Do Americans use the word 'kit' ...

[trepkos]

... in the sense of stuff, equipment for a specific purpose like camping.

If not, what would they use, eg. in the sentence "It wasn't like him to lose a bit of kit."

ETA: thanks all!

Comments

[papilio_luna]

Not really. Perhaps if it's somoene who's had military experience, but I think most Americans would say "equipment" instead. I've also noticed that the word "bit" appears a lot more in British English than in American English. We're much more inclined to use "piece" in this context, I think. A "piece of equipment" sounds a lot more American than "a bit of kit."

[trepkos]

It is in a military context, but if it's a bit jarring or unexpected for Americans I'll go with equipment - thanks.

[missmirandarae]

I second this.

[thefannishwaldo]

Not really.

Mostly we call camping stuff 'gear' or 'equipment' if we're being semi-technical, but a lot off people would just say "camping stuff".

So if someone has overpacked for a camping trip, you might say, "He needs to lose some of that gear."

[true_brit]

I'd probably be inclined to go with "gear" instead.

[thefreshchuff]

I've never heard the phrase "bit of kit" before! But yes, I'd say gear, camping equipment, or some equivalent before "kit."

[tenbrook]

I agree with "equipment" or "gear" in this context. I'd probably say something like, "It wasn't like him to lose a piece of equipment" or "It wasn't like him to lose part of his gear."