View Full Version : The best kit from each army in your opinion
Ok so what do you think are the best bits of kit from each armed forces
Ie, Swedish for me is the trangia cooking kit and the frosts mora.
American - White bunny boot with inflatable valve for up to minus 50 degrees.
Etc
It would be nice to know what you think is the best of the best to use in bushcraft and outdoor adventures the wold over.
Plus it gives me something to read and research when i get home tonight at 2am after work. :D
I'm Canadian (eh?) so that mean I'm biased. But since you asked the question, Bilko I'll answer it as best as I can.
1) Mk.3 combat boots. There's a rumour that they might be replaced and eventually, taken outta the system and that would be really sad. MK.3's are probably the toughest army boot out there, and I mean it. CF grunts tend to call them "Black Cadillacs" and sometimes put Vibram soles on them with money out of their own pocket.
2) CF combat dress. Or just "combats." I think I wrote about these before in an earlier post. Why are they good? They have slotted/taped buttons. I think you might that SAS smocks have them too. And the fabric is...outstanding. 50/50 cotton nylon. But like Ventile, the secret's in the weave. It has three layers: A middle layer of loosely woven nylon, backed on both sides by cotton in an aertex twill weave.
Personally, that's about the limit as to how far I go when I'm doing bushcraft. Anything more than that and I'm afraid I'll look like a Rambo wannabe. I don't even wear a combat shirt out there, just an old pair of CF greens a pair of boots. And that leads me to my next best piece of kit:
3) Improved US Army jungle boots: Just like the ones in from the Vietnam conflict, but with uppers made of cordura nylon and not cotton duck. And also a speed lace system coupled with a decent pair of insoles. Mine are starting to look REALLY rugged and beat up as they're my favourite summer bushcraft boot. When it starts getting colder and muddier, I pull out the Mk.3's.
Okay, I'm done. That's enough of a post.
Adam
i am also a fan of the swedish army trangia and frosts clipper
leon
bent-stick
26-09-2006, 16:56
Love my german army poncho.
British army lightweight's and lots of swedish gear!
The Joker
26-09-2006, 17:04
German Para boots :D
I have used, abused and maintained most kit that the Swedish Army has, and the list is long of the things that are good. There is a reason why people like Ray Mears and Mors Kochanski use and recommend stuff from the swedish army.
gregorach
26-09-2006, 17:22
Crusader mug / cooker for me... Great little bit of kit.
I'm also developing a fondness for PLCE webbing. I wore a reduced set (just a waterbottle pouch, double ammo pouch, FAK, knife, and occasionally camera) for most of the time on my last trip out, and it worked really well - comfortable enough not to really notice, even with an axe through the belt and a folding saw through the radio lead guide on one shoulder, but no more of that "where have a left my mug / torch / bit of string" nonsense - and I also avoided the dreaded Bulging Pockets Syndrome (you know, the one where nearly everything finds it's way into your trouser pockets until you can barely walk)...
Spacemonkey
26-09-2006, 19:53
Mk 4 SMLE. ;)
beachlover
26-09-2006, 20:01
Wouldn't we be better off asking our serving soldiers?
After all, they have the best knowledge of other people's kit.
They have to borrow it all! :rolleyes:
Tor helge
26-09-2006, 21:07
I`ve only been in the Norwegian army and I have only one thing to say about military equipment; the reason I ever use it is that it is cheap, not that it is so good. One can get civil equipment that s much better.
I recon this is the case with military equipment all over the world.
The military equipment from 40-50`s are another issue. That was really good equipment, ment to last more than a week of Blitz-krieg.
Tor
I`ve only been in the Norwegian army and I have only one thing to say about military equipment; the reason I ever use it is that it is cheap, not that it is so good. One can get civil equipment that s much better.
I recon this is the case with military equipment all over the world.
The military equipment from 40-50`s are another issue. That was really good equipment, ment to last more than a week of Blitz-krieg.
TorIve a pair of Norwegian army boots,very comfy they are too!
Caboose117
26-09-2006, 23:03
US army pncho and poncho liner
Spacemonkey
26-09-2006, 23:20
Ah, forgot the US 2 litre bottle with shoulder strap. The fakes are ok, but don't last long. The genuine ones are a kind of rubbery plastic and thus crushable to fit in the rucksack easier til needed. I always hike with one around my neck.
Graham_S
27-09-2006, 00:09
the uk forces bivvy jacket/trousers are good kit (and made by snugpac iirc)
bushwacker bob
27-09-2006, 00:59
Salvation Army Tambourine :lmao:
I'll get my coat.
Having spent 20 years in the US Army, I would say the jungle boots, nylon poncho, poncho liner, reversible Gore-Tex parka (day desert/night desert) from the US.
From Sweden, the Silva Swedish miitary model compass. Mora knives.
From Australia, the "hootchie".
From the UK, water flask, cup and cooker.
Actually, I seldom use any military equipment. I do still use the poncho liner and poncho and Swedish military compass and Mora Clipper. Oh, occasionally the US jungle boots.
That really is about it for me.
Love my german army poncho.
Another vote for that.
longshot
27-09-2006, 03:06
Canadian Forces rain gear, my combats all of them, US alice pack, bayonette on the M1 from korea ( i don' t know the designation, a Navy officer gave it to my dad in the 60's and he gave it to me.) CF snow shoes. british Enfield rifle (.303) mk3 boots - better than my runners. CF wooly pully CF issue boonie hat.
bout it for now
dean
both types of Swedish army stoves: Enmanskök can be used over open fire too, while Jägarkök is a lot faster
for groups the big Thermette (NZ) must be fantastic.
using Esbit/Hexi stoves the way they´re issued (without extra windshield) is stupid IMHO
German army: poncho, knife
French combat rations
Tor helge
27-09-2006, 13:17
Ive a pair of Norwegian army boots,very comfy they are too!
I also use the Norwegian army boots, but that`s because I find them good enough for my use, and I get them for free :) .
I also use the norwegian army rucksacks, both the old combat sack (stridssekk) and the larger one. They are built to last a lifetime, but are not the most comfortable ones to carry (better than the Alice pack though, I`ve ditched that crappy pack).
Tor
mikehill
27-09-2006, 14:24
Only army kit I really like is the SAS sleeping bag. Only good for around/below freezing though, otherwise I find it too hot :)
Mike.
Spikey DaPikey
27-09-2006, 14:31
British 24hr ration packs :)
German para boots
I`ve only been in the Norwegian army and I have only one thing to say about military equipment; the reason I ever use it is that it is cheap, not that it is so good. One can get civil equipment that s much better.
I recon this is the case with military equipment all over the world.
The military equipment from 40-50`s are another issue. That was really good equipment, ment to last more than a week of Blitz-krieg.
Tor
Second your opinion!
But nothing much beats the reputation of the Norrøna recon pack(old model) for carrying heavy and the nato version of the sami knife with fingerguard.
But this is not the average soldier kit. It is made by civillian manufacters for military special forces and are in another league...
Tor helge
27-09-2006, 22:43
Second your opinion!
But nothing much beats the reputation of the Norrøna recon pack(old model) for carrying heavy and the nato version of the sami knife with fingerguard.
But this is not the average soldier kit. It is made by civillian manufacters for military special forces and are in another league...
I also have the Norrøna Recon pack (old civilian model, no camo). It is a very good pack, but I use it very little. It`s mostly for long trips into the wild, a week or more. In other words I find it a little too big. Didn`t think so when I bought it though :rolleyes: . I had a bad habit dragging my whole house with me when I was out in the woods,and I just needed a fraction of it :( . I guess I`ve learnt a lesson.
Tor
Some great input here and getting a good insight into what kit is worth getting for replacements etc. I forgot to mention the Nanok SF endurance range of sleeping bags of which i have the -10. Unfortunately i can only comment on kit that iv'e used which is very limited.
Interesting that the only mention of French kit is food :D .
Also i think the reason that i'm attracted to issue kit is that it is often cheaper than civi kit in surplus state but more importantly it is tried and tested. It's a shame though that not all army kit is made with the soldiers comfort in mind but to just perform a task, but that's where threads like this are usefull. To get a civilian perspective of it and what it's like to use in a mostly stress free enviroment.
Keep it comming :)
Bilko, off the top of my head:
British army Bivi bag, the green one seems better than the DPM one.
British water bottle and metal mug, almost indestructable.
Australian Hootchi (British one is not bad but rustles in the wind).
British wooley pulley or the Norwegian army jumper with a high collar and thumb loops.
US jungle boots.
I'll have a think and get back to you if I remember anything else, I'm not too keen on DPM kit when I'm not at work which rules out a lot of the newer kit for me. :D
Brian
Millbilly
28-09-2006, 13:47
All of the above mentioned kit is pretty good, i use a lot of it myself. Im also a fan of the US Army poncho liner, its like a light weight blanket.
1980's era US Army and Marines Utility trousers. The ones that were Nyco twill. Very durable and excellent for temperate climates.
I was in the US Marines in the early 1980's before the Regan era budget increases kicked in. I hate to say it but a lot the the personal gear was just terrible. In 1980 I remember eating C-rations (before MRE's) dated 1968.
bushwacker bob
29-09-2006, 02:08
I'd like to reccommend the new US digital camo gear,but I put It down somewhwere and cant find it.
I hate to say it but a lot the the personal gear was just terrible. In 1980 I remember eating C-rations (before MRE's) dated 1968.
to those who want one www.raeer.de/cgi-bin//katalog/f5c0d0b9d8e450fb probably it´s not for eating. I guess it´s an unknown weapon: you have to throw it at the enemy
bilko - of course the French do have a lot of nice gear (Rafale, Leclerc, Famas, personal gear from the Republican Guard like helmets or the handmade saddle etc.) a but I doubt they´ll sell it
In general I´ve got the opinion that designers of personal gear very seldom use the stuff they invent under real conditions
The standard ABL army boots must be the best value for money. I've seen many others but few can compete.
The ABL Tshirts issued until the 90s and maybe even today. I got mine in 92 and still they are in reasonable shape.
Why not extending this thread with a list of the sources for the stuff from all these forces?
German army:
http://www.aos-blaesius.com/
http://www.raeer.com/cgi-bin/katalog/
Been eyeballing the Nanok SF reversible cold weather suit(aka"fat suit").
Looks like a steal for 50£ but the postage was 40£!1
Maybe it`ll be in my christmas stocking :swordfigh
I like my GB mess tins (very ergonomic though unasaethetic shape) and army boots. They are light as a feather.
Has anyone ever done a serious kit comparison survey? We all have thing we like but few of us have ever had a chance to compare across the board.
And what about stuff from Switzerland and Japan which you never see? Reputedly both these forces are very well equipped.
Of course Switzerland is well equipped. They're the only country in the world who's army has a corkscrew on their knives.
"Most of you men have never opened a Chardonnay under fire. You insert the corkscrew here, pull, and throw." <--- Robin Williams Live on Broadway.
Adam
Shambling Shaman
29-09-2006, 21:12
After 13 years in the RAF(not quite military) the best thing i left with and could never survive with out is with out a dout the
Military Sense of Humour
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Of course Switzerland is well equipped. They're the only country in the world who's army has a corkscrew on their knives.
Adam
Unfortunately, the knife for the grunts, which is the most beautiful in the range with its aluminium slabs, doesnt feature a corkscrew:
http://www.victorinox-shop.de/product_info.php/language/en/info/p52_Cadet-gerippt-Alox--silberfarbig.html
But its got a beer bottle opener...
steven andrews
30-09-2006, 10:41
We are spoilt for choice with Sweden!
They get the Tröja 90, an Ullfrotte 400g top.
The old canvas wind blouse is lovely and retro!
and then there's the M90 Parka...
scaleyback
30-09-2006, 16:50
hi, new boy here, any A.L.I.C.E gear is good, not very heavy and attaches to almost anything
How about the orginal British army knife. Their bombproof. If I could only take a folding knife and no fixed blade I would take this one. Mine is from 1957 and has been dropped out of a window, dropped in a fire, driven over etc...
German winter parka
Gerry para boots
Brit Poncho
Swedish Trangia
Of course Switzerland is well equipped. They're the only country in the world who's army has a corkscrew on their knives.
no, not true.
The Krauts do have a cork screw on their knifes too. Btw, it´s bigger than the tiny Swiss knife and pretty cheap at 8,- Euros www.raeer.com/cgi-bin/katalog/151ad104e830545c
Who transports beverages in glas today? From the logistics point of view that´s plain stupid: half of the weight is packing material ...
Caboose117
01-10-2006, 16:07
alice gear is good
Harmonica
01-10-2006, 16:25
The British Army Pocket Knife - mines was issued in 1940 and its still going strong!! :)
Keith_Beef
02-10-2006, 02:49
This should be a two-level poll.
First level is a list of every army in the world.
Second level is a list of all the kit from each army.
You can choose one item of kit from each army.
K.
Please note, all the gun chatter has been split off into this threrad (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=15812) - please use that thread if you want to talk about guns.
Thanks.
Danceswithhelicopters
02-10-2006, 10:11
The Crusader Cup/'58 Water bottle/'85 Mug in a PLCE pouch combo is the berries.
The Crusader Greenheat cooker IMHO is crap though.
Minotaur
02-10-2006, 12:37
I like US Alice Mag pouches, but seem to spend a lot of time removing the grenade bits on the side. British 58 webbing is almost bomb proof. I have a weird Alice/58 cross setup. The main problem I have with Military stuff is solidiers mod it so for civilian use, you have to spend time, adjusting it to what you want, or mix and match from different armies.
I tend to pick and chose from what people say is worth having a look at or from Militaries who operate in a particular terrain.
I like Military stuff, mainly because it is built to survive and last, but I have to agree that in a lot of cases it is better to go civilian.
gregorach
03-10-2006, 13:00
The Crusader Cup/'58 Water bottle/'85 Mug in a PLCE pouch combo is the berries.
The Crusader Greenheat cooker IMHO is crap though.
The cooker is fine, it's the greenheat that's crap. :)
East Scout
03-10-2006, 18:17
Im pretty fond of BlackHawk Tactical gear for my Load Bearing kit uses.......Its pricey but you'll get what you pay for and the lifetime garuntee speaks for itself.......Im so fond of BHI kit that that is all I use now...Sold off all my PLCE kit.
For clothing I use either US or UK DPM..Either will do in most situation where I dwell...Footwear w/o a doubt is my Austrian Army Mountain boots..I have been wearing them since I got my first set back in 2000 and I havnt found another type of boot that suits multi seasonal use as of yet, that I like.......
Cold weather under clothes will be US issue Polypro..Great stuff..From the Balaclava to the trousers..Warm stuff..Try a set.
Cold weather outter shell is either ripstop DPM Smock or US gortex..DPM Smock usually gets used.
Blazing hot East Coast/Mid Atlantic summers its usually summer wieght DPM BDUs..Gets colder I graduate to US BDUs siner i only have one set of Temperate DPM trousers......
Various head gear..Usuaully a knit skull cap or bandana.....Depending on the season and sevearity of the weather..
Shelter is Usually a Sturm of Germany 2 man trail tent or a simple poncho shelter and bunjee cords.......
ES
In my opinion the 3 greatest bits of kit that have ever been invented are:
British army 'norweigen' pullovers
British army entrenching tool
Sealskinz goretex socks (yes I did try them out in the shower first) theyre pricey but well worth it.
OldBaldGuy
07-10-2006, 19:44
USGI poncho liner, P-38 can opener...
Jon Mawer
14-10-2006, 19:43
P-38 can opener... Here, here! I have loads of them and LOVE them, very useful and cheap, just hard to get over here in the UK unless you know where to go!
Heathenpeddler
14-10-2006, 20:51
The Brithish army knife - is that the one with the pick on the opposite side from the blade? I remember my grandfather had one of those, the blade was about half its original width due to 40-odd years of sharpening and still servicable :)
I'd love to get one of those...
Dammit, I saw one of those at a car boot last week
The guys a regular, Ill keep an eye out
Heathenpeddler
14-10-2006, 22:47
http://www.sheffieldknives.co.uk/acatalog/info_112.html
That was the one he had :) with the black chequered handle.
My favourites items of kit are in the original form,they have inspired copys,some of the copys are better,but these items got the ball rolling:
The SAS Windproof smock: great item,hooded,lightweight,big pockets.
The US Army water bottle:,mug,and burner,great idea,all in a pouch with a small pocket for the water puri. tablets.
German Army Boots;what ever version they sem to be well made and much better quality,the current Mountain Boots are from Lowa.
The Aussie shelter/basha:now modified in many versions.
The Swiss Army Knife:(do they get issued with these!??)
The British army pocket survival kit: not really an issue item ,more of a concept.Something the individual has to put together himself. I have never come across another army that carrys anything like this.
The Swedish Army Fjelldukken(hope the spelling is right!):a sort of poncho,sleeping/bivi bag,can be zipped with others together:a impressive bit of kit,no bigger than a poncho.
waylander
29-01-2007, 01:07
I only have one piece of millitary kit and its my German Para Boots which I love. The ankle support is really good as I found out when drunk and decided to do a standing jump over a ditch, my knee got badly sprained but my ankle bearly ached for 30 mins.
Just checked my spelling for:Fjellduken. made by Jerven AS in Norway.not Sweden!
Ryan Woods
29-01-2007, 10:38
WMIK.... a piece I would like to own anyway ;)
I'm going to resurrect this good old thread:
... In 1980 I remember eating C-rations (before MRE's) dated 1968.
Gotcha beat, went on active duty in 1976 and ate C-rations dated 1945.
I use a lot of military surplus. It's rugged and cheap. Unfortunately, it's usually heavy, too. Unless I'm backpacking, though, it's my preference - among other things, I don't have to worry about the kids and the dog being rough on it.
Some of my favorite gear:
US: M1951 wool shirts, cots, mosquito nets
Italian: Parka (once you cut off all those silly decorative buttons), 6-liter aluminum olive oil canteens
Norwegian: Cold weather hats
Swedish: Wool blankets, mittens, Frost Moras, mess kits
German: Leather motorcycle mittens, fleck camo parka
Belgian: Wool sweater
UK - the water bottles. MUCH better than the US ones. 2 pints is just that bit better than 1L, and the wider mouth of the UK bottles makes them easier to fill and dry out. And the crusader mug as well.
Germany - the poncho
US - cotton ripstop BDUs are just about the best material and best cut. For me, anyway.
Canada - camouflage. I love CADPAT - so much better than all those other digital patterns and the colours are spot on.
I can never quite get my head around why so many people rave about Trangias. I can't abide the things.
Don't use much military kit, except Swedish Trangia, and one of these French Army Gortex jackets that I really like. Sometimes the high collar is good, protective and cosy, sometimes it can get in the way when you want to look down (eg map reading)...
http://i20.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/17/f9/c41a_35.JPG
Have a yearning for a little splinter cam though too . Maybe just a cap or some trousers.
Swedish: LK70 & Trangia
Dutch: bivvy bag & goretex jacket
French Mess tins.
Neatly designed.
Italian flags for stitching into snow camo smocks.
Pepperana
19-11-2010, 16:48
Us army: Internet. :)
Ore we all were just lone wolfs.
Us army: Internet.
Nice one. :)
Although it was DARPA. :)
Swedish army - LK 70 ,LK 35 ,Stainless trangia ,Wool cargo trousers , Mora ,Sheepskin lined canvas coat ,snow blouse.
Canadian army -Old issue og windproof trousers , og arctic parka.
US Army- od nyco bdu,s ,ecwcs goretex parka,
UK Army -95 pattern og goretex gloves , water bottles ,crusader mug , arctic sleeping bag .
Melonfish
19-11-2010, 17:39
US - BDU's the standard battle dress uniform just keeps getting better and better, unlike the c95 trews with a crotch down by your ankles the americans have given a generous cut with double panel and bar tack and plenty of room to manoeuvre. the shirts are rather nifty too and now have bellowing around the shoulders to allow free movement.
British - no one can beat the british smock it is possibly one of THE best outdoor garments going and there's a reason its been standard kit for many years!
loaded with pockets, comfortable and warm you cannot beat it.
Russian - Digging utensils that can be used to fry eggs, sit on and chop down tree's? oh yeah talk about versitility ;) the russian entrenching tool is a prime example of multi functional.
German - Boots, you cannot beat a good pair of german boots (mendl anyone?) their para boots are some of the most popular surplus going for a reason.
The Lord Poncho
19-11-2010, 18:02
The best bit of kit i've used is SSARF- Surveillance System and Range Finder. Basically oversized binos that contain a laser range finder, binos, camera, Thermal Imager, GPS, and electronic compass. At a click of a button you can identify a target day and night up to 5km away, get its range, grid reference etc, photograph it, and send the whole lot of info over the radio to whoever wants it. Absolutely brilliant when you consider all the bulky, heavy and useless kit it replaces... Not too many bushcraft applications though! (Mods- this info is in the public domain)
For that, it's tricky as every time i replace some of my obsolete kit, the replacement is a godsend. i'd probably go for Windproof smock, tropical trousers, olive green SF basha, metal mug and the Softie jacket.
British army mess tins work for me, perhaps more sentimental value though as I got my first set in the Boy Scouts in the early 60's. Swedish Army Ranger stove (much the same as the Optimus 91 set or the Clas Olson clone at £9.99) works very well and is compact, much much better performance than the Army 'Trangia' set ups so loved by many here, British Army ration packs, still IMHO the best going, a couple of the American army 'petrol' stoves are worth having, Swedish Army or civvie versions of my much loved Optimus 111/111T stoves, American Army Mountain Troop cooksets, Vapalux lanterns and M65 trousers/British Army lightweight trousers to name but a few.
right here we go then my list
1, swiss army engineers rucksack
2, swedish army trangia stove
3, swedish army shirt
4, swiss army wool scarf
5, german para boots any mark
6, norwegian artic sleeping bag car camping only
7, german kfs
8, swedish mug
9, britsh royal navy work shirts blue
10, dutch army 80's issue og combat jacket
Rabbitsmacker
19-11-2010, 21:11
hmm...
top of my list...US ARMY JUNGLE BOOTS! the vietnam style right thru to more modern versions, absolutely fantastic, never had a blister, and had plenty of pairs with only one minor fault. good makes are 'belleville' and 'altama' this goes the same for the desert version. my only issue, the soles wear quite quickly.
then onto the rest...
British issue SAS smock, whether its a ww2 one, or a modern one, perfect pocket layout, built in hood, good fit, well built, and wear well. also the matching trousers!
US army BDU trousers, excellent and wear well again.
US goretex, blown away by it.
British Bergen, shame its a pain without webbing, but the build quality is immense, great design too..deffo KISS!
PLCE webbing or ARKTIS chjest rigs.
Medium ALICE and LARGE ALICE packs.
British water bottle and related cups metal and plastic.
Snugpak bivvy jacket, sleeka elite in my case.
biasd to american stuff cos its generally so well made.
good thread!
Italian flags for stitching into snow camo smocks.
I like the idea but frankly, why?
Minotaur
21-11-2010, 10:02
Nice one. :)
Although it was DARPA. :)
Actually your both right : )
The idea we now know as the internet, came from a military project under taken by DARPA.
British army mess tins work for me, perhaps more sentimental value though as I got my first set in the Boy Scouts in the early 60's.
Amazed these are not more popular. Love mine, and nearly finished my Hobo stove around them.
Ryan Woods
22-11-2010, 10:02
I think many prefer the BA metal mug, or even its Swedish equivalent which has a lid and a hook up system. Brilliantly designed even if I do say so myself. But I might well be wrong..
Mike8472
22-11-2010, 10:23
American gore-tex stuff is brilliant.
British combat trousers especially mtp pattern.
US ics (improve combat shelter)
The Brithish army knife - is that the one with the pick on the opposite side from the blade? I remember my grandfather had one of those, the blade was about half its original width due to 40-odd years of sharpening and still servicable :)
I'd love to get one of those...
Dammit, I saw one of those at a car boot last week
The guys a regular, Ill keep an eye out
Mine's like this one:
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/survival-accessories/pocket-and-survival-knives/genuine-1950-s-dated-army-knife-400652.html
It was originally my sister's (she was a Guide) but I collared it in about 1965 when I did the DoE. First time I used it to open a tin can I also opened up my right index finger for about two inches. :( Carried on camping anyway. :)
littlebiglane
26-11-2010, 10:30
Austrian Army Wooly Pully (twice as warm as the brit one)
Dutch 44 Pattern slimline bottle and stainless mug (cheaper and as good as the brit one but does not feel as bulky)
Artkis Stowaway Shirt (windproof, shower resistant and packs to smaller than my fist) - pair this with a fleece and you have got someone every bit as good as your snugpak, buffalo and montane pile and pertex shirts - less pockets but more flexible.
German Para Boots (Mk7) (not as supportive as modern hiking walking boots in terms of sole rigitity - but for under £30 for supergrade ones they are a quality bargain)
US ACUs (same reason as people love the BDUs)
Brit army wool snood (simple, non-itchy, cheap)
Genuine US issue wool watch hat (better weave, tighter weave, 'longer', cheap)
Genuine Norgie tops
forrestdweller
26-11-2010, 13:20
NVA (=army of what's incorrectly called "east germany")- amazing how much brandnew stuff you can get after more then 20 years since they were disbanded; even in places like australia and new zealand... :
compass- more reliable then any other compass i used (and that includes a recta dp ) sadly it works only on the northern hemisphere...
three-finger gloves
canteen(never leaks unlike those cheap nato-style bottles; but i discarded the aluminium cup)
folding entrenching tool- much more solid then this new fangled three-folding toys... .
grenade pouch
etc.
british army: have'nt tried much of their stuff but i like the canteen pouch (an older olive green version in excellent condition) i got last year for 5NZ$ in christchurch
australian army: i love that stainless steel mug!
current german army :boots(the model they used 10years ago) and tricotshirt (mine is over 10years old and still in use)
My favourite bits of military kit are:
Germany - Boots, Entrenching Tool (sturdy wooden handle and a pick), Daysack, KFS.
Sweden - Trangia stove (I keep it in my car, very handy for an impromtu brew), clipper knife, Parka
Netherlands - Headover/Snood (combined with the Swedish parka and I'm toastie although I do look like I've just been sent to the Russian front).
Denmark - Combat trousers with the pleated knee. These are so comfortable.
UK - The two Norgies, the sweater and the food container. Longback Infantry Bergen (bought surplus for £15, battered as hell but solid as a rock), Coolmax T-shirts (self-wicking, you'll honk but you'll be dry), wool blankets and the socks.
Austria - Sleeping bag (sold as a "sniper" bag, it has arm holes and can be unzipped from the bottom).
I buy quite a bit of military kit. There may be much better civvie kit available but for the price I get more bang for my buck with army surplus.
my favourite bits
British - Norwegian food container, genuine norgie tops, mod plod combats
Dutch - Helly Hansen fleece, excellent and warm
Danish - M84 jacket, 100% wool blanket - massive and thick and warm
Old West Germany - Old Skool entrenching tool - really bombproof and unbreakable, MVP bag mittens - stopped my fingers falling off when it was -25c in Finland
Swedish - M90 thermal trousers, and the snow smock
Canadian - 1980's Kaufmann Mukluks with a double frieze liner - absolutely excellent, my feet actually felt comfy and warm in the aforementioned -25c
Italian - 100% wool thermal tops, look ****e and are cut funny but very warm
Austrian - Wool jumper, really warm and non-itchy and surprisingly hard wearing
think thats it, there are a few other things like the swedish trangia and swedish leather and canvas backpack, they are ok but not my most tried and trusted things so havent included them.
All the above i have used in many conditions and situations and i have found them to be hardwearing, comfortable and generally good - these are the things i reach for if im going out
Proper, genuine UK Arctic Windproof. None of the copies or 'adaptations' - gotta be the real thing. Envious glances from all my NATO colleagues.
nevetsjc80
13-01-2011, 21:13
Biscuit browns:)
Ryan Woods
13-01-2011, 21:16
Proper, genuine UK Arctic Windproof. None of the copies or 'adaptations' - gotta be the real thing. Envious glances from all my NATO colleagues.
something about that smock that makes it as comfortable as skin to wear... Gave mine to a good friend.
tiger stacker
13-01-2011, 21:32
Biscuit browns:)
no chance if you had mentioned duncans chocolate though
Not really issue, however snugpak sleeka was the dogs balls before the army softy suit came out.
WeThePeoplexfbm
14-01-2011, 04:45
i love my austrian army jackett ^^
santaman2000
24-01-2011, 05:49
American gore-tex stuff is brilliant.
British combat trousers especially mtp pattern.
US ics (improve combat shelter)
I actually miss the older jackets that Gore-Texeplaced: The M65 Field Jacket and the Arctic Parka
santaman2000
24-01-2011, 06:07
US=ALICE Packs & Frames (tough, roomy & light), Arctic parka and bib pants (the old stuff designed for SAC crews on the D.E.W. line), Marine Corps KBar
Canadian=IMPS, Arctic Sleeping bag system (it's hard to beat a 5 piece hooded & down filled bag on a cold camp)
UK=ESBIT stove!
Aussie=Gotta love the hat
Norway , Goretex waterproofs in Norg cam made by Bergens or Hally Hanson , Jerven bags and real turmat rations yummy .
Sweden , Optimus 111 stove any of them
UK , Old skool windproofs in DPM with the crossover belt strides in gabadine plus the smock , ye-oldy junglies in the bright dpm ,,tasty ,,,
US , Poncho liner ,,,so usefull very under rated bit of kit .
Germany , Lowas or Meindls megga comfy boots
Happy day
Twodogs
Plus one for the french army MVP jacket. Bombproof, light and cosy.
South Africa - Pathfinder Back Pack, Jump Smock (Slangvel).
Danish - M84 Jacket.
US - MARPAT Assault Pack, Marine MARPAT and ECWS Goretex, Military Sleep Sytem, Medium ALICE pack and frame.
Swedish - M90 Parker.
UK - Bivy Bag, NI Patrol Pack.