In all cases when using this Handbook as a guide, check first with your unit commander to see what your group actually uses. Because of local conditions, the inclination of the ship’s captain or problems of supply, naval uniforms, accoutrements, and weapons can present a variety of combinations in the photographic record. Historically, the Marine Corps (USMC and CSMC) adhered to the regulations much more closely than did the Navies; while there is never an excuse for a sloppy or inaccurate portrayal as a sailor, this is doubly so for Marines. Any variation needs to be researched and attested to be valid.

At a minimum, enlisted sailors need the following items to appear in camp: flat hat, frock (shirt), neckerchief, trousers, and shoes.(1) Beyond this minimum outfit you should concentrate on a weapons kit that allows you to take the field with the unit. These articles will unfortunately be your most expensive. The single-most costly item will be the rifle/musket, which is a minimum of $400 plus a variety of related articles and leather goods: bayonet scabbard and frog, (2) pistol frog, cartridge box and cap pouch for either weapon, and a belt from which to hang all this stuff. Additional equipment for camp life includes tent, blanket(s), rain poncho, ground cloth, and mess kit; when you are reenacting with the group, there is no need to bring cooking utensils but you'll need them if you appear at an event alone. Your final purchases would include the summer whites version of clothing (hat cover, trousers, and frock) as well as canvas sea bag, camp stool, lantern and demonstration articles such as boarding pike and axe. If you have questions concerning your kit -- ask! The rest of the unit has been through this before and their experience will be a big help.

In the following tables, optional items are italicized; equipment that should be purchased along with other articles is preceded by a "+" to show that it is associated with the item directly above it. Where alternative pieces of clothing or equipment are an option, the second of the two is preceded by "-or-". No preference is intended by the order in which sutler names appear. For opinions of various sutleries based upon past dealings, contact your fellow reenactors in the unit. Unlike Army reenacting, you will find that it is not possible to get everything you need at a single sutlery.  The availability of specific items at specific sutleries was accurate as of end May 2005. The tables are arranged as follows:

[1] The 1852 uniform regulations specify “shoes” for enlisted men—which is not specific at all. The ubiquitous Jefferson “bootee” is a safe purchase, but almost any black dress shoe will work. The shoe must be plain, (i.e., no tooling or styling of the leather), must be lace-up, and must be black. If you opt for boots rather than shoes, no pointy-toed, high-heeled "cowboy" boots , straps or buckles, (e.g., no "motorcycle" boots). Look at period photographs and find a similar modern style.
[2] The Navy used the word “frog” for both a pistol holster and for the leather piece that attached a cutlass/sword/bayonet scabbard to the belt. It is sometime misspelled “throg” in some sutler’s catalogues. Understand that in many cases you will need the scabbard as well as the frog (the Springfield bayonet being one exception).