I think the difference between historical times and your LARP experience is that you can be confident that you won’t have to dispose of your shield mid-combat. A historical soldier during the Migration Era, and the Rohirim fantasy equivalent, might have their shield smashed by an ax, get a spear stuck in it, get filled with arrows, etc. while the shield wall holds, that person might shuffle to a back rank and let someone with an intact shield move up. However, once one line breaks, and the melee or rout begins, they would want armor in their vitals once their shield was gone. In a LARP, you can’t simulate those means of neutralizing shields, so you never have to worry about being without it.

Really interesting observation about how armour changes depending on your experience and the threat you may face. It also takes a while to optimise it and get used to it, which, I suppose is why veterans are much better than novices. They've seen it, done it and changed things to work better.

As someone who has worn modern armor for a long time, heat is just something you have to deal with. But you did exactly what we all did, we took off all our extra arm, leg, and groin protection so we could be more mobile and less hot.

A common thing we see is the more armor a person wears the smaller the shield becomes until you get full plate where knights on foot with shields really weren’t a thing

Hey Kramer, glad you liked the cloak! We’ll work more on the collar, thanks for the input!

Some thoughts (from having 14th century kit of a town's citizen who has to participate in town defence and other armed duties): 1. LARP perspective on the head/helmet: You are most likely not allowed to aim for the head, so wearing a helmet does not seem to be as important. Realistically, there would be arrows coming in, stones from the walls, horsemen hitting you from above and spears thrust at your head. 2. HEMA perspective on the head/helmet: Once you wear a face mask (= helmet equivalent) I noticed a lot more strikes and stabs at the head, because you lose the caution not to hurt your fighting partner badly. 3. The heat: I loath going to events (not even fighting) with the gambeson + mail combination even when it is around 20°. You sweat a lot. It offers a far better protection against cuts, thrusts and blunt force than the combination of a tunic + mail, but I see why e.g. while marching or travelling (in an adventuring context) you would not wear the gambeson all the time. 4. Leg protection: I witness the same as you have. People fighting side by side in a shield wall get hit (mostly spear stabs) in the legs more often. I can't recall where I saw that on YT (Geschichtsfenster channel perhaps), but historically in sieges, soldiers often did not wear full leg protection (either because they had to climb ladders for mobility or the crenelations protect the lower half of the body anyway for defenders) 5. Dropping the body protection: You eliminate the protection from glancing blows, arrows from the side or back and the spear/sword stabs in a battlefield situation. While armour "points" might not be so important in a LARP, a small stab historically could be debilitating and weaken you so much (making a limb less mobile, blood loss over a few minutes with a shock following up) that you want wear armour 6. Tangling up in armour: I have made so many small alterations to my armour pieces, to stop chafing and tangling up with stuff myself. I think that's why custom made armour for knights and men at arms comes in. Those are so much more convenient to wear than munitions grade stuff a low soldier will piece together.

There have been studies on the skeletal remains of men who died in the viking times. Many of their injuries are to their lower legs, especially their shins. For some reason the men didn't protect their lower legs with any sort of armor. Many of those skeletons showed what seems to be the order of attack of first their legs were taken out then a fatal head wound was administered. So I would suggest that at least on your leading leg you protect your shin. Your shield would provide some protection for your thigh.

You may want to look into Tod Cutler’s recent tests with javelins against shields and maille. The javelins could piece far enough where it could still severely injure you behind it. Not only that, the shield now has several feet of shaft sticking out of it, making it incredibly unwieldy. It’s also difficult to pull out.

Theres something to be said about protection versus comfort. If you dont expect combat or much combat, choosing light and more comfortable armor for hours on end is the practical choice. Its when you expect or have a setting thats "War" in full combat where armor over comfort is what needs consideration. Thats why having modularity for different occasions is great so you can maximize the protection for the measured need of protection. (Which is why light sparring or fencing only uses padding, where as full contact ACS/ burhurt needs full plate protection).

The whole "less armor is better" totally makes sense (from the perspective of a "game," you can "respawn" so you aren't actually "risking" the only life that you have).

A head wrap like a shemagh or even an arming cap can solve the helmet issue and also help regulate your temperature. Wearing a gambeson in warm weather requires sweating into your underclothes to help cool you. Lots of hydration required. A hot day in armor is a sticky experience. Kudos on your channel! Hope to see you appear at the Connecticut faires again one day!...

I think the issue here is that the larp downgrades the importance of armor. like in the battle of stamford bridge, the scandinavians were more seasoned fighters but didnt have their armor and they got pushed back into the ocean by the english who were mostly levies but did have armor. And yeah, Gladiators did it, because they had to.

Roman gladiators were dressed for a very different situation from medieval warriors, but then again, so are adventurers, so if it works then go for it.👍

There is definitely an element of conditioning to getting used to wearing armor. When I was stationed in New Mexico and Texas I found that military training in chem warfare gear acclimated me to fighting in armor. Ventilation is key.

For the shield strap (guige) and any tied cloaks, I strongly recommend looking at an arborist's quick hitch knot. It holds two cords (or two ends of the same cord) together securely but is super fast to release (just leave the correct end long and yank on it like a rip cord). For the guige, you could make the main strap the longer length and then add a couple of ties that, when connected, shorten the strap to the smaller desired size. Those two ties can be connected with an arborist's quick hitch so that you just tug the free end, the knot comes out and the weight of the shield extends the strap to the full length.

Wearign a full Gambeson under your armour was bound to cause problems. A gambeson is a type of armour in its own right. The "gambeson" worn under armour (known as arming gambeson) is a lot thinner, a lot less layers of cloth and no padding, it is worn purely to prevent scafing and pressure sores from wearing your real armour directly on skin (or on just a single layer of linen).

You may want to get in contact with Tom over at Fandabi Dozi if you're going to be getting into great kilts. He's been testing it's efficacy in wilderness situations based on historical texts. (plus I think a colab between the two of you would be neat)

The one counter argument that comes to mind for me is arrows on an actual battlefield. LARP combat melee is very like gladiatorial combat and does not have any archers with deadly intent picking out targets that aren't expecting their attack at range. Taking a dirty arrowhead between the ribs or in the back would be a real problem before modern medicine.

Another factor might be that the Rohirrim ride and fight on horseback. That is a deciding factor regarding the heat of your armour. Also, AFAIK, real knights trained from a very early youth and from then on basically all of the time. Which nobody of us really does nowadays. Our stamina simply might not be up to the task of "fighting in armour".

As a kilt wearer myself I'd love to see the great kilt vs rowana cloak video

A shield makes up for a lot of armor. Particularly when held up in front. You might note that the shield disappeared from suits of full plate ( outside the joust), primarily due to the lack of need. In addition, in hot countries the standard seems to be a blade and shield. Just remember, Europe is further north than the US (and less humid).

Honestly, I had a similar realization while prepped for LARP this year. My experience was mostly unarmed so I came into armor thinking, “I know I want to use a spear…if I do where is my enemy hitting me and what do I want to do about it?” I chose to armor my forearms heavier than anything else, light armor on my torso so I’d be as fast as I could get. Can confirm with a long spear, the spear itself was all I needed to defend my torso. Hard to get past the reach advantage and the pole really doubles as a decent shield once you get used to it. Much like you said, my forward arm got sniped a lot and occasionally my forward leg when fighting another pole. Seeing plate on my forearms though, people tended to try to rush in to go for my body and that made life easier for me.

not just gladiators but also roman legionaries started to use the so called "manica" into battle during and after the Dacian wars. Like in your setup it was an asymmetrical design and it worked apparently pretty good. they still used breastplates/mail/scale armor tho. Edit: and helmets

I think it would be an interesting comparison: Rowanan Cloak vs a great kilt

Loved the whole video but the " ........ geese" moment was EPIC.

As a left handed person this is very informative. Often I find that, even though I gain many advantages, my strong arm is constantly at risk. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I'd definitely recommend talking to Tom from the KZfaq Fandabi Dozi, he does a lot of historical highlander content and tests the usefulness of the skills and tricks they'd utilize

There an entire engineering branch about wearable items. I say instead of copying the look instead go from monder armor and go backward. Also I am sure knights and others spent hours training in their armor for it to work well. Plus I can see armies having different "uniforms"/armor set up base on what they were going to do. That is what monder arm forces does.

I believe the answer to your armor dilemma is mail. It is very simple to make and looks absolutely fabulous. It does require a lot of time to complete but this can be done during any idle time without much attention at least during the initial repetitive stages. It can be made out of fence wire, which can be purchased in large spools fairly cheaply, or aluminum wire. Both works equally well. Fence wire will give the weight and feel of real armor but is prone to rusting. Aluminum wire will not rust and is almost weightless but will not give you that armor feel as much. If you are interested in making a Hauberk and have any questions, I would be happy to advise and assist. I have been making mail off and on for about the last forty years. Now that I am retired, I find myself gravitating back to the interests of my n'er-do-well youth and now have the time to explore them once again.

Ah, heat. That is one of the primary design considerations in the creation of armor. I am guessing that most of your textile apparel and armor is cotton. Cotton is a pretty good insulator and is very non-breathable, making it a relatively inadvisable choice for armor, especially in a warm/hot environment if you can help it. A friend of mine often wears a coolant pack (I think liquid nitrogen?) under his kit. Staying in shade where possible, wearing an outer layer that absorbs less heat, having slits in fabric for venting and so on all add up. Some of the problems that you are facing with the shield are that your shield is really small for a shield wall. Round shields usually had a much wider radius and many used longer, non-round shields that covered the legs. Gladiators were in costume, not combat armor. LARP usually severely downgrades the importance of armor from real combat. That said, jack-chains were also a thing.

I can’t express how happy your videos make me. I found your content when looking at making a cloak. Thank you for the content, please keep it up

Loving the new logo animation! And yes, shields can solve everything. Especially big ones.

I love seeing your thought processes. Definitely has inspired me to be more practical and authentic when approaching “historical accuracies"

Would love to see a comparison of the great kilt and ruana cloak! Awesome video!

I've been looking for a great ruana cloak thank you kind sir!

youtube just randomly recced me your videos and i love them, esp this one. i just finished rereading the last herald mage by mercedes lackey and loved how your journey of ditching most of your gear resonates with what vanyel did in first book - like i obviously thought it was just a fantasy thing in the book and needed for plot reasons, but nice to see there is some actual merit to it (and you totally could play van in some live action adaptation, you look just right for the role) but also the rohirrim armor looks super cool

Absolutely lovely video! I expect nothing less! The new getup is beautiful!

YES! Did a lot of looking into the ruana and great kilt before attending a celtic faire a few months ago. I found both very interesting, and enjoyed wearing my traditional ruana to the event. We had stormy weather that early March day (fine Scottish weather they said! LOL Even a tornado warning - in California!!), but it wasn't very cold and with all my layers I didn't need to pull it up to wear as a cloak, but tucked the excess into my belt, showed off my pleats in the back, and got many many compliments throughout the day. I love the options of cloak, sling sort of bag, and pocket options you can have with the ruana, and even more so with a great kilt. I'd love to see your video on it!

Great video man!

Been watchin more of your content recently, enjoyin it, subbed

Kilt! Having watched Fandabi Dozi’s video on the subject several times, I find the use and versatility of the great kilt quite interesting. I look forward to the comparison you might provide, and can absolutely recommend his video for research, as well as a quick and helpful guide to wearing the kilt. As for the armor, it almost seems the most historically accurate method is using what functions best for you. Furthermore, there may not be historical precedent, but there’s certainly a reason for asymmetrical pauldrons, at least from a design standpoint.

I would love to see a video from you about the great kilt! I actually had a coworker wearing a utility kilt to work today.

As one of those great kilt commenters, I am eagerly awaiting that cloak comparison video. Also, I find that heavy armor is best for an aggressive combat style. Allowing the armor to defend you while you put the hurt on your foe.

More cloak videos are always appreciated :D

Interesting to see your new ruana cloak, I appreciated your previous evaluations of various cloak types. Really helped me decide which design I wanted to go for. I've just ordered some royal blue and dark navy waterproof cotton ventile fabric to make my own for general wear. I fancied something that breathed more than a goretex jacket in the summer. Might make a removable hood with poppers or lacing. Heads up that you can make or buy magnetic brooch fixtures. I'm not sure how it'd hold up during activity, but for tightly woven waterproof fabrics, sticking holes in them isn't really an option. I'm wondering if I might be able to integrate a fixture into the garment itself.

Really liked this video, I've always been on the fence about the one shoulder pad thing but now that you put it into perspective it really helps. I love the gladiator look and all of the cool weapons they used, and if I was able to find a larp group I would love to create a kit that is based on the arena fighter look.

Definitely some interesting thoughts! It’ll help me as I look into armoring up! 😄 And yes, a great kilt verses ruana cloak video would be really fun!!!

Fascinating observation that couldn't be more perfectly timed. My LARP moved to a new property that's a lot more hilly than the last and I was debating just getting a large shield instead of more armor. I think I will take a page out of your book.

I used to think this topic was a super _niche_ thing that only I obsessed about but , happily, it seems that a lot of people are engaging. This channel is gold, thanks K!

Learn as you go, man! Yes, please do the Great kilt vs. Ruana cloak.

Yes for the kilt vs cloak video!

You're actually coming onto some asymmetrical armour setups I've always been intrigued by, for much of the reasons you've experienced. Having it on the right side makes sense if that's what you are presenting to the opponent more. I would be curious if there will ever be a development of modern rifle plates/soft armour covering the left shoulder and not the right, simply because you present more of that shoulder when shooting. Good video!

I love how that cloak hangs. Ive been looking for something just like that.

While I never got into Larp or re-enactment one of my cousins did, mostly because of his girlfriend at the time, but he had great success with just a helmet, shield and axe. Also something you could look into when doing a "sword-n-board" setup is wearing your sword on your right hip, Lindybeige has a nice video on it. Anyway, this was a another fun one and best of luck to you.

Kramer, A great kilt video would be good & do you have any videos of your adventures you can share?

Absolutely awesome! I had a sword/shield infantry idea where his only armour was helmet, neck and his right arm. It's awesome to see this idea build from an actual combat test (though I'm surprised only the arm defenses ended up being necessary)! I reckon the reason it was so rare could have been cost; Gladiators could afford to be expensive, everyone else probably made a beeline to full suits if they could afford arm defenses. The closest battlefield analogue were British harquebusier cavalry (one armoured glove, breastplate and helmet)

Lets Gooo.... The man is back !!!!!

I always learn something from this channel.

You'll be happy to know that in the time that I've been watching your videos I've upgraded my Wasteland Weekend kit to include TWO ruana-style cloaks...one in wool, made from an old army-style blanket, and another made from a cheap Harbor Freight tarp...the tarp for "camo," the wool for late-night warmth.

Absolutely want to see a Ruana cloak VS Great kilt video!

I'd LOVE a Ruana v great kilt video! I have no first hand experience here, but I've heard from SCA fighters that full armor is too much armor. Many of the experienced combatants in my area wear the minimum required for the reasons you gave; too hot, too cumbersome, and redundant. Also, Matt Easton had a guest on that said modern gambesons are too thick compared with historic examples. Thanks for your input and inspiration, my friend!

this is the first video of yours I've seen and even though I might miss it I would be interested in a cloak vs kilt video XD

I think I watch your videos quite religiously but I have not seen that one with the hat before (@2:18) Looks great!

Well done. I do love to see your learning as it progresses. :) I've always been a gladius and round shield combatant...24" round, since my earliest days involvement. For myself, I'd use a manica on the arm, although the setup you have, with the single pauldron and vambraces works fine. A bazuband might could replace the two vambraces, it being a one piece that extends beyond the elbow. If I were still able to do combat, for a LARP, I'd make some rawhide scales for the occasional bit of fun. My usual armor is metal scale armor, 1" x 2" scales. Worked a charm back in the day. I do love your videos. They encourage that flame within that sometimes gutters a bit in these my Winter years. Adventure on!

Oh! I was at this event and physically present when Kramer made this observation! Very cool to see it as a video now Edit: I myself also armored down a lot. I have the same cuirass (modified a bit differently, but similarly), a light colored gambeson, and chainmail with some leather pauldrons, and leather lacing bracers. Yeah I 100% also took all of the chest stuff off because it was way too hot and way too heavy. I need to do a lot of conditioning with the chainmail to get used to that added weight. The gambeson also locked in a lot of heat. And it was sleeveless, but there was no ability to get air under it to help cool me down. I took off the gambeson, chainmail, and breastplate because it was just much easier to operate in, in terms of thermal regulation. I also was using a big sword in two hands and a buckler for at least some protection

The only things I'd consider adding would be a gorget and perhaps a small threat plate to the chest.

For your knot, you can make it quick release with a "happy knot" when pull your final bit of rope through your knot to finish it, before doing so, make a "bite" in the rope/ double it over on its self and pull a bit of the loop you made through. Leave a tail out of your knot and that is what you pull on to release.

One of the Friends you showed (The one clad in armor that is covered in nordic knotwork) got his set from Enric Pujol. You should check him out he makes amazing armor!

Really cool video, always appreciate follow-up videos on gear. I think some people neglect practicality when it comes to their kit. It may not be totally historical, but if it's functional, it could've been done by someone back then.

I would love to see a Ruana vs Kilt video!

I absolutely want that kilt vs cloak video.

Yes, do the great kilt video. As far as historical accuracy, we base most of that on paintings and the like, but perhaps they're portraying the full armor because it looks good that way.

If you'd like to get rid of the pauldron held on by straps and look more medieval, consider a simple gorget that you can strap them off of. it also works great for rear braces or full arms. I like two tie points for my pauldrons front and back up high towards the neck and then a D ring to run a strap from my rear brace that sits about the top of my deltoid muscle. Keep the sides of the gorget narrow so you won't restrict arm movement with your shoulder.

Would absolutely love to see the great kilt v ruana video

I don’t LARP but I love weapons and armor and such. You save me so much time and effort as I’m trying to build my own armor. Working on chain mail right now while eyeballing laminar armor. Modern armor protects the vitals with ten x twelve plates front and back and six by four plates on the side. All from the ribs up. Everybody wants to be an invincible tank. But very few have the the strength and endurance to wear the things necessary. And the mobility and endurance that’s lost negates the protection that is gained. Love this channel

Note late midevil italian tourney armour was also asymmetrical. Thats another historical reference for it next to the gladiators from the antiquity.

Irish warriors are shown in some art works as wearing arm amour on one arms, and that was it.

I had the same problem with my conical helm topping forward, fixed it by using chain neck skirt...

And yes on the kilt versus ruana video.

Yes please on the kilt vs cloak video.

Ok, for the part where you where talking about deploying the shield. I could see them using a slipknot or something that holds well enough until you yank one crucial part of it and then it falls away. Then when the combat is over, just redo the knot. Quicker this way and you could totally pair it with drawing the sword so deploying is faster and more efficient.

Definitely would like to see Great Kilt vs Ruana Cloak!

While LARPing isn't something I'm that familiar with, I do enjoy these videos, interesting from a writer's point of view especially as you demonstrate each point you make. The leather ASMR added a medieval authenticity 😊 And yes please to a ruana cloak vs great kilt video!

some of the earliest Splint armor dicovered was always found in threes. Two greaves and a right arm vambrace

Great kilt showdown!

I actually found my taking the sleeve of my gambison helps me a ton for heat. I did also ditch armor during the midday orc battle at reckoning but kept the Gabison on to protect my back because I found the extra point helpful.

I found your channel through Shadiversity and I’m really glad I did. I love your content. Keep up the good work!

I love the great kilt. Ruana cloak is going down!

Great Kilts are pretty cool. I'd love to see you compare the two.

Good to hear from you.

Comfy warkit is important. The single largest issue is however as you noted not just fit, form, finish, and ease of use within said equipment. Plate armor and the like is mostly a lost art, as no matter how well made most armor is, fit and getting it to not bind nor be worn wrong or ride into a part of the body is key.

The sword arm works there for a shieldwall, the reverse is something that also works relatively well for archers or some of the more "swashbuckling" situations, I believe it was relatively common during the renaissance with the addition of a buckler and rapier or similar blade.

I'd have to agree with you on lightening up on the armor. My armor kit is mostly just a 10by12 lamellar cuirass, with buckler and Sword, kettle helm and sometimes knee-cops and a codpiece for extra protection.

I’d be so happy if you did a great kilt comparison

ahh the old "arm cannon" Been seeing that for years in Boffer LARP. Been thinking about getting it set up myself since I rarely wear armor at all

Absolutely do a Ruana Cloak vs Kilt video!

I don't really have any interest in LARPing but I enjoy your content just because it's fun to watch you grow. Your enthusiasm and *relative* historical accuracy at least in terms of fantasy gear(usually) really makes you stand out. Keep up the great videos. 👍

It wasn't just the Roman gladiators that wore armor on the sword arm. So did the legionaires in some (rare?) cases, although they wore it with the standard chest and shoulder armor as well.

For the knot 1. pinch the rope near where the two places you want near where you want to the ropes to be tighten at 2. pull the extra rope so the no slank and gran the end of that that piece. 3. make a loop in the extra part 4. puish the middle of the extra role into the loop while make end of the extra does no go through. 5. slowly pull the slank out of the loop through the ends of the rope. When you want it untied then you grab the end of the extra part and yank.

Especially for LARP that is in character, and combat is a constant threat, the armor you're more comfortable and confident in will always be better then something you're not because you may not be wearing it when the time comes to need it. As mentioned elsewhere a good arming cap/padded coif will help keep your helmet on properly if its something you want to put back on, and will help protect your noggin from the errant 12'o clock head strikes. Also yeah, gambesons suck when it comes to heat, but can be important to pad out pinching, bruising etc. Out of curiosity, have you checked out Drachenfest, its in PA.