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.