How about we start a thread on TOP-OF-THE-RANGE (ie probably eye wateringly expensive ) jackets, trousers, gloves, boots,

Am thinking more like non-issue but could include issue gear in high demand.
The thread should bear in mind that having the expensive fancy kit doesn't mean you are any better at your job remember : 'kits queens with all the gear and no idea'
Alot of new recruits etc mustn't be made to feel their issue kit is inferior. You know how impressionable they can be!
It just might be useful to discuss the rare, high spec kit that is available out there. Both crazy and practical.
After all, alot of decent military kit has followed commercial designs such as Berghaus, Lowa etc.

Currently it seems the items creating alot of excitement are:

ARCTERYX jackets and trousers
Anything Multican/PECOC etc especially the trousers some special forces operators are wearing (with optional, insertable knee pads!!)
MOLLE and fancy bespoke PLCE designs for load-bearing
Jack Pyke type camo/Ghillie stuff for hunters (and in the field?)

etc



What is genuinely worth forking out good money for?
What is worth seeking out and looking for best prices.

Last edited by Mr_Deputy on Fri Feb 19, 2010 10:06 am; edited 3 times in total

Surely Boots must be the 1st thing sprogs buy and find out that they will never last as long as issue kit, still expensive lessons must be learnt by themselves.
Especially if you have set of feet in size 13 like me, still my coc k is massive so swing's and roundabouts eh!

I'm partly tring stop a slightly odd debate on trousers in the ally thread! A thread like that should be the preserve of photos of the brave (or not)

does it have to be expensive? Not all ally gear is exspensive, just make it an ally clothing/gear thread?? Folk can post up pictures and give either a review or an opinion about it? Unless its been done all ready? I'll shut up if it has!

no that's true it could even be stolen/borrowed.
Actually a kind of 'field trial' idea was suggested on one of the 'backpack/daysack/motherload' threads I think. Possibly by the RVOps bloke.

We need a Jeremy Clarkson type who can say things like : "what I REALLY admire about the Karrimor Sabre is that even under the worst conditions and even under fire....It can do THIS...and have pictures of a 5 course, silver service meal and a 5 star hotel coming out of it."

£140 sniffs (or $89 on US website, google AKU Bosco boots)

AKU NS 564

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Berghaus munro

One of the guys at my unit has one that he bought in 95 and has took with him everywhere and its bomb proof. Bought one myself and its superb

A timeless classic! I liberated one for myself when I was in the ACF back in about 1997/ 1998, and it is still going strong.

Think I bought mine in 85.
Side pouches were extra.
Served me well and still is!

I wear arcteryx gear as my uniform at work, its good but very expensive compared to other stuff which is just as good.

I am really liking the look of these boots, not sure but im told they might be Magnums?? If I could find 'em Id buy 'em!!

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not against fu(king squirrels they're not - little rodent (C)unts..

mega boots but not readily available in the uk! but worth the wait from the usa

Any thing made by theses Crye

They are a 'summer' season boot suited for desert type terrain. I'm not sure they are even waterproof. Web site reviews claim the grip is not good in wet/slippery conditions. But great for their intended purpose by looks of it. US Special Forces use this company's boot for certain operations.

Custom made webbing from this bloke Mr Creaky

Just remembered another bit of awesome kit I got my hands on some time ago- an NZDF bivvi bag. One of my old mates did a trip over to work with the Kiwis, and when he got out a few years ago I got this off him.
No pics I'm afraid, as it has been 'liberated' from me...

It is virtually identical temperate DPM to the current UK pattern, but instead of an open top it has a zipped triangle section with a built in roll away mozzie net, once it is all together can be pegged in to make a tasty little shelter!

I've been searching the internet for ages trying to get another, but I've not seen one anywhere.

How about these badboys.

How about this

crye body armor

looks nearly as good or well made as osprey !!!!!

What about some decent trousers?