[Sticky] Hohenstaufen (9th Waffen SS) Kitlist

This kitlist has been written for the benefit of anyone wishing to join us from scratch or for someone who already portrays Waffen SS to see if they need to adapt their kit slightly to fulfil our "look". It can be obtained very cheaply if you shop around, or you can buy an excellent "starter" set from Reich Stuff at his shop http://www.militaria-net.co.uk or from this forum topic viewtopic.php?f=52&t=3373 for £150, which will not need any upgrading and is already up to reenactor standards. This is the recommended way, it saves time and money, guarantees quality and fit and is excellent value for money.

To begin with, you may want to start with the basic CiA "counts as" kit list and this is fine, however, once you have your basic loadout and weapon and you enjoy this hobby and want to take it further (and you will!), here’s what we suggest you buy in the interests of uniformity, authenticity and in being part of one of the best WW2 airsoft groups out there. We don’t expect people to rush out and buy all of this stuff straight away, but to build up their kit as time and resources allow them to. Bear in mind, it can work out cheaper to just get the starter kit to begin with, than to buy "counts as" kit, only to upgrade at a later date. I think it's reasonable to expect someone who wants to commit to Kampfgruppe SS to acquire the essentials within 12 months (most do it a lot sooner!). A good guide to what you can achieve on a budget can be found here http://www.ww2airsoft.org.uk/pages/ss-kit-guide.html . You'll notice that the tunic is worn under a smock most of the time, so you don't have to spend money on insignia to begin with either if you don't want to (or even a tunic!).

STANDARD UNIFORM

These are the "essentials". It's up to you which supplier you buy them from, we won't count the stitches, honest! If your budget allows you to buy from Janke, fine, but if you prefer to use one of the Chinese suppliers or anything in between, that's cool as well. Be aware though,that if you skimp to begin with, you may find yourself spending more later when you want something better! I speak from experience here, I have spent probably 40% more than I needed to because I "upgraded" kit I wasn't happy with. There are a lot of links and recommendations on this forum for kit authenticity and suppliers, use them!

Boots - German ww2 repro short ankle boots, hobnailed would be the "ideal". British "Boots combat high" are fine as alternatives. To be worn with canvas gamaschen gaiters (postwar are fine).
Trousers - M42 or M43 Keilhosen. These are desgined to be worn with boots and gaiters. These are available separately or can be bought as part of a set with a tunic.
Tunic - M36, M40, M43, M44 are all acceptable feldgrau tunics. Woven or machine embroidered SS collar runes, sleeve eagle and woven (Hohenstaufen) cufftitle. Infantry shoulderboards (black with white piping).
Headdress - M43 cap with or without cloth SS skull and cap eagle (either seperate badges or one piece "BeVo" trapezoid type). Camo caps (OakA, Burred edge or planetree) are acceptable as well.
Smock - M40 or (preferably) M42 Type smock (they have loops for camo), in either planetree, burred edge, Oakleaf or "palm" pattern.
Shirt - Field grey repro' shirts, collarless "grandad" shirts (white or field grey). British Army or Bundeswehr Green shirts are acceptable (and cheaper!).

Field Gear essentials.

Leather belt.
SS buckle.
Leather or canvas Y-straps. Not absolutely essential but make belt order more comfy (spread the load from the belt).
Bread bag, green or tan. - Excellent repros are available for about £10 - £15, double that for originals.
Ammunition pouches (obviously, appropriate to your weapon!).

That is all anyone needs for an acceptably authentic loadout and it can all be purchased relatively cheaply, especially if you shop around. It's more than adequate for gaming purposes and gives us a semblance of uniformity.

A WORD ON (PEA) DOT 44.

You may want to buy a dot 44 uniform as an additional set, it's an iconic bit of kit and it’s well worth the money. During the summer months the woolen feldgrau uniform, shirt and smock combination can get very hot. Pea Dot really looks the part and is very comfortable to wear. Both budget and more "authentic" versions of Dot44 are available, either are fine, just go with your budget. Another bonus with Dot44 is that it was meant to be worn with no insignia, the only insignia you see it worn with are a sleeve eagle and shoulderboards and they are not essential. No "bling" and no need to buy (or stitch on!) cufftitles, collar tabs or other insignia make this a very affordable setup.

Field Gear Non- essentials. These can be added if you want to go the whole hog and also have the budget to do it. They are optional.

Helmet-: M36, M40 or M42 steel helmet, with or without SS decals, either single or double. Again, it's iconic, waterproof and protects your bonce nicely.
Helmet Cover-: M42 type, Planetree, burred edge, oakleaf or palm pattern, no preference. Avoid DOT44 covers, as they just didn't exist.
Water bottle. - No repro currently available, genuine ones getting rarer and expensive.
Mess tins. - Repro's and postwar examples are fine, as well as cheaply and easily available (and probably more hygienic!).
Bayonet and Frog.
Zeltbahn - Oakleaf, Planetree or Burred Edge.(Fantastic, versatile bit of kit). Don't forget to waterproof it!
Gas mask cannister. Great for storing BB's, batteries, cigarettes, etc.
Headover, toque.
A frame and bag. Canvas or leather.
Winter Reversible parka. SS camo patterns, mouse grey or "Kharkov" type are all acceptable.
E tool, folding type or straight (a really "hardcore" thing to cart about!).
Camo trousers and/or tunic. They were quite rare and tended to be field or tailor made but they DO look good!
HBT Tunic and trousers. Fantastic for the occassional hot day that we have and a lot less hot under a smock than a wool tunic!

Here are a few things that we recommend you avoid, they are simple and help us look more realistic and help you to not waste your money!

Jackboots - As we’re representing a late war impression, jackboots should really be for old sweat NCO’s, Feldgendarmerie and officer’s. If you really have to have a pair, try to get a pair that fit well, as poorly fitting jackboots will rub your feet to bits.
Poor or inaccurate insignia - No officers style for enlisted ranks or NCO's.
NO swastika armbands, party badges, blood orders, allgemeine items or any "nazi" insignia! We portray a fighting unit!
Medals, awards, ribbons, these again should only be worn on the feldgrau uniform not on camo uniforms. PLEASE avoid excessive "bling".
Ranks, Unless you are a nominated NCO or Officer no rank markings should be worn.
Don't worry if you can't get a waterbottle, noone expects you to die of thirst in the name of realism! All we ask is that you keep any plastic or post war bottles in your breadbag out of sight.

Here's a pictorial guide, listing sources for purchasing http://www.ww2airsoft.org.uk/zoom/ss.html . Just remember, if in doubt, just ask! Noone is going to rip you to pieces or "count your stitches". We have regular training days, where new members can see exactly how the kit goes together and is worn in the field. We even have spare kit and weapons available to loan out.

Footnote - At pre-game "socials", anything goes! If you want to turn up as a field marshall with a knights cross and a sabre on your hip, feel free! The kit requirements only apply when we play and train. When we're having a drink and a laugh (something else we're very good, even legendary, at!), you can wear what you like. So, you still have an excuse to buy that visor cap or that pair of hand made riding boots if you really want to!