GEAR GOODIES

The Army isn't going to provide you with all the gear to make your mission easier, therefore consider spending a little of your own money to make your job easier. Before you laugh, consider many civilian items most troopers won't be without:leathermans tool, mini-mag light, camelbacks, etc... I'd like to introduce you to some gear that you just might want to pick up. The items range from pennies to hundreds of dollars, but they're all high quality goods. Most of the items you can find at outdoor shops, or you can use the online catalog links at the bottom for ALL the items.

WATER

The standard Army 5qt water blivet will carry your water, however it is prone to leakage, and worse, bursting when the ruck is lowered on a jump. There are several commercial water blivets made by copmanies like Mountain Safety Research and Cascade Designs. Pictured here is the MSR Dromedary Bag. It will NOT burst or leak no matter the abuse you give it, available from 4-10 liters, cost from $20-$40.

Sound discipline limits the standard Army 1qt canteen for most troops: keep it full, or drink the contents at one time. Don't wait for the Army, solve this yourself. There are plenty of commercial collapsible water bottles available that will fit in a canteen case. However, many of them are low grade, and can leak. Pictured is the Cascade Designs Platypus I, 1liter capacity, fits in a canteen case, and it's bomb proof; don't let its looks fool you. Cost:$4. Add a little "hundred mile-n-hour tape" to camoflauge. No, these are not compatible in a NBC Threat environment.

All items in these pages can be ordered online, or by catalog through stores like REI, and HOME

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