In the military world, Special Forces are known for their incredible skills and tough spirit. They tackle tough missions quietly and succeed because of their intense training and the gear they use. Check out our Ultimate Special Forces Gear List and see what works for you.
It shows the advanced tools and gear that help these amazing soldiers do their best. This guidebook brings together the newest technology with gear that’s been tested in battle, giving a peek into the special tools and equipment that make elite warfare special.
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TACTICAL BOOTS
The Oakley LT Assault 2 Boot is a top-notch footwear choice designed for those who demand durability, comfort, and performance in challenging environments. These boots are crafted to meet the rigorous needs of military personnel, law enforcement professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Featuring a blend of robust construction and lightweight materials, the LT Assault 2 Boot ensures reliability without compromising agility, making it an ideal companion for demanding missions and outdoor activities.
Built for resilience and comfort, these boots offer stability and support crucial for extended wear. The Oakley LT Assault 2 Boot incorporates innovative features such as durable leather and synthetic materials, a cushioned midsole, and a rugged outsole, providing traction on varied terrains. Whether traversing rugged landscapes or tackling urban challenges, these boots prioritize both functionality and comfort, making them a dependable choice for individuals seeking footwear that can withstand intense conditions without sacrificing performance.
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BDU BLOUSE TOP
The MAGCOMSEN Men’s Tactical Military Shirt offers durability and comfort for various seasons and activities. Made from a blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex, this shirt is lightweight and breathable, ensuring superior comfort and freedom of movement. With a 1/4 front zip closure, it’s suitable for wear in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
The sleeves feature arm pockets, zipper pockets, and patches for IDs or unit patches, providing convenient storage options. Additionally, the shirt boasts abrasion-resistant forearms and hook-and-loop adjusted cuffs, adding to its functionality and durability. Easy to care for with machine wash instructions, this imported shirt is a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts and military personnel alike.
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TACTICAL BDU PANTS
The CQR Men’s Tactical Pants are designed for law enforcement, military, and outdoor activities, providing durability and functionality. Made from a blend of polyester and cotton ripstop fabric, these pants are breathable, wrinkle-free, and comfortable, suitable for a range of environments. The ripstop fabric offers excellent durability and is water-resistant and stain-resistant, ensuring reliability in rugged conditions.
Featuring an elastic waistband for a secure fit and support during active movements, these pants also boast multi-purpose cargo pockets for carrying tools and equipment conveniently. Easy to care for with machine wash instructions, these imported pants from Vietnam are essential outdoor apparel for anyone seeking durability and practicality in their attire. Please note that the exclusive tactical belt is not included with these pants.
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BACKPACK
The Mystery Ranch 2 Day Backpack is a versatile and practical choice for urban necessities. With a 27L capacity, it’s designed for everyday carry or travel, featuring dual water bottle pockets, front compression straps, MOLLE webbing, and an adjustable harness. Its signature 3-zip opening allows for easy and rapid access to the main compartment contents.
Built for everyday urban missions, it includes internal organization with a padded computer sleeve, a separate divider for a tablet, and two detailed zippered pockets. Made with the best materials and durable construction methods, this backpack is reliable and ready to support your mission.
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HEAD GEAR
You will need a field cap BDU or jungle boonie hat. Important to keep the sun off your head and rain off your head. The Propper 60/40 Ripstop Boonie Sun Hat for Men is a durable and practical choice for outdoor activities. Made from a blend of cotton and polyester ripstop fabric, this hat is designed to military specifications for ruggedness and reliability.
With vent holes that direct air away from the head, it helps keep you cool in hot weather. The adjustable chin strap ensures a secure fit, while the hand wash care instructions make it easy to maintain. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, this imported hat offers both comfort and functionality. The SEAL Team guys love to wear these no matter what the mission.
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SOCKS
Socks Darn Tough socks worn at BUDS
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LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
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WINTER JACKET
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BROWN T-SHIRT
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UNDERWEAR
(optional – or you can go commando)
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WRISTWATCH
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WRIST COMPASS
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MULTI-TOOL
Out in the field you need good gear, and multi-tools come in very handy.
I have owned a SOG Multi-Tool before, and liked it very much. The reason for this recent puchase of another Sog Tool is because someone else liked it very much too.
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ID tags
ID card
Sunglasses
Scarf, net
Protective glasses
Knee pads
Black leather or Nomex gloves
1st LINE GEAR
(in pockets or on pants belt)
LOAD BEARING VEST HARNESS
You will have to get a good load bearing harness. I like the BlackHawk or Condor Load bearing vest or harness:
BLACKHAWK! Load Bearing Suspenders/Harness (Straps Only) are tough straps designed for military special forces. Made from strong 100% nylon material, they’re durable and reliable. They’re easy to clean with hand washing, but they are imported from China. These straps are made from 1000 denier nytaneon material, ensuring they can handle tough situations.
They come with a wrap-around belt loop system and a chest strap for added security. They also feature drag handles and don’t have any metal attachment clips. Please note, the belt isn’t included. You can get these straps in either black or olive drab colors, offering options to suit different preferences and environments.
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RIGGERS BELT
Pen flares w/4-6 flares
Compress bandage
Pistol holster w/mag pouch
Pistol
Pistol magazines (2)
Mag loader
Signal (orange) cloth
Note pad
Pen and pencil
Ear plugs
Lighter
Whistle
MILITARY COMPASS
Military Prismatic Sighting Compass w/ Pouch
Map
Protractor (2)
Colored markers
Penlight
United States Army Ranger Handbook: FEBRUARY 2011, this edition is the most current, fully revised and is currently in use. In the U.S. Army Ranger Handbook SH21-76, Revised FEBRUARY 2011 you will find Tactics and Techniques used by Army Rangers.
Emergency rations
Spare parts
Blood chit
US Dollars/gold coins
2ND LINE GEAR
(carried on web gear)
(short term supplies if ruck ditched)
Battle rifle
Rifle magazine (1-2)
Pistol belt
Belt pad
Rifle magazine pouches
Rifle magazines, 30 round, (7-13)
Rifle magazine, 20 round, (1)
Rounds, rifle, 4×1 tracer, 210-390
One quart canteen w/cover
Bottles taped to canteen
Canteen collapsible 100 oz
w/drinking tube, backpack
Strobe light w/case & batteries (2)
This famous strobe light was originally issued with various aircrew survival vests and life preservers in the late 1960’s. It produces an intermittent flash of light visible for beyond five miles and is waterproof. This device is very bright.
Knife, utility/survival w/sheath
Sharpening stone
Camo paint compact/stick
Pistol holster (if not on 1st line)
Pistol magazine (2)
Pistol magazine pouch (double)
Snap link, locking D (2)
First aid kit, individual w/case
Compress bandage w/case
Cravat bandage (2)
Tactical flashlight. This light is super bright and small. It is brighter than my Cop buddies flash light that he uses on the job. I haven’t dropped it yet but it appears to be super durable.
Chem lights (2-4)
Butt pack
IV set
M.R.E./combat rats
50 – 150 ft of 550 cord
Lighter
Ground recognition panel (VS-17)
Insect repellent (SSS)
12 ft nylon utility web strap
Grenade pouch (1-3)
Grenade, fragmentation (4)
Grenade, smoke, white
Grenade, smoke, colored
Grenade, thermite/white phosphorous (opt)
40mm grenade rounds (12-15)+special rnds
40mm grenade pouches/carrier
Flare, parachute (1)
Global Positioning System w/case (Garmin Edge 500
Wristwatch (2)
Garrote
3rd LINE GEAR
(in backpack)
Rucksack, ALICE w/frame or CFP-90
Sleeping bag system w/cover
Ground pad, cut and folded
Ground sheet/space blanket
Hammock
Tent/bivy shelter
Bandoleer w/120 rnds rifle ammo
Rations, 3 days, MRE or LRRP
Gas stove
Utensils (spoon)
Wool socks (3 pr)
IR chemlights (5)
Canteen, 2 qt. w/case
Water purification tablets
Goggles
Waterproof bag (2)
Poncho (light or heavy)
Poncho liner
Lightweight Goretex top and bottom
Polypropylene top and bottom
Field jacket liner
Wool watch cap (black)
BDU uniform, seasonal (1 set)
Brown T-shirt (3)
Underwear (3, opt)
Foot powder
100 mile/hour tape
Wire
Snap link (1)
Personal hygiene articles w/case
Sunscreen
Multi-vitamins
Weapons cleaning kit
Tire repair kit
Field-exp antenna kit
Solid core brass wire
Ceramic insulators
Wire saw
Entrenching tool (1/buddy team)
Machete with Sheath (18 in.) (1/buddy team)
Sling rope (Swiss seat), 12-15 ft
Rappel gloves
Plastic bags, seal-able
Sand table kit
4th LINE GEAR
(stowed gear at base)
Duffel bag
Pocket altimeter
Climbing gear kit
Net, camo, 5’x9’
Net, general purpose
Barracks bag
Extra BDU’s (2 sets, 1 pressed)
Extra T-shirts/underwear
Extra socks
Polypropylene, top/bottom
Civilian clothes/shoes (2 sets)
Swim shorts
Towel, brown (2)
PT clothes
PT shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Overshoes
Goretex boots
Work gloves
Bivisack/sleeping bag
Padlocks (2)
Gas stove
5th LINE GEAR
(mission essential gear)
One time pads
Batteries
Radios, PRC 117, 109, 77, 74, 90
Entrenching tool
Pick
Machete
Cameras
Film
Binoculars
Laser Rangefinder
Formats
Demo bag
Blasting caps
Firing train for special munitions
Maps
M-5 aid kit
Morphine
Claymore mine kit
M-14 mines and booby traps as necessary
Anti-intrusion devices as necessary
Night optical devices ANPVS-7B
Helmet, PSGT Kevlar
Vest, protective, fragmentation/ballistic
Carrier, trauma plate
Protective (gas) mask
MOPP gear
Air items
Single point release system
Lowering line
Quick release assembly
Dive kit
US Army Special Forces are also known as ‘the Green Berets’ and go through training initially in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This is a versatile army unit made up of ‘quiet professionals’
They train for many roles to include unconventional warfare, direct action hitting targets, foreign internal defense (FID), special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, information operations
Questions from our readers online.
Question: What is the 1st line gear loadout for a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP). Check out the PDF here
Question: What is the one item that a Special Forces operator cannot do without? Good boots.
Question: Where can I find a Navy SEAL loadout list? check out the video above for a full load out list.
Question: Where can I find out more information about Army SF?
Answer: Check out the Army website here: to talk with a recruiter.
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