The Personal Outfit
An old ordinary suit that is not worn too thin is sufficient. Corduroy is too heavy for the summer and too cold for winter, and canvas is too stiff and noisy for the woods. Cotton khaki is excellent for the summer, and all-wool khaki, or mackinaw, coat and trousers are comfortable for winter. Wool is the best material for undergarments in all seasons. Two sets of garments will be sufficient, as the washing is done at night. Be sure to have the garments large enough to allow for shrinkage. Light-weight cashmere is the best material for socks during summer, and heavier weight for the winter. Three pairs of ordinary-weight and one pair of heavy-weight will be sufficient. A medium-weight gray-flannel overshirt, with breast pockets having button flaps, is the woodsman’s choice. On short and light trips one shirt will do. A light-weight, all-wool gray or brown, sweater is a good thing to carry along, it is easily wetted through and a famous brier catcher, yet most woodsmen carry one.
The regulation army poncho is more suited to the woods than a rubber coat or oilskins. The larger-size poncho is more bulky to pack, but may be used as a shelter by rigging it up with poles, lean-to fashion. A poncho makes a good ground blanket also.
A medium wide-brimmed hat, in gray or brown, is better than a cap. A gray, or brown, silk handkerchief should be included to wear around the neck to protect it from the sun and cold. Only few novices will carry one, but not so with the regular woodsman, The moccasin is the only suitable footwear for the woods. The “puckaway,” with extra sole, is known to most woodsmen. A pair of larrigans—ankle-high moccasins with single sole—are suitable to wear about the camp.
Each member of the party carries his own knapsack, or ditty bag, in which such things as brush and comb, toothbrush, razor, towel, medicines, stationery, etc., are kept. The extra clothing is carried in its own canvas bag.
Each member of the party carries a pair of woolen blankets. Army blankets in tan color are serviceable and inexpensive.
A good, tempered knife should be worn at the belt, preferably one without a hilt and having a blade 5 or 6 in. long.
A small leather pouch containing a few common remedies, such as quinine, laxative, etc.; and a small first-aid outfit should be included in each camper’s personal pack. Also a small leather pouch containing an assortment of needles, darning cotton, buttons, and a length of heavy silk twist is a handy companion.
A few sheets of paper and as many envelopes, a notebook, pencil, and a few postal cards, are usually carried, together with an almanac page of the months covering the intended trip.
The compass is by far the most useful instrument in the woods, but any reliable and inexpensive watch may be carried.
Many woodsmen carry a small hatchet at the belt, and on trips when but the few necessities are carried the belt ax takes the place of the heavier-weight tool. The tomahawk style gives two cutting edges and is therefore the best tool to carry. A leather or other covering case is needed to protect the blades.
A small tin box containing an assortment of rivets; tacks; a bit of string; brass wire; a few nails; a couple of small files; a tool holder with tools; a sheet of sandpaper; a bit of emery cloth, and any other small articles which the sportsman fancies will come in handy, may be carried. It is surprising how often this “what not” is resorted to while in the woods.
The odds and ends of personal belongings, as a jackknife; pipe and tobacco; map of the region visited; length of fishing line and hook; a few loose matches; match box; purse; notebook and pencil; handkerchief, etc., are, of course, carried in the pocket of the coat.