After the hike weekend I bought

[Aeon]

I'd just like to point out the 2001-space oddessy-esque MONSTER of a maglite in this pic.
Points for impractical lighting aparatus.

[Brit-ZedHunter]

You try caving someones head in with your £2 tesco torch and see how you get on Maglite FTW

[Aeon]

You try caving someones head in with your £2 tesco torch and see how you get on Maglite FTW

It cost £12 and it a damn sight brighter than your bad-dragon ripoff.

[Cyborg]

Brand new Commanders Webbing and Patrol pack showed up this morning from Dragon Supplies. Really good kit, I am still in the middle of policing up the spare webbing and packing it so these are the stock pictures.

[Cyborg]

Thought you might be interested to see my newest toys.

I have to show, custom Commanders Webbing. Specially made with pouches sewn directly onto jointed hip-pad.Roll pin belt,velcro/stud fastenings on Ammo Pouches.FFD Pouch,Bayonet attachment loops PVC Lined Pouches and Storm Hoods, with Frag Grenade and Smoke Grenade pouches, also featurng Fixed Female Clips and a Black Roll pin buckle.

It has 4 Utility/Waterbottle pouches and 4 ammo pouches with FFD/Compass pouches on the end. It's really supportive and well made. I would say it's a very good upgrade to the standard PLCE webbing. The roll pin belt is really comfortable and stable and I will be getting a new roll pin belt for normal trouser duties.

Webbing from rear (an officer is not properly equipped if he doesn't have his sword....)




Ammo pouches with FFD/Compass pouch on end


Fixed female clips for easier opening


Utility pouches hold 58pat waterbottle+crusader mug or a JetBoil


Waterproof hood on utility pouches

Open ammo pouch


Roll pin belt



Next up Commanders Patrol Pack, this pack rocks my world it is a 35ltr Patrol Pack, with 3 utility/waterbottle pouches along the bottom, then above them is a poncho pouch. Affixed to the sides are two large pouches with PALS webbing on. To be honest i can't see myself wishing to add anything to the sides of this pack but it is a nice touch.

The pack has very generous shoulder straps and feels very comfortable when worn (including when worn with webbing). I really am pleased with the way this pack turned out and it will be all I shall be taking to the UK mock bugout in June.

Front


Poncho pouch


Side pouch


Triple utility

[Ad'lan]

Gorram. Fuckin' sword, in the field. Awesome man, Awesome.

[Cyborg]

Gorram. Fuckin' sword, in the field. Awesome man, Awesome.

Mate, I realise you've not had much training in the way of officers yet, however I have a spare sword I can lend you if you want? How else does one spur their men forward and point at things in the field...

Mind you, I will ask the Signals RSM I saw in the Training Area where he got his DPM pace stick cover from and see if they can do me a scabbard...

[Mole]

SWORD! I CAN HAZ?!?!?

Here are my new shiny things - though can hardly compete with something like that gucci belt kit.



I've already had a good read through the SAS guide. I'm a bit disappointed that the Mora isn't the green one I ordered but I should look on the up side that if I drop it in the woods I should be able to find it again. And the Italian Army poncho which fails on taking 3 weeks to get to me (even though I paid for Special Delivery) and it comes with a sticker saying 'NOT 100% WATERPROOF'.

[Cyborg]

SWORD! I CAN HAZ?!?!?

Here are my new shiny things - though can hardly compete with something like that gucci belt kit.



I've already had a good read through the SAS guide. I'm a bit disappointed that the Mora isn't the green one I ordered but I should look on the up side that if I drop it in the woods I should be able to find it again. And the Italian Army poncho which fails on taking 3 weeks to get to me (even though I paid for Special Delivery) and it comes with a sticker saying 'NOT 100% WATERPROOF'.

I know it's mean but this made me LOL.... Sorry :p

[Mole]

I know it's mean but this made me LOL.... Sorry :p

Oh, I LOL'd myself. I'm tempted to test it with the hose tomorrow.

[Aeon]

Update on what I bought after the hike:

Hammock,
Needle, Thread and Velcro (to ammend said hammock),
Mess tins
Hexamine stove,
Extra-hexamine fuel tablets,
Glowsticks,
Paracord,
Plate Compass,
Sleeping bag (real proud of my bargin hunting skillz with this one),
and everyones favourate; a big bar of Kendal Mint Cake!

All I need now is a knife sharpener and a basha and I'm all set.

[Cyborg]

Aeon Fae and I have a CRKT Side Sharp for you, it's a surprise birthday present that we both forgot to post.

[Aeon]

Aeon Fae and I have a CRKT Side Sharp for you, it's a surprise birthday present that we both forgot to post.

Aw thank you both, thats nice.
Any chance I could borrow a basha whilst I'm at it?

[Brit-ZedHunter]

I bought a load of stuff yesterday as well Aeon and I took a trip out to a big Army Surplus store (this place http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shopscr21.html). Then to Go Outdoors (via PC World )

Its a pretty big place, I would recommend it to any of you that are passing through that area.

Anyways I bought:
Sleeping bag
Rollmat
Hexi stove + extra fuel
BBQ Firelighters
Mess tins
Some folding cutlery
Paracord
2 x Molle pouches (1 med, 1 small)

I'm sure there was more stuff but I can't remember

The only thing I 'think' i'm missing now is some form of shelter. I haven't bought anything because I haven't decided what kind of shelter I want.

[K9medic]

I would seriously consider ether an issue poncho or a basher sheet. If you look at the weight, size, price and versatility of the poncho / basher you won’t get anything better. I still prefer a basher to a tent for most of my trips.

[the_alias]

The only thing I 'think' i'm missing now is some form of shelter. I haven't bought anything because I haven't decided what kind of shelter I want.

Well as I see it your options are:
Hammock and Tarp set up - Doc's pointed out the DD
UL tent - these can be more pricey but can be got around 1.5kg -2kg Hilleberg and Black Diamond
Bivi Bag combined with poncho/tarp
Regular Tarp

[K9medic]

Though a “rumour” going round claims the Italian poncho might not be the best on the market.

[the_alias]

Though a “rumour” going round claims the Italian poncho might not be the best on the market.

Ya seriously go for the US ripstop one!

[Cyborg]

Yeah bashas are very versatile bits of kit, I now have one that I have taken to carrying everywhere, it has a million uses beyond just being a shelter but it can be used as a stretcher and stuff too.

[Mole]

Ya seriously go for the US ripstop one!

Where's a good place to get one (and a liner) in the UK? I can find them cheap enough on eBay from the US but they want silly money for shipping.

[K9medic]

I bought my poncho liner from Nomad http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/vi ... luxe-quilt I like this one because it has a velcroed slit for the head. As for a poncho I have an old British issue one, I’m looking after it for the Q, Never had a problem with this make and they can be picked up reasonably cheap in most mil surpluses stores.

[Cyborg]

Ponchos, old skool...

[K9medic]

If it isnt broken dont fix it. Though I do tend to use a basher sheet these days, bigger than my poncho and more fastening points. I still have the poncho / liner combo in my get home bag. Figure as it can double as waterproof jacket + shelter it’s still earning its keep.

[Cyborg]

I've really never been one for the poncho, I have never seen anyone wear one. I do love the basha though, I am starting to realise again how great they are and also only a tenner from these guys http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shopscr154.html