How to Travel Light: Packing Tips for the Seasoned Reenactor.
Published: July 30, 2008
Author: Mike 'Squirrely' Ellis
Chapter 4
"The Belt: How to Wear It"
Sans pack, you’ll now keep most of your items down your field jacket or in your pockets. Many reenactors simply cannot comprehend how this is done, as things keep falling out. If this is the case, you are wearing your cartridge belt too loosely. The various models of suspender, both integral and separate, are not an absolute requirement and may be dumped at the side of the next French roadway. Your belt should be adjusted so that it will ride atop your hips and not slide down. If done correctly, you’ll actually be able to access the lower pockets on an M43 jacket. Imagine that…it’s as if it were designed that way. With a belt worn like this, you may now comfortably store items such as socks, books, and rations down your jacket. When buttoned up, these will not fall out, nor will they interfere with your running abilities. Worn properly snug, this will also prevent most belt wandering, one of the main causes of discomfort while moving.
This belt is too loose.
Properly adjusted.
On to what you’ll want to keep. The following list is a general guide, but goes a long way in keeping down the weight:
1-2 Soldier’s readers (for use as reading materials, toilet paper, and notepad)
Razor, with spare blades
Soap (for shaving and washing)
Candle, Matches/Zippo (Kilroy’s flashlight)
A Pencil
A spoon (GI, Kraut, or period civilian, your choice)
A canteen cup (your new mess tin)
A needle and thread (“sewing kit”)
K/C Ration Inners (keep the bag to store cigarettes, matches, cleaning patches, ect. in)
This is it - the above should cover most of your personal items.
