Complete Equipment Guides
This comprehensive guide covers the essential equipment needed for each medieval period. Whether you're a beginner or experienced re-enactor, these guides will help you build an authentic kit that's appropriate for your chosen period and persona.
Early Medieval Equipment (800-1100 AD)
Viking and Anglo-Saxon period equipment focuses on practicality and durability. Think chainmail, round shields, and woolen garments.
Clothing
Tunic (Kyrtill)
Material: Wool or linen
Style: Knee-length, long sleeves, side slits
Colors: Natural dyes - browns, greens, blues, reds
Trousers (Braies)
Material: Linen or wool
Style: Loose-fitting, tied at waist
Colors: Natural, undyed or simple colors
Cloak (Möttull)
Material: Heavy wool
Style: Rectangular, fastened with brooch
Colors: Dark colors, often with trim
Footwear
Style: Turnshoes or ankle boots
Material: Leather
Features: Simple construction, no heels
Armor
Chainmail Hauberk
Material: Steel rings, riveted
Coverage: Knee-length, long sleeves
Weight: 15-25kg
Helmet
Types: Spangenhelm, nasal helm
Material: Steel
Features: Simple construction, nasal guard
Shield
Type: Round shield
Material: Wood with leather covering
Size: 80-90cm diameter
Weapons
Sword
Type: Viking sword, pattern-welded
Length: 90-100cm total
Features: Broad blade, short crossguard
Axe
Type: Bearded axe or Dane axe
Length: 60-120cm
Features: Single-handed or two-handed
Spear
Length: 2-3 meters
Head: Leaf-shaped or angular
Features: Primary weapon for most warriors
High Medieval Equipment (1100-1300 AD)
The age of knights and castles. Equipment becomes more sophisticated with the rise of chivalry and heraldry.
Clothing
Surcoat
Material: Wool or silk
Style: Loose, sleeveless, heraldic designs
Colors: Bright colors, family heraldry
Hose
Material: Wool or linen
Style: Fitted, separate legs
Colors: Bright colors, often striped
Chaperon
Style: Hood with long tail
Material: Wool
Features: Versatile headwear
Armor
Chainmail Hauberk
Material: Steel rings, riveted
Coverage: Full body, including mittens
Weight: 20-30kg
Great Helm
Style: Cylindrical with face protection
Material: Steel
Features: Heraldic crests, ventilation holes
Heater Shield
Shape: Triangular
Material: Wood with leather and paint
Size: 60-80cm height
Weapons
Knightly Sword
Type: Arming sword
Length: 90-110cm total
Features: Cross-shaped guard, wheel pommel
Mace
Type: Flanged mace
Length: 60-80cm
Features: Effective against armor
Late Medieval Equipment (1350-1450 AD)
The pinnacle of medieval warfare with full plate armor, sophisticated weapons, and elaborate fashion.
Clothing
Houppelande
Material: Wool, silk, or velvet
Style: Long, flowing, with dagged edges
Colors: Rich colors, often with fur trim
Cotehardie
Material: Wool or silk
Style: Fitted, buttoned front
Colors: Bright colors, often parti-colored
Hood with Liripipe
Style: Hood with long tail
Material: Wool
Features: Fashionable headwear
Poulaines
Style: Pointed toe shoes
Material: Leather
Features: Extremely long pointed toes
Armor
Full Plate Harness
Material: Steel plates
Coverage: Complete body protection
Weight: 25-35kg
Bascinet
Style: Rounded helmet with visor
Material: Steel
Features: Movable visor, aventail
Pavise Shield
Type: Large rectangular shield
Material: Wood with leather and paint
Size: 1.2-1.5m height
Weapons
Longsword
Type: Two-handed sword
Length: 110-130cm total
Features: Complex hilt, cruciform guard
Longbow
Material: Yew wood
Length: 1.8-2.1 meters
Draw Weight: 80-150 pounds
Poleaxe
Length: 1.8-2.2 meters
Head: Axe, hammer, and spike
Features: Anti-armor weapon
Accessories and Tools
Essential items that complete your medieval kit and enhance authenticity.
Personal Items
Pouch
Material: Leather
Style: Simple drawstring or flap
Use: Carrying small items
Belt
Material: Leather
Style: Simple buckle or ring buckle
Width: 2-4cm
Drinking Vessel
Types: Horn, wooden cup, leather bottle
Material: Various
Features: Period-appropriate
Knife
Type: Eating knife or utility knife
Material: Steel blade, bone/wood handle
Length: 15-25cm
Camping Equipment
Tent
Types: A-frame, bell tent, pavilion
Material: Canvas or wool
Size: Various sizes available
Bedding
Types: Wool blankets, straw mattress
Material: Wool, linen, straw
Features: Period-appropriate
Cooking Equipment
Types: Iron pot, wooden bowls, spoons
Material: Iron, wood, horn
Features: Authentic cooking gear
Suppliers
These Australian suppliers offer authentic medieval equipment and materials:
Important Note: Items have a great deal of stylistic difference across time periods and places, so make sure to check on the authenticity of designs before purchasing anything.
Make Your Own Medieval
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Specialty: Materials, patterns, supplies
Website: makeyourownmedieval.com
Medieval Fight Club
Location: NSW
Specialty: Combat equipment, training gear
Website: medieval-fightclub.com.au
Budget Planning Guide
Building a complete medieval kit takes time and investment. Here's a realistic budget breakdown:
Starter Kit
- Basic tunic and trousers
- Simple belt and pouch
- Basic footwear
- Drinking vessel
- Simple head covering
Intermediate Kit
- Complete clothing set
- Basic armor (helmet, chainmail)
- Weapon and shield
- Camping equipment
- Accessories and tools
Complete Kit
- Full plate armor
- Multiple weapons
- Complete camping setup
- High-quality clothing
- All accessories and tools
Getting Started
Remember, you don't need everything at once! Start with basic clothing and build your kit gradually. Our experienced members can help you prioritize purchases and find the best deals.