Jay's Winter Patrol Kit

What does Jay carry in the winter...

As winter rolls into the Ohio Lands with a full head of steam, I thought it may be a good idea to lay out what my 24 hour patrol kit for the colder weather looks like.

Jay out on a recon ahead of an upcoming exercise

Chest Rig:

• Rifle mags x6

• Radio w/PTT, Mic, and Ear Bud

• Field Knife

• Pilots Flask (water)

• Smoke x2

• Multitool

• Booboo Kit

• TQ

• Face Camo

• Headlamp

• Buzz Saw

• Chem Lights

• Map/Compass

• Mini Fire Kit

• Signal Panel

• Water Tabs

• Tape

Fanny Pack:

• IFAK w/TQ

• Red Button Light

Pack:

• Dry Bag

• Puff Jacket

• Spare Socks

• Spare Wool Gloves

• Overmitts

• Balaclava

• Fleece Waffle Top

• Winter Camo Over Whites

• Waterproof Breathable Top/Bottom

• Water x2 Liters

• Rations for 24 hrs

• Swagman Roll

• Bivy Sack

• Foam Pad

• Tarp w/pegs & bungees

• Night Vision

• Helmet

• Binoculars

• Canister Stove w/Fuel and Lighter

• Nesting Cup (for stove)

• Spoon

• Charger/Spare Batteries

• Spare Rifle Mags x4

• Firearm Cleaning Kit

• Wet Wipes

• Hand Warmers

Rifle:

On Body:

• Long Underwear Top/Bottoms

• Wool Socks

• Work Gloves

• Watch Cap

• Pants (soft shell or poly/cotton BDU bottoms)

• Waffle Top Fleece Pullover

• Windshirt

• Sniper Veil, Shemagh, or Neck Gaiter

• Gaiters

• Boots

• Sunglasses/glasses (these may be in the pack)

• Watch

In Pockets:

• WIR Notebook w/Pencil

• Pocket Knife

• Chapstick

• Lighter

Depending on the outing and what we are trying to accomplish some of the above items may change position or be substituted for other items. But 90% of the time it is as you see it laid out. Items in the pack may be removed due to being worn (the helmet, waffle top, and Overmitts are such examples) so items are fluid in how the are carried and worn.

As you can tell, not much changes from my base kit except for the cold weather add-ons. Which is why it is so important to solidify your base kit. It makes the transition into the colder months that much easier.

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Minuteman Notes:

Keep in mind that cold weather activities have their own set of challenges. Your layering system is one such example. With cold weather movement it is best to stay slightly cool rather than too warm. I can be very comfortable moving in 20 degree temps with a long underwear top/bottoms and windshirt on my upper body and regular combat pants on. When you stop for a rest you don your puffy jacket over your kit and when you are ready to move again take off the puff jacket and stow it away. If you start off too warm with too many layers than you overheat and risk your own perspiration cooling you off too much. Plus your body gets exhausted when overheated. Now obviously there are some exceptions to this as temps drop into the single digits or you find yourself moving at a snails pace. In this situation, a light fleece like a micro or power stretch fleece or a grid fleece (think of the USMC Frog Grid Fleece Top or Patagonia R1 Regulator top) makes for a great lightweight insulating layer that is still going to breath and not bind up under your kit.

Speaking of layering up under kit, make sure your chest rig or LBE is comfortable when wearing your cold weather layers. Ensure it doesn’t inhibit movement or interaction with your gear. Also when looking at buying a puff jacket, I highly recommend you allow for layers underneath including over a chest rig. So when you are taking a break you don’t have to take your rig off to put on your puffy.

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