The uniform will not completely transform a person into a combat soldier of the Waffen-SS.  The next important item that will enhance your impression is the field equipment.  A study of period photographs reveal that the average SS-Mann carried a variety of functional items.   By studying photographs and the equipment worn by veteran reenactors, a good impression can be developed and improved upon with experience.   The goal of this section is to insure that the proper equipment is displayed and worn in the correct manner. 

Shown below is the typical configuration of wearing the field equipment.

STANDARD WAFFEN-SS EQUIPMENT (Required)

1.    Black Leather Belt (Koppel) and beltbuckle (Koppelschloss)

            A black leather belt, 1¾ inches wide, will be used for walking out dress and for field use by all ranks.   Brown belts are optional for officers.  In addition to providing for a smart appearance, the belt is also functional as it is used to support the field equipment.   The belt is worn above the lower pocket flaps of the tunic skirt and may be supported by belt hooks attached through the tunic waist.  A double row of holes provides for adjustment and a metal hook allows the belt to be hooked to the buckle.

2.    Ammo Pouches (Patronentasche) K-98, MP-40, G-43, MP-44

            Original K-98 pouches are still very plentiful and required.  They may be of the sewn or riveted variety.  One pair is required for all Kandidats and individuals carrying the Mauser Kar-98K.  The pouches are constructed of black pebble finish leather and have attachments for the belt and "Y" straps.  G-43 pouches hold two 10 round magazines for the G-43, it is constructed of a canvas material, usually one of these pouches and one K-98 pouch was worn on the belt, it has the same leather attachments for the belt as the K-98 pouches, reproduction pouches are the most commonly used.  MP-40 pouches are constructed of canvas with leather attachments for the belt and "Y" straps, they hold 3 magazines per pouch, and one of the pouches has an extra flap to hold the reloading tool, they may be either mounted for right handed or left handed individuals. Reproduction pouches are the most commonly used. MP-44 pouches are constructed of canvas, and hold three magazines per pouch.  They are attached to the belt and "Y" straps like the MP-40 pouches.

                K-98 pouch                            MP-40 pouches                     G43 pouch                             MP-44 pouches

3.    Bread Bag (Brotbeutel)

            Original bread bags are plentiful and should be used.  Colors vary from olive drab to reed green.   Blue Luftwaffe bags are not authorized.  The bag is constructed of heavy canvas with attachments for securing it to the rear of the belt.  The flap has two leather straps for attaching the water bottle and/or mess tin.

4.     Water Bottle (Fieldflasche)

            Original water bottles are required.  Mountain, Afrika Corps, and medical water bottles are not authorized.  The cups may be of the large aluminum style or small bakelite style.   Aluminum cups will be painted field grau.  The water bottle is constructed of aluminum, holds one liter of liquid, and has felt covering.  The water bottle will be carried on the right side of the bread bag.

5.    Leather "Y" straps

            Original or quality reproductions will be authorized.  "Y" straps are used to help support the waist belt and field equipment.  It connects to the front with two individual hooks on the back of ammunition pouches, and a single hook is placed under the waist belt on the wearer's back.  "Y" straps will be worn on the outside of all camouflaged smocks, winter clothing, and zeltbahns.

6.    Mess Tin (Kochgeschirr)

            Original early post war type, or quality reproductions are authorized.  The mess tin can be used to cook in and eat from while in the field.  It can be mounted on the "Y" straps, small "A" frame, or the left side of the bread bag.  The mess tin should be painted field grau.

7.    Gas Mask Canister (Tragebüchse)

            Original or early post war type are authorized.  The gasmask itself is optional.  The canister was usually strapped over the right shoulder with the lid facing the wearer's left elbow.  The closed end has a retaining strap and hook which are attached to the waist belt to prevent the canister from swinging.  The German gas cape bag may be strapped to the canister if desired.  The canister will be painted field grau.

8.    Entrenching Tool

            Original WWI or WWII entrenching tools may be carried.  Late war versions with pick are also authorized.   The E-tool has a leather carrier which is attached to the waist belt at the left hip.  If the bayonet is worn, the scabbard will be lashed with the E-tool security strap to prevent the bayonet from swinging and the E-tool from falling out.  No painting required.

9.    Poncho/Shelter quarter (Zeltbahn)

            Authorized camouflage material only.  Original or reproduction authorized.  It may be used as a poncho, or shelter half.  It is usually rolled and strapped to the "A" frame, or hooked to the "Y" straps.  It was constructed of a reversible Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter.

10.    Bayonet, Scabbard, and Frog (Seiteengewehr and Scheide)

            Original bayonets and scabbards are plentiful and required.  Reproduction frogs are authorized.  Bayonet handles may be wooden or bakelite.  The bayonet is suspended from the belt on the left hip, Of worn with the E-tool, it will be lashed.   The bayonet scabbard may be blued or painted flat black.

11.    Eating utensils (Spoon and fork/ and knife combination)

            Original or quality reproduction utensils are authorized, they may be carried in the bread bag in the field.   No painting required.