One version of "Awesome socks" are the Thorlo over the calf militiary boot socks sold by Brigade, QM and CAV store; also don't forget to change watch battery before deployment--no spares available there. Also second idea of poncho liner--a thinsulate version which is jungle camo one side desert camo the other is available. I can agree that it is twice as warm as regular poncho liner and can compress smaller--the zipper kit is really useful; add it if possible. If he wears glasses include eyeglass cleaning cloths (plural; they get lost) like those available from optometrist. Space pen writes in all conditions and lasts a long time. These are things that have meant a lot to me in the field over the years. Good luck; lots of other good ideas on here.