Any ex-service/LEA members offer some advice on clothing...?

[sconie]

I'm planning on that trip as well, but I think you should check with Froggy first before splashing the cash, I recon that some gear will be available on site, such as knee pads and the like. I have some dark lightweight trousers (dry faster) and I'll wear my Matterhorn boots out, I will take my 5.11 vest, gloves, cap, ear protection and my NATO balistic glasses.

[Rearlugs]

Although I have some state of the art military kit available, I found some cheap and easy solutions for civvie shooting kit.

For trousers I just use "Terrier Classic" work trousers from Screwfix. Trousers are £20, knee pads are £4. The pads fit in pockets on the trousers and - unlike other brands I've tried - the pads are perfectly positioned.

For a jacket, I use a surplus sniper smock. Again, reasonably cheap (nobody wants DPM pattern, now that desert cam is tacti-cool...) and perfect for the job.


http://www.screwfix.com/p/site-terrier- ... 32-l/32907

[huntervixen]

Call me a tight old sod......but " label wear " makes no difference to your shooting, Matilan (Bangladesh sweat shop Chique) black combats £12, lots of pockets, Smith&Wesson waterproof boots £20, my old prone shooting jacket, job done!

Spend the money on Firearms, not fancy range pants!

[TattooedGun]

Thanks Saddler.

Anyone with any "real world" experience with any of this kit, and/or anyone know reputable but cheap dealers?

I looked at the Arktis and they have a great set of trousers (C310), but they're kinda hard to come by in this country, and £110 a pair RRP from what I can tell... eek!

er, RIGHT... They're MADE in this country!!

They may be made in this country, but a quick google search did not bring up many retailers, certainly not at decent prices, which is why I asked if anyone knew of any. But thanks.

Try the retail arm of Arktis - Country Covers - or look on the Arktis Ebay pages.

Actual help! Amazed, frankly.

Not rocket science, even for a Dudley-ite

Want some "real world" tested kit - do as the others from your neck of the woods seem to have done - Hagley Rd Asian Emporiums Inc., purveyors of fine dish dashes & burka's to Messr's Al Queda & the I Sis brothers.
You'll blend in right nice hanging around Dudley bus station so attired...

Is there any need, really?

[TattooedGun]

Don't forget to shave your head and grow a beard !

Already got the beard

If you want to look like an "operator" try http://arcteryx.com/Home.aspx?language=EN

I don't personally, and like this gear - http://www.engelbert-strauss.co.uk/

Thanks, I'll take a look!

not "combat or tactical2 but have a look at the "snickers" range of work wear, lots of fitting choice and pockets for integral knee pads in the trousers, extremley tough wearing as well

Thanks to you too! I shall have a gander!

If you're into jeans I've been browsing biker jeans lately. They often come in abrasion-resistant mixed fibres, with water resistant treatments and built-in kneepads. Best of all, they don't scream "I'm a middle-aged accounts manager with an AR15 and mild coyote tan fixation" .

I used to work outdoors. Not sedentary work either. The best 'kit' is that in which you don't mind getting wet, muddy and torn. PMA is the most useful thing -- that, two decent jumpers and a Thermos.

Thanks Charlie. I think Waterproofed jeans might be a good way to avoid any dodgy looks through airport security!

I'm planning on that trip as well, but I think you should check with Froggy first before splashing the cash, I recon that some gear will be available on site, such as knee pads and the like. I have some dark lightweight trousers (dry faster) and I'll wear my Matterhorn boots out, I will take my 5.11 vest, gloves, cap, ear protection and my NATO balistic glasses.

Will be good to meet you if you make it out :)

Already got my flights booked! Looking forward to it! Good list of stuff to take too, thanks for the heads up.

Will talk to Froggy in the next few days, just trying to get a head start on what might be good to look into buying... not just for this trip, but also useful for trips to the range over here in our, how to describe, miserable weather?

...For trousers I just use "Terrier Classic" work trousers from Screwfix. Trousers are £20, knee pads are £4. The pads fit in pockets on the trousers and - unlike other brands I've tried - the pads are perfectly positioned.

For a jacket, I use a surplus sniper smock. Again, reasonably cheap (nobody wants DPM pattern, now that desert cam is tacti-cool...) and perfect for the job.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/site-terrier- ... 32-l/32907

Thanks, I'll take a look! :)

[TattooedGun]

Call me a tight old sod......but " label wear " makes no difference to your shooting, Matilan (Bangladesh sweat shop Chique) black combats £12, lots of pockets, Smith&Wesson waterproof boots £20, my old prone shooting jacket, job done!

Spend the money on Firearms, not fancy range pants!

Agreed!

That's why I asked for real world experience with the clothing, I want to know what's going to last, and whats going to be useful, it doesn't necessarily need to be a "brand" just good and consistent, quality wise.

[Mike357]

5.11 is good stuff but don't buy 100% cotton as despite the claims it fades. Some might prefer the distressed look. Tru Spec pants are good too. I regularly wear both.

[Maggot]

Thanks Saddler.

Anyone with any "real world" experience with any of this kit, and/or anyone know reputable but cheap dealers?

I looked at the Arktis and they have a great set of trousers (C310), but they're kinda hard to come by in this country, and £110 a pair RRP from what I can tell... eek!

er, RIGHT... They're MADE in this country!!

Try the retail arm of Arktis - Country Covers - or look on the Arktis Ebay pages.
Not rocket science, even for a Dudley-ite

Want some "real world" tested kit - do as the others from your neck of the woods seem to have done - Hagley Rd Asian Emporiums Inc., purveyors of fine dish dashes & burka's to Messr's Al Queda & the I Sis brothers.
You'll blend in right nice hanging around Dudley bus station so attired...

A lot of the Arktis kit is simply badged CC for sale to other markets. We have Arktis kit at work and its identical.

+1 for 5.11. Very hard wearing and comfortable, dries quickly like the old service lightweights used to.

My preference is for lightweight, baggy/mobile and quick drying. Unless it si torrential thsi can be more comfy than some wet proofs. If you start moving about much in the CC kit you cook.

Get some decent wicking/cooling base layers.

UKMC PRO do quite a good range as does Nightgear.

CC do a very good showerproof modern version of the old zoot top (Para fabric cagoule like garment), although the old zoot tops if you can get them are great as an under layer.

[saddler]

Country Covers own Arktis.

Essentially the same firm

[TattooedGun]

Thanks Saddler.

Anyone with any "real world" experience with any of this kit, and/or anyone know reputable but cheap dealers?

I looked at the Arktis and they have a great set of trousers (C310), but they're kinda hard to come by in this country, and £110 a pair RRP from what I can tell... eek!

er, RIGHT... They're MADE in this country!!

Try the retail arm of Arktis - Country Covers - or look on the Arktis Ebay pages.
Not rocket science, even for a Dudley-ite

Want some "real world" tested kit - do as the others from your neck of the woods seem to have done - Hagley Rd Asian Emporiums Inc., purveyors of fine dish dashes & burka's to Messr's Al Queda & the I Sis brothers.
You'll blend in right nice hanging around Dudley bus station so attired...

A lot of the Arktis kit is simply badged CC for sale to other markets. We have Arktis kit at work and its identical.

+1 for 5.11. Very hard wearing and comfortable, dries quickly like the old service lightweights used to.

My preference is for lightweight, baggy/mobile and quick drying. Unless it si torrential thsi can be more comfy than some wet proofs. If you start moving about much in the CC kit you cook.

Get some decent wicking/cooling base layers.

UKMC PRO do quite a good range as does Nightgear.

CC do a very good showerproof modern version of the old zoot top (Para fabric cagoule like garment), although the old zoot tops if you can get them are great as an under layer.

Thanks for the information.

Can you clarify what you mean by decent wicking/cooling base layers... any examples?

:cheers: