Must Have Items for the Field

These are a the top list items that everyone agrees with make your stay in the field a little more tolerable.

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After your first time going to the field, you know that it’s important to deviate and/or add your own items to the packing list regardless if it’s an overnight stay or for a few weeks. There is no cap on the level of comfort you should afford yourself in the Army whenever possible.

Without further ado, here is a list of common items that I’ve either packed myself or wish I had packed after seeing my battle buddies empty their duffle bags.

#1. SNACKS

We all know that nonperishable snacks are a must when packing for a trip out to the field. There are few reasons why you should pack snacks.

You’re not a fan of MREs and the constipation effect they tend to have on your bowels. You’re bored and need something to occupy your time. You’re burning a ton of calories during your field training exercise and need to replenish your energy stores.

Whatever the reason, you’re going to wish you had packed some of your favorite snacks once you see a battle buddy whip out some trail mix or sunflower seeds.

Some good idea snacks to bring include, but not limited to, the following:

• Trail mix
• Sunflower seeds (plain or flavored for an extra kick to your taste buds)
• Jerky (I swear this stuff is a staple here in New Mexico and you can find some unique homemade flavors!)
• Dried fruit–mango, apricot, apples, banana chips, etc. Sam’s Club has an AMAZING bag of dried mango that’s to die for!
• Granola bars–skip the uber processed stuff and check the ingredients label
• Fruit pouches–you can actually get pureed fruit and vegetables and pack them easily in your bag without taking up too much room. Forewarning, you don’t want to consume just applesauce as it tends to improve bowel functions . . . if ya know what I mean.
• Fruit–take a few apples or any other hard fruit that won’t get too bruised up on the trip and won’t require refrigeration

#2. WATER or WATER FILTRATION DEVICE

Okay, I know I’m going to sound bougie with this, buuuut I absolutely hate the water from the water buffalo unless I’m extremely dehydrated. At that point, it tastes like Dasani when it hits my lips.

Plus, I’ve heard really bad stories that involve explosive diarrhea from water buffalos not being cleaned properly before use. Explosive diarrhea + the middle of nowhere = a recipe for disaster!

Depending on how long you’re going to be out in the field will dictate how much you decide to pack. I’ve also found that if you bring water for your entire section, that your supervisor will often find accommodations to make space in the vehicle you’re traveling in since it benefits them as well having freshly bottled water. How thoughtful!

Now if you don’t want to be too extra by bringing a case of water or you might just be an ecofriendly Soldier, you can pack a water filtration device.

I’ve seen straw filters and water bottles with filters. Realistically, you can fill up your bottle filter with water from the buffalo and pour it into your camelback/canteen to drink from. Or if you know you’re going to be using a canteen, you could opt for the straw filter if you don’t want to catch a case of FTX diarrhea.

I’m telling you that even if people in your unit give you the side eye, they are going to secretly wish that they had thought of it first!

#3 SUNSCREEN

I used to be in the sinking ship of those who chose not to wear sunscreen when I first joined the military. My mom was the type to sunbathe every single summer and us girls were right alongside her. Quite frankly I didn’t know there was a difference between sunblock and suntan lotion until I was much older.

Now that I’m in my 30s, it’s a whole different ballgame! I made it a point to start taking care of my skin in my early 20s and I’m thankful that I wised up.

However, there are a lot of us in the military that don’t believe sunscreen is a necessity. Wrong!

Every field problem, the supply sergeant makes their rounds with a box of sunscreen and hand sanitizer. And every field problem Soldiers avoid the sunscreen and pocket the sanitizer.

It’s not until they take their first shower at home that they notice the nice little tan on their hands, head, and neck. Looking ridiculous outside of uniform with their uneven tan.

Sunscreen is important not only to avoid uneven tan lines, but also to prevent sunburns which ultimately lead to signs of premature aging and collagen depletion. Not to mention skin cancer. Yikes!

I know this isn’t something we give a second thought to when we’re young privates or lieutenants, but there are a lot of self care routines that I know most of us wish we would’ve implemented sooner.

 

There are so many sunscreens that I’ve tried to find that don’t create a thick white cast layer on my skin. So far, my favorite is Colorscience’s Sunforgettable.

They have different types of sunscreens depending on your preference and their Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex even offers different shades. Their Flex line acts as a foundation and a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. So even though you’re not technically allowed to wear makeup in the field, this sunscreen is a nice little loop hole.  Bonus, it’s also water resistant for those sweaty FTX’s.

#4. Solar battery/charger with cord

Taking a solar battery allows you to charge your phone so that you have lots of juice in your battery for those moments of downtime in the field.

I used to have a rechargeable battery, but that thing just didn’t last long enough–especially on long FTX’s. But a solar battery can be set out in the sun every single day to recharge.

Do yourself a favor and pack a solar battery with a charging cord, but keep it on the DL because others will be asking to borrow it once their phones reach 20%.

 

#5. Headphones

If you’re bringing your cellphone, don’t forget to pack your headphones! This one is a no brainer.

I need to listen to something to help me fall asleep, but I’d rather not subject others in the tent to what I’m listening to.

And if you’re smart, you’ll pack an adapter so that you can charge your phone and listen to music simultaneously.

#6. A good travel pillow

Honestly, there have been times that I did not pack a pillow and just rolled up whatever else was in my duffle bag to create one. And those nights were hard to fall asleep. I’ll be honest, I have a bit of an anxiety issue that presents itself as insomnia. So for those of you who are raising an eyebrow to me having sleep issues in the field after long days out in the sun, wondering how the heck I wouldn’t be able to just pass out. . . well, that’s why.

Also, our bodies age and things we used to do when we were younger just don’t cut it anymore. Just think about how your child falls asleep with their head twisted all crazy like the exorcist. It makes me cringe, but our babies sure do sleep well regardless of the positions they pass out in!

If you’re up for packing your regular pillow, I’d say do that. But if you can find a decent travel size pillow, that might be the better option. Visit any store that sells camping gear and you’re sure to find a good sized travel pillow. I got mine at Walmart and it rolls up nicely when we’re ready to go.

#7. Tylenol

Tylenol, ibuprofen, Excedrin, or anything else for headaches. You do not. I repeat. DO NOT want to be out in the field during lights out with generators blasting and have a headache.

Some might say that this is a hydration issue, but you can actually overhydrate and flush out all your electrolytes. Your MREs should come with Gatorade/Powerade type powder, so if you haven’t already replenished your electrolytes, start there.

However, sometimes a long stressful day out in the elements leads to a headache. If you’re prone to migraines, then you probably already know to have a good stock for FTXs.

#8. Instant coffee packets or 5 hour energy shots

I know we just talked about how important hydration is, but morning rituals can be just as important for keeping your morale up.

If your units are anything like mine, they always pack the percolator. But if you’re not fond of that brew, you can always pack your own.

Amazon has so many different options to choose from. Whether you drink your coffee black or you prefer a little coffee with your sugar. There are even cold brew instant packets so you wouldn’t need to stress about getting some hot water for everything to dissipate.

I’m aware that there are a lot of energy drink junkies out there. If you happen to be one of those said junkies and you don’t want to pack a few cans then you can easily throw a few 5 hour energy shots into your bag and call it a day.

 

#9. Solar shower or Wipes

Wipes are a must for short field training exercises, especially if there aren’t going to be any showers available. Even if there are showers, it’s feels sooo nice to be able to wipe dirt off your hands before you eat.

 

It’s even more refreshing having wipes at your disposal after using the port-a-john. Even better, after your entrenching tool. 🙂

After a long day and lots of sweat mixed with dirt, you’ll be glad that you packed some decent baby wipes.

Now if you’re going to be out there for a while, think about investing in a decent solar shower. You can either opt to buy a popup tent with it or set up your poncho liner for privacy.

Since I’m a SHARP rep, I’d say just get the shower tent to prevent any voyeurs trying to take a peek. They’re super lightweight and fold up flat anyways.

I’ve even heard of some Soldiers charging others in order to use their solar bag and shower tent! Like I said, some people might give you the side eye at first, but they will definitely come begging to use what you have after a few days.

#10. Dry Shampoo

I like dry shampoo for two reasons: It hides that greasy, stringy hair that happens after a few days without a shower and it masks the odors come from the rest of your body.

I’m not saying that you’re walking around in a cloud of B.O. However, it really does put up the façade that you showered because the scent of the dry shampoo holds onto your hair all day long.

 

 

 

Well that’s it Mamas! Those are my top list of must have items for the field. The list will vary depending on whether or not you’re breastfeeding or on your period. If you already have a hunch how that list would change, but are still curious, you can check out my articles about breastfeeding in the Army and period solutions.

Do you have any must have items that you take to the field? Let me know down in the comments. Sharing is caring and my mission with this blog is to help out Army Mamas as best as possible.