What would the kilted highlander take?

[Thunderbolt]

one of my friends is an archeologist who specializes in the dress of the period. She actually was responsible for the outfitting of the film shown at the new Culloden visitor centre.
She is also in charge of dress authenticity for the re-enactment of Bannockburn that is being put on for the 700th anniversary (they are going for full a scale battle with the complete number on each side)

That's fantastic! You have a great resource there.

But, so far in my quest, I haven't found much on the internet. I'm not sure if I can trust the SCA-type websites for 100% correct information, although they might be a good start.

Still looking for more help here. I'm not interested in military garb, although that did have a lot of influence.


Thanks all,

T.

[Brasilikilt]

Thunderbolt

You are really echoing thoughts I have had in my head a thousand times!

Your question is a bit broad because I am left wondering about what this highlander is doing out in the field.
Is he at war? On a cattle raid? Hunting? or traveling somewhere for trade/business purposes? Is he walking, or on a horse?

I think the answer has a lot of variables, but from my own studies I have come up with a basic kit that I think is reasonably accurate: Sgian dubh, Horn spoon, flint and steel kit kept in either a leather pouch or small metal tinder box, drinking cup, whisky flask, clay
pipe/tobacco or snuff box.
A haversack wouldn't be out of the question, but keep in mind that they were mainly used by the military. I was thinking that for myself, I would throw in a loaf of bread, cheese, salt pork, dried meat, oats and probably make a few decent meals of that.

I think that if I was doing a Highlander trek, I would leave my broadsword, targe and dirk at home and opt for my musket, horn and shooting bag.

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!!!!

Too bad we don't live closer! Hope this helps

Iain

[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

[Thunderbolt]

I have been slowly putting together stuff as an traditional highlander kit. Unfortunatly, or fortunatly I guess, it isn't much so far. Not really much to take.

Kilt (great kilt of course)
Shirt (Probably the long-style)
Bonnet
Borgues, or mocassin style footwear
Hose and ties
Sporran
Belt
Oatmeal
Tinder box, flint and steel
Sgian Dubh
Dirk (?)
Tinder (Char cloth?)
Cromach/Hiking staff/shepards crook
Small cooking plate (Girdle)


The items with the question mark are what I really don't know. I'm becoming more and more tempted to gather everything up, complete the kit and give it a go for a weekend in the woods. With pictures, of course!

The items I'd need in addition to the above, at least in my environment are;

Water carrying item
Water purifying item

The above wouldn't have been a problem for the average highlander, because everything is wet already!

Also;

A hammock

I have no problem sleeping with just a great kilt on the ground, but so would all the other critters, to include snakes. So getting off the ground is necessary. But a tent would be cheating!


What am I missing?

T.