How to Travel Light: Packing Tips for the Seasoned Reenactor.
Published: July 30, 2008
Author: Mike 'Squirrely' Ellis
Chapter 1
"How to Travel Light"
One of my favorite parts of reenacting is to watch the inexperienced take to the field. Usually, this involves a full 1928 pack, 1936 suspenders, 2-3 bandoleers of blanks, and K- or C-rations. Many never get far past this point, instead taking pride in the fact that they’re “carrying just what the GI’s did”. Unfortunately, this is not quite the truth – almost all GI’s took equal and opposite pride in carrying the bare minimum!
The Well-Stocked Reenactor
Green troops - note the full 28 packs, as well as the m3 knife strapped to one's leg. Another has the bayonet mounted.
The real question is, “what can be omitted from my field impression which will not harm historical accuracy?” We’ve all seen reenactors running around with an empty pack hanging lazily across their back: this is not the purpose of this guide. In the next few pages, we’ll lay out a brief guide on what you can pare down, what you can substitute, and what you can ditch entirely.
