CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Camps should look like the Jacobite Army camps of 1745. The tents may be anything from a primitive lean-to, to any of the 18th Century military or civilian tent styles. The key is white or off white cloth, no bright colors or man made materials. Tents were canvas or linen, some muslin. We can work with just about any style that fits these general requirements. Wooden poles, natural fiber ropes, and wooden or blacksmith type stakes are also required. On the march, Highlanders were often housed in homes, taverns, outbuildings, or barns. When no shelter was available they wrapped up in their kilts and slept in the open. Captured tents were seen by some as luxury. Our use of tents is an expedient compromise.

For bedding you can use anything from air mattresses to straw. You may use sleeping bags, foam pads, or whatever you are comfortable with as long as it is covered with the appropriate blanket or kilt. Camp furniture was virtually nonexistent in the Jacobite camps. How would it have been transported?

Cooking is done over open fires or braziers, often in cast iron pots. It may be done communally as a Clan. Remember fuel was not often abundant, only build fires necessary for group cooking. Table service is very much dependent upon your station in life. Many Clansmen ate out of wooden bowls with limited utensils. Pewter, tin, or fired clay items are also used, as were waxed leather mugs.

Please do not clutter camps with inappropriate gear. Highlanders did not pack: slat constructed teepee chairs, camp kitchens on legs, stuffed sheep, modern guitars, buffalo skulls, mountain man or blanket trading goods, Native American items and blankets, capotes, hunting frocks, enamel ware, golf clubs, CD players, plastic rain gear, or fantasy weapons (not an exhaustive list!) With a little research it’s easy to find out what was packed in 1745. IN THIS AREA, LESS (stuff) IS MORE (authentic.)

Highlanders did not sit around the fire on chairs, eating off tables, and burning-up big piles of firewood. THIS NEEDS A STRONG COMMITMENT FROM PARTICIPANTS. THE GREATEST NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WE RECEIVED AFTER THE 2002 EVENT WERE OVER MODERN ITEMS IN CAMPS.

Do not think that you need to have all of the items noted in this document. Many of the items that you might want can be shared, loaned, or traded. A Clan is a family who works together to marshal their resources. Please ask questions. If in doubt, don’t bring it; you are only there for the weekend.

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