Armor project: Gambeson

This year I am trying to avoid becoming a MMORPG zombie over-winter by building some "sport" armor for re-enactment combat with wooden (aka rattan)weapons.

Here are some notes on the venerable gambeson, a tough padded protective garmet.

The issue is if you make a quilted garmet from heavy cloth, it gets heavier as it absorbs sweat. The cooling effect of evaporation is really not that effective.

On the other hand gluing closed cell foam directly to body and limb armor ventilates as you move. Since foam doesn't absorb water, it stays light weight. It can be covered with fabric if you want to look more period.

Instead of making a quilted gambeson, it may be more prudent to make an arming tunic from heavy linen, hemp or cotton and wear a cotton fleece sweater under it. Maybe I will use a terry towel as padding, not too thick.

Flying Camp

Got a lot of good comments on our encampment. Using Tentsmith oil-cloth shelters for the camp. Happy with the new oilcloth trail tarp from Tentsmiths. Real world needs making me give up on the idea of a conical cattail mat shelter, or some kind of bark lean-to.

Proud of my slab furniture, very rustic and well used. The slabs are not as comfortable as a real chair, but they keep your but dry and the little ones are highly portable and highly authentic. I'll probably make a Rendezvous chair and hide it when going to juried events.

Speaking of slab furniture, Ken Hamilton had a piece in his camp that inspired me. He had a 3 legged slab stool, a very common design in rustic furniture. Since it only requires 3 legs, it is a lot less effort and materials to make. I think these were often termed "milking" stools, but certainly are usable in a primitive camp.