|
Using
the Zeltbahn
By
Jonathan Bocek
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Figure
A |
Figure
B |
Figure
C |
The
Zeltbahn, despite its incredibly wide range of uses,
is often seen being worn or carried incorrectly by
reenactors.
| Foot
Soldiers |
|
|
To
make a poncho for a foot soldier,
you would fold the zeltbahn in the
manner shown in Figure A.
The center "neck" hole
is in the middle with the two
corners brought to the front and
buttoned together. You then
would button the top and side
flaps together with the top
(middle) flap being on top.
This is to allow the water to run
over not into the seam. You
will leave some of the upper
portion buttons undone to allow
for the arms to be passed through.
Finally, you pull the zeltbahn
over your head and put your arms
through the armholes. Note
that the flap seams are worn in
the front.
For
an example: CLICK
HERE
|
|
|
|
|
| Bicyclists |
|
| To
make a poncho for a soldier riding
a bicycle, you would fold the
zeltbahn in the manner shown in Figure
B & C. Begin as if
you were doing a dismounted
zeltbahn, but instead of just
having the top (middle) flap reach
the bottom of the two sides, you
would make the middle flap short.
This will leave the first two
buttons on the sides undone (note
the fingers pointing in Figure
B). Wrap the side
corners around the upper thigh and
button them to the inner side,
creating a leg like shown in Figure
C.
For
an example: CLICK
HERE
|
|
|
|
|
| Camouflage |
|
|
The
average Heer units did not receive
issued camouflage clothing.
To counter this they used their
shelter half (zeltbahns) since
they were made of camouflage
material. Basically, to
achieve this standard camouflage
look, you would follow the
instructions for the Foot Soldier
Poncho. Once this is done
and put on, then you would put
your equipment on over top the
poncho. This will create a
camouflage "smock" look.
For
an example: CLICK
HERE
|
|
This was
just a basic overview of the different ways to wear a
zelt while in the field. Of course, there are
many more uses for the zeltbahn, but we just wanted to
touch on the most obviously overlooked or
misunderstood aspect. There are many types of
shelters that can be constructed using this item,
which may eventually lead to another article.
BACK
TO ITEMS
|
