Order of purchases

[WBROWN]

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

Mill Springs, 2007 I believe. I found a defarbed enfield laying next to my truck after the event.
It seems as if the feller packed up everthing to leave but forget to take his musket!
I called the park after returning home, musket and grateful owner were soon reunited, via U.P.S.

[David Einhorn]

As others have said, it is a real good idea to talk to your unit organizers. That way you find out what you are expected to acquire, in what order, the level of quality, and sometimes the recommended merchant(s). If you are lucky, they will have all this written down to share with you. The last thing you want to do is to spend a lot of money on clothing and equipment, and then find out that the equipment does not meet the standards and expectations of the unit. This also reflects footwear, since your unit may have researched what is appropriate for that unit and period of the conflict. An item that is described by the same name and description can look very odd when standing next to your comrades just because they purchased that item from a different merchant and manufacturer.

[Bill_Cross]

Good advice so far, but where possible, buy GOOD USED GEAR.

The hobby has contracted, and a bunch of us are getting older, so there is stuff out there.

Don't buy ****. That means what most sutlers are selling (as opposed to quality vendors, there's a difference and not one of semantics). Certainly what you will see on the rack at most events (unless it's Nick Sekela, Dirty Billy or S&S Sutler to name three I've seen at events in the past year or two) is inferior stuff (and at prices where you can get good gear used at).

With a blanket, consider where you'll use it, and how you sleep. If you sleep cold, get one AT LEAST 4 POUNDS in weight. A thin blankie won't help you if you're attending McDowell in the Virginia mountains in May. A heavy one will make you sweat in the Summer.

And get good advice on makers etc. before you spend your money, lest you do what I did and buy your gear twice (the second time after I learned my lessons).

[robert hayden]

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!

you could go barefoot, although I don't strongly recommend it. Most companies have
equipment for newbys to borrow. From what items you have listed, my 1st purchase
would be brogans,..then glasses. Anything else you should be able to beg or borrow as
you acquire what you can afford.