All re-enactors who participate in Cmmerian operations are required to wear some type of web gear or tactical vest. New guests will be given a grace period to obtain proper equipment, and should make an effort to obtain the proper equipment as soon as practical. Many members of the Cimmerians can assist you by loaning gear to you or even selling you used gear that they no longer need.
There are many types and styles of web and tactical gear with endless variety of combinations. Operators are free to choose whatever web gear or tactical vest they wish to choose. The selected web and tactical gear may be of any military color or pattern except black. Black web or tactical gear may only be used in special scenarios.
Web Gear REQUIRED
Again, tare many type of web gear and combinations. Here, you will learn about the basic set up. This is intended for new operators that wish to purchase a new set of web gear but don't know where to start. You should be able to put together a basic web gear set together for around $50~$70. All items listed under Web Gear can be found in almost any military surplus store or military supply catalog. Operators should feel free to experiment what works best for them.
Suspenders/Belt
For starters you need a set of suspenders and utility belt. Suspenders come in two basic types, "Y" and "H". These are attached to a utility or pistol belt. Both are made out of canvas or nylon. The latter being the newer and more popular type.
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Pouches
On your utility belt we recommend you attach two M-16 (LC-2) mag pouches. M-16 mag pouches should be able to hold most types of magazine. Some airgun magazine like the AK-47, Thompson, Uzi and P-90 are quite long and will require a larger size magazine pouch. The two front mag pouches should be used to hold your magazine and extra ammo if space is available. Make sure to keep about a foot a space clear just in front of your stomach. This way should you need to lie down on the ground, you won't have the magazine pouches digging into you. Inside the M-16 magazine pouch there are two nylon straps designed to hold magazines in place. Many re-enactors usually find that they just get in the way and cut them out. Some also like to cut off the grenade pouches on the side to streamline them, but it is more authentic to fill these outer poouches with dummy grenades. Real soldiers never cut these outer pouches! There are grenade-shaped BB containers available that work well in these outer pouches, but because they are supplied in transparent blue, you will need to spray paint them olive drab. Behind your two magazine pouches, place more magazine pouches or utility pouches (J75 or J80) just right behind them. These can be used to hold a paint grenade, extra batteries, extra BBs and other field items.
Canteen/Camelback
Behind these pouches you should place at least one canteen, but two are highly recommended. Some Cimmerian operations are quite long (up to 4 hours of straight action without breaks) and you can go through a lot of water, especially on a hot day. Some re-enactors like to use a Camelback system. This is a water bladder that is attached to the back. A long hose is attached on the top and the re-enactor can simply drink from it like a straw without having to remove the bladder from the web gear. This system requires a special "H" suspender or tactical vest that has special straps to attach it to suspender or tac vest. The canteen has the added advantage of holding a cup holder as well. It's shape matches the canteen and fits on the bottom. If you're planning on camping, you'll find it very convenient for heating food and beverages, and partaking in campfire beverages. Canteens can easily be found at any army surplus store. Military style Camelback can usually be found in military supply catalogs such as Brigade Quartermasters, U.S. Calvary, Ranger Joe's.
Butt pack
Butt packs are useful in carrying large items such as spare goggles, wipe cloth, food and other items. Butt packs attach to the back of your web gear.
Compass pouch
You should consider wearing two compass pouches (LC-1) on the two front suspender straps on your web gear. The left pouch is commonly use to hold your radio, and the right pouch is mainly used as a small utility pouch to hold lens cleaner, tissue, snack, or compass (military lensatic compasses are used in more and more Cimmerian operations to locate objectives, and every re-enactor should carry one).
Tactical Vest
The advantages of a tactical vest is that you can usually carry a lot more with it than can be carried with standard web gear. Some re-enactors believe that tactical vests look better than military issue web gear, and in general are more comfortable than standard web gear. Drawbacks of tactical vests are that they are usually more expensive, difficult to modify, and not standard military issue and therefore not authentic for re-enactment purposes. Some popular makers for both web gear & tactical vest are Black Hawk, Eagle Industries and London Bridge Trading Company.