Order of purchases

[cjc]

Does anybody have ideas on what order should I buy reenacting gear. I am new to the hobby and Don't know what is needed first. (the group lends out stuff too) What is most important? I am thinking this order: canteen-shoes-glasses-trousers-sack coat-hat-leathers-shelter halves-gum blanket-knap sack-haversack-tinware-personal items and misc...
Any ideas are welcome!

[Micah Trent]

You're going to get the Heinz 57 variety of answers here, but here is my two cents: What does your commander or units NCO's suggest? Go with that. If nothing else, I would start with a good hat, good coat, good trousers, good shoes, and a good blanket. (Not neccissarly in that order, but it covers the more noticable things)

[nightstalker]

Please, do yourself a big favor. Ask the guys in your unit, listen to others and remember that you get what you pay for. By the end of my first season, I had to replaced half of my gear because I was in a big rush to get into the field.
First, hit the "search" button at the top, right hand side of this page. This will save you a lot of time and posts. It's all here.
Good luck, Nightstalker

[johnduffer]

I'd buy shoes first, just because they're one of the more difficult items to borrow in the correct size.

[Rob Weaver]

A lot depends on the unit, as the other guys have said. I would go for shoes because loaner shoes in your size might be an imposibility, and going a weekend in the wrong size shoes is uncomfortable. If you know you're going to like reenacting, you may as well take the plunge and buy a musket. It's yours to care for, and some people prefer not to loan them. I've also been able to fall in with units that dressed differently than I did because I was able to bring along my own gun.

[pvt49th]

Shoes should definitely be your first purchase, after which you should get trousers, your gun, coat hat, blanket and canteen, leathers, haversack and knapsack, and then whatever miscellany you want or need to get. However, before you buy a thing, you should talk to other guys in your unit to find out what you should buy, and from whom. If you still have questions, this forum is great for finding out information on whichever topic.

Hope this helps,
Noah Werner Winslow

[Yellowhammer Rebel]

Quality shoes first, and then a quality hat. It's easier to borrow everything and make a go of it but not shoes.

[LibertyHallVols]

Shoes - As mentioned... I would add socks to this. Who wants to share socks!?
Hat - Its what people see when they are speaking to you. Get a good hat... value is the issue, not cost. Money spent on a good hat is an investment.
Coat
Blanket - If you use a blanket roll, your blanket is as visible as your coat. As with a hat, get a good blanket; don't skimp.

Buy the rest based on serendipity and the used market, or what is available from good vendors. I can't tell you the number of times I was "saving for a widget" and passed on a piece of gear thinking I could get it later, only to have the vendor go out of business.

ABOVE ALL...
Be a good borrower! If you fail to return gear, or fail to treat other people's gear with respect, then guys in your unit will be less willing to loan out their gear. Then you've ruined things for the next group of recruits.

Just some thoughts.

[Artyman]

Start by getting what items you cant borrow! The two hardest items are usually weapons and leathers. Shoes are a third. Get that weapon money saved up first. Everything else is pretty easy. I once found a kepi laying on the road. Never found a gun that way!
Harry

[reddcorp]

Like many of the others have said, borrow items until you can complete your kit with quality items. But I'd purchase a pair of shoes first, and make sure that they are a quality pair that fit your feet. There are several posts with recommendations as to which vender. And a hat....one that suits your personality...you may have to try on a lot of them before you find the right one. Then your weapon and leathers. Then work on quality clothing. Be sure to check with a knowledgable pard before putting your money down. Also, check this forum and some others for used gear and clothing. You can save a few dollars on used, not abused, clothing and other items this way.
A.Redd