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

ranger joes

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.

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.

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.

Save your money.

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

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..

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!

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.

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