For Guadalcanal, as Adler said, definitely do not get the Army HBTs. From what I can tell, their use was never
extremely prevalent at any point in the war. Your best bet is probably going to be the P41s, though a lot of factors depend on which specific Marine division, and even battalion and regiment, that you wish to portray. However, as a general rule, the P41s with maybe a USMC khaki shirt would be a great basic/starter impression. You will also want a fix bale helmet with an early Fibre or "Hawley" liner (PM me for info on how to convert a standard liner if you'd like) and no helmet cover. Field gear would be the WWI "puckered" cartridge belt, as seen here:
www.hayesotoupalik.com/images/DSCF3172.jpgYou will want two of the "2nd pattern" canteen covers (identical to 1st pattern except they have lift-the-dot snaps instead of the "durable" snaps) with the metal top canteens (you only need 1 cup). For the first aid pouch, you can go with the Army M1910 pouch or the USMC P1912 pouch. You should only need the upper part of Marine pack set, as this is all most Marines hit the beach with, and you will want the early khaki shelter half and WWI pattern poncho. And, of course, the M1910 "t-handle" shovel with cover. Suspenders and leggings are kind of a personal choice. You see guys with them and guys without, even early on (you see guys without leggings as early as D-Day on Guadalcanal).
Also, most Marines on the 'Canal used the "WWI" M1903 Springfield with 16" bayonet and USMC pattern scabbard.
So, breaking it down:
P41 Utilities
-WWII Impressions makes fantastic repros, though their stock can be a bit sporadic. At the Front's have some issues from what I have heard, but do not look terrible once used.
M1 Helmet with Hawley Liner
-PM me for advice on this one. Fix bale helmets turn up on eBay at decent prices from time to time.
Boondockers
What Price Glory is carrying overruns from "The Pacific".
Khaki Shirt
Not a necessary item, but a nice touch for a 'Canal impression. I believe you can pick up originals pretty cheaply, or WWII Impressions repros them.
M1910 Cartridge Belt
Hayes Otoupalik (www.hayesotoupalik.com) has originals..
2nd Pattern Canteen Covers
WWII Impressions is the way to go for USMC field gear, though At the Front seems to have a good product as well. You can get the canteens and cup on eBay or at various militaria dealers, or What Price Glory repros them. A review of that product can be seen here:
90thidpg.us/Equipment/Reviews/WPGCanteen/index.htmlFirst Aid Pouch
Same as canteen covers.
Shovel and Cover
At the Front has a nice repro shovel. Cover you could get from them or WWII Impressions.
P41 Upper Pack
WWII Impressions is easily the way to go for this one.
Early Pattern Shelter Half
WWII Impressions has repros.
WWI Pattern Poncho
Schipperfabrik repros these.
www.schipperfabrik.comLeggings and suspenders are up to you. Also, these are very close to original Marine Corps socks:
www.sockcompany.com/mehetrno.htmlAn original pair:
i155.photobucket.com/albums/s302/tallerthanbetty/post-5-1173799863.jpgAs for the M1903 Springfield rifle, if you want an airsoft version, you are probably either going to have to build one or find someone that can do it for you. If you want real steel, try gunbroker.com or various gun shows in your area.
I know this is more in depth than you asked for, and I hope that you do not take it as badgering or the like. I am simply trying to give what help I can. Also, my research is based heavily on elements of the 1st MARDIV, and should work well for the 1st, 5th, 2nd, and 6th Marine Regiments. Other Marine outfits can vary heavily. Good luck with your impression and I hope this helps!
Also, you may want to take a look at my friend Josh Kerner's Guadalcanal impression:
Impression:
Scout-Sniper
2nd Platoon, 1st Scout Company, 1st Marine Division
Guadalcanal
August 8th, 1942
Articles on this stage of the Battle:
www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/I/USMC-I-VI-1.htmlwww.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/I/USMC-I-VI-2.htmlwww.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/Guadalcanal/USMC-M-Guadalcanal-1.htmlwww.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/Guadalcanal/USMC-M-Guadalcanal-3.htmlOriginal Photographs:
ww2reenactors.proboards.com/index....ay&thread=22566Impression Photographs:
Front:
i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn24/redjoshman/Marine%20Corps%20impression/5th%20Marines%20Scout%20Sniper%20Section%20August%201942/DSC_0006.jpgRight Side:
i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn24/redjoshman/Marine%20Corps%20impression/5th%20Marines%20Scout%20Sniper%20Section%20August%201942/DSC_0002.jpgRear:
i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn24/redjoshman/Marine%20Corps%20impression/5th%20Marines%20Scout%20Sniper%20Section%20August%201942/DSC_0004.jpgLeft Side:
i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn24/redjoshman/Marine%20Corps%20impression/5th%20Marines%20Scout%20Sniper%20Section%20August%201942/DSC_0005.jpgPacking List:
Uniform Items:
-M1 Helmet (JMurray) and Fibre Liner (Rob Lihani)
-P1941 Utility Uniform (World War II Impressions)
-Undershirt (At The Front)
-Underwear (Reproduction)
-Trouser Belt (Reproduction)
-Socks (Reproduction)
-Boondockers (World War II Impressions)
-Marine Corps Summer Service Shirt (Original)*
Web Gear:
-M1910 Cartridge Belt (Original)
-2x 2nd Pattern Marine Corps Canteen Covers (World War II Impressions)
-2x M1910 Canteen and Cup (Original)
-P1912 First Aid Pouch (Schipperfabrik) and Bandage (What Price Glory)
-P1941 Pack (World War II Impressions)
-M1910 Entrenching Shovel Cover (World War II Impressions)
-M1910 Entrenching Shovel (Original)
Equipment:
-Early War Marine Corps Shelter Half (World War II Impressions)
-Marine Corps Pattern Blanket (Original)
-Shelter Half Pins, Poles, and Rope (What Price Glory)
-Early War Marine Corps Poncho (Schipperfabrik)*
-Mk. III Gas-mask Bag and Gas-mask (Original)
Miscellaneous Items:
-Marine Corps Ring (Original)
-Wrist Watch (Sportsman's Guide)
-P1917 Dog Tags (World War Two Ration Technologies)
-“Pocket Watch” Style Compass (Original)
-Bandana/Handkerchief (Reproduction)
-Pocket Knife (Original)
-P1912 Meat Can Pouch (World War II Impressions)*
-M1910 Meat Can and Utensils (Original)*
-4x Marine Corps Socks (Reproduction)*
-3 Days worth of C-Rations (Reproduction)*
-Various Paper Items (Reproduction and Original)
-Toiletry Roll made out of Towel as Specified in Manual including*:
-Soap (Reproduction)
-Toothpaste (Reproduction)
-Toothbrush (Reproduction)
-Razor (Reproduction)
-Comb (Reproduction)
-Sewing Kit (Reproduction)
-Halazone Tablets (Original)
-Atabrine Tablets (Original)
-Spare Shoelaces (Original)
Weapons and Weapon Related:
-M1903 Springfield with Winchester A5 Scope and 1907 Sling (Turner Slings)
-M1910 Bayonet (Original) and Marine Corps Variation Scabbard (What Price Glory)
-Mk. II Fragmentation Grenade (Original)
-Bandoleer (Schipperfabrik)
-Brass Knuckles (Original)
*Packed into P1941 Pack
The original photos he links are great!
Again, hope this helps,
-Shawn