Gear Review: Field Test at Milsim West “Balkar Strike”

When you’re covering 26+ miles in a 40-hour Milsim West operation, the wrong gear will break you before the enemy does. From surplus to modern outdoor equipment, every piece of kit has to earn its place in the ruck. I tested a British DPM sleeping bag, gaiters, Salomon X Ultra boots, and a Mardingtop 50L pack during Balkar Strike at Fern Glen — and all of it held up in the field.

This past weekend at Milsim West’s Balkar Strike, I put a mix of surplus and modern outdoor gear to the test. Over 26.5 miles of movement in a continuous immersive operation, the question was simple: could this kit hold up? The answer — yes. Everything I carried performed as intended, and a few pieces surprised me in how well they endured the grind.

This mix of surplus, budget, and high-end outdoor gear proved more than capable of surviving a full MSW weekend without failure.

A tried-and-true surplus staple, the British DPM sleep system kept me warm when temps dipped down to roughly 40 degrees. The bag packs down decently but is bulkier compared to modern ultralight options. It compacted down nice into the ruck, but it did take up about a quarter of the bag. That said, for the price and durability, it’s hard to beat. It shrugged off ground moisture and held up well through multiple nights of field use.

Pros: Rugged, affordable, warm.

Cons: Bulky, heavier than civilian backpacking bags.

Lightweight gaiters kept brush, dirt, and water out of my boots. On rough terrain and in tall grass, they made a big difference in comfort over long distances. A small item that earns its place in the ruck.

Pros: Keeps feet dry/clean, minimal weight.

Cons: Can loosen if not adjusted properly. Relied on one small hook and two strings to keep in place. I found I would have to keep pulling them up.

The Salomon X Ultras proved themselves once again, they are my go to outdoor boots. Comfortable to my feet straight out of the box, they handled mileage, uneven terrain, and wet ground, due to the gortex, without issue. Support and traction were excellent, and there were no hot spots or blister problems — which says a lot after nearly 27 miles under load.

Pros: Lightweight, excellent grip, comfortable over distance.

Cons: Price point is higher than surplus options.

The budget-friendly Mardingtop 50L did better than expected. Straps and stitching held under weight, and the internal frame offered enough support for the loadout. While it doesn’t compare to higher-end rucks in refinement, it got the job done without failure.

Pros: Affordable, durable enough for extended field use.

Cons: Less padding and comfort than premium packs, it had some rubbing issues after 10 miles.

Across 26.5 miles of movement during The Balkar Strike, all four pieces of gear performed as intended. Nothing failed, nothing needed mid-op repair, and comfort remained consistent despite long hours under load. For a mix of surplus, budget Amazon gear, and modern outdoor equipment, this kit balanced cost, performance, and reliability well.

Final Verdict

If you’re building out a Milsim West or outdoor kit on a mix of surplus and civilian gear, this lineup is proof you don’t need to spend thousands to stay in the fight. The Sturm DPM sleeping bag and gaiters delivered rugged simplicity, the Salomons proved why they’re a staple for serious hikers, and the Mardingtop 50L showed budget gear can hold up in the field.

Casus Score: 4/5 — Solid performance across the board, with room to upgrade on bulk and comfort.

If you want any more information on the items or if you think we should start getting them in-stock, let us know!