gambeson / jacks and water?

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Elleth
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gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Elleth »

I just finished a walnut dye session, and it got me wondering -

padded linen/wool armor has a lot of layers... and that much cloth can soak up a just ridiculously heavy amount of water.

So for those of you who wear things these as part of your kit... does weather present a problem for you? Do you waterproof them with wax or grease or something? Or just accept that if you ever take a dunking, you're going to have to stop to wring things out?
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Barandir
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Barandir »

I actually was wondering this a while back and would like to know the answer as well.
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Wilhelm
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Wilhelm »

Some times on a hot day that water soaked gambeson feels amazing. I have never have a problem but I have never been in cold wet weather in a gambeson.
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ForgeCorvus
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by ForgeCorvus »

Theres a Tods Workshop vid on greasing arrowshafts for better penetration.... But I think that test was on shields?
I don't know if a greasy gambeson is less protective then a dry one.
When wet, fabric is harder to cut through. Especially linen or wool.

I suppose theres always paint
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Tom_Ranger
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Tom_Ranger »

Elleth wrote: ↑Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:15 pm I just finished a walnut dye session, and it got me wondering -

padded linen/wool armor has a lot of layers... and that much cloth can soak up a just ridiculously heavy amount of water.

So for those of you who wear things these as part of your kit... does weather present a problem for you? Do you waterproof them with wax or grease or something? Or just accept that if you ever take a dunking, you're going to have to stop to wring things out?
Maybe Iodo will touch base on that this winter.

Living Anachronism touched on that subject in a few of his videos. Here is one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guJ-V6bEbEM
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Ursus
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Ursus »

I’ve added a light sleeveless gambeson that I’ve lightly waxed to act as my jerkin. No real complaints out in the wet so far.
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Manveruon
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Manveruon »

Wow, I absolutely love how that looks, Ursus!
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Udwin »

Man, that looks awesome, excellent work!
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Elleth
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Elleth »

That does look awesome!

Out of curiosity, how many layers/what material? Do all linen ones wear differently from linen and wool, I wonder?
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Ursus
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by Ursus »

Thanks!

I’m in love with the way it layers with the rest of my kit.

Sadly this is just a lightweight cheapo one I bought for my first revision and then walnut dyed and waxed it to test the concept. It works and I definitely prefer it to leather. Its a nice bit of extra padding to relieve pack straps and its nice to sleep on or roll into a pillow.
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Re: gambeson / jacks and water?

Post by screenaholic »

Wilhelm wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2023 11:56 pm Some times on a hot day that water soaked gambeson feels amazing. I have never have a problem but I have never been in cold wet weather in a gambeson.
When I do Civil War reenactment in the Summer, I start to look forward to the point that my wool uniform is soaked in my sweat, to help keep cool.
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