Ally kit.

Do you mean the Helly Hansen baselayers? If so, then I reckon just about anyone that ever got issued with the old style T-shirts probably has a HH. It is only recently that they have been issuing the quick-wicking type t-shirts, before them the t-shirts would just act like a sponge on a TAB.
I do admit that the new tees are good but find that a HH keeps me warmer when static in winter, definitely a good purchase (I always use one of my two green ones, one long and one short sleeve, because I think you look like a dork if you wear a Blue HH on Ex). Plus you can use them for civilian PT gear as well, rather than using issue ones and being a complete Tool.

As for compression shorts, I personally can't do it (Yes, I'll admit I've tried it). They do stop everything from rubbing etc, but they just compress a bit too much for my liking - if you understand what I mean. Actually the HH boxers are good, they hold everything in place without binding. But I suppose it is a matter of personal preference as to how much support everyone wants.

Whats the consensus on the Halley Hansen layers - worth the money? Quite a few people seem to wear them, but the issue Tshirts are made of some sort of mesh material so do they have the same effect, but short sleeve instead? Some people swear by them, others dont see the need. Also, a guy i was doing some training with swore by the boxer shorts Rugby players wear as underwear, good for stopping chaving, rubbing and keeping the blood flowing apperently.
Next week i need to buy various things to recoup my years losses (including 3 LED mini lights which i never got back after lending them...), i'll let you know if i find anything.
My number one piece of kit however at this time of the year has got to be without a doubt that scarf neck/face cover they give you.

(and yes, people who wear blue/black/other coloured ones on ex do look a tad strange!)

If you wait until you can do something proper and get issued the proper kit for it, you can get one issued. The 'deputy dawg' hat of old has been updated to a DPM version of that Lowe hat.
Stop wasting your money and use the issue kit - it is really much better than it ever has been. Buy something if you'll get a difference out of it and it will get well-used - not because you want to look ally.

What are the thoughts on these? http://www.rvops.co.uk/clothing-eyewear-78/hats-gloves-36/lowe-alpine-mountain-gtx-cap-1793.html

If you ask me, they look gash, but all the DS at Catterick swear by them...

Raises the question, can something be so un-Ally, it is in fact ally?

What are the thoughts on these? http://www.rvops.co.uk/clothing-eyewear-78/hats-gloves-36/lowe-alpine-mountain-gtx-cap-1793.html

If you ask me, they look gash, but all the DS at Catterick swear by them...

Raises the question, can something be so un-Ally, it is in fact ally?

LV - Cat's eyes and NBC boot cut-off doesn't really serve much of a purpose except looking good. However, as with all ally kit it must have a pretext.

The NBC boot helps to stop the cover from slipping off, it also protects the cover it a little when you put your helmet down.
The Cat's eyes is good for writing your name on, plus blood type and "NO PEN" etc. It's also good when stumbling along in the pitch black as you can see the bloke in front.

Just make sure you get the photoluminescent ones rather than the retroreflective ones.

LV - Cat's eyes and NBC boot cut-off doesn't really serve much of a purpose except looking good. However, as with all ally kit it must have a pretext.

The NBC boot helps to stop the cover from slipping off, it also protects the cover it a little when you put your helmet down.
The Cat's eyes is good for writing your name on, plus blood type and "NO PEN" etc. It's also good when stumbling along in the pitch black as you can see the bloke in front.

Just make sure you get the photoluminescent ones rather than the retroreflective ones.

Thanks, cats eyes were on the RMAS kit list, I fathomed what they were for but was intrigued by this tip that 556 had.

I don't have many tips other than removing the steel frame from the old engineers bergen - lightens it up and makes it sit more comfortably when in CEMO. You can also stuff more in it and it makes a great place to sit and eat if you are lazy like me and just throw sleeping bag in without using the stuff sack (thank you gore-tex bivvy bag!). I prefer the gingerbeers bergen to the long back as you can't crawl with a long back on without having your kevlar obscure all vision and you can't lift your head (and I'm tall!)

On the T-Shirts - not a fan of either TBH, new is better than old but still prefer a Helly Lifa, Helly warm or Under Armour tactical. I love Lowas

Take your point about the longback though, that is a pain in the prone!

Poor short people. We'll bring back the bowling bag for you teeny weenies then.