TOP 10 List of My Favorite Gear:
This is my top ten list of some of my favorite gear that works for me. I've owned and tested tons of gear. I've discovered what works for me and what doesn't work. Don't take my word for it, do your own research, test out your equipment and go with what works best for you.10. Pants:
My choice for a fairly reasonably priced pair of rugged pants are Propper 50/50 nyco ripstop pants. They come in a wide range of variety's, colors and different styles. They are DOD approved and overall a great fit for. I've been using Propper products long before I was in the Military and still use them on a daily basis today. I highly recommend trying a pair out, you might just dig them.
9. Headwear:
Boonie Hat:
My favorite head gear next to a SHEMAGH has got to be the Boonie Hat. Protects my head from the sun(Sweet) , shades my eyes and neck (Hella Sweet), protects my head overall when I'm in the brush (Hella, Hella Sweet). The 50/50 Nyco is the way to go on these hats and the variety of colors from solid to camo patterns are plentiful. With a Boonie Hat you always want to get a size bigger than what you would normally wear. When out in the woods your head is gonna naturally swell and you're definitely gonna want that comfort when it does. This is a must have for me when I'm out and about in the woods, beach or around the city on a sunny day. They are fairly inexpensive, falling under $20 for the GI Issue and a little cheaper for the non-GI Issue.
8. Cooking System:
JetBoil:This light weight, packable, stackable little wonder is a must have for an outdoors person on the go. Boils water in a matter of minutes, so it's an awesome life saver when you're caught up in an area where you can't have a fire. Cost wise, they run from around $69 - $100+ bucks. They have different versions and different attachments to suit your needs. The extra fuel containers run about $3.50-$5 bucks and last a good while when only being used to boil water. The JetBoil is a great tool to have in your ruck sack.
7. Water Storage:
GI Issue 2qt Canteen:Issued one of these in USAF Security Forces Tech School, I found out how much more I liked the 2qt over the 1qt. Its collapsible for storage, it hold 1qt more and I really liked the case with its strap and alice clips on it. Its Lightweight and easy to fill up in a nearby creek, lake, or river. Just drop some water purification tablets from the handy purification tablet pouch on the outside pouch and you're ready to quench that thirst. These little dudes are inexpensive and are easily found at your local surplus store or online.
6. Jacket:
I really liked the condor version of this jacket but it failed on me so I went with Rotcho just to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised with it. It's waterproof, has a fleece lining, lightweight, Breathable, moisture wicking, fleece lined stand up collar with concealed hood. The Jacket's collar has a zipper pouch to hold the hood when the hood is not in use. Shoulder zipper pouches and zippers under the arms for further breathability. I've used it in the woods, during snow storms, during rain storms and overall daily fall/winter use. This jacket has proved itself to me from constant use and has been with me for going on 3 years now with no issues. The jacket comes in three colors: Black, Coyote Tan and military green. Cost of the jacket depends on your size and color choice. Smalls from $65 to $117 for a 5x. This is one jacket I always have packed in my car for a "just in case" scenario.
5. Gloves:
Mechanix Mpact3 Knuckle Protection Glove:
DAMN! What can I say but that. These gloves are inexpensive, reliable and comfortable. These gloves fit your hand well and allow you to keep your dexterity while handling anything from a firearm to a wrench. Don't take my word on it, pick yourself up a pair and try them out. You won't be sorry!
DAMN! What can I say but that. These gloves are inexpensive, reliable and comfortable. These gloves fit your hand well and allow you to keep your dexterity while handling anything from a firearm to a wrench. Don't take my word on it, pick yourself up a pair and try them out. You won't be sorry!
4. Boots:
Boots are one of the most important pieces of gear to me. Ever since I was issued two pairs of these in 2007 during USAF BMT I was hooked. These suckers are not lightweight, but they are damn comfortable and ready for a long life. Leather and Gortex at its best, I think so at least. I've had a lot of boots in my life time, from Danner to Bates. I still find myself going to Belleville boots.
3. PACK:
Alice Pack: You can't go wrong with a true battle tested pack. Durable, reliable and comfortable. Comes in Medium or Large, Woodland Camo or Olive Drab. You can replace the straps & kidney pad with more padded ones. They have sites online that have certain add ons to these packs. I've been using them ever since I was a kid. I've also used one while in the Military and still use them today.
You can find them online or at your local surplus anywhere from $35-$50 depending on the condition. I highly recommend the Alice Pack for your need of a BASK pack.
2. Water Filtration:
Katadyn Pocket Water Filter:
You're not gonna get far without water in any situation you find yourself in. Why wait to boil or for your purification tablets to work when you have a filter like this? When you need water fast and are on the move this is the filter you want. Drop the line in a water source put the filter over a water bottle/canteen and start pumping. Produces two quarts a min in the faster flow mode and one quart per min in the longer life mode. The filter has a replaceable carbon core that reduces chemicals, pesticides and bad taste in water Output. The glass fiber micro filter removes waterborne bacteria and cysts. The Katadyn Vario Water Filter Microfiltration system can produce up to 500 gallons of water before replacing or cleaning the filter (depending on the quality of the water). This is a must have for anyone that likes to move quickly in the outdoors.
You're not gonna get far without water in any situation you find yourself in. Why wait to boil or for your purification tablets to work when you have a filter like this? When you need water fast and are on the move this is the filter you want. Drop the line in a water source put the filter over a water bottle/canteen and start pumping. Produces two quarts a min in the faster flow mode and one quart per min in the longer life mode. The filter has a replaceable carbon core that reduces chemicals, pesticides and bad taste in water Output. The glass fiber micro filter removes waterborne bacteria and cysts. The Katadyn Vario Water Filter Microfiltration system can produce up to 500 gallons of water before replacing or cleaning the filter (depending on the quality of the water). This is a must have for anyone that likes to move quickly in the outdoors.
1. HATCHET:
The Gerber Back Paxe:
I've been using Gerber products for going on 17 years now. This hatchet was one of my first Gerber products and I'm still using it. It maintains an edge and has a great feel in my hand. It's been with me
on every camping trip and training exercise I've been on.
The Axe has never failed or let me down. It's a must on my belt if I'm going into the woods for sure. I love it, but I stumbled upon a fast growing new favorite, the CRKT Kangee T-Hawk.
As always,
Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike.
I've been using Gerber products for going on 17 years now. This hatchet was one of my first Gerber products and I'm still using it. It maintains an edge and has a great feel in my hand. It's been with me
on every camping trip and training exercise I've been on.
The Axe has never failed or let me down. It's a must on my belt if I'm going into the woods for sure. I love it, but I stumbled upon a fast growing new favorite, the CRKT Kangee T-Hawk.
Final Thoughts:
Some say you're only as good as your gear, but I believe you've gotta be rocking both great knowledge and great gear.
Well that's it. As I said before, do your own research, test out your equipment, and go with what works best for you.
As always,
Stay Informed, Stay Sharp and Stay On The Move.
I'm Oscar Mike.
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