What are your best tried and true life hacks for the field?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:15:38 -0500

We're talking field craft here. The things you do, pack, or create to make life in the field just a little better. No matter how simple or complex. Let's hear it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:24:10 -0500

Personally? I pack light and accept that I'm going to be dirty, smelly, cold or hot (within reason). No amount of comfort or preparation has ever been more relieving in the end than a light load.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:25:43 -0500

Gummy bears (3-5 lb. bag), car charger for LMTV 12 volt adapter, sock liners for so much time on my feet, a few books, taco bell mild sauce, cabellas cot, fitted bed sheet (brown) to cover all my gear while I'm away, (keeps dirt/dust out, brown tarp, (for my area. Keeps down the dust/dirt) and of course my propane burner for making coffee. I know there's more but I can't think of it all at the moment. I know them when I'm packing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:26:57 -0500

Let's not forget the family size pack of baby wipes. I call it the prostitute bath.

Response by SPC David Glines made Feb 22 at 2016 12:27 AM

SPC David Glines — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:27:45 -0500

The best IMO is making a lot of Ranger Pudding

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Feb 22 at 2016 12:37 AM

SGT Justin Anderson — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:37:06 -0500

Canned foods: raviolies, beef stew, spaghetti os. MREs strictly for movement and even that is broken down into bare essentials.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Feb 22 at 2016 12:46 AM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:46:54 -0500

Moleskin. Can never have enough cause all the young guys forget it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 12:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:47:29 -0500

The ability to make a quality overlay

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:03:14 -0500

And an extra carton of chew/cigarettes. For they guys who don't plan accordingly. As a junior enlisted I could at least break even because everyone showed up with cash because they knew I brought extra. And IOU's got handled (if I allowed) as soon as we got back to the flag pole.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Feb 22 at 2016 1:29 AM

SGT Robert Cupp — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:29:37 -0500

Saving the mre napkins and the moist towelettes to occasionally take a whore bath or at least to keep my hands somewhat clean.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 7:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 07:48:04 -0500

I always pack the old school field jacket liner made of woobie material. Even in places where you can not wear it (which is most places nowadays), it serves as a great pillow if you fold it up to fit the area. It's lightweight and fits right into a side pocket or top flap. If I'm out in the open sleeping, I just wrap it around my head to keep the bugs off my face.

Response by SGT Jim Tough made Feb 22 at 2016 7:53 AM

SGT Jim Tough — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 07:53:21 -0500

Plastic zip locks for my t-shirts and socks and an extra quart one for the dirty ones...bring a small travel pack of baby wipes for where's baths...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 8:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 08:04:39 -0500

Good waterproofing bags, whether they be civilian or military. My personal favorite are sealing bags that marines are issued. 2 large ones for the contents in the main ruck, and 1 each small ones for the sustain mentioned pouches. All other additions are simply personal preference, but nothing pisses off a grunt more than finding his creature comforts that he brought to the field were ruined by some rain during movement

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:09:07 -0500

I no longer pack a sleeping bag. I had two woopie blankets sewn together with an opening at one end. That has served me great on multiple field problems and deployments. I've even upgraded that recently and added a thin blanket to the inside for either padding or for warmth depending which side you lay the woopie sleeping bag down. It all fits nicely into a NBC bag and there is still room for a pillow as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:41:38 -0500

Waterproof your stuff, with the bag opening facing downward. That way, when you inevitably have to drop your ruck in a puddle or have to ford a stream, the water drains out rather than sit in the bottom of your bag.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 09:48:46 -0500

For those moments when a Class 1 download needs to happen and there are no portajohns anywhere and you do not wish to do the kimchee squat, what us Engineers did was take a metal folding chair, had the welder cut a hole in the seat and then wrapped it with 100mph tape.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 10:29 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:29:26 -0500

1. Baby Wipes
2. Bivy sack w/ poncho liner
3. Poncho
4. Bungee cords
5. Heat Tablets
4. Canteen Cup
5. Socks

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Feb 22 at 2016 12:27 PM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:27:46 -0500

Para-cord for makeshift rope, tripwire, clothes line, shelter assembly,making primitive weapons or booby trap's, perimeter noise makers. and for lashing and tying anything.' Including prisoners. Inside the cord has uses as well such as fishing line and snares.. Para-cord was my best item in the field... I still buy and craft with it today. Rifle sling's,carry all ditty bags, etc..
Para-cord has infinite uses and if it is weaved into the Slatts rescue weave it can be deployed in seconds. http://www.instructables.com/id/Slatts-Paracord-Rescue-Bracelet-no-buckle/

Slatts Paracord Rescue Bracelet (no buckle)

I love paracord, both for its countless uses and the fact that it looks really cool when woven into bracelets, belts, straps, etc. I work backstage and am always looking for a good way to carry a large amount of cord on me that can be easily accessed. I found The Slatts Rescue Belt and decided to see if I could weave one into itself without using a buckle. The results came out to be a nice looking bracelet that can be undone in a matter of...

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 22 at 2016 12:35 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:35:14 -0500

All excellent ideas to make life just a little bit more bearable in the field. Wish I had thought of a few of them. Is there a commercial product nowadays to apply to the feet to slow down the onset of immersion foot. Always found it impossible to keep feet dry walking through flooded rice paddies all day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 22 at 2016 1:09 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:09:46 -0500

Ammo box sans splinters.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:28:20 -0500

550 cord for everyone! Also for those times when paperwork might be needed in the field (2062's, counseling statements etc.) I put 100MPH tape around a pringles can to waterproof it and store papers and pens in it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:58:43 -0500

Water proof bag, woobie (2), baby wipes, baby powder, 550 cord, pogey bait, and camelback. Make a tent, take a whore bath, uniform top as pillow, food and water. The baby powder is multipurpose. I am all set :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 7:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 19:42:36 -0500

No kidding, I buy a case of baby wipes and put a pack of them under every drivers seat in our hmmwvs, first day people are like wtf, after a week of no showering, they're calling me a god! I also stop at Walmart and buy multipacks of socks. When people start getting soggy they get a fresh pair of socks. It's a huge morale booster. I must have my knife, my sharpener, 550 cord and my woobie. I also take a water bottle and punch a series of holes in the lid. Boom instant shower.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 5:56 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 05:56:17 -0500

Put your terrain model kit inside a tool box or tackle box to keep it organized. Buy some ceramic tiles with gloss finish to write your graphics on-the-go are heavy and durable, and easy to clean. Also throw an extra e-tool in the kit so you don't have to hunt for one.

Response by SPC Britt Burton made Feb 23 at 2016 6:41 AM

SPC Britt Burton — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:41:07 -0500

Bungee cords and poncho hooch! Build it low to the ground. In a shrub/bush/tree for camouflage

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 7:49 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 07:49:36 -0500

Gallon sized or next size bigger zip lock bags, if done right you can get a duty uniform (socks, shirt, uniform top and pants) in one of them. Water proof your gear and get a portable shower system by punching holes in the bag when needed.

Response by 1SG Peter Hansen made Feb 23 at 2016 8:16 AM

1SG Peter Hansen — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:16:13 -0500

a flee coller some may think its odd but they work I had 27 years 11b I almost always were one

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 8:20 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:20:27 -0500

Baby wipes, 550 cord, 100mph tape, coffee and hard candies. Not to mention the ever-useful woobie (poncho liner).

Response by 1SG James Boyer made Feb 23 at 2016 8:23 AM

1SG James Boyer — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:23:36 -0500

I always made sure my ruck was loaded the same way every time. At night, I never had a problem finding anything. Use/store clothing in gallon-sized ziploc bags, bring extra 550, motrin, bungee cords, and batteries.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 8:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:26:12 -0500

MSR whisper light, easy to cook food and Instant coffee.

Response by 1SG Robert Schuler made Feb 23 at 2016 9:48 AM

1SG Robert Schuler — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 09:48:11 -0500

Baby wipes, baby wipes, baby wipes. Need I say more?

Response by SGT James Colbert made Feb 23 at 2016 10:05 AM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:05:02 -0500

i have used garlic pills for sleeping in the woods because flying insects dont like the scent that your pores give off. sunflower seeds. 550 cord, 100mph tape, ziploc bags ..Polypros ..wet weather bags .. quited liner for field jackets

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:10:53 -0500

550 cord is a must. I make it into bracelets and stuff to keep it from getting tangled up.

Response by CPL John Prietto made Feb 23 at 2016 10:28 AM

CPL John Prietto — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:28:18 -0500

Never take the last watch. In Vietnam, we would pass around someone's wrist-watch to the soldier who had the next watch. Being young and tired it was tempting to move the long hand forward a few minutes. Heck, whats 10 minutes anyway. Needless to say, the last watch seemed to take forever.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 10:48 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:48:21 -0500

To make life a bit more comfortable, I pack the Jetboil, small compact, and admit it, who doesn't like hot coffee in the field. It is also great for ramen, oatmeal, instant soups, etc. Nothing beats hot water for shave in the morning either.

Response by SPC Nate Reynolds made Feb 23 at 2016 11:11 AM

SPC Nate Reynolds — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:11:12 -0500

10lb bag of venison jerky, body bag (makes a nice waterproof sleeping bag), poncho liner, smoking jacket(field jacket liner), menthol gold bond foot powder (feels minty on the giggle berries which is nice after not showering for over 14 days and cools heat rash), baby wipes, and all the rest of the required packing list.

Response by 1LT Christopher McCole made Feb 23 at 2016 11:17 AM

1LT Christopher McCole — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:17:04 -0500

I would always bring a section of newspaper to the field. If/when your boots get wet, you can crumple it up and put it inside to absorb a lot of the moisture. You can also use the newspaper to help start a fire.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:07 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:07:05 -0500

A pair of tennis shoes inside of NBC overboots. (Thefted this idea from an old green ranger tips book). Not good for rucking but great if you are stationary in a wet/cold place or need some quick footwear for a midnight latrene break. ...don't tell the 1SG

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:19:01 -0500

Take you duffle bag (if they still use them) to a Taylor and have him put a long heavy duty zipper on the side. That way you don't have to dump the whole thing to get what's on the bottom.

Response by SPC Charles Sands made Feb 23 at 2016 12:34 PM

SPC Charles Sands — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:34:17 -0500

Mine was a hammock and poncho liner that way i was off the ground

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 12:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:49:55 -0500

Hands down #1 thing that will forever be packed for the field... MY WOOBIE. Other essentials include, more dip than you need (if you chew a can a day, bring enough for two cans a day. Always account for the moochers), poncho, 550 cord, hatchet, knife and sharpener, plenty of gallon size ziplock bags (don't go cheap here). Good TP. Tons of socks.

Response by MAJ Scott Meehan made Feb 23 at 2016 1:26 PM

MAJ Scott Meehan — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:26:36 -0500

Benzoin tincture. Although it is a compound used for applying to the skin before tape or other adhesive bandages, I painted the bottom of my feet with it to toughen the skin before long road/ruck marches. Always worked, never any blisters. You will have to throw away the socks afterwards though.

Response by COL John Hudson made Feb 23 at 2016 1:56 PM

COL John Hudson — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:56:59 -0500

Take a small can, any can. Ideally, a small empty cracker can is best. Use a beer-can opening 'church key' - with its pointed end. Place that point on the outside of the lid, pushing a triangle-shaped piece "in and up" while working your way around the lip. Result = a line of points standing up completely around the lip of the can (360 degrees)...as few as four points (N,E,S,W) or as many as needed. The space now open underneath each point allows airflow. Fill 50% of the can with dirt. Pour a small amount of flammable liquid (gas, JP8, alcohol, whatever) until the dirt is just saturated - do not overfill. Set it alight = instant field stove. Set your item on top and heat to suit. It's what we did in Vietnam to cook any and all type of field rations whenever access to any other heat source was unavailable. When done, dump the dirt, collect the can for later use or disposal.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Feb 23 at 2016 2:37 PM

LTC Martin Metz — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:37:44 -0500

Try Ranger Rick Tscherne's "The Ranger" Digests I-IX. A lot of the tips, tricks, and ideas still have relevance even though the last digest was written in the late 90s. Many ideas came from contributors who wanted others to benefit from field tested techniques and Army philosophy. You may have to look a bit to dig up the whole series at this point. Rick retired to Italy and is still involved with the ex-pat community there.

Response by SGT David Jackson made Feb 23 at 2016 2:53 PM

SGT David Jackson — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:53:36 -0500

zipties, 550 cord and 100mph tape wrapped around pen, with these items you can repair anything from personal injuries to a vehicle repair til you get mechanical or medical help.

Response by SFC Donald York made Feb 23 at 2016 2:55 PM

SFC Donald York — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:55:12 -0500

Crawling, flying, slithering creatures don't care too much for moth balls. Scatter some around your pup before turning in.

Response by CPT Erik Eriksen made Feb 23 at 2016 3:48 PM

CPT Erik Eriksen — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 15:48:57 -0500

Probably the most unusual field craft tactic, and one that nobody ever believes until they try it, I learned during the Long Range Reconnaissance Course at Fort Bragg. They drew information from the B52 Project, which consolidated best field craft practices from Viet Nam.
One of the major pains in the neck in the field is insects...especially tics and chiggers. If you take the Army matches (that we used to get in our C-rations) and eat the heads (sulfur) off of three of them every day, starting with 3 days before you go to the field, and every day you are in the field, you will never be bothered by tics and chiggers. In fact, most insects will leave you alone. The reason...match heads contain sulfur, which the human body does not use, and we exude it out through the pores of our skin. Three match heads a day won't hurt us and will not create an odor we can smell, but it can absolutely be a turn off to tics and chiggers. Try it, you'll be surprised.

Response by CPT Erik Eriksen made Feb 23 at 2016 4:11 PM

CPT Erik Eriksen — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:11:12 -0500

When I was leading my first ODA (SF A-team) in 10th Group, we spent a lot of time in the field in northern alpine environments. We were constantly crossing streams and getting our boots and feet wet. This is especially uncomfortable during cold weather or winter exercises. I had all my guys get flats (running shoes used for sprints) and we used these to cross streams. They pack up small and dry fast. Nowadays there are swim shoes that would work even better.

We also used them when crossing dirt roads during E&E exercises. The best example was at Fort Bragg when a battalion of the 82nd was trying to find 6 A-teams. They could see our tracks on the road, but they looked like a bunch of people out running. The 82nd found the other five A-teams, but not ours.

Response by CPT Erik Eriksen made Feb 23 at 2016 4:19 PM

CPT Erik Eriksen — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:19:04 -0500

The Thermarest self-inflating air mattress is one of the best inventions ever. It keeps you warm in cold weather environments by protecting you from the cold ground or snow and by reflecting your body heat back up to you. It also adds buoyancy to your poncho raft when you have to cross a lake. It rolls up small, packs easy, takes no time to inflate/deflate, and weighs very little. (Note: Thermarest was from the late 70's and early 80's, so there are probably better items out there now.)

Response by 1SG Chuck B made Feb 23 at 2016 4:26 PM

1SG Chuck B — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:26:24 -0500

It really depends on your ability and capacity to haul. Cookies, Snack Pak, and coffee creamer were a real kick for us. You can turn them into an awesome cheese cake which won't degrade over time. We used cheese cake as a reward during the end of a mission, birthdays, and other events while deployed. We had an engineer/our 1SG who brought 2x4's, plywood, wood screws, duct tape, and cordless tools we used to improvise hasty structures. Solid, secure, and mobile. We never went to the dessert without 2 gal pump sprayers, the kind you use in a garden. You can use it in several ways but we used to spray each other's backs to cool down after a road march in 110+ degree heat. It also works as a hasty field shower if you don't have one set up in base camp. We never did.

Response by MAJ Bill Darling made Feb 23 at 2016 4:33 PM

MAJ Bill Darling — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:33:58 -0500

Should have listened to the medics while in ROTC who said to wear women's nylon socks under my boot socks. Finally tried it ten years later with polypro socks and never had an issue with blisters again.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 23 at 2016 5:35 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 17:35:53 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner My field gear was minimal. Mt M-1A helmet, an M-60LMG (26.5lbs) 50 rounds in the gun and 400 res on my shoulder, an M-1911 in a odd ball holster configuration, 4 M-26A1 Fragmentation grenades in Flack Jacket pockets, a Poncho liner back at the ACAV and that was about it, oh yea a battle dressing clipped to my Flack Jacket, it came in handy more then the last time I used it. All the rest of the web gear and other stuff, including socks, any clothing etc. were left on our track or in the sorry excuse we call with affection Blackhorse Base. If I had it it and didn't need it, it was back in base camp. We traveled light and every time we dismounted we expected contact and to often our expectations were meet. Note most of the time after contact I had to change out the M-60 barrel, another guy in the squad also carried 400 rounds of 7.62 linked and stayed as clause as he dared to me. Our meals, not of choice were C-Rations, each track strapped on a half dozen or more cases. I was not unusual for a Calvary Platoon to be on its own for 5-7 day with refueling and ammo resupply being our only contact with the rest of the Troop. The first C Rats we got were dated 1951, it was 1966.

Response by SSG Roger Goodmon made Feb 23 at 2016 6:08 PM

SSG Roger Goodmon — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:08:06 -0500

I packed a hammock instead of a shelter half. Less weight and slept much more comfortable. Rigged a "roof" out of my poncho in inclement weather.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 6:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:08:23 -0500

Don't let them all fool you--an air mattress with a battery-powered pump. Hands down. If you're in an area where noise discipline is a concern, don't use it. If not, you will sleep so much better than anyone else. All of your buddies will call you a POG... but that's only because they're jealous.

Response by SSG Roger Goodmon made Feb 23 at 2016 6:09 PM

SSG Roger Goodmon — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:09:51 -0500

I packed a hammock (from the US Cavalry magazine) instead of a shelter half. Less weight and sleeps much more comfortable. Rigged my poncho as a "roof" with 550 cord for inclement weather.

Response by COL John Hudson made Feb 23 at 2016 6:21 PM

COL John Hudson — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:21:04 -0500

My personal 'top of the list' item on how to avoid insect-filled adventures? Don't go! Also, if ever confronted by a mugger, my first line of defense is my hands and feet (strong hand-to-hand posture here)...running away while throwing my watch and wallet behind me!! NOT! (LOL).

But here's a tip. You can purchase camping fuel tabs at any place that sells camping supplies that are smokeless, odorless, and difficult to see at night (they have a slight, light blue flame). While sitting, dig a small hole in the ground between your legs, put one or two tabs in and light. You now have a wonderful heat source that will very quickly boil up a metal canteen cup for hot water, coffee or chocolate. Did I mention I've done that sitting in a row with soldiers immediately both in front and behind me and neither one knew I had done that until I offered them a hit on my hot drink (made of course, with instant coffee, sugar, and creamer packets - don't leave home with them!). Enjoy!

Insects? Rule #1: Avoid "ODORANTS." No strong soap, underarm deodorant, after-shave, cologne, perfume, etc. NADA! Any of these and any other you can think of will INSTANTLY mark you as a meal to any insect around.

Rule #2: Buy any brand-name product that contains DEET or Picaridin in the ingredient list. These are the 100% tested and confirmed insect repellents on the market and they WORK! Available in roll-on, spray, or liquid.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 23 at 2016 7:04 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 19:04:20 -0500

Baby wipes, no more P-38 but a sharp knife to open MRE's, weapons cleaning kit, Leatherman knife or similar knife, a good book, flashlight and batteries and TP.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 7:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 19:40:19 -0500

I always bring large zip lock bags and pack socks tshirts under wears in them and have extra socks so when you get caught in the rain you can always change them out. And never forget those baby wipes those things make all the diffrence. And if you smoke or dip 2 logs or sleeves for every week your going to be out their so you have enough for yourself and the free loaders if you share.

Response by PVT Richard Dale made Feb 23 at 2016 8:34 PM

PVT Richard Dale — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 20:34:50 -0500

Scho-Ka-Kola. Got a taste for that stuff in Germany, and got addicted. Used to buy it by the case and hand them out when I needed a favor. German caffeinated chocolate, only thing that sucked was it melted in warmer weather, but even then other than a slight color change it still tasted good.

Response by SSG Derek Varchulik made Feb 23 at 2016 9:56 PM

SSG Derek Varchulik — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:56:41 -0500

Lil Esbit stove & Stanley 20oz lil metal cup/pot (can be bought at walmart $20)... good for making coffee (which I put in empty pill containers) ramen noodles, soups pork beans, dehydrated food etc,, the fuel tabs last about 8 minutes I add lil twigs to make hotter faster. and it does not take up much room either the esbit stove is small and can hold 4 feul tabs.... inside the Stanley Metal cup are 2 more lil thick plastic cups, and there is room left for a lil metal crkt spork & p58 can opener plus room for more fuel tabs!!
oh put some foil folded up in bottom of esbit stove so if it is windy ya can make a wind screen help keep flames on cup and last longer

Response by SFC Aliye Espinosa made Feb 23 at 2016 10:11 PM

SFC Aliye Espinosa — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:11:48 -0500

For cold weather there is nothing warmer than your pt jacket under your uniform (non visible) will work better than a northface jacket and also your pt shoes inside your wet weather boots, warm feet always

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2016 11:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 23:30:37 -0500

I pack all my snivel gear. pack things to read. my poncho liner always goes. small bag with extra cleaning supplies in case I lose stuff or get separated from my duffle. includes tooth brush soap,towelettes. toothpast deodorant small bottle shampoo. etc. extra sandwich or larger size zip lock.extra pens pencils small notebooks. small snack back (ziplock with things like trail mix )peanut butter crackers. small flashlight extra batteries. one of those knife tools with plier appliance. gloves.instant coffee. gum

Response by SGT Chrystal Swope made Feb 23 at 2016 11:41 PM

SGT Chrystal Swope — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 23:41:38 -0500

I carried a bottle of mustard in my ruck. Made the MREs taste better.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Feb 24 at 2016 2:34 AM

SGT Robert Cupp — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:34:59 -0500

We were in the field and it was raining. My turn to sleep so I took my waterproof bag and put it over my head to keep the Rain off of my face so I can get some sleep.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 8:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:49:30 -0500

I built a Solar power Generator. 2 Solar panels 2 12V Deep cycle marine batteries, a 10 amp solar power controller and a 1400 Watt DC to AC power converter. Kept my entire sections personal electronics powered the entire time we where in the field!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 25 at 2016 5:58 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 05:58:39 -0500

In cold weather used a candle in a can to take off some of the chill in shelter half ( made sure I had 2, for a complete shelter) and took along some pogy bait for extra energy.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 11:02 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:02:21 -0500

Double or triple wrap everything. Put my clothes in the weather proof bag, and that inside a garbage bag. Sleeping bag inside a garbage bag, and line my ruck with one. Don't like wet gear.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 26 at 2016 1:57 PM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 13:57:19 -0500

The best and most important was the woobie. Best thing ever. I still have and use mine while camping to this day.

It may sound odd, but I would also always bring a paperback book or two. It may be a little bit of extra weight, but they always got used. During longer field problems, the paperbacks would get read a couple of times by everyone in the section. Typically, they would be falling apart by the end of the FTX.

Response by SPC Xax Berry made Feb 28 at 2016 3:01 AM

SPC Xax Berry — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 03:01:31 -0500

It really all depends on the environment you're in or going to. A few of my "must haves" are a power strip, the old old brown wool sweater (the wool one and not the nylon one), and my own small med kit.
There is nothing like getting in the hooch to see that every outlet in the place is taken. Bring your own power strip and you have at least one outlet for you. Your outlet, your rules.
The old brown wool sweater is the best piece of snivel gear ever. Because it's wool it still insulates you if you're wet. It's soft enough to stuff into a sleeve and maekshift a pillow. It's a great cot liner too.
My med kit is not the save your life, patch you up from bleeding to death med kit. I'm talking creature comfort here. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Zyrtec, nasal decongestant spray (the stuff from the dollar store is the best I've found), Chapstick, Tums, hand sanitizer, and a few bandaids because no medic ever has this stuff. It all fits in a ziploc sandwich bag.

Response by 1SG Peter Hansen made Mar 10 at 2016 8:29 PM

1SG Peter Hansen — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 20:29:41 -0500

light infantry how can the military use that term in good faith the average grunt carries so much useless shit when I was a kid watching army movies it looked pretty easy

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 11 at 2016 5:38 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 17:38:58 -0500

Before they issued the current gen of ECWS layer 1 gear, I would wear the long lycra running tights under my trousers. Didn't add too much heat during the day, but helped to insulate at night.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2016 3:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 15:30:08 -0400

My personal favorite additional packing items:
1. Solar charging panel
2. Woobie
3. 550 cord rope/donut
4. "Snake" knife (usually my 6" Gerber or Kabar)
5. Jolly Ranchers (keeps up the sugar levels that some MRE's just don't provide)
6. Instant coffee
7. Hand warmers (in the cold season)
8. Gatorades and Red Bull.
This is all in addition to the usual layout. Spare uniforms, e-tool, wet-weather gear, socks, boots, sleep system, etc.

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Jul 26 at 2017 1:49 AM

CPL Ralph Moschler — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 01:49:48 -0400

We were tuning a ambush , training , I so hyed that I sound like a bull walking though the woods

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2018 2:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 14:08:54 -0400

I take my wet weather poncho if it isn't raining, and my heavy sleep system, wrap them together and then put it over my ruck. Pretty comfy pillow

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 9:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:44:41 -0400

A hole in the ground, cool, airy, and a good well protected place to fight.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 3 at 2018 10:03 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 22:03:37 -0400

Probably all very dated now ,but a few from the old days PRC 25 battery bags kept cigarettes and mail dry,commo wire for poncho hooches,peanut butter from C rats mixed with a touch of bug juice makes a smoky substitute for heat tabs,the wire from the C ration boxes could be used in a pinch for a rifle cleaning rod,gas mask carrier handy pouch for M 60 ammo.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 10:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 22:24:00 -0400

Dummy-cord stuff so you don't lose it/leave it behind at 0200 in the woods. Buy a field jacket liner (if they still exist; failing that a sweater) and take it to the tailor shop to get it re-seamed and velcro-ed so you can put it on when you halt and take it off when you start moving again. (Further to that point, in cold weather, don't stop if don't have to, unless you have a really intense fondness for charlie-horses.) Open up your MREs and distribute the contents where you can get to it more easily (without having to get into your ruck.) Specific to release-road marches or any activity in which you anticipate running with your rucksack for a good distance: Put overlapping strips of hundred-mph tape across your lower back where the kidney pad rubs to avoid developing a gigantic sore that will otherwise greatly distress you when you find your t-shirt stuck to it.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Oct 3 at 2018 11:01 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 23:01:06 -0400

Eat matchstick heads to repel ticks
550 cord
100 mph tape
Poncho liner
Coffee grounds
Socks...take care of the dogs
Alcohol pens for waterproof writing on laminated maps
Promask as pillow

Throw away the field jacket. Useless.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2020 10:55 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:55:47 -0400

propane/fuel squad stove, grounds, tabasco, poncho/liner, kabar, compass, wpn and dry ammo, d rings and para cord depending on environment, whatever you can fit in ass pack above wpn and clothes on back, seeds, nuts or jerky, trail mix

Response by SFC Jaysin Smith made Sep 6 at 2021 7:23 PM

SFC Jaysin Smith — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:23:32 -0400

Aside from the commons (baby wipes, TP, etc.) I always take a Sawyer filter 100k gallon filter. It's small light weight and you can essentially draw from a sewer and drink the water (not that I have or want to.) I fill plastic pills with magnesium powder and carry a light. But I keep a striker and flint on my boot laces. My boots are laced with 550 cord that has a line of kevlar string, waxed jute line, fishing line and the 7 strands inside of it. One of the laces is topped with a hidden hand cuff key. I also keep a similar bracelet with a hidden cuff key in the buckle and a flex cuff cutter hidden under ranger bands. On my dog tags I kept a survival tag that had an arrow/spear head and fishing hooks. I always had a survival card hidden in my plate carrier. It has all the essentials I need in case I'm in a real "oh shit" situation. Pancho liner of course is a must and a wrist rocket sling shot. Small game will keep you alive. In combat and camping I've carried the Gerber LMF II knife. It has so many uses and it's great at digging a Dakota hole (if you don't know look it up it's a life saver/changer) compressed towel and wash cloth tablets, rinse free shampoo is great for not smelling like a 5 day old ballbag with extra fromunda cheese. I also have a patch that has a hidden pouch under it. I keep 4 small metal tubes and 6 rounds of 22LR with 5 penny nails (toe poppers) for security if I find myself separated and being pursued. Just remember where u put them you don't wanna pop your own toes. Finally, I carry a solar power bank. So I can charge the batteries for my equipment. CR123A comes in a rechargeable version and all you need is a USB micro to keep it going. Of course extra CR123A batteries for change outs.