M-Nu Black Emblem Refinisher

Made by Ken Nolan Inc. You can give them a new, dull black finish with this USMC approved solution. Includes brush-top applicator. This stuff went on the same as Sta-Black and smelled just as bad. Use on chevrons, eyelets, weapons, etc. This stuff works as good as Sta-Black but costs more.

Sta-Black Emblem Refinisher

Made by Ira Green Inc. Save your scratched or aesthetically damaged subdued insignia with Ira Green's newest product - Sta-Black. Includes brush-top applicator. This stuff went on the same as M-Nu and smelled just as bad. This has been manufactured in accordance with applicable government specifications under certification number Hallmark G23. This stuff works as good as M-Nu but costs less.

Pistol Belts

Shown on the right from top to bottom are the LC-3, LC-2 , and LC-1 pistol belts. Some people still prefer the older pistol belt models. The plastic buckle in the middle picture tends to break from pulling on the tab when you remove the pistol belt. Beware of cheap knock-offs that don't have grommets. The history of the grommets stems from when soldiers would have to use M1910 wire hooks to attach accessories to the grommets on the pistol belt. Even though we currently use ALICE clips instead of M1910 hooks, the grommets remain. Grommets can still be useful for mounting equipment such as a gas mask carrier. When wearing your pistol belt, please make sure that the US stamp is facing outward and upright, thanks.

LC-1 Butt Pack

This butt pack came into production in the 1970s. It was originally made from canvas but was later made from nylon with a rubber waterproof liner. It has a carrying handle on the top, metal belt keepers, and adjustable wrap around straps. The outside straps don't easily unfasten and they have to be loosened to get into the main compartment. For all intents and purposes, the pack is completely outdated and there is no reason why anyone would choose to use one now. Nonetheless, it is available in olive drab and measures: 30.5 x 21.6 x 15.2cm.

US Army Enhanced Butt-Pack

Made from heavy duty 1000 Denier Cordura® nylon. This butt pack features a water repellent collar with drawstring; quick release closure; 1" Cinch straps; top carrying handle; accessory loops; vented bottom; D-rings; and A.L.I.C.E. Clips. A huge improvement over the original LC-1 and only one dollar more. It is available in olive drab, black, or camouflage. It measures: 26 x 24.1 x 15.9cm

SOE Butt Pack

The SOE Butt Pack is outstanding. The SOE attaches to the SOE H-harness (or vests) with special attachments for extra stability. It features a heavy duty drag handle and two pop flare loops. The lid is “stiffened” so the handle won't tear. It also has a handy map pocket in lid. To be used exclusively with the SOE h-harness or vest. Available in black, coyote brown, tri-desert camo, woodland camo, olive drab, and tan. (For those not using the SOE harness/vest, see the Eagle Pack featured below.)

Eagle Butt-Pack Military Style (BPMS)

This pack is similar to the aforementioned Army Enhanced Butt Pack, but with added features. The BPMS features Fastex® buckles for quick and quiet opening, a sturdy handle on top, and extra lash-down loops on the top and bottom. It is made from tough, water-resistant, coated Cordura® nylon. The inside seams are bound so they will not fray. The BPMS design works really well with Eagle’s Military LBE Suspenders (LB-2S). An optional shoulder strap is available. It is available in black, olive drab, and woodland camo.

Vietnam Issue A.L.I.C.E. Sleeping Bag Carrier

This is the original Vietnam-era nylon sleeping bag carrier, dating back to 1968. Made to fit on many types of combat harnesses from the Vietnam era, our testers found it doesn’t fit one piece of our current military equipment. The Velcro fasteners can be properly looped through the old Vietnam-era Alice pack with the wrap-around straps, but they don't line up properly with the modern Alice pack. Even if you do manage to attach it to your ruck, it will shift considerably when walking. This sleeping bag carrier offers nothing in the area of water-proofing or compression. It doesn't even keep dust and dirt out. On the plus side, it does an excellent job of taking up space in the trash.

ALICE Pack

The ALICE pack has been around since 1974. The ALICE Pack is little more than a large green nylon bag with side pockets and a flap. It attaches to a lightweight aluminum frame with a kidney pad at the bottom.

The ALICE system was designed for use in all environments, whether hot, temperate, cold-wet or even cold-dry arctic conditions. The ALICE Pack comes in two sizes, medium or large, to be used depending on the length of the mission and weather conditions.

The Medium Pack has a pouch with a drawcord closure and three outside pockets. It has a 50 pound capacity. The pouch has an inside pocket designed to fit the AN/PRC-25 or -77 radio. The pouch flap has a map pocket. The pack may be carried with or without the pack frame by attaching the shoulder straps as desired.

The Large Pack is used for long missions or in the Arctic where more clothing and shelter must be carried. It has a 70 pound capacity. In addition to the features of the Medium Pack, there is another row of three small pockets on the outside above the regular pockets. The large pack is always carried on the pack frame. The biggest disadvantages of an external frame are less stability and comfort when compared to an internal-frame pack. External frames also generally weigh more, and are more prone to bending and breaking.

The physics of the ALICE Pack work against your body. Civilian backpacks distribute the weight up and down your back, with the pack sometimes several feet above the hiker’s head. For soldiers, the tops of these types of packs get caught up on low branches. The load of the ALICE Pack is distributed away from the pack – sometimes up to three feet away. All of the weight rests on your shoulders and on your hips and lower back. That causes the pack straps to tug more at the shoulders, and the kidney pad to push harder into the hips. The pressure from the straps can rub shoulders raw and cut circulation to the arms.

Sun, Wind, and Dust Goggles (SWDG)

Originally developed during World War II, the SWDG has been the military’s standard issue since that time. The goggle uses a synthetic rubber frame, clear Class 3 and gray Class 4 plastic lenses, foam padding, an adjustable elastic strap, and comes with a carrying case. The grey lens offer UV protection, blocks 85% of visible light, and offers limited ballistic protection. The rubber frame is barely large enough to accommodate military issued eyeglasses, and blocks a large part of your field of view.

Additional lenses may be snapped in behind the standard lenses: A green (marked "S2") laser lens blocks two wavelengths, and is made for use in low light environments. The third wavelength wouldn't likely be used at night anyway because it would be visible. These lenses are offer Class 5, 2-wavelength (400-532 nm) laser protection (NSN: 8465-01-439-3506) with optical density greater than 4.0.

The brown (marked "S3") lens shields three wavelengths (the third one used only in daylight), and therefore is made for daytime use. These laser filters have a photopic transmission of 44%, which is lower than the desired 25% minimum photopic transmission. These lenses offer Class 6, 3-wavelength (694-1064 nm) laser protection (NSN: 8465-01-439-3511) with optical densities exceeding 4.0.

An estimated 10% of battlefield casualties are from eye injuries caused by explosive fragments, blowing sand, rocks or branches, and lasers. A laser range finder designator, for example, is a direct fire weapon system with an eye hazard range in excess of eighty kilometers. It is important to note the most commonly used laser wavelengths are between 694nm and 1064nm.

Other than the SWDG, the only other laser resistant eyewear issued by the military are the SPECS and BLPS glasses, not goggles, which fail to keep sand and dust out of your eyes.

ESS Profile NVG Goggles

The standard Profile NVG goggle is made with a synthetic rubber frame, interchangeable single lens, and an adjustable elastic strap. It includes a storage case that fits on the operator's belt with hook-and-loop fastened straps. The storage case has an inside pocket for an extra lens.

The NVG has all the advantages of a low profile, night-vision-compatible frame, without sacrifices in dust filtration, field of view, impact protection, or anti-fog performance. The soft, conforming frame provides a comfortable, sealed fit on all face shapes, and the smooth interface is easy to clean and impervious to face paint. Filtered, high airflow vents surround the entire lens to minimize fogging while repelling particles and smoke.

The goggle comes with two lenses: a clear lens and a neutral gray lens that provides true color rendition. The lenses are ballistic 2.2-2.8 mm thick high-impact polycarbonate with premium anti-fog / anti-scratch coatings. The lenses provide higher impact resistance than Bollé, Cébé, Oakley, Paulson, or Scott tactical goggles. The NVG lenses offer impact-resistance well beyond the ANSI Z87.1 / OSHA requirements, and above the level of the US Military spec: MIL STD 662F. They also meet the rigorous MIL-V-43511C .22 caliber ballistic impact testing, as well as offering 100% UVA/UVB protection and distortion-free optics.

Laser Protective Lenses (LPLs) are also available from ESS as an accessory for the NVG goggle. These lenses block the most commonly used laser wavelengths: 694nm and 1064nm. Other wavelengths are available. Available as both non-thermal and Dual Thermal lenses. Additional accessories include thermal lenses, amber lenses, tear-off lens covers, a prescription insert (NGV Rx Carrier), and an anti-reflective sleeve (Stealth Sleeve). The prescription carrier allows corrective lenses to be easily installed in the goggle frame. The anti-reflective sleeve covers the goggle when positioned on the operator's helmet, preventing reflection – a dead giveaway for the operator’s position. This easily adjustable sleeve additionally provides protection against scratching and debris filtration.

P38 & P51 Can Openers

About as dated as the old C-Rations these can openers came with. They were good for their time but since any good multi-tool comes with a can and bottle opener, why carry redundant gear. The good side is they are small, light weight, fit on a key chain, and not very expensive. It's a good thing to have IF you're not carrying your multi-tool, but why would that happen?

Swedish Mess Kit

This kit features a a heavy duty plastic container that separates to make two trays each measuring approx 19.2 x 12.7cm. Stowed inside is a 10.8cm plastic mixing/eating bowel, a collapsible plastic drinking cup, a stainless steel fork, knife, and spoon set, a three compartment spice container, a 11.4 x 17.8cm cutting board/plate with drain holes on one corner for use as a strainer when used in conjunction with one of the two larger plastic halves.

The cutting board kicks ass especially since it doubles as a strainer. It would be nice if the lid and the pan (outermost parts) were made of metal so you could cook on it. In general the kit is on the small side. Plastic is good for some of the kit because it doesn't make as much noise as metal, but at the same time you can't cook on any of it. It seems expensive for a bunch of plastic.

GI Mess Kit

Includes 1-cooking pan and 1-eating tray. Folds together and secures with a hook. These come in aluminum and stainless steel. We recommend the stainless steel. It adds weight, but it also adds durability. You can cook on this mess kit, unlike the Swedish Mess Kit. This piece of kit is great, but there's room for improvement.

M-1942 US Army Issue Machete

The Ontario Knife Co. Machetes are the most prevalent manufacturer of US Army issue machete. All have "US" stamped straight across the blade. Vietnam Era Machetes then have the "Ontario" stampings running perpendicular to the "US" while current manufacture have the "US" and "Ontario" running parallel. Official GI issue machete feature:

The machete is great for slicing its way through the soft, herbaceous vegetation common in the American tropics, the Rainforest, and the Pacific Islands. Deep in the tropical jungles of the Amazon basin, the machete is the only modern implement found in the camps of otherwise Stone Age Indio cultures.

TM 10-276, Hot Weather Clothing and Equipment was written August 1970. The TM shows Vietnam era hot weather gear along with this machete (para 34, fig. 33).

Ka-Bar Kukri

This ancient tool/weapon has now been adopted by the rest of the world. The Kukri is the renowned national weapon of Nepal and the Gurkhas (Nepalese Tribesmen that served in British and Indian armies). It is used at home in the hills and on active service for cutting wood, hunting and skinning, opening tins, clearing undergrowth, and any other chore. The black Ka-Bar Kukri features:

Woodman's Pal

The Woodman’s Pal has been hacking through the thickest brush since 1941. Standard military issue from World War II through Desert Storm. Originally called the LC-14-B by the U.S. military, it is now referred to as "Survival Tool Type IV". The U.S. Army even commissioned a booklet called "Fighting with the Woodman’s Pal" to instruct soldiers on the method of it’s use in hand to hand combat. Whatever you call it, it is a tough no nonsense piece of essential survival gear.

Made of specially annealed 3.18mm thick steel hardened to Rockwell C-47 and has a resin bonded fluorocarbon coating to prevent corrosion. The blade is 26.7cm inches long. The version the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marines currently use features a leather grip and finger guard. Choose between a black Cordura sheath with a honing stone or a leather sheath. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty.

Ontario Knives M9 Bayonet ON490

The Third Generation M9 Bayonet incorporates numerous improvements to previous designs and is compatible for mounting on M16A1, M16A2, M4 Carbine and pre-ban AR15 style rifles. Manufactured entirely in the USA, Ontario's M9 is widely used around the world by the U.S. military.

It is easy to attach and remove from the belt using either the spring clip or quick release. This bayonet comes with a 6mm thick, blade that has been sub-zero cryo-heat treated. Black oxide non-reflective finish is applied to each blade and the back features milled saw teeth. The handle is made from grooved and textured, glass-reinforced nylon, with a weather-resistant zinc phosphate coated steel guard and cap. The scabbard is designed for greater safety. A new quick-release universal military holster system has been incorporated for attachment onto web belts. New grip serrations have been added into the scabbard itself, making it much safer to use with the attached wire cutter and screwdriver tip.

Beware if buying an old M9. The old scabbard design had rivets that popped out of the old belt attachment, which caused the bayonet to drop off. The new attaching assembly (shown in the above picture) is much sturdier.

Ontario Knives Multi-Purpose Bayonet OKC3S

Designed specifically for the Marine Corps soldier, each knife features the US Marine Corp Eagle, Globe & Anchor symbol. This model is also made to match the new digital camouflage uniform with all brown sheath, handle & webbing.

The blade is 1.375" wide, and features a 1.75" Mission Serration section for extra cutting power on dense materials. Made of Ontario's new proprietary Diamond Steel, it is .200" thick and has a 53-58 Rc Hardness. The blade is coated in a phosphate non-reflective finish. The handle has been ergonomically re-designed to reduce hand fatigue. The polyester elastomer scabbard is designed for low noise signature and is designed with a fitted internal stainless steel spring friction device at the throat to secure the bayonet when not in use. A ceramic coated aluminum honing rod is located on the back of the scabbard for field sharpening of the blade. Two load bearing attaching straps with cross straps allow for variation of placement on load bearing equipment.

Eickhorn-Solingen Bayonet 2000™

The Bayonet 2000™ was especially designed as the multi-purpose bayonet model for the modern infantry soldier in the 21st century for multi-terrain operations.

The scabbard is made of a plastic body affixed to a web strap via Velcro and metal snaps. There is a clamping screw that when tightened will clamp down on the bayonet blade internally in the scabbard body. It can also be set to a tension that will prevent the bayonet from falling out loosely but still allow the retaining strap to be undone on purpose for a quick grab if needed in a tactical situation. The scabbard also features a surface mounted "Shapphire" knife sharpener.

This new generation combines several functions into one bayonet-knife-and-tool that is very flat, with a sturdy compact design, good balance, and light weight. It is compatible with the U.S. Land Warrior system, and accessible and operable with one hand - a great feature. Provided the user follows the instructions regarding dry and non-oily conditions, the Bayonet 2000™ is electrically insulated up to 1.000 Volts, temperature resistant between 40°F and +176°F, fungus-resistant, NBC-resistant and de-contaminable.

Gerber Military EOD Tool

The Multi-Plier 600 E.O.D. has a blasting cap crimper, C-4 punch, a serrated sheepsfoot knife blade, drop point blade, screwdrivers and file. Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Military, this is the only multi-function tool certified for Explosive Ordnance Disposal units. Despite the fact that it sounds impressive, this multi-tool is virtually worthless in our opinion. The blasting cap crimpers are useless since the armed forces don’t crimp their own blasting caps in the first place. The C-4 punch is nothing more than a metal rod – a pencil or pen could probably provide the same “punching” results and for all intents and purposes could be considered a multi-tool in itself. We really hope that we don't see more of the C-4 punches. The lanyard holder is the worst feature of any multi-tool. Most good multi-tools come with a sheath so if you need a dummy-cord, just consider the word “dummy cord” for a minute. We are big fans of Gerbers here at Delta Gear, but the E.O.D. tool is S.O.L. in this review section.

Gerber 600 Pro Scout

We initially thought adding camo finish to the handles was a nice touch but on the Pro-Scouts we tested in the field, the finish peeled off the entire length of the handles so it wasn’t much benefit afterall. We liked the plier deployment system that allows the jaws to slide forward and lock into place with a flick of the wrist. This allowed one-handed implementation, but unfortunately weakens the pliers somehow. When we hammered on the pliers and used them as a center punch, the head jammed at an angle or broke. In Gerber’s defense, you shouldn't have any problems if using the pliers as intended. Some other noteworthy features include a RemGrit® blade; a saw coupler with 2" universal tang jig saw blades, allowing you to change blades for different uses or swap them out when they become dull; and super strong Fiskars® scissors to cut through braided fishing lines, ballistic cloth, leather and hemmed denim. Other tools include: M/L screwdrivers (including a Phillips head); a half-serrated drop point knife blade; a bottle/can opener; a fine and coarse file; a crimper; wire cutter; and a scale and ballistic cloth sheath. All tools lock neatly and safely into place and can be easily unlocked with the push of a button. It held up nicely for several of our testers and made it unscathed through a trip to Iraq (except for the peeling finish). We were also happy to see there wasn't a lanyard holder on this model. All things considered, this would be a five star multi-tool if it weren't for the crappy Mossy Oak® finish.

Gerber Tool Kit

We really like this kit for the coupler that fits over the crosshead screwdriver, allowing the use of any standard ¼" hex bit. Note that almost all fasteners have drivers in the ¼" hex bit format. Gerber was the first to offer such a coupler with a multi-functional tool, and it's still the best one on the market. Sold either with a multi-function tool or without, the tool kit is a great accessory to increase the versatility of your Gerber multi-tool. The Tool Kit comes with the coupler, six bits, a coupler/bit carrier, and a sheath to hold a Multi-Plier and the loaded coupler/ bit carrier. If you don't like the bits it comes with you can easily customize the tool kit. The Tool Kit will work with any Gerber multi-function tool, and is backed by Gerber Legendary Blades' Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Leatherman Super Tool 200

The largest of the Leatherman multi-tools, the Super Tool® 200 features a heavy-duty construction with rounded handles and easy-to-unlock tools. Tools include needlenose and standard pliers; a serrated knife; S/M/L screwdrivers (including Phillips); a wood saw, wire cutters; clip-point knife, ruler, can/bottle opener; crimper, wire stripper; awl punch; and a ballistic nylon sheath. It also features rounded handles, which are a vast improvement over other models that would cut into your hand. The sliding lock release is a nice feature but it is not as easy to use as Gerber's lock release. The serrated knife blade is rounded at the tip for safety. The wood saw blade is not easily replaceable like on the Gerber. It also has three flat head screw drivers, which is overkill since you can use the tool adapter and attach any style bit you want. Two of the flat heads could be replaced with more essential tools.

Leatherman Wave

This particular multi-tool features a distinctive sleek and sculpted design that still features useful tools made from high-quality components. Tools include 4 locking blades; needlenose and standard pliers; a diamond-coated file; XS/S/M/L screwdrivers (including Phillips), a wood saw; scissors; can/bottle opener; wire cutters; strippers; clip-point knife; serrated knife and a lanyard attachment. Wave has more features than any other Leatherman and is designed to allow access to four locking blades without opening the tool. The smooth round handles make for very comfortable use.

Leatherman Pulse

Pulse makes things simple and safe with every blade easily locked and released. Just slide back the lock release on the outside of the handle. This is probably the most popular of the Leatherman multi-tools and includes: standard pliers; wire cutters; drop-point knife; 2 files; XS/S/M/L screwdrivers (including Phillips); can/bottle opener; 8” ruler; and lanyard attachment.

Leatherman Tool Adapter

Increase your Leatherman’s vesatility by quickly converting it to a ¼" hex drive with three locking positions. Standard Tool Adapter fits PST, PST II, Super Tool 200, Sideclip, Flair and Pulse. Wave Tool Adapter fits Wave only. Sold as a kit with six hex bits and case. Also available in a combination sheath with PST, PST II, Super Tool 200 and Wave. Includes hole for lanyard attachment.

U.S. Military Spec Wire Saw

Not too shabby for a portable saw. The U.S. Military Spec design incorporates a single, relatively thick "wire blade" with a unique spiral cutting edge. It looks awkward but it definitely works! This wire saw is available in two different models: a heavy duty model with thumb screws, allowing the user to exchange the wire blade, and bulkier end grips; and a standard version which has a permanently fixed, lighter weight wire blade and less bulky end grips. The standard model is more compact, but also less durable. You decide. We like the heavier model.

Supreme Products Pocket Chainsaw

This Pocket Chain Saw is a good length (68.6cm long) and easily transportable. It comes in a small tin and some users have complained about the noise from the saw rattling in the tin can, but packing some cloth in the can before closing it solves that problem for us. The tin is 7cm diameter x 2.2cm tall with a screw-on top. Weight of the saw and container is 175 grams total. Optional nylon rod handles are also available, but add considerably to the size of the package and must be stored separately.

Supreme Utility Survival Saw

The little brother of the Pocket Chain Saw is available (55.9cm long) and comes without a storage can or ring style handles. The utility saw is equipped with simple nylon line loops which attach with split rings to the saw and a zipper-lock plastic bag storage pouch cutting the weight to about half: only 99 grams. Who needs a special tin anyway? Optional nylon rod handles are also available, but add considerably to the size of the package and must be stored separately.

Ultimate Survival Saber Cut

This saw more closely resembles a standard chain saw with small but conventional links and teeth. One of the things that we noticed immediately was that along the entire length there were only 11 teeth alternating sides. Each alternating pair face an opposite direction so it cuts on both strokes and you really have to take full strokes for the saw to work most efficiently. Again, it looks bizarre, but it works. The teeth can be sharpened with a chain saw file, if you know what you're doing. The links make this saw very flexible and easy to use. It handles misalignment well, cuts very fast and didn't bog down once in our relatively limited tests. On smaller diameter branches, it tends to grab near the end, but by then the limb could easily be broken off or cut with a knife. The handles are reasonably comfortable and work well with a person on each end. This is the largest and most expensive of all the saws we tested and we found its performance equal to that of the Supreme Products Pocket Chain Saw.

Jet Scream Whistle

This whistle is a superb, low-profile signaling tool that useful both in the woods or the city to signal for help. Survival, Inc.'s acoustic experts have designed a unique whistle that focuses man-made air streams through harmonically tuned chambers to create a piercing shriek that out-screams any other noise. So whether you're signaling for rescue in deep woods or trying to hail a cab in the city, the Jet Scream Whistle will do the trick.

The pea-less design allows it to work even when wet (it still makes noise underwater), therefore perfect for a variety of outdoor and field activities. Jet Scream is sleek and streamlined and will fit unobtrusively in your pocket. It comes with a 15.2cm lanyard attachment. As an additional note, this would be a fantastic security tool for your kids (and for your peace of mind). Teach them when and how to use it in a variety of emergency situations.

Ranger Rick's Special Ops Survival Necklace

This necklace includes a mini compass, fire starter, signal mirror, luminous whistle, flashlight, and wire saw. Before we begin, let us emphasis that this is a survival kit and not a camping or pioneer kit.

The compass is a good compass to use to double check your main compass. The compass is made with clear plastic, an aluminum body, and comes with a rubber silencer. The fire starter is a magnesium stick with flint and striker. To lighten your load, ditch the striker and just use your knife. The signal mirror is small and compact, but a little unnecessary. The dog tag silencer on the signal mirror is made of a real porous rubber (not like the type sold by Military Clothing Sales) that started to rip in the corners after four weeks in the field. The ACME Tornado whistle (Model 636) is a photoluminescent, pea-less, two-chambered whistle. It’s not the loudest, but it is one of the most compact and reliable whistles. The mini LED flashlight produces a bright white light. The on/off switch can be a little sensitive, but it helps when trying to signal or send code. The small pocket knife is a made of stainless steel, has a liner lock, and is perfect to use as an emergency knife. To use the wire saw just saw right through the plastic tubing, peel it off, and throw it away. The wire saw in the Spec Ops Survival Necklace is made to use once in an emergency situation. The plastic tubing prevents the wire saw from cutting into your neck, and keeps sweat and water off of the saw to keep it from rusting. The saw is one of the best overall wire saws (see Military Spec Wire Saw review for more info on a similar saw). Ranger Rick also used good quality fishing swivels, key rings, break-away chain, and blank dog tags.

The necklace can be purchased disassembled for a couple bucks cheaper, but the warranty won’t cover you if you break something during assembly. It can also be purchased on a braided 550-cord keychain. The pre-assembled kit will save you some hassle, and if you buy it from Ranger Rick’s web site it will land you some additional survival free-bees. Rick’s web site, www.therangerdigest.com, has additional information on warranties, assembly, and modifications.

The Survival necklace is a great back-up for camping, day hiking, backpacking, hunting, cross-country skiing, or kayaking. The Spec Ops Survival Necklace is a little bulky to wear as-is out of the package, but it is made to be modular. So pair down the items you don’t need, and either wear it around your neck, stick it in a pocket, or find an empty container to put it in. The bottom line: You can’t get this package anywhere else for cheaper.

Spec OpsTM Brand Better BDU Belt

Yet another example of Army issued crap, the current issue belt (for BDU pants) is flimsy, too small for the belt loops, and has a buckle that is noisy and overly complicated. To solve the problem, the Better BDU Belt from Spec Ops Brand is made with 1.75" Nylon web to fill the loops on BDU pants. It has enough thickness to keep its shape and the custom designed one-piece buckle eliminates noise and is much easier to adjust. The “Flip Tab” buckle is made of cold stamped, heat treated 6061-T6 aluminum and is powder coated for a non-glare finish. The buckle would be better if the edges were more rounded since we found that after a couple of weeks wearing this belt, the powder coating began to come off the edges. The phrase “Made in the USA” is a moot point, but it is guaranteed for life. Considering the fifteen dollar price tag for this piece of aluminum and some nylon - it damned well better be!

Note: this belt is not authorized for wear in the Army. AR 670-1 Paragraph 27-2 Subparagraph a. (2) states that "The belt is black cotton web or black woven elastic, with a black tip, and is 1¼ inches wide." The webbing of the Better BDU Belt is 1¾ inches wide. AR 670-1 also prescribes the specific type of buckle that must be worn.