1. try to stick to smaller rucks...go with a medium ALICE pack unless you are forced to use a large (such as in cold weather environments which require bulkier clothing.)
You will ALWAYS manage to fill your ruck, so by simply going with a smaller ruck, you will cut back on useless items, or at least pack tighter.
2. get rid of that bulky mil.-issue "L" flashlight...the batteries (D size) run out quickly, the light intensity on those flashlights is mediocre at best, and they are
too heavy. Rather, get yourself a mini-mag lite or equivalent. They come in a variety of colors, including black and camo, and the accessory packs for these have different colored filters, just like
the mil-issue L-beams. You can hang one easily from a backpack strap or web-gear ring, to keep them right in hand's reach. Also, they are a lot easier to hold in the mouth than the large flashlites, if you need two hands
for something. They use AA batteries, which are smaller, last longer, and weigh much less. You can carry many more AA batteries in a small pouch, than D's.
3. replace the metal ALICE clips on your gear with zip-ties...these can be obtained at most hardware or surplus stores, costing only pennies apiece. They won't rust, easily break,
or make jingling noises. They will keep your gear closer to the belt and suspenders, and they cut back on a few pounds worth of metal.
4. trim down your mess-kit...you may not even bother carrying one, but if you feel you have to, stick with the bare essentials. If it is a common U.S. issue or Boy Scout issue kit, it probably has a frying pan and plate, and possibly even
a small pot with lid. Take just the pot or pan (if it is deep enough to boil water in). You can easily scramble eggs in a pot as well as a pan. And, who really needs good table manners out in the field? Go ahead...
eat out of the pan...I won't tell your mother. Carry the spoon only..you should already have a knife on your gear. This will help you shed metal weight as well
as prevent noisy clanging. Put other items in pot during transport to help keep them dry, and absorb banging.
5. stick to cotton ripstop...intermediate weight BDU's get heavy when wet, and really aren't much better in the cold than summer weights. Cotton ripstop
is lighter, dries much more quickly, and is fairly easy to mend.
6. Cardgames...leave the walkman and pocket electronic games at home...they will make noise unexpectedly ( which really stinks when you're trying to be quiet in the woods) and are a solo-only form of entertainment.
If you are on an FTX, SAREX, or any field mission, chances are you are with others. A good card game will help boost morale of those in your group during "down time". Electronic games are not only anti-social,
but also will eat up your precious supply of batteries. Learn a bunch of card games...learn a few solo ones too, in case you get stuck by yourself for sometime.
7. Keep it Small and Sharp...this is the one that I have the hardest time dealing with. I love really nicely made knives, and loved showing off my latest
edge to the guys in my platoon while in the field. However, I have now opted for a smaller Gerber sheath knife. A small knife can generally do the same as a large one. Don't listen to the ad's...you shouldn't
be opening ammo crates with ANY knife. Don't go too small..it should fit comfortably in the hand, and be accessible at a second's notice...you shouldn't have to funble for it in the dark, or
untangle it from web-gear. Keep it sharp, and carry a small whet-stone or diamond stick with you, for sharpening it. Oh, and by the way, avoid those hollow-handles knives...you're better off carrying the extra two ounces
of a solid-shank knife, than to have your most precious asset break in two in the field.
8. "Field-strip" those MRE's...remove all unnecessary wrapping of MRE's or other survival foods, before packing them up and striking out for the woods..of course, you need to keep the food wrapped tightly, but get rid of the outside bag of MRE's, the accessory packs, and any thing else you feel you can live without.
Avoid buying all freeze dried food in the name of conserving weight, though. FD food will cause extreme thirst, so you're gonna have to carry even more water. Most current MRE's are hydrated, or at least partially hydrated.
9. make your own sleeping bag out of a poncho and poncho liner. Just tie the liner into the inside of a poncho, then button up the sides of the poncho. Granted, this sleeping bag is generally for mild to slightly cool conditions. It will not suffice in the dead of winter. However, living in New England, I've used such
as set-up as late as October. You can always put a sweater on if you are still a little cool. Just avoid breathing directly into the "poncho-bag" or it will
become a tad slimy inside. You will cut back on a LOT of weight that a sleeping bag makes...also, you'll have more space.
10. ditch that shelter-half Yes, I know some of you GI's out there are groaning, because unit SOP calls for you to carry it in the field. However, if you are able to, carry an extra poncho instead.
I carry an extra poncho, along with some 550 cord (paracord) in the outside pocket of my ruck, to be used as a shelter. Poncho's are much lighter than the heavy cotton duck or rubberized canvas of shelter 1/2's.
String a piece of cord between two trees, drape the poncho over the cord, and tie out the corners to make a simple tent. Or, button together yours with a buddy's to make a larger shelter. Use your other poncho as a ground sheet to
prevent moisture from seeping up from the ground. Ponchos are very useful.
