Originally Posted by
Lowdown3
If your getting out there regularly you will find that your gear will change a lot over time and as you gain experience with it.
My load out from 1987 was nothing like my load out from 1997 which is nothing like my load out from today.
Also my load out from when I was young and dumb and we challenged each other to carry 80+ lbs. on 20 mile rucks is much different than my 35 lb 'ish rucks now with slightly less ammo but more "old man" comforts like better cold weather gear. But I've also done 2 mile run/hike/hills challenges with that weight in a ruck and done well, so for me it's better than 40 more lbs. of crap I can't move fast with.
Experience factors in there also- I had hypothermia twice in the field when I was young. Now certain cold weather gear stays in my rucks year round, does not get switched out for "summer vs. winter."
As far as "training gear" and "fighting gear" you mentioned- IMO there really shouldn't be a difference. If you have plates you should train in your plates. I've run up many a mountainside with plates and chest rig on, and I'm a thousand years old- you can too.
You'll never know if your "fighting gear" is adequate if you don't at least train regularly in it.
Some GENERAL considerations re: gear-
*Avoid large solid black pieces of gear. It does not blend well in the field.
*Set your gear up so you can use your rifle both right and left handed. This begs the question can you access at least some of your mags while shooting left handed?
*You don't want a bunch of extraneous crap hanging off your gear. Don't "stack" mag pouches, nothing hanging loose to catch on stuff, etc.
*Tie down anything your serious about keeping. "But it's Molle"- use black zip ties as a backup to that. Doesn't really add weight but does add insurance.
*Differentiate between square range fun times and actual field use- How about that pack of Lifesavers look? What am I talking about?? The electrical tape on mags so you can find them easier. Some guys put the tape too low and then you see red, yellow, green, etc. sticking out across the front of their chest rig- looks like a dang pack of Lifesavers candy....
*Same as above goes for the "morale" patches with bright colors, etc. I've seen guys put more into their morale patches than their functional gear... and it showed...
So get all your gear on, unloaded rifle in hand and check some stuff- move your rifle from shoulder to shoulder, when your on your "off" side check can you access mags. Kneel down and do the same from both sides. Now go prone. This part may be enlightening- how low can you go with your gear? Anything not accessible now? Move around, see what needs to happen in order to access: mags, TQ, pistol, knives, etc. What about supine? Then move around in the gear a bit. This will give you a decent idea of what may be knocking, what may need tightening, etc.
The biggest thing is just get out to some classes, spend some time in the field with your gear, etc. Good luck.