In military parlance, snivel gear is equipment which is deemed not vitally necessary to deployment, designed to increase comfort rather than to further the mission. For people outside the military, the things viewed as snivel gear might seem peculiar; for example, insulated windbreakers are dismissed as “snivel gear,” while most civilians would argue that a comfortable jacket is in fact a necessity. It is common for soldiers on active duty to come up with lists of recommended snivel gear for their companions back home so that their companions will be prepared when they deploy.

This term is a reference to the idea that snivel gear will stop someone from “sniveling” or whining in cold weather, high wind, or other less than pleasant conditions. Despite the disparaging associations with the idea of snivel gear, most active duty members of the military carry snivel gear on deployment, although they may on occasion make fun of themselves for using snivel gear. Snivel gear in care packages also becomes highly prized, and items which could be considered snivel gear are often requested from friends back home.

Many snivel gear items relate to personal care, such as lotion, chapstick, foot powder, baby wipes, various medications, and so forth. In addition to increasing comfort, these items can also be beneficial for personal hygiene, and in areas where conditions are severe, things like lotion and chapstick can actually help someone stay healthy. Lotion, for example, can prevent dried, cracking skin which could become prone to damage and infection, while foot powder helps to prevent the myriad of foot conditions which can emerge when one's feet are encased in combat boots for 23 hours a day.

Other pieces of snivel gear include comfort items like sleeping bags, ponchos, and jackets, along with gloves, sweaters, scarves, and hats. Militaries often find themselves in remote, isolated areas where the weather may be extremely changeable, so access to an assortment of waterproofed and warm garments can be valuable. Sleeping pads, liners for jackets and ponchos, and similar miscellanies may also be termed “snivel gear.”

The amount of snivel gear a soldier can carry is limited both by other objects which must be carried such as weapons and other military equipment, and by the location where the soldier is deployed. For example, soldiers with access to a base camp could bring more snivel gear with them on deployment, because they would have a place to store it, while others need to be more mobile, which requires them to cut down on nonessential items.