by bearanddragon » Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:06 am
not sure what you're doing, but some of the stuff may be overkill? if you'll be in the field for weeks at a time, by all means, go all out. if you'll be indoors or stationary 90% of the time, then definitely overkill.
was in astan last year / early this year - winter. was out in the field, but never more than 3-4 days at a time, but honestly, standard gear is about 95% effective - you will be paying hundreds of dollars to go that extra 2-3%. . . ebay, old friends, and military surplus stores can become your friend. i've gotten by with chinese rip offs of tactical gear bought on ebay for iraq - back when it was still crazy and i was a field grunt.
for jackets - it's important to layer. 3 layers if its cold - thermal underwear (nomex if you want to spend the money), a liner (i like fleece) or the classic old army jacket liner that's comfortable as hell, and then your actual jacket - which should be water resistant. if you're lounging about, i really like those buffalo jackets we were once isued. really thick, textury fleece.
for boots - i'd recommend something with gortex, especially if you will periodically walk through slushy snow. don't forget the socks too. definitely recommend you actually try your boots on vs. order online, and bring the socks you intend to wear when you try them on.
i don't know - just me being frugal I guess, but I have several years worth of crap I accumulated from my gear queer days that i'm slowly starting to give away . . . besides, you'll have regular access to PXs, stores, and of course mail (i'm assuming), so you can always get something the moment you realize you're short on an item
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