British Army Kit: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[@blair3916]

Kit certainly 100% better than when I was at Sandhurst on my commissioning course and in unit. Gore tex was a dream. Best kit was being issued NI boots 😂

[@edwardbowen-humphreys9758]

I agree. I remember that kit being well sought after. 🥹

[@Firstname.lastname919]

That new virtus daysack looks class

[@karlfranke6861]

I asked for this video, thank you

[@Rangermedia]

No problems anytime.

[@robertwood1416]

As ever a good update. As an Infantry veteran who transitioned from ‘58 Pattern to PLCE I think that VIRTUS is very good kit. I remember buying a DPM Berghaus Bergen for a S ARMAGH tour in 1989 because all that we had on issue was the old GS Bergen (little brother to the ubiquitous SAS/PARA Berge) which were little better than the ‘58 largepack. The Bn also spent money buying Arktis chest rigs and daysacks for that tour. Happily we adopted PLCE in 1990 and I personally had no issues with it. Loved the short back PLCE Bergen!

[@aaroncooper2456]

The kit has definitely gotten better since my time in the infantry days. I think the kit would have been perfect for NI ops back in the 90s. Great vlog. I can't wait to see more kit updates

[@allanburt5250]

Excellent mare nice to see its moving in the right direction 👍

[@ghostwriter2031]

Having worked with the Americans their kit definitely isn’t always better than ours. Some of their issue boots are shit. Our new Virtus kit is pretty good

[@Gatman0311]

I got out of the U.S. Marine Corps in 2019 and let me tell you American Infantrymen are absolutely stacked with shit now. Boots are private purchase btw, that’s an odd gripe to have.

[@keithorbell8946]

I’m not a veteran, ,y experience was University OTC 1989-1991 including a 3 week fam visit to an infantry battalion in Belize, Summer 1991. The infantry battalion were issued 58 pattern with GS Bergans for patrolling the jungles, while the RAOC store whale ash cut about Airport Camp in brand new PLCE webbing and never went outside the gates!

[@RoughWalkers]

I still rock my Virtus Mk3 bergen withna custom belt kit for walks, had my PLCE for a long time before that

[@chrisbullivant5912]

Another great video!

[@donkey1271]

I did a little bit of work with the Virtus PT, new day sack was 100% modelled after the Munro/JayJays Lite Fighter but intended for shorter SP primarily and some additional Virtus isms. They would have gone smaller/lighter if they could. Back sleeve is for the hydration bladder, clip above that should hold it in place.

[@Rangermedia]

Yeah certainly looks that way. Thanks for sharing the inside info. Ack on bladder holder, I was also wondering if it could potentially double up as a radio holder.

[@TheDanGuy]

@@Rangermedia whats the nsn for the new daysack? my old one has seen better days

[@hsons4935]

Another great video mate

[@Rangermedia]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching much appreciated.

[@swiftlee5718]

As an ex royal Engineers Signaller I completely agree radio batteries antennas ext you literally fill any pack to the brim lol

[@s.wvazim6517]

Brilliant video 😊 awsome

[@russeljohn3471]

Interesting and informative video. Thanks you. Never served civvie. 😊😁👍

[@robertblair6972]

Soldiered 81-88 and this is definitely better than 58 Pattern or any of the issued bergens. Only downside seemed to be the radio antenna exit - now we are down into the weeds.

[@muskett4108]

The original Munro was DS ally for so many years; regimental tailor would put some flat side pockets on. It wasn't big. NI patrol pack was the bomb proof issue for so many years. I'm all for keeping it simple, with few pockets and not too many straps. I had 58 Pattern as a cadet, PLCE for junior Brecon, and a year later 58 pattern for Sandhurst; all a bit of a shock. Sandhurst: in a world of its own. Big call for you to guide the next generation of leadership. Just try to put the right ones in the right place, where they might be most useful. How things have moved on. Fight light, with proactive support.

[@afp0756]

Real men do basic with a 58 pattern largepack (Small sack, ie proper piece of shite)

[@mikewinston8709]

I’m a former 2434 - 1974/1998……58 Pattern is so 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️…..37 Pattern large pack or nothing….😂😂

[@evillabrador1]

A wet 58 pattern large pack. With the digging tool attached to yoke of webbing rather than the pack so it really digs in between your shoulders.

[@mikewinston8709]

@ …..perfect…total luxury….……ideally too when the entire 58 is soaked and has shrunk…..🤣🤣

[@horndogpeter1]

Move along grandad.

[@mikewinston8709]

@ 🤣🤣

[@timbo9200]

Absolutely amazing, compared to 58 pattern i was issued.

[@Jib230181]

I think the equipment is definitely getting better for you guys (slowly) which is good news as you all deserve the best there is. I actually still use a Pattern 95 PLCE webbing still to this day as I thought it was a very good webbing and never had any issues with it but I did upgraded the colour version to MTP not DPM (which DPM was the colour when I served), even tho I’m no longer serving as I use it for hikes and camping and stuff and I still love it and the feel of it today than I did 23 years ago. I do think tho Pattern 95 webbing is one of the better webbings we have used. Not sure what you lot are using now is it the Osprey or something or is that changed again, can’t keep up lol 😂.

[@robh3596]

What’s the NSN for this daysack?

[@Lancer_78]

5.11 tactical and mystery ranch are good day sacks/bergans

[@Hew.Jarsol]

You still can't beat the trusty good old DPM IRR 30L NI Patrol pack (Daysack). Solid and built to last.

[@michaellodge4927]

I wish it was possible to get it in mtp that isn't a cadet pack

[@Hew.Jarsol]

@michaellodge4927 You can spray it though? Krylon etc

[@robertwood1416]

@@michaellodge4927 I managed to find one in MTP. A genuine CQC MoD one. Love it but I still have my old faithful DPM one.

[@calmolly1]

Absolutely, still my go to

[@goodcat1982]

If you wanted to take your own thermal drone on tour or thermal scope or binoculars would they let you?

[@Rangermedia]

It depends but you would not want to anyway as you would be trashing your own equipment. Most issued drones in the Platoons have TI capability and plenty of binos about.

[@rangerwhite5165]

What are the ration packs like now? Are biscuits brown still a feature and that plastic cheese? And that tinned chilli con carne hot can, with the big layer of fat on the top? After four days on exercise, you were that blocked up, you needed a midwife to deliver the mahogany chair leg that came out your bottom end!😂😂

[@Rangermedia]

HAHA, yeah they have changed loads since then. I will get a video jacked up but the days of corn beef hash and tinned patte are no longer.

[@redskyatnight123]

​@@Rangermedia I used to love tinned patte and biscuits brown I would have it off of others who didn't want there's lol

[@Vinyl-Sloth]

What’s the day sack called?

[@EthicsStage]

Would love to know this or the nsn, wasn't tracking any new virtus kit

[@Gatman0311]

Yeah you guys are the last big power to update and modernize your Infantrymen. I love to see you guys getting new kit, it’s about time your government took defense spending seriously.

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

Something I notice about British rucks is the total lack of meaningful hip belt. If you're not wearing your web gear do you just suffer with all the weight on your shoulders and pretend that's how it's supposed to feel?

[@Rangermedia]

We would very rarely move without webbing. Most people have a Bergen/ruck tailored with a hip belt for longer fitness training.

[@biscuitcrusader]

It's crazy how the kit in the british army isn't the best considering how small the armed forces are (reducing the demand of equipment) and how much the UK spends in comparison to other countries, where's the money going?

[@TheDanGuy]

we don't talk about the money, mate. just be happy we still get ammo to train with!

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

Even if it's a genuine improvement I wouldn't permanently modify anything I was issued. In the US eventually you have to give it back and if they don't like it they'll charge you what they paid for it.

[@Rangermedia]

We are a lot more relaxed. If you serve a decent amount of years when it’s time to hand everything in when leaving, they are just interested in CBRN respirator, body armour and helmet. Most other stuff just gets written off

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

Must be nice. Watched an E7 do his final turn in and he got charged like $800 for a collective of items he was issued back in the late 90's/early 00's that they wouldn't even take back as a direct exchange while he was in.

[@Rangermedia]

@ jeez that’s crazy any of the people I know who have got out after minimum 10 years and a couple others at 23 years had no bill as long as they had all the items I mentioned above.

[@bigchunk7246]

why cant British soldiers buy their own plater carriers?. seen vids of US infantry with all different kinds of stuff, seems like a win win. soldiers get better stuff and theres more issued stuff around

[@KipKil1igan]

Buy whatever you want, but if there was a large scale war the odds of them letting you use non issue kit would be zero. Afghan was different to what theyre expecting to face. Youd want everyone to look exactly the same to avoid blue on blue. Less chance a nervous private hosing you down coming around a corner if everyone looks identical. Other thing is if gear needs to be cut off you for whatever reason or gets torn up, you dont need to pay for a replacement and havent wasted $400 on some chest rig.

[@jordanjolley]

Always laughed at things like “military grade” oh you mean shit?

[@MikeLacey52]

FFS slow down so the rest of us can get a clue what you're talking

[@MrSwccguy]

Simply move to the US and get better kit😂

[@mr_crush]

The British military want to stop thinking they are on the big table of Military force and start being sensible with our money ie piggy back on kit the Americans use and prove. Only an idiot would have kept on with the piece of shit SA80 throwing money at it - thats the prime example, to proud /stupid to admit it though and focus on where you can be the best and thats the quality of training. But woke/DEI tosh will prevent that.

[@Rangermedia]

I don’t see anything wrong with training. I’m just back from Wales where officer cadets who’ve been in training 9 weeks. Navigated across the Black mountains 65km with 25kg in 24-30hrs. This whole woke talk is rumours

[@mr_crush]

@ from where i work it’s not

[@mikewinston8709]

As a former 2434 from 1974 - 1998, all I see these days is the most fabulous issue luxury. No DMS or gaiters …🤣🤣….You all live in great luxury these days.

[@johnhughes4147]

Nothing beats the PLCE All Arms bergan (handbag). After using the 58 large pack for a few years, then getting PLCE, thought it could not get worse, the handbag proved me wrong….. absolutely useless for anything other than sticking into the OTIS bin on the back of the Scimitar… eventually they were withdrawn from issue then the standard Inf bergan was issued….

[@_ob200]

What’s the NSN for one of these things ?