With inclement weather approaching, you might be wondering how explorers of the frontier protected themselves from the elements while trekking. Certainly a poncho could be improvised it you didn't mind cutting a hole in your blanket. A more practical, non-destructive solution is the matchcoat. To quote Wikipedia:
"...A matchcoat or match coat is an outer garment consisting of a length of coarse woolen cloth (stroud), usually about 2 meters (7 ft) long, worn wrapped around the upper part of the body like a toga. Historically, they have been worn primarily by the Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands in North America, who may still wear them as regalia or for traditional events. The matchcoat might be worn by people of either sex. It was a common article of trade by the English and French with the peoples of several Nations.
The matchcoat was usually fastened with a belt; no buttons or pins were used. It could also serve as a blanket for sleeping.
The name "matchcoat" is a transliteration into English of an Algonquian word referring to clothing in general..."
I couldn't find any videos with the same quality as those posted by Townsend's, but this one gets the point across. Eric Reynolds curates The Woodsman's Journal Online, which features many articles of interest to the new trekker.
I first learned about the matchcoat from the Longhunter Series of videos featuring Mark A. Baker, noted experimental archaeologist and longhunter reenactor. One of Mr. Baker's compatriots gave a demonstration of how to wear a matchcoat, and I would like to add that he used a blanket pin (penannular) to close the matchcoat at the neck.
Possibles Bag Positioning: Stay with me on this. It was not uncommon for trekkers to attach their powder horn to the straps of their possible bag. When you think about it, these two accoutrements always travel together anyway, so it makes sense to leash the two items together. In this photo, you can see that the horn also helps to keep the bag shut.
Mr. Baker suggests that the bag (and horn, if attached), be worn slightly above the waist so that one's elbow can help to keep the pair from flopping about should one need to run away from danger.
Here's where the matchcoat comes in. If you wear your bag and horn at or above your waist, the belt/sash/thong you use to close the matchcoat will keep everything safely tucked inside, safe and dry. And if the cold turns to rain, tuck your lock under the folds of the hood to prevent your priming powder from getting wet.
If you purchased a blanket for use on the trek, you might want to try making it into a matchcoat. Keep some cordage with you at all times, and if the weather should get really bad and your not ready to make camp, your blanket turned matchcoat will keep you warm and dry.
