What to Bring to Riflemen's Union Exercises: Packing List
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Getting ready for your first Lithuanian Riflemen's Union exercise and not sure what to pack? We have put together a list of what you need for a one-day exercise, what to add for an overnight one, and how to stay comfortable outdoors in any weather. FighterShop.lt has supplied footwear to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Riflemen's Union members and police officers since 2010.
Short answer
- Always – your Riflemen's Union ID, clothing for the weather, broken-in boots, water, food, headwear, gloves and a first aid kit.
- At the range – eye and ear protection.
- Overnight – a backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, spare clothes and socks, and a torch.
- For rain – a poncho or a waterproof jacket.
- Before the exercise – always check your squad leader's instructions on what to bring.
Packing list
Item When you need it Notes Riflemen's Union ID and phone Always Charge your phone and bring a power bank Uniform Always According to the season and your leader's instructions Broken-in tactical boots and two pairs of socks Always Do not wear new boots on a long exercise Headwear and gloves Always A boonie hat in summer, a warm hat in winter Water bottle or hydration system Always You will need more water in summer First aid kit Always Keep it where you can reach it easily Poncho or waterproof jacket In rain A poncho can also be pitched as a shelter Eye and ear protection At the range Ballistic glasses, earplugs or ear defenders Backpack Longer exercises 25–35 l is enough for a day Torch After dark Ideally with a red light Compass, knife, fire steel Depending on tasks Check whether they are allowed Sleeping bag, mat, toiletries Overnight Keep spare clothes in a dry bag Clothing and boots
Woodland-pattern clothing for Riflemen's Union members is in our LŠS clothing section: Helikon BDU Mk2 and Invader Gear Revenger TDU trousers, the TDU shirt, T-shirts, boonie hats and ponchos. Your boots should already be broken in, because new boots easily cause blisters on a long march. Our tactical boots guide explains how to choose and break in boots. Bring two pairs of socks, such as Lowa 3-Season Pro, so you can change if your feet get wet.
Backpack, water and food
For a one-day exercise, a 25–35 l backpack that holds water, food, a poncho and spare clothes is enough. A good example is the Mil-Tec US Assault Pack, which we also have in Woodland. For water, use a 1 l canteen or a 2.5 l hydration bladder you can drink from without taking off the backpack, and in the cold season a thermos comes in handy. All backpacks are in backpacks.
First aid
Always keep your first aid kit in the same, easy-to-reach place, for example in an IFAK pouch on your belt or vest. A compact Mil-Tec first aid kit is fine to start, and a tourniquet is easy to carry in a tourniquet holder. Use a tourniquet and other supplies only after first aid training. All pouches are in medical pouches.
At the range: eye and ear protection
Eye and ear protection is essential at the range. Choose ballistic glasses such as the SwissEye S-1 with clear lenses or the tinted Bollé Silium+ for sunny days. For your ears, bring earplugs or ear defenders. All glasses are in eye protection.
Overnight exercises and bad weather
For an overnight exercise, bring a sleeping bag, a mat, spare clothes and socks, toiletries and a torch, ideally with a red light that does not dazzle others. For rain, a Helikon or Mil-Tec poncho can also be pitched as a shelter, and it is worth packing your things in a dry bag. For cold weather, see our guide "Winter Exercises and Hikes: How to Dress in Layers".
Frequently asked questions
Can I go to an exercise in civilian hiking boots?
That depends on your squad leader's instructions. What matters most is that the boots are sturdy, support the ankle, are broken in and stay dry.Do I need my own gloves?
Yes. Gloves protect your hands from branches, cold and scratches. Mechanix Wear The Original gloves in Woodland are one option.How much water should I bring?
It depends on the weather and the load: in summer and on long marches you will need much more. Ask your leader whether you can refill at the exercise site.How do I keep things in my backpack dry?
Pack spare clothes, socks and documents in a dry bag, and cover the backpack with the edge of your poncho when it rains.You can try all the gear on at our store in Vilnius, Laisvės pr. 125A. We deliver in Lithuania in 1–2 working days, free from 60 €.
