[beta678]

I'll be constantly adding to this thread from now on to keep track of my gear/kit and ask about various gear. Thread has been renamed to reflect this.

Quick overview on the Bates USMC Rat boots:

They're very well built, leather is very nice and the vibram sole is quite comfortable. I heard these run a little on the small side so I ordered a 10-W, my normal shoe size is 9.5R but I like to wear thicker socks with boots and they're a perfect fit for me.

I feel that they might be a little on the heavier side for some people but they don't feel like they weigh that much to me. Though take that with a grain of salt as I haven't had a chance to field them yet.

The boots aren't waterproof as they have two mesh eyelet vents on the inner side of each boot for circulation but you could probably just tape them over on a slightly wetter day and not worry about water getting into the boots.

I've picked up a few miscellaneous items as well as they were on sale and were things that I'd be getting eventually anyways.

Recent acquisitions:
- a nice condor cap in mandrake (love this camo pattern, the green is darker than shown in the pics I've seen which was a welcomed surprise)
- run of the mill shemagh in OD green (cheap, looks good, offers some neck protection)
- a couple of blackhawk compression shirts (on sale and works a nice base layer)
- Bonus basic trauma kit freebie which I'll toss in an IFAK pouch

In other news, I've finalized my 1st line and 2nd line gear list.

1st line will be based off a battle belt while 2nd line will be based off a plate carrier. Magazine loadout will consist of 4+1 for primary and a 2+1 for secondary with room to expand on the number of mags if I decide to carry more.

1st Line:
-HSGI Suregrip & Cobra belt (MC)
-Blackhawk Serpa for my M&P (3:00 position)
-2 pistol mag pouches ~ HSGI Tacos if I decide to spend that $ or general double mag pouch (10:00-11:00 position)
-1 primary mag pouch if running primary with plate carrier ~ HSGI Taco, fits various mags so I don't need a 7.62 or 5.56 specific pouch (9:00 position behind pistol mags)
-Collapsible dump pouch (6:00-7:00 position)
-IFAK pouch or a GP pouch (4:00-5:00 position)
-Radio pouch (8:00 position when not using a PC, or replaces primary mag pouch)

2nd Line:
-Shellback Banshee (MC)
-Small admin pouch top and center
-Triple mag shingle up front
-Radio pouch left of mag shingle
-IFAK pouch on the left behind radio pouch
-Small GP pouch on the right of mag shingle
-Larger GP pouch behind Small GP pouch
-Hydro/MAP pack on back
-Kangaroo pouch triple mag insert if I want to expand on the number of primary mags

So what do you guys think? I looked through a couple of 1st line and 2nd line pic threads on a couple of forums (ar15) and took elements from what I liked and what works for most people. I also based it off the HSP D3 chest rig (too much $ for CR IMO, might give the TMC replica a try) a bit in regards to what its able to carry; just sort of moved the pouches around here and there. I don't really want to add anything unnecessary (dunno if I really need those side pouches) as I'd prefer to minimize weight and bulk.

Will probably acquire 1st line first then 2nd line as I have more use for a belt setup at the moment than a PC, at least until I get some more things in (That and apparently TAG has a updated banshee in kryptek in the works! Wonder if anyone has a battle belt in kryptek yet..).

I'm also up for suggestions on alternatives to the HSGI Suregrip battle belt, tapered belts or anything that's neat, just throw them my way, bit of a gearwhorel. Oh and if anyone has a HSGI suregrip setup, how's the fitment? I haven't been able to get much info regarding fitment for a 30-32 waist size... seems like most people have larger waists and get HSGI's large or xl belts.

And thats about it gear wise. I'll add pics of the boots later when I have time.