Good post CDE. Dead Eye, there is your answer. I don't know when you served, but I deployed to Afghanistan in DEC of 01 with a LBE, a piece of kit that was pre-Vietnam. That is criminal. We didn't have enough body armor to go around either. Thank God that we do now and if you re-read my post you will see the rationale for the battle belt on the military side. For civilians, I guess you can stuff all you need in your pockets? Do what works for you.
I understand the need on the military side. My question was regarding the need on the civilian side. To "gear up" suggests you are going looking for a fight. My point was in reference to self defense, which "gearing up" aint going to do anyone a bit of good, unless of course, your sleeping in it. The clarification was then made that it was SHTF gear. "OK", I believe I said, I understand now. I guess I'm not that paranoid, YET.