What’s this "kit" thing that everyone talks about?
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Photo Credit: u/patiencsquirrel4728
This is a discussion that hammered home the need for this blog - comes from r/liberalgunowners. I'm approaching this from a 2A approach, but the ideology can be applied to emergency response or protesting.
In short, a kit contains basics that one will need in a tactical or SHTF/emergency situation. Every Joe-schmo with a YouTube account will tell you what's the best thing to get, and I guess I now join their ranks.
Let's break this down into a couple tiers. **
Tier 1: Weapon(s)
- Most will agree on this - without a weapon you can't defend yourself.
- There will be another post about primary vs secondary weapons, but a rifle is generally considered your "main gun". A pistol is there to help you get to your primary or as a back up.
Tier 2: Support gear for your weapon and you
- Rifle Sling - 2 point padded slings are the most convenient and comfortable. Single point slings may look cool, but are generally considered impractical unless you’re doing lots of vehicle ops.
- Duty belt - good for carrying all the items below. There are tons of configurations, many consisting of an inner Velcro belt and an outer duty belt.
- Level 2 or 3 retention holster for a duty rated side arm.
- Medical - have an ifak or a TQ at minimum (and take a Stop the Bleed class.
- Standard mag pouches: 1 for rifle and 1 for your side arm. Esstac Kywi, HSGI Taco, kydex
- Backpack with: water, food, spare undies, spare socks, extra mags
- Note: some will argues that comms go here.
Tier 3: Body
- Jacket, hat, gloves, etc - whatever you need for the weather
- Plate Carrier with plates from a reputable company*. DO NOT BUY STEEL PLATES.
- DO NOT BUY STEEL PLATES - https://youtu.be/ofxd1sVD1k0?si=ZaFR8QbTqm_Kjz3l&t=555
- Extra mags and and TQ
Tier 4: Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one
- This is where we reach peak guntube circle-jerk. And everyone has an idea.
- Some examples of what falls here: Night Vision (called NODS), restraining zip-ties, fuzzy handcuffs, mass trauma kit, your 500 boots and pants that you never wear except for when you LARP with your homies.
*Remember to look up any armor that you're buying. Below you can see the list of NIJ certified armors/companies.
Keep in mind that the NIJ changed their testing standard last year to account for drop testing as part of LVL 4. Prior to this several companies had lvl 4 compliance, but were immediately compromised with any sort of drop.
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/equipment-and-technology/body-armor/ballistic-resistant-armor#1-0
**And for the sake of optics, if nothing else... Get your kit in standard colors for tac: Ranger Green (my fave), Multicam, Multicam tropic, Coyote, black. Save the inclusive pride flag PC's at home. The point of color is to be able to blend into your environment.