[longrange1947]

I retired in 90 after 23 years, mostly SF, and will say that I spent tons of money in the 70s while in 10th due to the lousy military gear for cold weather, skiing, and mountain climbing. One year it was to the tune of just over 2000.00 dollars at EMS, and a few other well known climbing stores and cold weather stores. During the 80s the money slowed somewhat as I was in Panama and Central and South America. I would estimate about 400 to 600 a year, but if you ask my wife she would just say to dam much.

Should I be reimbused, would have loved to have been but the army did issue me equipment. I just didn't like it as it sucked the big one. Could I have functioned with it, yes but not very comfortably and not all that efficently. When a mountain bag takes up most of the ruck then it is time to get a gore tex bag that does not and that does not stay wet for the rest fo the trip. Try skiing with a 90 pound wet bag on your back on a narrow trail, down hill, with skiis that were designed by a moron and bindings that are cabled and slip out of their settings, attached to leather boots that have no support at all. You get the picture.

I know, stop whinning.