Crests and Roman Soldiers

[jvrjenivs]

I might be wandering off topic a bit, but how long does it really take to put on a helmet? Does this mean they would normally put on some kind of arming cap or wrap rags around their heads first, or does it just mean that the helmets were in their tents or something?

They were on the march, so the helmets were not in their tents. They were on their furca or on the front of their body though. But as you're marching with your shield on your back and spears and furca over that, first thing when attacked is to get rid of your furca, so you can get to your shield. Next would be your helmet, but when the attack is really unexpected and close you may already want to defend yourself at this moment, no matter the shieldcovers are still on the shields and your helmet is packed for the march.