Jun 21, 2024

Top 10 Essential Items to Bring to Ranger School

Preparing for Ranger School requires careful consideration of the gear you'll need to endure challenging conditions and demanding tasks. Here's a curated list from successful graduates of the top 10 essential items that will help you navigate through Ranger School successfully. **Click the product titles/pictures to check them out further (links to Amazon).

1. Mechanix Covert Gloves

Mechanix Covert Gloves are known for their durability and flexibility, making them perfect for various tasks without compromising comfort. They provide excellent grip and protection against wear and tear, essential for handling equipment and weapons during intense training. Plus, they are thin enough to keep on when firing your weapons, but thick-enough to offer good protection from thorns.

2. Suunto Wrist Compass

A reliable navigation tool like the Suunto Wrist Compass is invaluable at Ranger School. Its compact design allows for quick and easy access to directional information, crucial for land navigation exercises and tactical operations. This will help you make sure you're going the right way on patrol when on the move.

3. Spyderco Tenacious Knife

The Spyderco Tenacious Knife is praised for its sharpness and durability. It serves multiple purposes from cutting 550 cord, cutting rope, and opening MREs. Its light and you can tie it down to your belt so you don't lose it.

4. Glint Tape

Glint Tape is essential for marking equipment and ensuring visibility during nighttime operations. Its reflective properties make it easy to locate gear in low-light conditions and also comes in clutch when setting up OPs and security positions at night.

5. Princeton Tec Quad Headlamp

The Princeton Tec Quad Headlamp is designed with a red lens to preserve night vision, crucial for maintaining stealth during night operations. It offers multiple brightness settings and is durable enough to withstand rugged outdoor use. Best part, you don't have to cycle through white light to get to red light. If you're caught using white light at night, so good-bye to your Ranger Tab.

6. Arc'teryx Knee Pads

Arc'teryx Knee Pads provide superior comfort and protection during extended periods of kneeling or crawling. Their ergonomic design minimizes discomfort and chafing, essential for minimizing injuries during strenuous activities. they are light, bendy, and protect the knees greatly from on the short-halts you'll be doing.

7. Garmont NFS Boots

Garmont NFS Boots are lightweight yet durable, offering excellent support and traction on various terrains. They are designed to keep feet dry and comfortable, making them ideal for long marches and extended field exercises. These are literally the most comfortable boots you'll find.

8. Fox River Fatigue Fighter Socks

Fox River Fatigue Fighter Socks are renowned for their durability and comfort. They prevent blisters and provide cushioning, essential for maintaining foot health throughout the rigorous training regimen of Ranger School. Stock up on these, your feet will thank you.

9. EasyFeet Insoles

EasyFeet Insoles offer superior arch support and shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue during prolonged activities. They enhance comfort inside military boots, crucial for preventing foot injuries and maintaining peak performance. The miles you'll rack up in Ranger School are tremendous, but using these insoles will allow you to move further with less discomfort and blistering.

10. Rothco Microfiber Towel

The Rothco Microfiber Towel is compact, quick-drying, and highly absorbent, perfect for personal hygiene and maintaining comfort during limited downtime. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and ideal for field operations. Hang this outside your ruck while you move on patrol to dry it out. Any infantryman will tell you, never leave home without one of these.

Conclusion

Equipping yourself with the right gear can significantly enhance your experience and performance at Ranger School. These top 10 essential items have been carefully selected to ensure durability, functionality, and practicality in the challenging environments you'll face. Prepare ahead with these items to maximize your chances of success during this rigorous training program.