some kit im thinking of getting

[CromeDome]

I use the British Assult Boots, there really nice, takes ages to wear in, i also got a pair of viper sniper boots there thermal, waterproof and breathable, but i prefer the Assult boots as its all leather. the problem in getting boots thats not full leather is that you dont wax them or look after the leather, as the new suede ones dont need polish or wax, so people dont maintain them.
its a nice thing to keep in mind when getting boots.

[CromeDome]

Sorry for the double post, me personally i choose not to take a sleeping bag unless its real small, i got the emergency bivvy bag, and if need be i could wrap up in my poncho and the emergency blankets.
Also with the stove i carry 2, maby its a bit over kill but i got a Gel cooker, and a Hexi stove. there light enough and small enough so i thought why not.

[Carrot Cruncher]

For boots I can recommend 2 cheap options that work for me

I picked up a pair of Rohan Lightweight and waterproof boots from TKMax for £30 i think and they are excellent, you can walk all day in them on the moors and they feel just like a pair of slippers.

The others I use for the motorbike are "para" boots from the army surplus (dont know the proper name) but I only paid £20, they were already broken in, have never leaked, and are as tough as anything. I have worn my last pair for about 3 years on and off the motorbike and they are great, you may find them a bit heavy for walking all day in unless you are used to them but as I wear steel toe caps all day anyway I dont notice it.

[Technik]

im getting this kit as soon as my debit card comes please tell me what you think

Boots
http://www.military1st.co.uk/bood-14005 ... esert.html

mess kit
http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/flbkg1ux.html

SAS Survival Guide
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0007 ... P1CMT6DK58

Pack 50L
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004 ... D7IIF0L9NT

saw
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000 ... 8W4LDTZNTI

sleeping bag
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005 ... WRUMHRVD9W

Boots - Mil-com do quite good equipment but I wouldn't bet on these boots. For me boots are the most important item of all the gear that I've got. The best ones that I've got are the USMC 550 ST Belleville boots (as worn by the USMC, one of the few things that the Americans made good) - fire and acid proof sole and tough as hell, only downside they are slippery on ice. If I were to buy another pair I would get the same ones but the Gore-tex version.
http://www.bellevilleshoe.com/stylesall.php

Mess kit - very good choice. I've given away one of these 2 years ago and now regret it. Pros: very tough and will last a lifetime. Cons: relatively heavy and takes up some space in a bag

SAS survival guide - very good choice, a must have

Pack - It's more of a day bag rather than a full size bag. The molle system is something that I would like to have on my bag but the shape of this bag restricts it's use. Also the colour, although tan looks good and works very well in the desert and even in the woods I wouldn't use that colour in the city because it will make you stand out of the crowd - black, navy or grey would be more appropriate (you want to blend in). Bergen bags are very good but I can't remember if they have an internal frame (which would have more than one use).

Saw - very good choice or like previous posters mentioned a pocket saw

Sleeping bag - don't know much about these but I do prefer the envelope ones

If you're just starting out take it slowly, don't rush in thinking that others have so much stuff and I don't have anything. Do some research, buy one thing at a time and test it.

[the-gnole]

I have worn British Army Boots both professionally and as a Civvy, one of the first things I do is to fill a bath with really hot water and submerge them for a good 30 minutes, take them out, shake off the water and put them on, wearing a good thick pair of socks.

Then go for a long walk, last one was 10 miles, after a couple of miles retighten the laces, then when half way (5 miles) change socks for fresh dry ones, then back home.

After that mine "fit like a glove" and are really comfortable with no blisters or hot spots.

[KalPrep]

That's a good idea. Same sort of principle used for hiking boots and ski boots as well.

[CromeDome]

i tryed the soaking in water then wearing, but i guess i didnt soak them long enough as i still get a bit of pain from time to time, i love the boots tho

[the-gnole]

i tryed the soaking in water then wearing, but i guess i didnt soak them long enough as i still get a bit of pain from time to time, i love the boots tho

Where do you find it gives you pain?

Usual place is on the heel, one way around this is to "break the heel", what I have done with work boots that have given me grief is to bend the top part of the boot at the back into the boot, then, and this sounds worse than it is, beat the crease that is formed with a mallet and it will help it collapse and become a lot softer and asier to wear.

[CromeDome]

Yea Its normally in the heel on my right foot. ive been using dubbing on it to soften it up, ive heard about beating the leather but it seems distructive to me so i never really tryed.

[the-gnole]

Yea Its normally in the heel on my right foot. ive been using dubbing on it to soften it up, ive heard about beating the leather but it seems distructive to me so i never really tryed.

My last pair of work boots gave both my heels huge blisters withing 200mtrs, agony all day as they are compulsary on a lot of sites, so I did this before I left site (used a lump hammer) and whacked on some compeed on my feet, next day they were a lot more comfortable.

It sounds destructive, but it isn't, still doesn't seem right though even with in-expensive boots