top of page

Equipment Needs

Below is a list of equipment that a solider in the 6th will need.  There are many suppliers out there and many of them offer packages to get these items in one shop for great prices.  You can contact us to find out which specific suppliers we work with.  The page is broken up into two groups: the Required Items to take the field, and the Veteran items. Required Items are the fundamental basics that you will need in order to fully participate in everything we do. You will likely need to acquire most of the Required Items within the first year of joining the 6th. Veteran Items are things that help improve your character and personal experience while reenacting. These are items most of us collect over time and as we find them. Even though they are not required, they will greatly improve your group experience and enjoyment of reenacting.

​

We also have lots of loaner gear available on a first come basis that is available to anyone that needs it.

Required Items

  1. Kepi or forage cap

  2. White cotton or muslin shirt (  it is always best to have at least two as we tend to sweat and it is nice to have a fresh shirt in the mornings)

  3. Suspenders (usually plain white but there were more fashionable ones during that time)

  4. Dark Blue sack coat (4 button type, no color trim)

  5. Dark blue pants (dark blue is for regular army 1858-1863). Light blue are acceptable if that's all you can get your hands on.

  6. Cotton or wool socks

  7. Brogans (frontier duty saw a more variety of boots, but mostly guys wore these)

  8. Infantry Horn, company letter, and regiment number (brass hardware for the hat). Some of these will be provided for you once you pay your first dues and join the group.

  9. Black leather belt with "US" belt buckle.

  10. Black Leather haversack.

  11. Black leather cartridge box and sling.

  12. Cartridge Box plate.

  13. Eagle breast plate (for the sling).

  14. Black leather bayonet frog (either Enfield type or Springfield type, depends on what musket you get).

  15. Large canteen with dark blue wool cover and white stripe (This requirement is flexible, most versions are fine. However we highly recommend you get a stainless steel canteen to avoid drinking rust).

  16. Musket (popular choices include: Springfield models 1842, 1855, 1861, 1863 or Enfield model 1853 - all muskets must be three band). Muskets can be hard to come by so we can either loan you one for a time being or help you find one to purchase. Used muskets are perfectly fine, and sometimes, even preferred.

  17. Cap pouch.

Veteran Items

  1. Soldiers mess kit (period forks, knives, spoons, plates).

  2. A-tent or dog/pup tent (two pup tents makes one tent for two soldiers, each soldier would have one half).

  3. Black leather knapsack

  4. Great coat - light blue.

  5. Wool blankets (grey/brown/tan/ect).

  6. Dark blue vest.

  7. Frock coat (dress coat).

  8. Brass shoulder scales - infantry version.

  9. Hardee hat with letter, number and horn with feather and badge.

  10. Dark blue trousers (or light blue, its great to have both)/

We have lots of loaner gear, just ask us to borrow!

Any questions about anything on this list, please get in contract with us and we will get you straightened out.

bottom of page