Need some suggestions on completing my outfit & gear

[William]

Okay, here goes.  My persona is a third generation Scotch/Irish/German that has left the Georgia/Alabama area in search of adventure and a place to call his own.  He has traveled through LA, ARK and is now in Texas about 1830.  He carries a half stock caplock (although that will change in the future, but for now I've just got to work with what I've got) in .54 and has made some money working odd jobs as well as occaisional bounty hunting.  He wears canvas drop front pants, traditional onsberg knee length shirt and single caped hunting frock.  For the time being the footwear is modified mocs and no hat yet.

My questions are;
What type hat would be appropriate for the time period?
What type shoes or mocs?
What type cooking equipement would a person from that time period likely be using? ie: copper/tin pot, is the "mucket" HC? etc.
What type of shelter would be available?  "A" frame, or just a diamond shelter?
Would a canvas and leather backpack (haversack with shoulder straps) be appropriate?

Thanks a lot for your input, I appreciate it very much.

[hrayton]

Well William, as far as a hat goes...I'm gettin a little thin on top, and being relatively fair complected, I have a tendency to burn, ears, nose, neck, and in recent years, the top of my head if I'm not careful. I got myself a rather disreputable looking broad brimmed felt hat blank....and it looks like you can do just about anything with these....tricorn, fold up one side, fold up the back, leave the brim flat all the way around...the wide brim shades my face and head, and I would imagine if I were out in the sun all day every day I'd probably never take it off, except to dunk my head in a stream now and then, and I am STILL trying to figure out what to do for a hat band, but I'm closer to an actual concept than I was before I went north a couple weeks ago....you could also wear a scarf, or maybe get away with a stocking cap if it's cold out, Texas though, probably a broad brimmed hat.....just my two cents.

[William]

For most of the year it's too warm for a stocking cap, so I'll look for a wide brim hat.  As far as that goes, is it worth the price getting a fur felt or just a cheap wool felt hat? 

[hrayton]

I'd go with a wool felt hat, cheaper, looks about the same, and you can use it and abuse it w/out being uneasy about the hundred plus dollar price tag.....I got mine for about 5 bucks at the Bloody Lake Rondy......and its wool felt. Jason Townsend and son has em for about 24 bucks, but I'd shop around a bit....and if you find one cheaper, go with that one.