Though I never really played with it that much, it was still considered necessary army gear, and looked really cool attached to the belt. I can still recall the sounds of the plastic silverware rattling around inside my plastic messkit. You just can't beat that taste of polyetheline. It's a given that water never tasted better when drunk from this canteen. I always had to hold on to my helmet when I ran because I wouldn't fasten the strap. Remember the feel of the plastic strap under your chin? It was usually uncomfortable and awfully sweaty. There was absolutely no limit to what could be done. When playing with them outside, mud puddles became lakes, Grass became jungles, and bushes were deep forests. When it rained, or was too cold outside, I just set up in my bedroom, or in friend's basements. With a bit of imagination I could set up elaborate battle scenes for long afternoons of fun. I had a sturdy collection of these plastic army men and vehicles. I also bought alot of toys in Newberry's toy basement. I used to buy many of my army toys at the 88 cent store on 82nd and Foster. You could easily spend your weekly-or monthly allowance on a great selection of cool toys at even cooler prices. If you were a kid growing up in the early 60's, you will recall that the fun that you had depended mostly on your imagination. I remember my Army toys! Seeing these again is like a trip back into yesterday.