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Equipment of the Legionary
Basic Kit:
The Legion maintains a priority list as well as information on what accurate
equipment can be found where. Check with the centurion or optio BEFORE you order. Even the Deepeeka products we can get are
not perfect and will require some work. Generally speaking your impression can cost you between $850 and $2000. Ask first,
before you spend!
This list is not the final word in getting your gear. It is merely a good starting point. There are other
suppliers, and better custom items out there.
I) Caligae: Since you are going to be spending a lot of time on your feet, we suggest getting
your Roman boots first. Since everybody has a unique set of feet you can do one of three things: Make your own, have
someone make them for you, or buy a "manufactured" pair. If you wish to make your own you can find patterns on the "Caligae Patterns" page from Legio XX. If you want someone to specailly make you a pair you can go to Par Fabrica. If you want a "manufactured" pair Deepeeka is the way to go.
II) Tunica/Focale:
This is very easy to make! Just take a look on the Tunica page of our handbook. There are a couple of options you can choose, sleeveless or short sleeves. Remember,
it should fit like a tent and not a shirt! The color should be red, but stay way from any bright red! Think more
of a blood or brick red. If you want to purchase one the Hand Sewn tunic from Soul of the Warrior is best and La Wren's Nest has a nice selection.
The Focale is simply a scarf that portects the neck from the armor. You can purchase one from Soul of the Warrior FF020.
III) Balteus: This will identify your individuality and with that said we recommend that you make your own. It will
give you the knowledge to help you conquer many projects to personalize your kit. Suppliers for indivdual parts can
be found on the "Roman Equipment Supplier Links" page of our website. If you want to buy a premade one the SOTW SW002NH, SW003NH, and SW004NH are the ones we recommend.
The top three you just read are the minimum to participate at any event. (Legio VI does maintain
several full kits for new recurits to use while starting out, just contact the Centurio or Optio.)
IV) Pugio:
There are a couple of options out there for you. Inexpensive: go with the Deepeeka AH3264B, AH3264P, or SW010NH.
Expensive: custom work from Len Morgan (Fabrica) or Mark Morrow. They are expensive but it is well worth the money.
V) Gladius: Once again you have several options. You can go with a Mainz or Pompeii pattern, no Spathas. Inexpenive:
for the Mainz pattern Deepeeka AH4209 or AH2005. For the Pompeii pattern Deepeeka AH4210, AH4211, AH4211N, or SOTW SW012NH.
Expensive: Albion or Mark Morrow are very good. If you go with one of the blades from Albion you will not recieve a scabbard.
VI) Lorica/Subarmalis: There are two places that you can get a good inexpensive lorica segmentata Deepeeka and Danyial Steel Craft.
The Deepeeka ones are great and perfect once you customize it for you. The Daniyal Steel Craft ones look good in pictures but
have not had a closer inspection.
For lorica hamata there are three places to go Find-it Armory, Deepeeka, and Danyial Steel Craft. Find-it Armory is going to be the best place to go for two reasons.
One: it was designed with the help of our members (Legio VI FFC) and Two: it is the cheapest around.
The subarmalis is not a mandatory item but once you wear a lorica (segmentata or hamata) you will be making one!
It is the same principle as the tunica but shorter and padding around the shoulders and upper back. If you want to purchase
a pre made one go to La Wren's Nest.
VIII) Galea: Of the Imperial-Gallic helmets, type G and H are the most popular amongst reenactors, but types
A through I are all acceptable. All of these can be purchased from Deepeeka but for legionaries with larger heads may
need a custom armor such as Manning Imperial or Lonely Mountain Forge.
IX) Scuta:
For an Inexpensive off the shelf scuta go with the Deepeeka AH3853L. A good custom one can be obtained from Soul of the Warrior, available in Augustian and Imperial styles. If you are a crafty person you can make your own. Designs for a
press can be found on the "Scuta Press" page of Legio XX. The design will be the same as the Deepeeka design.
X) Pilum:
The best one to go with would be the one from Imperium Ancient Armory or Soul of the Warrior. The one from Imperium is very well craft but a little on the price. The one sold by Soul
of the Warrior are created by Legio V and very authentic and at a good price! The new Deepeeka pila is still a little
heavy but a vast improvement over the older versions they have had!
***Remember:
You are not alone out there. Come to our Fabrica. Most of the members have extensive knowledge is most anything
you can make and will help you make them at your workshops!***
Full Campagin Kit:
The full campagin kit includes items that are optional, but some items are recommended for overnight events.
Basic Clothing:
Caligae, Tunica, Focale, Balteus
Cold Weather Clothing:
Udones (Socks), Braccae (ankle length trousers), Femenalia (Ful Length
Trousers) Paenula (Hooded Cloak) or Sagum (Cloak), Lodix (Blanket).
Armor:
Lorica, Subarmalis,
Galea.
Scutum and Tegimen (Leather Marching Cover).
Weapons:
Gladius,
Pugio, Pilum, small Utility Knife.
Marching Pack:
Loculus (Satchel), Furca (Carry Pole), Canteen.
Digging tools: Pala (shovel), Lamina Caespiti (turf cutter), Dolabrum (Pickaxe)
Mess Kit:
Vas (Cooking Pot), Patera (Mess Pot), Cup, Spoon.
Personal Items:
Tiolet
paper (sponge on a stick), small hygiene tools (fingernail scraper, ear spoon, tweezers...), Comb, Razor.
Legio VI maintains a selected dealer status with Deepeeka and other manufacturers
of quality Roman goods for our members. These manufacturers and pieces have been reviewed and selected by Legio VI with the
assistance of Matt Amt of Legio XX, Dan Peterson of Legio XIV, and numerous other legions. Be aware there are other Deepeeka
products available, but they are generally of lower quality than the ones we recommend. Even these items will need work, but
we can help you with that! Dan Peterson of Legio XIV and Peroni of the Batavian Auxiliary are working with Deepeeka to
improve their line of Roman goods. Generally speaking we have only selected items for the Legio Armamentarium which were at
least rated an OK and modifiable to good/excellent by you. Be aware even items with the same product number often look different
once you get them in hand.
There are always better custom suppliers, indeed, some make goods that are too good for
mass produced military hardware. Using the Legio Armamentarium will allow you to economically get into the hobby, then we
can all have fun at workshops getting your gear right!
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