Winter Clothing in 1st century AD legionary re-enactment

[Crispvs]

"You are conjectring and assuming based on what Cripvs did. Cripvs did this so the Romans......"

It is not so much a case of 'because Crispvs did it then the Romans must have done it', but rather, it is a case of knowing, though my personal experience of using that level of clothing in extreme conditions, that it is entirely possible that hard bitten Roman soldiers could have survived perfectly well with bare knees in cold weather. This means therefore that the level of cold weather clothing that we actually have evidence for prior to the early second century AD would be sufficient to keep them sufficiently insulated against the cold without the need to add trousers, which we do not have evidence for that early.

It is entirely possible, of course, that trousers, of whichever type, may have been worn earlier. Suggesting however, that trousers are as likely to have been worn as cloaks, extra tunics, socks and lower leg coverings, is to place the possible on an equal weighting with the certain, which we should never do. We should base our reconstructions primarily on what we are certain of and resort to the possible but unproven only when the certainties are insufficient to provide a clear enough picture or solution. That is not the case here. It is true that trousers did later come to be commonly worn, but it is equally true that prior to that, they already had clothing which would keep them sufficiently protected from the elements which did not require them to cover their knees.

For what it is worth, I have also worn a kilt and calf length socks in cold conditions (although not in the mountains, I admit) and not noticed the cold much on my legs. Again it could be said that my experience does not prove anything, but there is plenty of evidence to show that Scotsmen did not always feel the need to wear trousers when it was cold, despite being well aware of them.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9w3po...o1_500.jpg

http://www.genealogyintime.com/Images/im...ldiers.jpg

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=ht...oQrQMwADg8



"Someone's been making Vindolanda socks for sale on Ebay."

So much like the single sock which I am aware of from Vindolanda in fact, that they are entirely different in size, shape, fabric, and construction. Definitely another Terry Nix product to avoid, I would say. As far as I know, linen has not survived at Vindolanda, or if it has it is only in the tiniest of samples.


"Yes Crispus, I'm also aware of your expedition in modern leggings and shorts...."

Modern leggings - hmmm - that would be three pairs of woollen socks and a pair of heavy canvas snow gaiters which ended immediately below the knee. The stripy leg coverings you may be thinking of from a 1990 photo you may be recalling were actually the oh-so-1989 tubular support bandages I was wearing on my thighs following a cycling accident a few days before that photo was taken. Such things did not form a regular part of my alpine kit.

"Try bare foot in the snow, in -25C "

Ah - that would explain your height then, I suppose. :wink: I don't think I would try it myself. As you know, I am a strong advocate of socks. :wink: