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gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:15 pm
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?
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 10:47 pm
by Barandir
I actually was wondering this a while back and would like to know the answer as well.
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 11:56 pm
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.
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 7:24 am
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
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 5:56 am
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
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 2:08 am
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.
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 7:22 pm
by Manveruon
Wow, I absolutely love how that looks, Ursus!
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2023 5:33 pm
by Udwin
Man, that looks awesome, excellent work!
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2023 11:27 pm
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?
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2023 10:40 pm
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.
Re: gambeson / jacks and water?
Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:18 pm
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.