The follwing is a lesson in field craft. Or in other words -- old timers passing along tips on how to live fairly comfortably in a tent camp or out in the open if need be. This is not meant to be an information overlaod; so for those of you who have little or no experience with camping in the field military-style; here are some basic tips to remember:

Bring a sheet of clear plastic (called visquene) the type they use as drop cloths for painting. You can also use a piece of rubberized canvas or extra waterproof shelter half as a period correct substitute.

Place this as a ground sheet on the ground inside your tent. You can then place your sleeping bag or a blanket on top of that. The plastic acts as a moisture and air barrier between your bedding and the ground. Sleeping on the bare grass or dirt is not desireable.

A sleeping bag is best. At the very least you should have two blankets. A separate sleeping shirt (such as a long john shirt or sweat shirt) is also handy for cool nights.

Also wear your jeep cap or a watch cap to bed. More body heat is lost through the head than any other place on the body.

Straw or pine needles also work very well as a ground cloth substitute. The plastic though keeps moisture from coming in and allows you to use your poncho or raincoat for other things.

For more information on groud cloths and bivouc equipment and practices; click here. Of special note is this information about tentage: When pitching your tent, pick a dry place on high ground. A ditch should be constructed around the tent about 6 inches deep as needed immediately even though you expect to remain only a single night. In cold or windy weather the dirt from the ditch should be carefully banked around the tent, which is placed with the closed end into the wind. During rainy weather, loosen the guy ropes to prevent the tent pegs from pulling out. In any event the tent pins should be securely driven in.