We are all familiar with the Rite in the Rain Tactical Field Book No 980 and No 908T olive and desert colored notebooks. Surprisingly, when I transitioned from active duty to 1st Civ Div, I could not find a similar product in durability. The only other kinds of notebooks that can actually be used while camping or an outdoor worksite are made by the same company — since 1916. Every now and then Uncle Sam gives a government contract that just makes sense. These are some products that I have used that I liked and would personally recommend. If you have to be on a worksite in the rain taking notes, would you risk losing your notes which are the whole point of you being there?
Although I like the olive green and desert designs, I prefer the civilian version of it. I like to mix in tactical with my camping gear, sure, but I prefer to have extra pages instead of the range card guides. If you’re into prepping then the classic military one would suit you best.
Top spiral ITEM N° ZMI-220
I like this one because it reminds me of active duty without it being the exact same thing. Structurally, I need something that is the exact same and fortunately the company makes other designs as well.
ALL-WEATHER DURABLE PEN N°OR93
Rain is not mother nature’s only weapon against the unprepared. Cold, the worst kind of outside, is another. I do not normally leave writing gear outside but if it does happen, it will still probably function. If you’re active duty, winter is around the corner and field ops stop for no one. I know some of you are probably thinking, “Well, I could just use a pencil.” Correct! However, the best mechanical pencil is also made by them.
MECHANICAL CLICKER PENCIL N°OR13
There are more pros than cons when it comes to mechanical pencils. The biggest pro is no pencil sharpening but the biggest cons is that jams happen and are fragile. When you invest in a high quality mechanical pencil you will not damage it as easily, jams will be infrequent, and you will not have to go to the store and waste more money over the long term.
LAND NAV KIT N°BB980T-KIT
Are you a fresh lieutenant looking for a way to break the stereotype of getting lost? The land nav kit has a transparent cover for your map, so you don’t have to set up a bivouac site in the middle of a Camp Lejeune swamp in the winter, instead of the high ground 75 meters east. Some stereotypes are true. Every butter bar has gotten a platoon lost. There are legends that say officers do not go UA, they’re simply still doing land nav. If you listen really hard in the dead of night in the field you can hear a sergeant cursing. However, this kit won’t teach you how to read a compass, sir.