How much does your gear weigh?

[mcnuggets]

Minus the weight of your gun how much does your gear weight? That includes clothing, boots, tactical vests, magazines, water, spare gas, etc.

[evansy]

My full kit is probably about 6-7kg but I hardly ever wear full kit now. Most of the time it's just my belt kit which is probably 2kg at the max.

[Gliderrider]

Depends on how long im going to be in the field. If it is a regular open day with unlimited acsess to the safe zone, just a belt with a few mags and a pistol.

 

On the other hand, if it is going to be a full milsim game with no safe zone, Id carry a full set of CEMO that can be anything upto 10 lb(an estimate, about the same as a RS L1A1)

[mcnuggets]

I was going through the gear picture threads and some guys look like they're carrying over 35 lbs of gear:

 

 

 

 

 

 

It must be hard to do anything in gear like that.

 

 

 

[Azulsky]

How do you figure that mc nuggets.

 

My gear isnt too bad for my vietnam belt rigs. Once i add the grenades though its going to weigh alot... I think with the 3 canteens full it was about 10lbs

 

My operational rucksack for extended games is going to have some heft to it, likely 20lbs with the gear and extra canteens in it.

[Titleist]

A lot.

 

It's at least 40+ lbs without weapon if you factor in guns, mags and water and supplies for longer games.

[Gigueand]

I was going through the gear picture threads and some guys look like they're carrying over 35 lbs of gear:

 

It must be hard to do anything in gear like that.

 

 

You've also got to differentiate between an impression and a loadout to be used in skirmishing. Some of those pictures you posted above probably do not represent the gear that the player actually wears in a skirmish. Rather that gear represents a specific impression or "look."

 

I admit though that a lot of people on Arnie's seem to wear way more gear than is necessary. I've never seen the need for a MAP, flex cuffs, NOD, GPS, etc etc when playing on a few acres of land. Even the at the largest OPs I've been to none of that gear is really necessary.

 

Coming from a background in paintball, I cannot understand the use of gear that is simple going to be dead weight 90% of the time. While soldiers in the real world strive to rid themselves of excessive and unnecessary gear many at Arnie's seem to pack it on.

[mcnuggets]

True, those pictures are probably not accurate representations of their skirmish gear. Although even if they skirmish with 50% of the gear shown it would still be way too much weight IMO.

 

When I play I take advantage of any sort of respawn rule and just put all of the essentials there in a cheap Wally World duffel bag.

 

But I can see night games and two-day games being different.

[Azulsky]

Some people actually use there impressions...not just transfer from closet to person and back. I dont see this dead weight problem you list, The only thing arguable in your list was flexcuffs, which are definetly usable for scenarios if you are with a group of people doing a themed event.

[Titleist]

Everything I carry on my impressions is gear I need or USE in a game. Nothing is dead weight other than my fake frags, and I've got fake 'nades for airsoft use in those pouches. All my pouches are for real use gear in a game, NVGs, mags, radio, water, IFAK (I had to bust that out at a real game after a dude broke his leg).

 

If you're carrying an AT4 tube or stupid *suitcase* like that, maybe then it's ridiculous, otherwise it's all dependent on the person.

[jal3]

I only use a Molle belt with mags/radio for skirmish, so that's about 1½ kg loaded.

Everything else is 4-5 kg, so from naked to combat ready (now there's a way to measure...) is probably 6 kg.

 

Milsim is +8kg from the vest (CIRAS with a shitload of mags, and 2 kg's worth of guns/pc/porn mags instead of plates).

[mcnuggets]

I'm thinking about some common dead weight gear being carried:

- A backpack in addition to a vest

- PAGST helmets or the like

- Any sort of ballistic plates added to a vest

- GPS on relatively small fields

- Metal canteens.

- Metal cups that come with canteens (I had these when I was issued BDU's for JROTC years ago. They form fit to the canteen so it can fit inside the pouch. Too much weight for what amounts to a cup).

- Greater than ~2L of water. I can see it being more if you play in the desert or are on a two-day game where you're going to stay in the same spot for a long time. For the average game however where one visits the respawn a few times during the day it isn't worth it carry around excess water. Water weighs a lot, 1L equals 1kg, and it sloshes around when you run. IMO it's worth leaving a gallon or two for yourself at the respawn and carrying around ~1L to sip on.

- MRE's unless, maybe, you're playing a two-day game. Pack a banana, clif bar, granola bar, etc. if you need some quick energy.

- Low cap magazines.

- Multiple magazine pouches when using high caps.

- A pistol and all the associated gear that comes along with it (i.e. holster, pouches, gas, magazines). I can imagine that adds at least 3-4 pounds.

- On hot summers days I can't see the rational behind 1.) long sleeve BDU tops 2.) balaclavas 3.) gloves. I would start overheating running around with that.

- Ghillie suits or ghillie wraps (although it is cool looking you have to admit it isn't too practical at airsoft ranges).

- Mock knives.

- Straps!

Could probably trims those.

- Genuine or mock NVGs unless I suppose you're playing a night game.

- This may be a bit controversial but boots are bit too clunky IMO. I like what this guy has

A pair of good trail runners. Some may disagree and I can see the utility of boots in wet or snowy conditions, night games, very uneven play field or for people with weak ankles but trail runners really make moving around easier.

- Uber-extensive first aid kits. I would just pack bandaids, disinfectant, waterproof tape and maybe an ace bandage and superglue. I can't see the need for splints, scissors, a medicine drawer worth of drugs, etc.

 

Not knocking it or anything. To each his own and all. I'm just saying.

[Azulsky]

Sry double posted, plz delete this one

 

cheers!

[Azulsky]

If you are intent with running around with a gun, 1 magazine , tennis shoes and civvies then have at it.

 

All of that stuff it perfectly usable, or you made a bad assumption.

 

I dont know anyone who wears a backpack because its cool to wear a backpack

Helmets are required at certain indoor/mout facilities as a safety measure

Ballistic plates are needed to give the proper shape to a armor carrier so that the pouches sit correctly on it

I would agree with the GPS statement, though i cant see how you can make that call based on a picture

Metal canteens are used for period airsofting(WW2) and some people dont like the taste of the plastic ones, they arent that heavy

Canteen Cups are used for cooking......try the same with a dixie cup

You proved your own point with the h20, but i dont see you offering an example of what you are accusing, therefore we are just bickering over bad practices that dont happen.

For MRE's they are used as you already describe.... i havent seen or heard of someone carrying food for the sake of...ever

Locap magazines are mandated for certain events, especially to distinguish between rifles and MG's

For multiple hicap magazines its personal preference as to how much plastic you sling, therefore you would need pouches to put them in, cant think of a example of what you are suggesting

Pistols are mandated for close range when MED's are in effect for long arms and for use indoors where safety is an issue

I cant see the rational on hot summer days for that gear either, keep in mind the long sleeve and long pant nature of bdus is for protection and that is not indicative as to how well bdus breath. Glove are personal protection as is balaclava

Ghillie suits are erm camoflauge

Mock knives are for when you have a knife on your gear but cant use it, therefor need to fill the sheath

Dont know what u mean by straps, all webbing has webbing, you tape it up or get gucci web dominators

Mock NVG's have magnification, real NVG's are well, real

Footwear is situation dependent with some choice, i dont see what drastic difference you find between boots and the merrels, which are just low cut fancy boots. Such low cuts are used in the exact situations you didnt outline for boots, such as urban areas where mobility is preferred and ground is paved.

Extensive first aid kits are for murphy, Titleist just described such a situation, ive seen similiar injuries where splints were required.

[Danke]

With all the magazines, water, pistol and the gear I seriously worry about deep water. As it is I swim straight to the bottom.

 

I haven't found anything to leave behind in the safe area though short of duffle bags and gun cases.

[thatoneguy92088]

The less gear you have the more mobile you are. For airsoft you don't need any protection so a lot of the gear is just "for looks". If you take away the milsim you end looking like 12 year olds running around playing paintball.

[Gigueand]

Again, coming from a background in paintball, I view airsoft as a sport. That is to say that I play the game to win and want to be as efficient on the field as possible. However, I also enjoy the MilSim aspects of airsoft (the primary thing which drew me away from paintball) and so I like to incorporate real/replica gear, mid-caps, etc.

 

So for me, I try to find a balance between what is feasible on the airsoft field and will enable me to be faster, less of a target and more of an accurate shooter, while maintaining a "milsim" look. Wearing a backpack or helmet (I do own a helmet for certain impressions), carrying entrenching tools, fake knives, strobe lights or using real SAPI plates would make me less efficient at "killing" the other team. I don't field an M14 or other long rifle because it would hinder me on the fields in which I play. You can't tuck into a bunker with an M14, or G3 the same way you can with a 10.5" carbine.

 

But, I realize that for many people airsoft is about replicating what soldiers carry in the field. Some players want to create a perfect impression, carry all the appropriate gear and honor the troops by trying to understand their lives in the field. I've seen players with *suitcase*-tons of what I traditionally view as "dead-weight" out think and out fight players like myself.

 

In the end, airsoft accepts a myriad of player types and is generally a very inclusive community. Events will host players ranging from the beginner in tennis shoes to the "geardo" in SEAL khaki. The great thing about airsoft is that most players can agree that the focus of events should be "Milsim." There should be objectives, goals, etc... it isn't just about capture the flag or elimination. Most people want a more developed and dynamic game experience. As long as airsoft stays this way then I won't fault anyone for carrying tons of gear, or utilizing what they believe best fits their playing style. I certainly have reservations about hi-caps, box-mags and the like, but generally the more mature players that I find are interested in being big kids playing army.

[mcnuggets]

All of that stuff it perfectly usable, or you made a bad assumption.

...

 

If an event requires or gives an advantage to a special piece of equipment, like the PAGST helmets or pistols you've mentioned, then I agree with taking it as long as its usefulness outweighs the cost of carrying it around all day.

 

Things like armor plates used solely to maintain the form of tactical vests seem a bit much. There are lighter and less expensive ways of achieving the same thing. Most people who use high caps, I think, aren't going to need nearly as many pouches as most vests provide. I don't know, vests just seems like a big, bulky, expensive thing that just isn't needed. Surplus webbing with as few pouches as possible, a Camelbak with some extra space or two highcaps taped together and whatever you can fit into your cargo pockets would be ideal vest replacement IMO.

 

Although a veneer of milsim should be maintained in airsoft I think most newbies can benefit from learning that most gear, on your person and on your gun, is not only not needed but can be a hindrance to playing as well. Newbies can save themselves a lot of time and money if all of us didn't hype up the usefulness of certain pieces of gear. (Just speaking in general not to you specifically Azulsky )

[CapaciousZepher]

I run about 40lbs extra in my heavy loadout and rifle. So probably 30ish of gear.

I certainly have lighter loadouts though.

 

Cheers!

 

- CapaciousZepher

[Azulsky]

Okay ill give you a idea of what i am carrying. This is for a Vietnam themed games and not still not complete, im sure im leaving something out.

 

Primary(Colt Model 602)

Uniform(Boonie, Compass, PenFlares + Launcher, VS-17 Panel, Camo Cream, Eye Protection, Map, Pad+Pencil, Cravat, Signal Mirror, Uniform Belt, Leather Rappelling Belt, Rappelling Gloves,Nomex Gloves, Claymore Bag(2x claymore), Wrist Compass, Watch, Pocket Knife)

Web Gear(18 magazines, 3 1QT canteens, 2 FA pouches, 1 Compass Pouch, 1 Strobe+ Pouch, XM18 Bag, 1 Knife+Sheath, Holster + 1911, Mk18 Grenade)

Rucksack( D Rings, Rapelling Rope, Radio, Rations, Woobie+Poncho+Mosquito Net, Canteens, Smoke Grenades, Multitool, Extended FAK,Survival Kit,Flashlight, Mess Gear(aka fork),Extra Tape and Paracord, Extra Socks(3x), Personal Items/Toiletries, Insect Repellent, Daily Meds,Batts for Radio + Flashlight, BB's + Loader, ETool + TP,etc)

 

And it all has a purpose

[Benson]

Hell, I find the stuff I need to take into the field (i.e. guns, ammo, mags, water, batteries) weighs the most of any other part of kit. I figure it's not a big deal if I decide to bring into the field the lightweight, frivolous *suitcase*.

 

There's just a few things you listed that I would have to disagree with. The BDU tops on a hot days: sunburn anyone? Poison oak? Um, camouflage? There are ways to keep yourself very cool despite having wearing a BDU layer. And last time I checked, they wear full BDU over in the sandbox, but I bet that's entirely because someone told them to.

 

My plastic IBH keeps the heat off my head, but it's purpose is to look cool. My under armor balaclava is the best thing in the world on a hot day! Soak it in cold water a couple times a day and it keeps you quite cool. And you don't use gloves if its hot? I could list a million things more worse than feeling a bit warm that gloves protect you from.

 

Last thing is the ghille suit. While I don't use one, I've been fooled by one before ingame, and I've also seen a number of members on this forum show the true functionality of an effective ghille suit.

 

I'm sure there's a huge chunk of my gear that I don't need, but remember we are playing with toy guns here people. This is a game, so how come it's a crime if I want to look cool when playing with my toys? Does gear not add to the fun? Is my plate carrier + pouches not a toy I like to play with in Airsoft? Of course not, the gear is just as much a toy as the gun.

[evansy]

Most people who use high caps, I think, aren't going to need nearly as many pouches as most vests provide. I don't know, vests just seems like a big, bulky, expensive thing that just isn't needed. Surplus webbing with as few pouches as possible, a Camelbak with some extra space or two highcaps taped together and whatever you can fit into your cargo pockets would be ideal vest replacement IMO.

I use hicaps and carry upto 9. 6 in my vest and 2 on my belt (the other in my weapon) While webbing is fine for carrying the same ammount its alot slower to undo an alice mag pouch pull out a mag stick it in the rifle and close the pouch back up compared to opening the velcro flap on my vest sticking the mag in then closing the velcro and its even quicker with the mags on my belt as its just move the bungie, pull the mag, job done.

IMO cargo pockets are horrible for carrying stuff in they rattle if its mags and swing about as you run. All I use mine for are carrying maps or snacks.

[Renalan]

- This may be a bit controversial but boots are bit too clunky IMO. I like what this guy has

 

Enjoy your broken leg and or twisted ankles.

[gisburn20]

Hmm , I can see this thread has some serious opposites.

 

for an average game (with safe zone access)

 

Sniping loadout;

 

Bar-10 G spec

3 vsr mags

TM MK23

2 MK23 mags

Belt kit

-DPM FFD pouch with PMR radio

- Viper OD belt

- Guarder Tornado holster (mounted high on belt, with MK23 spare mag in outer pouch)

- Dutch "dpm" bino pouch( for vsr mags)

-Alice canteen carrier with 58 pattern water bottle

 

DM loadout;

 

TM M14 Socom

2X 440 round hicaps

TM MK23

3 MK23 mags

 

Belt kit

-DPM FFD pouch with PMR radio

- Viper OD belt

- Guarder Tornado holster (mounted high on belt, with MK23 spare mag in outer pouch)

- 2X Dutch "dpm" AUG double mag pouches ( for TM M14 Hicap MK23 mag and 20oz "flexi flask" with 2500 bb's with all the air sucked out)

-Alice canteen carrier with 58 pattern water bottle

 

for both load outs I carry a tiny FAK and a Gerber multitool in my smock.

 

I have seen all manner of load outs on the various sites I play at from rentals with one hicap and a "panda pops" bottle of ammo to milsimmers dripping with locaps and plate carriers and helmets (good fun on a hot day I've always thought!)

 

my rig empty probably weights 500g, and full maybe 2- 2 1/2 kg

 

I think some people really carry everything but the kitchen sink out to play! but these days I go for Lightweight and simple.

 

On the opposite end of the scale (and not milsim at all) my buddy James , takes out a vest full of hicaps and bags of bb's, at least 3 pistols, 2 sawn off M79's in thigh rigs a KAR98 and either a CA M15 SD/RIS/Scope etc etc or a CA M249!

 

He wonders why he is knackered by lunch time !

 

 

Jim

 

 

 

[-Angel-]

I was asked a while ago to weigh my gear, since I use real soft armour and ceramics to give me realistic weigh. I can't get scales big enough to prop a ciras on, but I know I carry more than than most people would consider 'neccesary'.

 

To be honest, I like the challenge of carrying the extra weight. It gives me a far better workout than i'd normally get playing, and the other things I carry do have a use. ie, a wet weather jacket in a MAP pack, cylumes, extra BFG blanks, hydration, small IFAK etc. Its stuff that *might* be needed.

 

Sometimes I just go with a chestrig & patrol pack, if its an 24hr game, but generally I get fully suited up and roll with the armour carrier, battle belt, subloads, etc

 

Oh, and I use low/mid-caps so carry either 8 or 12 mags, depending on the weapon, 2 BFG's and 4 mags for my P226