Patrolling packing List:
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This packing list is intended for Infantrymen and responsible prepared citizens. This is everything I would take with me on a few day patrol; mission dependent / METT-TC dependent.
Rifle w/ sling, and sighting system. If you’re a grunt, you’re using whichever is issued to you. For responsible prepared citizens, I recommend an LPVO with a secondary RDS.
Weapon Mounted Light - I recommend going SureFire or Modlite. Always favor candela over lumens.
210 rounds .223/5.56 - 7 Magazines
Ballistic helmet
Plate Carrier with ballistic plates / Chest rig - Grunts will have to use a plate carrier. Prepared civilians may use either or. You can run a slick carrier and place a chest rig ontop of it if you’d like.
IFAK (loaners available, but you should get one and know how to use it. Training is coming soon)
Hearing Protection (Best, good, ok) 3M w/ downlead if you run in ear comms. Do not cheap out on eye and ear protection. They are the two items you will use the most and they protect things you can’t get back. Invest accordingly.
2x Ballistic eye protection (Best, good) If you run dark lenses, I would recommend having two pair. One clear, and one dark. It’s never fun to have to pault during sundown and messing with changing lenses. Have two pair.
2x Tactical Gloves – Always good to have an extra pair stowed somewhere dry. (Best tactical gloves you’ll ever own: PIG Delta)
Outdoor long sleeve (Uniform, combat top, sun shirt etc.) One you’ll wear, one as a back up.
Pants (outdoor, uniform etc.) One you’ll wear, one as a back up.
2x Headlamp w/ red lens setting & spare batteries
Battery bank w/ charging cord
2x Boots, hiking/tactical etc. (recommended over the ankle and NOT gortex) One you’ll wear, one as a back up.
Backpack (Ok option, good option, great option, best option) You can always use a civilian backpacking pack and camo it with OHC Scrim
Warming Layers (beanie, tops/bottoms, silks/thermal recommended)
Sleep System - bag, bivy, inflatable pillow
Rain Gear (rain jacket/pants)
3x Pairs Hiking Socks (merino wool recommended)
6L Water (recommended CamelBak w/ Canteen/Nalgene) Have some way to carry at least 1L on your body.
Note taking material, waterproof - there is only one standard here, and it’s Rite In the Rain.
Nonperishable Food For Two Full Days (MREs will be available for purchase) I’d recommend high carb/protein snacks such as Honey Stingers, Chomps and protein bars.
Weapons Cleaning Kit – A small bottle of CLP and an old rag will go a long way.
Hygiene Kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, etc.)
First Aid Kit - I like to compile what I know I need into a BFG Boo Boo Pouch
Lead Off Wipes - Don’t eat without sanitizing and decontaminating your hands.
2x Hand Sanitizer - Bacteria and poor field sanitation practices will get you in trouble before almost anything else in the field. Always good to have one in your first line kit and one in your ruck.
Sunscreen – Natural, Higher SPF
Bug Spray without DEET - DEET will melt nylon pieces of equipment and degrade body armor.
OPTIONAL:
Night Vision
DAKA Pouches are great for extra ammo storage or admin gear.
Sewing Kit - Useful for repairing gear in the field.
Field Watch – (Recommended – Good) Best practice is to immediately sync time with your whole team. UTC may work best to coordinate those in different locations.
Compass (USGI / Civilian) The USGI compass is built to last but very heavy.
Radio - Won’t go down the rabbit hole here… yet. Here are a few great options: Yaesu VX-6R , BTECH UV-PRO IP67 - If you want a cheap radio to get on the air: BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO General rule of thumb for comms, use the lowest power you can, ensure everyone on your team is either running analog or digital radios.
Chem Lights - If you’re going to use chem lights, ensure your team has an SOP in place for the different colors.
Pocket Knife (Best – Good) You do not need a super robust Rambo knife. Sorry to burst your bubble. If you want a fixed blade, Montana Knife Company makes outstanding knifes.
Laser Range Finder - A LRF is a very useful piece of equipment to gain situation awareness of the are you are operating in.
Gun Belt - You can find a full gun belt set up HERE
Camo Veil - A useful piece of equipment to conceal yourself or other items from the ground and the air.
Tape - A million and one uses for this. Don’t get caught lackin. A little wrapped around a Bic Lighter in a Exotac Sleeve and old credit card will go a long way.
Trash Bags (To waterproof backpack) Alternatively, you could use two USGI Wet Weather bags. One for your sleeping bag, one for your clothing. I’d recommend separating the two.
Microfiber Towel (I recommend the 20” x 40”)
SEA to Summit bug head net - great to sleep in as well.
550 Cord - I’d pack about 25ft neatly in your pack.
Neck Gaiter - For sun, cold, dust, etc.
Electrolytes (single use packets, no sugar, caffeinated if preferred) The reason you don’t want sugar is it will mold a most containers. Having a smaller mixing bottle in your pack is a good idea. Wash it out with clean water after every use and inspect for mold.
Creatine Packets - 25 grams of creatine has been proven to reduce the affects of sleep depravation.