Equipment List Standards
What is in your loadout
Last week during a livestream with
, one of the guys watching made a comment concerning standards for equipment lists. Essentially asking what everyone should have from a “Minuteman” perspective. Obviously this is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables (oh, and of course METT-TC and all that)…So, the questions then is what is a standardized gear list for a guy looking to put kit together. So I dug back through some of my old writings and lists and found this list that I had put together to help guide me in putting kit together. This list does not insinuate that you need all of it or that you need to pack all of it. But is is a list to start with and to pull items from based on your given needs for any situation that you may be packing for.
*Rifle
-AR or AK would be the norm but any 5.56 or 7.62 semi auto would be of benefit to any group!
-7 magazines for a total of 210 rounds
*Sidearm
-3 magazines (personal preference for what you carry)
*Extra Ammo
*Weapons mounted light for rifle
*Firearm cleaning kit
*Fixed blade fighting knife
*Folding knife/Multitool
*Tomahawk/Hatchet
-I wouldn’t dismiss the utility of this item, whether as a weapon or tool for creating a shelter or even a creative trap/diversion for the enemy...
*Shovel/Entrenching Tool
-Once again, the utility for creating a fighting position, digging a dakota fire trench, and digging a cat hole...
*Armor
-If you plan on getting into a gunfight then I think armor is a consideration, I will include a helmet… Head protection can be anything from ballistic protection to a bump helmet, protecting your thinking tool may be one of the most important things you do!
*Battle Belt
-1st line layer with sidearm, mag pouches for both sidearm and rifle, knife, IFAK, flashlight/headlamp, compass, map, water, fire stick, etc….
*Chest Rig/Plate Carrier/LBE/Load Bearing Vest…
-2nd line layer with armor, additional mag pouches, comms, water, minimum sustainment items...
*Day Pack/Sling Bag/Hydration Pack
-There are styles that will attach directly to LBE’s and Chest Rigs or Plate Carriers)
*Patrol Pack (30-60+ Liters)
-3rd line layer (This would be for extended operations… Worn in place of the hydration carrier or day pack. Room enough for group gear, personal gear, spare ammo, bedroll, stove, rations, water, etc...)
-This pack would vary in size for your use… Most packs in this category will have hydration sleeves built in, compression straps for snugging it down if it isn’t filled to capacity, removeable internal frames, MOLLE straps, plus extra compartments for organization… Military surplus is great (Hello Alice), plus some private companies specialize in operator style packs such as Eberlestock, Karfu, Hill People, Tactical Tailor, Mystery Ranch, Arcteryx, etc...plus there are many “tactical” styles on the market (Condor, Rothco,, etc..) that will definitely suit these needs!
*Communications Equipment
-Multi-band, 2-way radios would be the norm, Baofeng (most popular), Motorola, etc...
*10 Essentials
-1st aid, knife/paracord, map/compass, fire starting equip, water, food, shelter, warm clothes, rain gear, flashlight/headlamp…*(A Minuteman should never be without these 10 items)*
*First Aid (IFAK)
-Tourniquet, clotting sponges, Israeli Bandages, triangular bandage, SAM splint, eye bandages, burn pads, nitrile gloves, tape, saline syringes, antibiotic ointment, blister care/moleskin, aspirin, booboo band aids, suture kit, antihistamine, trauma shears, sharpie, wet wipes, alcohol prep wipes, etc...
*Stove and Fuel
-Small canister fuel option like the Jet Boil series or MSR pocket rocket are quick, quiet, and efficient! Multi fuel options are great for heavy use, 3rd world locations, and extreme cold climates. They will burn everything from white gas to both unleaded and diesel fuel, kerosene and even jet fuel! Options like the MSR XGK are workhorses, just heavy and bulky… Or small emergency stoves like the Esbit and solo stoves that use fuel tablets or natural combustibles are a great lightweight, simple option! Remember, we are not cooking gourmet meals, simply boiling water (maybe even melting snow) for a dehydrated meal or quick coffee and tea!
*Water/Water Treatment
-This is obviously your life source, 3 liters per day per person is a good rule of thumb...Hydration bladders, collapsible water bottles, Nalgene or Klean Kanteens, take your pick! No excuse not to have water….
-Filters like the Sawyer mini, Lifestraw, or pump style like the Katadyn Hiker or treatment options such as iodine or chlorine tablets
*Shelter
-From a basic survival tarp, Bivy sack, space blanket to a hammock to a traditional tent, this choice will vary on season, area, and mission… Keep in mind, you’re not out to set up a cozy camp and tell ghost stories… Quick setup, quick takedown, low profile and low visibility should certainly be taken into consideration!
*Sleeping Bag/Pad
-Poncho liner, Snug sack, fleece/wool blanket, LW sleeping bag, etc… Closed cell foam pad, lg enough to go from you hips to your shoulders. Depends on the season, AO, and mission…
*Food
-Energy bars, GORP (trail mix), nuts, jerky, SPAM, MRE’s, dehydrated meals, etc… Easy to eat on the go items… Avg of 2,000 calories a day is the norm so set yourself up for being able to sustain yourself…
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
*Gear repair kit
*Personal hygiene kit
-TP, Wet wipes, sanitizer, sm pack towel, foot powder, bug repellant, sunscreen, etc…
*Chem sticks
*Flares/Strobes
*Solar Charger
*GPS
*Burner Phone
*Optics
-I would include Binoculars, Monoculars, NVG’s, Therms, etc in this category.
*Protective Eyewear
*Camo Netting
-For hideaways, sniper veils, encampments, etc…
*Climbing Rope, Webbing, Carabiners
-(100’ rope & 25’ of webbing for a Swiss Seat and assault line)
*Notebook/Pencil/Sharpie
-Taking notes while on patrol, sketching enemy camps, details of movements, etc.
CLOTHING
(This is a full overview of clothing and layers and what the “Minuteman” chooses would be based on the season, AO, and mission requisites)
*Underwear (quick dry)
*Long Underwear (Polypro or Merino Wool)
*Pants (This will obviously vary, depending on climate and season)
*Short Sleeve Shirt
*Long Sleeve Shirt
*Insulating layers (such as power stretch fleece tops and bottoms, LW synthetic filled pullovers or jacket, Down jackets/parkas for extreme cold climates/conditions)
*Outerwear (Waterproof/Breathable shell jacket and pants, Softshell technology is huge today and is almost 100% WP and a lot more breathable than Gore-Tex, plus the fabric is much quieter)
*Socks (Synthetic or wool with optional liners to help with blisters and foot rot)
-I’m a huge supporter of the 3 pairs of sock rule, 1 on your feet, one pair that you just had on, and one pair to change into and you rotate!
*Gloves (Working gloves (tactical shooting gloves) that you can manipulate all your gear with are a huge bonus, plus lightweight liners, and warmer gloves/mittens (they make mitts with trigger fingers) for colder conditions)
*Headwear (Wide brimmed Boonie hat, billed cap, Stocking cap or watch cap, and a lightweight balaclava) (helmet is listed above with the gear)
*Footwear (Proper fitting boots are of the utmost importance, choose something with ankle protection but are relatively lightweight! Arch support is a must, remember, your feet are supporting not just your body weight but now an additional 30-50 plus lbs…
Much like an e tool....i dig it. :)
I appreciate the detailed list. Lot of good info in here. I am definitely saving this to look back onto, & will start planning items I need to acquire from highest to lowest priority.