Hoplite- said:
Unless you are currently on pre deployment training, and know what kit is being issued do not buy anything now, for a future deployment - something you buy may be issued or not approved, etc. Seeing as you are a OCdt(according to your profile), I wouldn't recommend you buying anything until you are at least trades qualified, and have done a few exercises. Figure out what issue kit works/doesn't and you will have a good idea of what you need to replace/augment the issue kit.
As well, most items will be personal preference, such as boots, brand names for kit, etc. Plus, what worked in one AO, may not work in another such as SWAT boots were good in the terrain typically covered by Canadians in Kandahar, but may suck in a future deployment that's AO is in the mountains.
-A good gps watch
Personally, I don't use a GPS watch. I like having a regular watch(Casio G-Shock) and a separate GPS(Garmin Foretrex 401). Plus, there is the DAGR that is issued.
-LED maglite mini
I prefer a Surefire with a red filter attachment, plus a Petzl head lamp.
-Protective Goggles (Ex. Smith OTW)
Goggles would probably be issued, like they were for Afghanistan(they were for my roto at least).
-Swat style boots
I like/use SWATs(in addition to my Rocky S2Vs), but depending on the terrain/weather I may choose to go with something else.
-Blackhawk Canteen
On tour, I just used the issue Camelbak, and 500ml water bottles that were dropped off on resupps to the COP. I also have some Nalgene water bottles, in addition to the issue Camelbak and 2qt canteen. My 1qt stays buried in a kitbag.
-Tacvest attachable Hydration pack
I'd wait out, as future rigs issued for tour may include this. For use with the current tac vest in Canada, if you want go for it, just don't wear a ruck over it(with bladder inside hydro pack). I prefer to carry my Camelbak bladder in my pack, and just have a canteen/nalgene in my tac vest.
-Water purification kit
If required, you would get it from your CQ/SQ(I assume).
-Medium-sized folding knife (Gerber)
I just use the issue multitool, works fine for me.
-Helmet liner
What kind of liner? Like the old PASGT style foam liner/donut? Never used it/never had the urge to buy one either. If you are talking about helmet pads, might want to make sure your CoC is ok with it, AFAIK they are verboten as they supposedly don't work well with our helmet(our helmet requires stand off between the helmet and your skull).
Thanks for the quick replies.
Some of the mentioned items I already had or bought before joining the forces for hiking and what not. I included them in the list simply to understand if taking them with me would a be advisable or not.
Here are the items I already have and my take on them:
-Blackhawk Canteen (Cost $15) - Made by Nalgene, does not retain taste when used with juice, energy drinks. The standard gas mask cap fitting fits on it perfect. Was able to get one at no cost. Fits great in the side pocket of my MEC 80L expedition pack.
-LED maglite mini (cost $30) - has 4 light functions (bright, low, flashing, SOS), the filter kits fits on it (red, blue). Had the Xenon one before, this one is much brighter and battery lasts longer.
-Protective Goggles (Ex. Smith OTW) ($40) - Found them on sale when shopping for ski goggles, bought them for backcountry, work better than my ski goggles for anitscratch and hitting branches.
-Delta Stormproof lighter ($50) - Always worked all the time while camping hiking, kick *** lighter. only pain is refilling it with butane quadruple refined lighter fluid.
-Medium-sized folding knife (Gerber Swagger) ($14)- I've had two of these, the tip of the blade is easy to break off, probably shouldn't of been using it the way I was. Great little knife.
-Swiss Army Knife - Fireman ($40) - Bought this 10 years ago. Started rusting a little this year, MEC replaced at no cost to me. Great knife, downside is no pliers.
-Fleece helmet liner ($8) Canex - Just a liner that goes under the helmet when in the cold doing ruck march. So far so good, keeps my ears warm.
Would you bring any of these with you?
You all seem to agree on the watch, therefore what watch would you recommend (Timex expedition, Casio pro trek...)?
Lastly, what headlamp works well with the issued helmet/headwear?