My Gear Layout

In an effort to show exactly what a citizen soldier might want to carry I have built two pages. This one concentrates on my gear. Everyone likes to show off there gear right? Most folks that know what they are talking about would consider my gear pretty middle of the road. I have also built a second page that shows what would be considered a low-end set of gear. Be sure and read the “general gear tips” at the end of this page.

1st Line Gear

boots w/laces replaced by p-cord and hiking socks
boonie hat with p-cord laced through loops, ear plugs and lens cloth
duty belt
Multi Tool on Duty Belt
Glock 17, holster & 2x spare magazines un Uncle Mike’s kydex holster and pouch
web belt (inner belt) and Blackhawk belt keepers
SEAL pup knife in drop-leg sheath (attached to inner web belt)
mini FAK/SK in Altoids tin attached to knife sheath
map & compass (around neck or in pockets)
duty belt attached to web belt by belt keepers
INOVA blue LED light and whistle on necklace

2nd line gear

AR15 (midlength CMMG) w/EOTech, sling and loaded magazine
spare parts kit & spare EOTech batteries in pistol grip
MOLLE low profile chest rig w/ 2x pistol pouches and 2x utility pouches
California Competition Works 6 shotshell stripper (this is for multigun competitions)
5x rifle magazines
2x pistol magazines
cleaning kit: rag, oil, cut down toothbrush (in small plastic bag)
BOK: 1x 6” Israeli battle dressing, heavy scissors, CELOX packages
multi tool
2x CR123 batteries (flashlight) 2xLithium AA batteries (EOTech)
Surefire G2 weapons light
FRS radio w/earbud & 2x pop flairs (marine USCG type)
small first aid kit (moleskin, triple antibiotic, band-aids, meds)

3rd line

This is my summer set up. I live in the deep south, so there are some things missing here that others might consider essential, and some things that others might consider superfluous.

The Pack-
Kelty MAP (Military Assault Pack) 3500. This is a “military tough” pack but I really like it because it can easily pass as a civilian pack. If I had my major pack purchase to do over again I would opt for the Kelty Raven 2500. It is about half again as large and I would be able to use it for my summer AND winter set up. (My winter is a USGI medium ALICE.)

Shelter-

Hammock Bliss heavy-duty hammock
8x8’ lightweight tarp (only set up when rain is imminent or I just want the practice)
mosquito head net (all important for a good nights sleep around hear)

(I don’t need any type of sleeping bag around here this time of year, but when necessary I carry a USGI poncho liner)

Food and Water-

Camelbak 2L water carrier (can be pulled out and used separately)
Snow Peak titanium cook set, spork and matches (stored in an old sock)
Katadyn hiker water filter
1L Water bottle with cup in MOLLE pouch attached to side
2x MREs complete (some folks like to “strip” these to make more space)
2x ramen noodle packs (can be eaten “raw” as well)
2x backpacker pantry meals (the mountain house meals are a bit better)

“ditty bag” -This is a small bag that carries some miscellaneous stuff such as first aid kit, tea bags, (cocoa in the winter) oatmeal and/or grits, matches and water purification tablets

Clothing Bag- One forest green T shirt, 2x pair heavy duty socks, foot powder

Hygiene Bag- Soap, washcloth, toothbrush and paste, ½ roll of toilet paper

1) Make sure all your gear will work together. Put it on and make sure you can get to all the things you might need to instantly (ammo and first aid.)

2) When packing a rucksack place the things you might need to get to more frequently (water and stove) in any outside pockets.

3) Store items in waterproof bags. Especially anything that can be ruined by water. Small ziplock bags can help with organization. I like the “zipper” type and reinforce the edges with duct tape.

4) “Dummy cord” or put a lanyard on things that might get lost.

5) Use duct tape to stow loose straps and cover buckles.

6) Test your equipment on camping trips (1st and 3rd line) and at practical shooting matches (2nd line.)

7) Always think about weight! You are no good if you can’t keep up.

8) When you shop for gear weigh the advantages that a particular piece of kit might give you. Run a “cost benefit analysis” and see if it stands up. Never overspend on gear, once you’ve got the basics, more food, ammo and other expendables are almost always more important.

9) Don’t be afraid to modify gear to better suit your needs.

10) Use it, train with it, make sure it works and know how it works.