What are your recommendations for someone looking to purchase quality gear (boots, mag pouch, etc.)?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:05:05 -0400

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 18 at 2017 12:48 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:48:32 -0400

To begin with, you got a family? Better see what your income is and what your living expenses will be first. Get your priorities straight. The army will issue you what you need to start out with. Yea, you can get out and buy all the hi-speed stuff and look real cool, but step back and look, do you really need it or is it wants?

As far as foot gear goes, there are a lot of allowed / not allowed, so I'd wait until you get to a unit and see what the SOP is.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Apr 18 at 2017 1:14 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 01:14:32 -0400

Why are you spending your $$ on equipment that should be issued?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 3:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 03:32:14 -0400

Only officers like me don't get the new boots or uniforms unless deployed. The SGM is right. Don't max out your uniformed clothing AAFES account when your S4 rep in your Battalion can give you a Sh!tload of free issued stuff including boots, goggles and cold weather gear. Budget and spend your money wisely. Don't go out and buy a Dodge Hellcat or SRT8 yet LOL!

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Apr 18 at 2017 6:07 AM

SFC Daniel McIntire — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 06:07:39 -0400

CPL,
You will be issued gear when you get to your unit. As SGM Dawson and everyone implied, get adjusted to your finances before getting tacti-cool.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 8:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 08:41:22 -0400

I wasted a bunch of money on cool guy gear, ended up using most of the stuff the Army issued me just tweaked it for better personal preference. Bought a utility pouch hear, a few small weapons mods there bungie mag pouches and a camle back pouch were probably my most personally useful buys. After that havnt needed to buy new gear for years because i optimized what i had and it worked for me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 8:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 08:57:04 -0400

There really isn't anything that you NEED that isn't issued to you. With that being said, there is a lot of extras that you can buy to make things easier (work smarter not harder) and a little more comfortable. We have all bought things that we thought we "needed" but then never truly used. I would talk to some of the guys in your platoon/leadership about things they recommend. Also, shop around, shop around, SHOP AROUND! I cant say it enough. There are deals out there, you just have to find them. For instance, when I bought my Oakley M-Frames General Jackson's wanted around $175-$200 for them. I was able to buy them on oakleysi.com for less than $100. Also check around the surplus stores. Just make sure you do your research as far as reading reviews and check prices and don't impulse buy!

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Apr 18 at 2017 9:26 AM

SSG Steven Mangus — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:26:06 -0400

Everything you will need the Army will provide..I found over two decades the only important items were the wobie (I think I spelled that right), zip lock bags and 550 cord. Most new soldiers want to get the "cool" stuff however supply can order just about anything (if you got a cool supply person). My wife liked to garage sale and came across some useful items, one being a silver bullet squad stove for cooking and making coffee. Don't waste your money on outward appearances, learn from the old guys and you will be fine..

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 18 at 2017 9:36 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 09:36:10 -0400

Well, the Guard, depending on the unit, is starting to issue some cool gear. We just got issued the Lite-fighter tents. One man pop ups. Besides bungee cords and 550 cord the only thing that I have bought that I didn't like that the GUARD issues is boots and kneebo's! Especially the new crappy boots they are issuing for the new uniforms. They fell apart the first month I had them and they hurt my feet! So I would look up the ALRACT on the authorized boots for your state and the Army before buying boots! If your lite Infantry, remember you carry all you stuff on your back so inevitably, you WILL carry all the cool guy stuff that you really don't need! lol

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Apr 18 at 2017 10:03 AM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 10:03:37 -0400

Save your money.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 18 at 2017 12:01 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:01:59 -0400

Is it you or someone else?

I recommend getting what works for you. Seems like it is a bit of a smart ass comment but it is the truth and I just cannot help myself.

Considering there are no details in the question, anyone giving you a detailed answer is telling you what they like not what is right for you.

Response by SSG Doug Fazekas made Apr 18 at 2017 12:31 PM

SSG Doug Fazekas — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:31:10 -0400

ranger joes

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 18 at 2017 12:55 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:55:57 -0400

Try the issued gear first and wear your gear exactly the way the unit tells you too. The reason I say this is most young soldiers have not been in long enough to know what you like and what you do not like. All of us on here could give you advice, you go spend the money, won't like it, and could find yourself happy with the issued gear. I will say, pick yourself up a nice poncho liner or wobbie as some call it.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Apr 18 at 2017 1:08 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:08:55 -0400

I had a soldier. Let's call him John. Whenever John got his pay he would spend it all on stuff he probably didn't need. A new ipod or a Tactical Taylor X-harness. Spent $300 on a harness that wasn't even allowed to be used because it was Coyote Tan instead of ACU. So first things first is make sure your chain of command (up to an E-9 if need be) doesn't have some rule that says all pieces of gear must be the same color. My time in we were allowed some items to be Woodland or BDU during the transition phases.

Personally I didn't buy much high speed gear during my time in. I was issued some quality gear at some units that was much better than what I was issued in other units. So if you plan on changing units or going active, you may just be wasting money.

As far as boots go, find a place where you can try on boots. There are a million and half websites where you can buy boots but only a fraction of places to slip on a pair. It would really suck to drop $250 on a pair of Oakely or Rocky boots and they don't fit or you don't like them. My personal recommendation is find the nearest active duty base with a store to take a look.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Apr 18 at 2017 1:28 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:28:04 -0400

Red Wings for boots.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 1:54 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:54:28 -0400

When it comes to boots just go down to your clothing and sales and try them on to see if they are comfortable for the field but make sure you get ones with ankle support. Also keep your field boots (the comfortable ones) aside from your garrison (ceremony) boots. I usually use the issues ones for around the battalion and ceramonies and the field ones for ruck marches and field exercises. As for pouches you can still use the ones they issue but most units still issue ACU equipment. Personally I hate mixing ACU with multicam I think it looks unprofessional so do some research and see what you like and what is comfortable. Remember we will be wearing this camouflage for a while but get the ones with the built in mag pouches so you won't need to worry about that. Supply should have some pouches that are coyote brown you can put on there or you can purchase them. As for magazines I NEVER bought those high speed magazines and never had a problem. However I did come across some high speed ones during deployment that supply did get and got them issues (P-Mags) those are better but as long as you have army issues mags that are not worn out you will be good. If you don't like the grey just put camp tape over the part that shows under the magazine well or paint then if your unit allows it. Personally the only gear I EVER purchased in the last 10 years was a new rig once we switched over to Multi cam from OCP's and boots to be comfortable for ruck marches and field problems. Other than that don't waste your money.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 2:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:03:29 -0400

Socks is the only thing I would buy. 9 years in, and have only used issued items (other than the socks). If you absolutely have to have tacti-cool stuff, hit up the guys ETSing or headed out. You can snag that stuff for pennies on the dollar.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 2:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:08:19 -0400

To answer your question: your supply sergeant. We wouldn't be getting issued gear if it wasn't quality and capable enough to do it's job. Save that money because the Army is already spending money on equipping you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 5:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:30:11 -0400

Don't be a Ranger PX or that guy in your unit. See what you can afford or see what you need or just wants and prioritize from there.

Response by SGT Dave Russo made Apr 19 at 2017 11:02 PM

SGT Dave Russo — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 23:02:40 -0400

Ok, say I am out since I got medically retired and I don't get army toys to play anymore, where can I go to get quality stuff and not get dicked around?

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 20 at 2017 12:33 AM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 00:33:33 -0400

CPL Private RallyPoint Member Aside from what you are issued, what do you need an why? Aftermarket Boots, are based on what feels best, not what looks best. Combat gear is situation dependent after you see what is already provided. I like Danner for boots ($$$$$$) and Black Hawk for personal add-ons ($$$$). This is really about needs and wants.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 3:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 03:15:03 -0400

What does a part-time soldier do enough of that warrants spending their own money on high speed gear? I can understand potentially doing so if you are out using stuff all the time, but really how much advantage do you get from high speed mag pouches and the rest. Boots I get...I really appreciate my more expensive non-issued boots when I am on annual training, but I was recently shopping for Coyote Boots and decided to test the issue boots as well. In my opinion, there has been a great improvement in the quality of the issued boots and I'm not sure I would spend the extra $75-100 on Nike's or Rocky's or other brands of compliant boots.

Response by SSG Thomas White made Apr 20 at 2017 3:23 PM

SSG Thomas White — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:23:38 -0400

I'm looking to spend about a 100$ a pay period for me and my wife

Response by SGT Chester Beedle made Apr 21 at 2017 12:46 AM

SGT Chester Beedle — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 00:46:55 -0400

Get moisture wicking underwear if you wear them.
Get better socks. All wool or one of the high quality moisture wicking ones. The cotton blend issued kind of suck when it comes to moisture management. Wet feet are a killer. Hot and causing bacterial growth, or in the cold they suck the heat away.

You might, maybe, want boots that fit your feet better so are more comfortable and don't cause you to have pain, foot, ankle, knee, or back issues. But then again the issued ones might be just about perfect for you.
Padded insoles perhaps.

You could consider gloves for the field that are more waterproof and/or warmer. Perhaps something to fit the specific climate better. Which you could also wear in any clothing when your hands are cold.

Most of the issued pouches and gear is pretty decent.

Maybe some water proof stuff sacks for your ruck.

A few cans of Camp Dry silicone water repellent spray for your nylon gear.

Permethrin for your uniforms if you're in a tick or mosquito infested area.

Response by SGT John C. made Apr 21 at 2017 9:22 AM

SGT John C. — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 09:22:20 -0400

Save your money until you have been around the block a couple of times. I've bought gear to use over the course of my career but most of what I use is still the issued gear. Trust me when I say that the MOLLE gear is way better than the old ALICE style gear.

As for foot wear well on that subject I'd say find a pair you like that fits and feels good on your feet. I'd say don't worry about the price of the boots but then again some of those boots can also be expensive.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 10:01 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 10:01:51 -0400

Being that you're a Corporal, I'm going to assume that you've been in longer than 5 minutes, so I'm not going to give the same generic answers everyone else has given because at this point in your career and with you being an Infantryman, you already know how the issued Army gear is/feels and you know your unit's SOP. What I will say, is that the whole "gear guy" comments typically come from those that have not worn gear other than the things the Army gives you. Those are most of the time also the guys that have complained about being uncomfortable. Those "gear queers" out there are often times the most comfortable guys on the battlefield. But, I will agree with the various comments that suggest looking at what is a necessity as some of that bullshit is overly expensive. Too many times, officers and NCO's get stuck in that "this is what we've always done, so lets keep doing it this way" mind-set. That is not how you create a better, more effective, more intelligent military. Think outside the box.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 3:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:41:35 -0400

Keep in mind most units have a sop on gear set up so any cool guy gear is at commanders discretion if you can use it. For me the onlything I have personally bought for field use is p mags since they are less prone to jamming but I also own my own ar 15 so there is practical use later for them.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2017 12:43 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:43:38 -0400

The Wish App, just check them out

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2017 8:37 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 08:37:50 -0400

As a private I definitely went out and bought all the stupid high speed gear I could. A lot of it sits in duffels now but there a few items I still use. Really the most important thing you should get is a decent admin pouch, it saves a lot of time in the field having my map, compass, protracter, range cards, and everything else right there on the front of my kit. A dump pouch is also an amazing piece of gear that I have found makes reloading much quicker and is great for stocking up on snacks when there is hot chow in the field. Besides that PMags and better mag pouches for them are the only non issue kit I run but definitely aren't as essential as the first two items I recommended.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 9:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 May 2017 21:32:41 -0400

Your best bet as far as pouches and such things is airsoft stores. They are so incredibly cheap. Boots I would go to Amazon.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2017 11:16 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 May 2017 11:16:17 -0400

Like everyone says, don't go waste your money on high-speed gear when you can get by and still look cool with what is issued. I can understand the boots, I went to an AD base and found a store to try on the boots to see what I liked best. Turned out the pair I preferred is the SI Belleville or whatever.

You can also talk to some guys who have been in a while and get their thoughts and see the type of stuff they've purchased that has been useful.