The best kit from each army in your opinion

[Tor helge]

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]

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]

British 24hr ration packs

German para boots

 

[Shepard]

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]

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 . 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

 

[bilko]

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 .
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

 

[Brian]

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.

Brian

 

[Millbilly]

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.

 

[rjbaal]

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]

I'd like to reccommend the new US digital camo gear,but I put It down somewhwere and cant find it.

 

[cyclist]

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

 

[ggfh666]

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.

 

[oetzi]

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/

 

[Shepard]

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

 

[Tengu]

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.

 

[addyb]

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]

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

 

[oetzi]

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/produ...nfo/p52_Cadet-gerippt-Alox--silberfarbig.html

 

[Tengu]

But its got a beer bottle opener...

 

[steven andrews]

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...