I have found these answers and more in the YouTube videos made by Kenneth Kramm of East Texas. He covers camping in an historical sense of how bedrolls were used by soldiers and civilians, Bindles used by HoBo 's, etc, through the years.
When I saw the title of this thread I was going to direct you to Ken Kramm for great information. He lives near me and we've been friends for years. Next time you meet Clark and I for beers I'll invite Ken, too if you want.
-Blast