What would the kilted highlander take?

[Thunderbolt]

Of course, you are correct, Iain.

I should clarify. I'm not interested in the fighting Highlander. As for him, the things to take would be minimal and for fighting. Light and fast. I'm mor interested , I guess, in the 1600-1700's. Not really set on that.

I'm thinking about what he would take for a few days trek or a week, maybe tending cattle, visiting neighboring clans or simply scouting around.

Many of the needed items I have already answered. The Kilt is the most important item, of course. A bonnet (But I have been told that the Highlander went bare-headed mostly!), belt, sporran, sgian dubh, shoes of some sort, oatmeal, shirt or similar item and probably some type of hose. The dirk and/or sword (of whatever type) would probably have been taken if trouble could be expected or better protection needed.

Hmm, firemaking supplies. I haven't given it much thought. Flint and steel? Sure, I can do that.

I see you're in Oregon, Iain. I'm from Washington St. (Eastern Wa.) I miss that PNW weather, esp. this time of year!

T.

[Brasilikilt]

Hmm, firemaking supplies. I haven't given it much thought. Flint and steel? Sure, I can do that.

I see you're in Oregon, Iain. I'm from Washington St. (Eastern Wa.) I miss that PNW weather, esp. this time of year!

T.

It's funny you mention the weather.
After a heatwave of several days, we are getting that familiar slow drizzle and thunder!
Excellent weather for a great kilt I might add.





For your interest, here's my "strike-a-light" kit.
The brass box itself is questionable for it's time frame and location, but I read and was told by more than a few that it was produced by the Hudson's Bay Company as early as the 1690's for trade in the new world (to me 1790 seems more like it). As for the likelihood of any being used by our clansmen in mid 18th century Scotland...I can only speculate.

I simply like it for the sake of "historical gadgetry"-the lid-mounted burning lens.

It's hard to go wrong with this setup



I wear 2 belts with my great kilt, one to hold the kilt together and the other to hang my sporran and dirk. This allows you to drop your gear without having to completely disrobe.

As for weapons....I think a stout oak or ash staff (paired with your dirk) would be quite appropriate as it is very useful for herding cattle, negotiating rough terrain and keeping un-friendlies at a distance.

I love talking about historical kit.....please keep it coming!

Take care

Iain

[Nick the DSM]

probably like a boy scout but maybe less equipment...

[Thunderbolt]

Thanks Iain!

I love the flint, steel and tinderbox... Where did you get them, If I may ask?

I also love the idea of being less dependent on society. I'm not an outcast or a recluse, I just like being able to take care of myself. I'm also a very practical person.

Today, too many people have lost touch with our past. If we for some reason reverted to 100 years ago, a large part of the population would probably just lay down and die. We all owe our very existance to our relatives who were resourceful enough, and hearty enough, to survive. But not just survive, but thrive....

More to follow....

T.

[Cynthia]

This is a fascinating thread!

[Brasilikilt]

Hey Thunder
I quite agree with your assessment of modern society, I feel myself fortunate to find pleasure in recreating the practices and crafts from centuries past. I'm really disappointed with modern society for not even having a clue about simple things like using a knife or knowing how to start a fire without newspaper and squirts of lighter fluid.

I'm curious to know if you have started putting your Highlander kit together, if so, what do you have so far?

I got the tinderbox when I sold a few of my powder horns to a muzzle-loading store down in Eugene. I asked and they were kind enough to include it in the deal.

http://www.thegunworks.com/custprodg...ire%20Starting

It's a very common item which several styles are available on ebay, or through the muzzle loading related shops such as Track of the Wolf or Jas. Townsend and son.

I have never heard of the metal plate being carried by highlanders, but it makes perfect sense! I have a "frying pan" which sounds amazingly similar. It's basically a slightly domed piece of sheet iron with a handle attached. I use it to make bannock bread out in the bush, but realize that it would be perfect for oat cakes as well.

Let's keep it going.......I love this thread

Where's Joe Gondek?!?! I'm surprised he hasn't chimed in yet!

[macwilkin]

I've walked around events with all of these things simultaneously (MacRambo?!?!) and came to the conclusion that nobody would want to march, let alone fight with all that stuff strapped on them!!!!

Aye...the same could be said for the American Civil War. In the early days soldiers drug everything but the kitchen seat with them on campaign...only to toss it along the road as they marched. I suppose this is pretty much universal in terms of military campaigns.

I would recommend Stuart Reid's Highland Clansman, 1689-1746 from the Warrior series of Osprey Publishing. Whilst it does focus more on the military history of the Highlands, it does give a pretty good description of a Highlander's kit of the period.

Regards,

Todd

[Sir William]

Hey Thunder
I have never heard of the metal plate being carried by highlanders, but it makes perfect sense!!

Might I suggest just cooking your oatcakes on a flat rock? On my 18th century treks (but not in a kilt yet) I've cooked corncakes this way. We usually ring our fire with stones and they get hot enough to cook on. Some grease from a small piece of fat (or bacon) keeps them from sticking.

Another option is to just make oatmeal (gruel) in your cup. After eating the oatmeal, put a bit of water in your cup and clean up what left with your fingers and then drink it down. Waste not, want not.

I've slept on the ground several times using nothing more than a blanket - no ground cloth. Except for the usual mess of bugs, I've not had any problems with wildlife (though I did have an interesting near-encounter with a sidewinder once - he slithered by a few feet from where I was sleeping). I will admit that I would have preferred making a bed from evergreen boughs but the laws for most state and federal forests, which are pretty much my only option, prohibit that practice. You do run the risk of getting wet if it rains, but that is all part of the experience.

Great thread. I've been thinking of doing a trek in highland kit myself. Woodsheal and Thunderbolt have both made some excellent suggestions. I would also recommend a water purification unit of some kind (I keep my in a linen bag when not in use).