Step-by-Step Guide to Dressing Like a True Ranger of the Wild

Let’s be honest, from the first time you got a glimpse of Strider sitting in the corner of the Prancing Pony Inn, you wondered how cool it would be to look like him! Whether it was in Lord of the Rings, Ranger’s Apprentice, or Game of Thrones, the ranger symbolizes the confident ability to thrive in the wild and face the enemies of good with skill and cunning. 

I built my first “Ranger” kit in 2012. We have come a long way since then, but the same principles that guided my design 13 years ago hold true today! 

Let's begin the journey to help you become a true warden of the forest. I will be demonstrating with products that we designed here at Fell & Fair, but you can also make your own or find alternatives to achieve the same look.

Step 1: Start with the Basics – Tunic & Trousers

Every medieval fantasy kit starts with the same basics we wear today: a shirt and pants. Of course, we want garments that will suit our woodland adventures. Here are some key things to look for:

• The Proper Style: You will want garments that have that same fantasy feel/pattern that we know and love. So nothing that looks either too modern or too fancy (remember you are a forest adventurer).

• The Proper Material: You want something that breathes and wicks moisture well! Linen is by far the best material for this, but breathable cotton is an acceptable substitute. If you are adventuring in a cold climate, you may want to add a wool tunic as well! Definitely avoid modern materials such as polyester or faux leather. They appear to be very out of place and will make an otherwise good outfit look off.

• Proper Color: Go for earth tones! Lots of browns, tans, greys, and some natural greens. A lot of people think, “Ranger = Green.” But next time you are in the forest, take a look around. It’s mostly brown, tan, and grey! Greens should be faded and subdued.  

• Here is my favorite Ranger Tunic and Pants.

Step 2: Add Layers for Function & Flair – Cloaks, Hoods, and Masks

Rangers are iconically identified by their cloak! This is not only a practical survival tool, guarding them from the ravages of the weather, but also acts as a great form of concealment from hostile eyes. Things to consider when choosing a cloak:

• Color: Make sure it will hide you well in whatever environment you are adventuring in!

• Pattern: Make sure it allows you to move well and does not encumber you too much. Any cloak will slow you down somewhat, but you definitely want to be able to run, hike, and climb in it. You will also want it to have a hood to hide your head! If it does not, you may consider a stand-alone hood. 

• Material: Make sure you get a cloak for the weather you must endure. I recommend Linen for looks, function, and hot weather. Wool will give you warmth and some water protection, while Waxed Canvas will keep the rain out the best while still being lighter than wool. 

• Don't forget the rest of your face! Getting a simple mask will keep the dust and smoke out of your mouth and help conceal your face in the forest.

• Bonus tip: Layering helps with comfort throughout temperature changes and adds to the realism!

Step 3: Footwear – Travel-Ready Boots

A Ranger’s most important tool is their feet! Being able to outrun your enemies in either chase or flight is key to survival. Quality footwear should be a priority!

• I recommend leather calf—or knee-length boots, preferably made of water-resistant leather, that will endure underbrush, mud, and water.

• Have good treads! While slick leather soles may be historically accurate to the medieval era, they can be a real challenge to run up leafy hills in! I highly recommend getting boots with subtle modern soles or at least adding them on afterwards. 

• You can also improve the comfort and function of your boots by adding insoles and additional tightening straps for optimal fit. 

• Here is my favorite set of Ranger Boots.
  
  

Step 4: Belts & Gear – Prepared for Anything

Having the right equipment with you can make all the difference! So, make sure you can carry it with you by having a good supply of belts, bags, pouches, and packs. They can carry your weapons, tools, food, and survival gear.

• Belts: A sturdy belt is a great starting point. Not only does it keep your kit from flapping around, but it also serves as the primary mounting platform for your gear. 

• Belt Accessories: Frogs (funny name, I know!) to carry weapons and bags, and purses to carry goods can all be mounted to your primary belt.

• Shoulder Mounted: Bags and Bedrolls can be carried from your shoulders to transport your larger pieces of gear. These are also easier to remove quickly in case you need to free yourself up for battle!

• Survival: Load out your bags and pouches with things a ranger would need to survive! Flint and steel for starting fires, a blanket or extra warm cloak to sleep in, herbs, food and other should also be taken.
  
  

Step 5: The Finishing Touches – Weapons 

You can’t fight the forces of evil with your bare hands! Carrying weapons in a manner that allows for fluid movement is paramount. We find our rangers prefer longbows and longswords for their battles. 

• Bows: Rangers are known to carry the longbow. Six feet of Hickory or Yew that loose arrows with incredible power and precision. 

• Quiver: Having the right quiver will keep you well-supplied with arrows. For the iconic fantasy archer look, a shoulder quiver is best. If you want to be more historical (or if you are using LARP arrows) I like a waist quiver.

Step 6: The Professional Warrior - Ranger Armor

While leather armor seems to be a historical anomaly, it works great for the fantasy ranger look! So, what pieces work well for a ranger? 

• Keep it practical: Natural colored armor that does not impede your movement is a must.

• The right armor will make sense: If you are a forest wanderer, you are probably not decked out in full battle armor all the time, while if you have just left the castle on a high-risk mission, you may load up! A great example of this is Aragorn. He starts with no armor, adds Boromir’s Bracers after the fight with the Uruk-hai, and then finally adds chainmail (and discards his pack and cloak) at Helm’s Deep. Think like Aragorn!

• Bracers: Bracers are a ranger staple as they protect your vulnerable forearms and often help with archery.

• Chest armor: Practical and functional leather chest armor can help protect your vitals 

• Greaves: Greaves can help protect the legs not only from enemy blows, but also from the dangers of the forest, such as thorns and snakes.

Step 7: Making it your own

Little customizations can help your kit really work for you! Details like adding practical wear and tear to your armor (which will happen naturally with use), carrying special pieces of equipment, or adding small patches or embroidery can make your kit stand out by blending into the fantasy world you are living in. Remember, when in doubt, keep it practical. It’s the way of the ranger!

Your Adventure as a Ranger Kit Awaits

I hope this was helpful! But don’t let the adventure stop here. Get out into the wild and put your gear and skills to the test! It may start as a simple forest walk or something as epic as Weekend Warrior, but whatever it is, go and see the world from under the hood of a ranger. 

If this blog helped you, we would love to see photos of your kit! So please feel free to tag @fellandfair and @fellandfair.shop on Instagram! For more kit ideas, see the Ranger Collection and Ranger Faction tab on our website!