Panniers and more - basketry for the medieval camp
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Baskets and panniers are among the oldest everyday objects known to humankind – and they are simply indispensable at a medieval campsite or market. Here you’ll find handmade wicker baskets, panniers and rucksacks for re-enactment, LARP and authentic camp set-ups. From a simple oval wicker basket to a complete wicker pannier with a linen strap – basketry made from natural materials sends a clear signal of authenticity.
What is a Kiepe – and how does it differ from a basket?
The Kiepe is no ordinary basket – it is a rucksack-style basket with carrying straps, designed specifically for transporting heavy loads on the back. In southern Germany and Austria, the term ‘Kraxe’ is common, whilst in northern Germany it is often referred to as a ‘Huckelkorb’. All these terms essentially refer to the same thing: a carrying basket that is not held in the hand but carried on the back using straps.
The key difference from a simple basket lies in the way it is carried. Whilst a conventional basket hangs from the arm or is carried in the hand, the Kiepe allows the entire body weight to be borne by the shoulders and back – ideal for harvesting, trips to the market and transport over longer distances. This design was widespread amongst the rural population from the early Middle Ages well into the modern era, making it an authentic accessory for any historical costume and any credible camp setup.
Basket weaving in the Middle Ages – an indispensable craft
The first baskets
Basket weaving is one of humanity’s oldest craft techniques. Thousands of years ago, people were already weaving grasses, reeds and flexible rods into containers – long before pottery or metalworking were known. The four basic weaving techniques – plaiting, twining, coiling and wrapping – have hardly changed over the millennia and can still be found in traditional craftsmanship today.
Willow, hazel and straw
In the early Middle Ages, regionally available materials dominated: willow rods, hazel twigs and straw formed the basis for the majority of basket production. Baskets served as means of transport, storage containers and enclosures for small animals. Every household had several baskets of different shapes and sizes – they were part of the basic household equipment, just like pots and tools.
Basket-making as a guild trade
With the development of medieval towns, a specialised craft guild also emerged: the basket maker (also known as a basket weaver) became a recognised profession with regulated training, its own guild rules and established quality standards. Demand from trade, agriculture and households ensured a basket maker in a medieval town a reliable livelihood.
Wickerwork in medieval daily life – uses and variety
Wickerwork was the universal means of transport in the Middle Ages. It was used for harvesting, storing provisions, transporting goods to market, animal husbandry – wicker chicken coops are well documented historically – and fishing, where woven fish traps have been known since antiquity. The shape of the basket was always determined by its intended use: angular baskets could be stacked and were suitable for transport on carts, oval baskets moulded to the body when carried and were suitable for field work, whilst round baskets were used as storage containers in the home.
The Kiepe, a basket carried on the back, is historically documented primarily among peasant women and day labourers. It allowed both hands to remain free – whilst picking, going to market, or transporting wood and harvest produce. As an affordable, locally available alternative to wooden and clay containers, wickerwork was present in practically every social milieu. To complement this, cooper’s wares, wooden plates and bowls, or early medieval pottery can also be incorporated into the display.
Baskets and panniers in the range – an overview
The large oval wicker basket (approx. €24) and the large square wicker basket (approx. €29) are handmade wicker baskets with comfortable carrying handles – sturdy, robust and ready to use as storage decoration or transport containers. Ideal for anyone wishing to enhance their storage setup with their first authentic wicker accessory.
The wicker backpack / basket with straps is designed for carrying heavy loads. Environmentally friendly craftsmanship, robust construction, a strap system for the back – this basket is just as impressive in practical use as it is as a prop in the camp or at the market.
The wicker basket / backpack with linen straps is the flagship of our wickerwork range: unpeeled raw wicker, linen straps, wooden slats and linen included. Authentic appearance, high-quality natural materials, no synthetic fibres – for anyone who values historical accuracy at re-enactment markets or in military camps.
Wickerwork in camp set-up – how to use it properly
Baskets serve a dual purpose in camp set-up: as a practical means of transport between the vehicle and the campsite, they eliminate the need for carrier bags and boxes – and at the camp itself, they become authentic props. A basket by the fire, an oval basket filled with herbs or provisions, a square basket used as a toolbox – these are images that instantly make a campsite appear more credible and lively.
Combining wickerwork with other campsite accessories is particularly effective: medieval ceramics, wooden items, and cauldrons and pots complete the overall picture to form a harmonious ensemble. A figure carrying a basket on their back – matching medieval ladies’ or gentlemen’s attire – transforms a campsite into a living historical setting. Those wishing to fully equip their camp will also find lanterns and lamps, as well as furs and blankets for atmospheric decoration.
Authenticity in the camp: What to look out for when buying
- Unpeeled raw willow for a rustic, weathered look
- Linen strap instead of synthetic fibres or modern nylon
- Handcrafted: slight irregularities are a sign of quality
- Natural material with no plastic components
- Wooden sticks and linen as traditional construction elements
- Peeled willow acceptable for a smoother, more uniform appearance
- Check the strap system for comfort and load-bearing capacity
- Stability is more important than historical material accuracy
- Oval and square baskets as decorative and functional props
- Handcrafted quality remains important – ensure straps are securely fastened
Handcrafted wickerwork – why natural fibre basketry is so appealing
Since the Middle Ages, wicker has been the most widely used basket-weaving material in Europe – and for good reason: it is renewable, locally available, flexible enough for complex weaving patterns and, once dried, remarkably dimensionally stable and durable. Untreated raw wicker weathers over time in a way that no artificial patina can match – it gains character through use.
Handcrafted wickerwork means: no two pieces are identical. Every basket, every wicker container is unique – with the small variations that mark it as handmade and which are precisely why they fit so well into a historic setting. No plastic, no synthetic yarns, 100% natural material – this is not a marketing promise, but simply the result of traditional weaving techniques. If you value eco-friendly containers made from natural materials, we also offer alternatives made from birch bark.
Whether you want to authentically equip your camp, visit a medieval market or simply look for practical accessories made from natural materials – Kiepen and wicker baskets are the most authentic everyday items you can find for your camp. Take a look at our selection of wickerwork and find the right Kiepe or basket for your next outing.
Frequently asked questions
A Kiepe is a back-carrying basket with a carrying strap, specially designed for carrying heavy loads on the back. In southern Germany and Austria, it is also known as a ‘Kraxe’, whilst in northern Germany it is often called a ‘Huckelkorb’. From the early Middle Ages right into the modern era, Kiepen were particularly common amongst the farming population and were used to transport crops, goods and supplies.
The four basic weaving techniques are basket weaving (simple over-and-under weaving of rods), twining (two strands are twisted together), coiling or spiral technique (material is wound in a spiral and sewn together), and wrapping. In the European Middle Ages, classic wickerwork made from willow rods dominated, as this material was readily available regionally and easy to work with.
For historically authentic re-enactment, we recommend panniers and baskets made from unpeeled raw wicker with linen straps rather than synthetic materials. Handcrafted items with slight irregularities are not a disadvantage – they are proof of the craftsmanship involved. A wicker pannier with a linen strap most closely resembles the historical model and is therefore the first choice for high-quality camp re-enactments.
Wickerwork consists of woven items made from plant materials – primarily willow rods, hazel twigs or straw. In the Middle Ages, they served as a universal means of transport: for harvesting, trips to the market, storing provisions, as animal cages for chickens and as fish traps. Wickerwork was affordable, could be produced locally and fulfilled numerous functions that are now taken over by plastic containers.
Wicker baskets and panniers made from natural materials should not be stored in damp conditions for long periods, as this can lead to mould growth. After use outdoors, it is best to leave them to air dry. Occasionally rubbing them lightly with linseed oil can keep the wicker supple and prevent cracks. Direct, prolonged exposure to sunlight causes the wicker to fade over time – although this is often appreciated as an authentic patina in the case of raw wicker.