Being tactically equipped and prepared starts with a well-organized Load Out Kit. Whether you’re a rifle scope enthusiast, a tactical gear aficionado, or an ardent LARPer, equipping yourself with the right kit makes a huge difference. Here, we dive into the essential items that should find a place in your own kit, providing you with both the rationale behind their inclusion and their critical roles in various scenarios.
1. NV Scope – Enhancing Low-Light Vision
The night vision scope can be your most important piece of gear after the sun sets. By amplifying ambient light, you’re now able to navigate dark and low-light environments with confidence and precision. For more enhanced visibility you can pair it with an illuminator that can act as an infrared flashlight like the Designate IR-V.
2. Thermal Scope – Detecting Heat Signatures
Complementing the night vision scope is the thermal scope, which is capable of detecting heat signatures. Whether you’re tracking game in the wilderness or conducting covert operations, this device unveils hidden targets by capturing their thermal emissions. Thermals like the iRay RH-25 are incredibly versatile and can be mounted on a rifle, helmet, or handheld.
3. Monocular – Compact Observation
For discrete reconnaissance, a thermal monocular like the Axion 2 LRF serves as an invaluable companion. Its compact design allows for discreet observation without the bulkiness of traditional binoculars, ensuring clandestine operations.
4. Headset – Communication Hub
Effective headsets will allow you to hear your surroundings while protecting your ears from the sound of your firearm. Gear like the Ops-Core Adaptive Mission Platform (AMP) acts as a noise enhancer, so you can hear your surroundings even better while also protecting your hearing.
5. NVG/Thermal Monocular in Pouch – Readiness at Hand
For moments when hands-free operation is required, a designated pouch for your night vision scope or thermal riflescope undeniably guarantees quick access. A molle pouch specifically designed for your gear is best, but there are many universal ones that work great. Make sure that whatever pouch you use has sufficient padding and protection to keep your scope protected.
6. SureFire – Illuminating Precision
American-made SureFire flashlights, renowned for their brightness and reliability, are essential for guiding your path in the night, if you don’t have night vision. If you do have night vision, the SureFire M300V scout light has an IR filter that works great to convert visible light into IR light. Whether you’re exploring uncharted territory or navigating urban landscapes, these lights are some of the best in the industry. A SureFire can even be attached to your rifle with the proper mount. There are even helmet mounts designed for SureFire lights so you can see whatever direction you move your head.
7. Helmet – Protecting the Cranium
Beyond safeguarding your head, a durable helmet can act as a mounting platform for other accessories. The Team Wendy EXFIL LTP bump helmet is lightweight, features a machined Wilcox W plate for mounting night vision, and comes with picatinny mounts to accommodate a variety of accessories.
8. Helmet Mount – Secure Attachment
Mounts keep your gear secure and fastened, without getting in the way. The best ones are lightweight, can be quick-released, and match your gear. The Wilcox L4 G24 is designed to be easily adjusted for proper fit and night vision eye position while providing a maximum low profile position on the helmet.
9. Assault Pack –
Load Out Kit Storage
An assault pack provides organized storage space for essentials like food, cold-weather gear, and more. The Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack has a MOLLE exterior and 27L of space. Its rugged construction can accommodate your gear while withstanding your adventures. This pack can fit comfortably around your flat jacket or molle vest. The buckles and compression straps are very convenient. Find pouches allow for storage of things like a Nalgene bottle or extra batteries. The removable web waist belt lets you transfer the pack weight to your hips, making it less heavy on your shoulders and back. The three-zipper design allows you to quickly and easily open your pack at high speed.
10. Scope Toolkit – Maintenance and Reliability
A secure scope is a functional scope. That’s why a torque driver designed for riflescopes, thermals, and night vision scopes is so important. A dedicated toolkit enables you to tighten scope rings, mounts, action screws, and more. The Fix it Sticks rifle and optics tool kit ensures you won’t over or under-tighten critical components again. Just turn the drive handle until the hash indicators line up with the appropriate torque value.
11. Batteries – Powering Your Gear
Do not overlook your power sources. Carrying extra batteries ensures that your equipment remains operational throughout extended periods out in the field.
12. Flak Jacket/Plate Carrier – Armor and Protection
To safeguard against unforeseen threats, a flak jacket or plate carrier provides vital protection. These armors shield against projectiles and impacts, offering peace of mind in hazardous situations.
13. Headlamp – Hands-Free Illumination
A headlamp offers hands-free illumination; basically an invaluable asset for tasks requiring both dexterity and visibility in low-light conditions.
14. Sunglasses – Eye Safety and Clarity
Protecting your eyes from UV rays and airborne debris, sunglasses ensure eye safety while enhancing visual clarity. Make sure they are UV-rated and ballistic for added protection.
15. Magazines – Ammunition Reserve
For LARPers and firearm enthusiasts, spare magazines are a game changer. No one ever complains about having too much ammo when they’re in a pinch.
16. MOLLE – Customized Loadout
A MOLLE kit like a plate carrier, flak jacket, or vest lets you customize your load out. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment and is used by NATO and US military forces. With a system like this, you can carry exactly what you need for each specific mission.
17. Compass/Map – Reliable Navigation
In a world where batteries run out and clouds hide the stars, a tactical compass provides a reliable means of navigation. Combine that with a map and familiarization with the surrounding terrain features and you’ll always know where you are.
18. Pouches – Organizational Efficiency
Pouches made for a MOLLE system will keep you organized and high-speed. Gear that’s easily accessible when you need it quickly is incredibly important.
19. IFAK – First Aid Preparedness
Your ability to treat wounds safely and effectively is paramount to a load-out kit. An Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) equips you with essential supplies to address injuries promptly. IFAKs are meant to treat yourself, so everyone should carry their own.
20. Dump Pouch – Rapid Access
A dump pouch is designed to dump your empty magazines into. That way you’re not losing magazines or trying to forcefully jam a magazine into a cargo pocket while you’re on the move. Everyone from an operator to a LARPer should have one.
21. Canteen/Nalgene with Pouches – Hydration Priority
Lastly, having too little water can end your mission or adventure early. A canteen or Nalgene bottle, equipped with a MOLLE pouch will help you stay mission-capable. In hot climates adding a camelpack or a water filtration system is a good idea.
These are the load-out kit basics that you’ll find special operators starting with. You should always adjust your kit as needed depending on your mission and terrain.