Fieldcraft Quick rant /tips about gear prep

[Guest]

We all know the Murphy's Law stuff and the "rather have it and not need it......" philosophies on choosing gear, kit, clothing etc. Here are some insights I have compiled over the years:

- When prepping for an assignment/detail/op/deployment/scenario you have not experienced, try to gather as much info as you can. Try to get a list of absolute "must haves" from guys that have been there and done that a few times.

- No matter how carefully you plan, and think everything out and consider the above, you're going to make mistakes in your choices of gear/kit/clothing. Learn from it and make your (hopefully minor) adjustments for next time.

- Be sure that you are equipped to handle the worst (reasonable) scenario.

- Carry items will make you more effective/efficient in completing your objective, but don't carry so much that your effectiveness is hindered.

- When it comes to clothing, cold and/or temperature variation: layering, Layering, LAYERING!!!!!

- Figure out what concepts work for you. And just as important, know what alternatives you have if those primary concepts are not available/possible. Know what will NOT work for you.

- Don't carry/wear anything that hasn't been trained with or field tested.

- There are few (if any) secrets when it comes to this stuff. For every ultra-modern, high-tech piece of gear, there is always a simpler, more affordable alternative that is equally effective. Keep it simple. Keep it effective.


I know this is all logical/common sense stuff everyone should know......but they don't. Now it's out there for posterity.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Quick rant /tips about gear prep

Very good points, especially on staying simple and effective.

I would take notes in my log book of certain gear needs or modifications I would come across in the field, as there were a few times I kicked myself for not replacing/fixing/acquiring certain items in the field. The memory fades sometimes, especially when exhaustion sets in.

I also got to a point of overload on my ruck for a while, carrying a lot of "just in case" type crap that would never get pulled out. Every now and then I would go through my kit and evaluate items I hadn't used in the last year trying to think of any scenario I may need them. They usually got removed and I never missed them.

I also used to have too many redundancy type items, just in case one failed. I came to the conclusion that if one failed or if I expected it to fail, then I should have had better kit in the first place requiring an upgrade. One quality piece of equipment is always better than two mediocre pieces.

 

[308garand]

Re: Quick rant /tips about gear prep

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One quality piece of equipment is always better than two mediocre pieces. </div></div>

+1

 

[jaym_100]

Re: Quick rant /tips about gear prep

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308garand</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

One quality piece of equipment is always better than two mediocre pieces. </div></div>

I have learned that lesson several times. Not in any real world situation but hunting and what not. That is why I bought the eberstock pack and not something cheap.