactment in your area where you can see what I have described above in action and get some contacts with people who might be willing to help you learn things the basics of setting up your camp and such.

Good luck.

[hanktrent]

Well, being extraordinarily cheap, I'd probably go with plain canvas yardage sewed together into rectangles, with tent-stake holes strengthened by buttonhole stitching, and pitched pup-tent style. But that's just me. :) Lots of period options, so you can choose what the kids would like best.

For cooking gear, I would suggest a long metal grate for the fire (remember readers, we are no longer talking about an Army on the campaign),

Haven't researched life post-1865, military or civilian, but were metal grates used in civilian camping in that period? It's not something I've seen as common in the pre-1865 period for outdoor cooking, and not just because of the weight. It just didn't seem to be a period mindset. Makeshift or metal tripods and trivets, or gridirons for broiling seem to be the way to go. However, I know that the concept of camping was changing dramatically just after the war, and the whole "heavy camping" idea had begun, and perhaps the idea of grates came with it.

For ideas on how to store your equipment in the field and such, I would suggest visiting a "mainstream" Civil War reenactment in your area where you can see what I have described above in action

Ah, now I see where the idea of the fire grate came from. It's what mainstreamers do. Is there any evidence beyond that?

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voayger.net

[Ranger]

Our group has not chosen a specific period yet. The FCF typically emulate settlers and fur traders. The kids learn about blackpowder rifles, throwing knives, campfire cooking on cast iron (or spits), etc.

My preliminary research indicates that the A-frame might be a good choice - it would be applicable to several time periods and simple to set-up. I'm also going to check into the Sibley tent.

Ranger

[bob 125th nysvi]

Is portability.

If you intend to walk in a Sibley is a royal pain to carry.

An A or wall is a whole lot better but again it depneds on how much you are willing to carry.

The advantage of dog tents is that it it easy to carry and makes too kids rely on each other to get their tent set up. It will teach cooperation and compromise.

[Spinster]

If you are leaning towards the idea of multiple tents--various types of Standard A's are easy to transport--easy up and easy down.

To make these tents more versatile in a wide range of weather for a small addition in cost, add:

(1) A second door--this give more ventilation in warm weather, or the tent can be staked on one side, while the other side is raised on poles, giving a larger, though open faced, living area.

Shown here: http://www.tentsmiths.com/period-tents-sutler-wedge-tents.html

(2) Sod cloth---a 12 inch flap of cloth on the bottom edge of the tent, which serves as an additional barrier to cold wind or water.


For ease in supervision, a large one pole tent is a better bet. Here's one of several styles
http://www.tentsmiths.com/period-tents-conical-tents.html


For true versatility, and multiple configurations in the woods

http://www.tentsmiths.com/tent-camp-accessories-canvas-tarps.html


Realize that the terms "sunforger flame" and "sunforger" indicate a particular brand of water or flame resistant tent. Depending on the geographic area and sponsoring organizations, some events will not permit a unit to set up unless flame resistant material is used.