Staying warm

[ScottWashburn]

I can sympathize. I've always had trouble keeping warm at night. Even at a July scorcher I'll usually be pulling on the blankets before morning. At a cold event like Cedar Creek I've found that a second gum blanket on top (as well as the usual one underneath) can make a big difference. A warm sleeping cap is a must, too. It can be done without resorting to modern stuff, but generally with far more period stuff than any soldier would normally carry. I feel very sorry for the real soldiers.

[53rd OVI]

speaking of staying warm at events.....where is a good suggestion of finding a mattress tick for stuffing hay in and so on. I know when I was into this really heavy before I got out that the change of socks and shirt before bed were good. Also hitting the head before bed did make a big difference in the morining to avoid the "oh man gotta pee" and it is 20 degrees out and your bouncing off the bedding looking for the shoes and ready for the door. LOL!!

Something under the bedding (ground cloth) and nice wool blankets are great to use. Just add layers on then take off what is not needed later. Head covering keeps you nice in toastie through the night. Just my 2 cents

[Claude Sinclair]

I fail to see the point of the original post. If it is none of my business of what is behind closed flaps then why make it my business by telling me? By telling me seems like you are inviting me to agree or disagree. I could really care less or do I?

[old reb46]

Heck, just stay in a cozy warm motel and watch tv. Then get up early, eat the complimentary breakfast and head to the old battle field for some powder burning. After a hard day of it return to the motel. Works for beating the heat in summer too with the a/c turned down to the max. What I do behind the "do not disturb" sign is my business.

Robert Stumbling Bear
The Rusty Cup Mess

[Spinster]

Stumbling Bear,

You're gonna wear a hole in your cheek if you don't stop putting your toungue so firmly in it.

[flattop32355]

Some folks don't handle cold well, for various reasons. The real boys didn't like it any more than we do, they just had less choice in the matter.

The previous weekend, we had an event in NE Ohio. Temps were to be in the mid-high teens at night, high 20's in the day. We were forbidden to use any of the heated buildings in the village, so it was canvas or nothing.

So in lieu a proper hut, and wishing to rely on period rather than modern items, we put up the common tent, layered the ground with hay, gum blankets, shelter halves and blanket, then put blankets and greatcoats over top, gloves and sleeping caps. Spooning and sharing of blankets was not an option, as my son would have pulled them all off of everyone else in his sleep (He's funny that way).

The results were mixed: I slept moderately well, while others did not, resorting to the ultimate, period correct option of standing around the fire for the rest of the night.

Next day, it snowed, and was cold and windy enought that my formerly frost-bitten hands could not feel the cartridges or caps to load, and ya just can't load the musket wearing fingered gloves. Letting health concerns trump (a dentist with no hands is at a detriment), and realizing that I'd be of no better use on Sunday, we reluctantly left early.

Similar to safety, issues of health take precedence over accuracy when push comes to shove. Depending upon the event's standards, that may mean choosing not to attend or making use of the minimal amount of modern (or non-present period) items capable of allowing participation. For my own self, it doesn't give me carte blanche to haul in anything and everything I could want for comfort's sake.

Bad backs and hips, age, medications, etc. are a part of who we are, and for some require accomodating in order to participate. Depending upon the event, I'm willing to ignore some things in order to allow for the "greater good" of having someone participate who otherwise could not.

Other's mileage will vary.

[ScottWashburn]

I'm reading a book right now called "Infantry Soldier" by George W. Neill. It's a memoir of his experiences with the 99th Infantry Division around the time of the Battle of the Bulge. His description of the miserable conditions and the daily battle to try and stay warm is graphic. I've spent a few events wet. cold and miserable, but nothing compared to this. No matter how bad the weather at an event is, we get to go home after 2 or 3 days. These guys were stuck there.

[Jim of the SRR]

I know you don't want to sleep on the ground, but sleeping on a cot or elevated bed in a tent is the worst way to go. The cold air then surrounds you above and BELOW and is far colder than being on the ground. As others have suggested a period mattress tick stuffed with straw can be quite comfortable. Don't sleep with your shoes on and put fresh, dry socks on before bed. Dress in layers and get a good sleeping cap.

Jim Butler

[Cove Rebel]

[This won't answer his question but was vaguely related]

I sure wish I could find the link but I read a diary entry from back in the early 1800s about such. I'll paraphrase what I can remember of it. Remember, this was in a tactical situation in indian territory:

'Sit backed up against a tree and cross you legs. In the space between your legs dig a hole about the size of your head and build a small fire in it. Once the fire is going, add hardwood bark standing on end, then cover with dirt. Leave a vent at the front and the back. Wrap your blanket around your back and then your legs while sitting cross legged.'

I'm guessing this is a way to make coals smoulder and the heat is trapped in by your blanket. I need to find that link...

[RJSamp]

I'm reading a book right now called "Infantry Soldier" by George W. Neill. It's a memoir of his experiences with the 99th Infantry Division around the time of the Battle of the Bulge. His description of the miserable conditions and the daily battle to try and stay warm is graphic. I've spent a few events wet. cold and miserable, but nothing compared to this. No matter how bad the weather at an event is, we get to go home after 2 or 3 days. These guys were stuck there.

ditto on the recent WWII reading....although this was from a machine gunner in CCR, 11th Armored Division. He walked around a lot at night to keep warm....multiple bedrolls... you name it. Pickaxe/mattox bounced off of the icy ground...tough to dig a decent fox hole....and provide over head cover. digging kept you warm however...