The standard equipment of the WWII Scottish paratrooper was basically identical to that of the standard infantryman; the British 1937 pattern web gear. There were, however, a few key uniform differences. First (and most obvious) was the presence of the Dennison smock. This garment was designed to give the wearer some protection from the cold experienced at higher altitudes, as well as provide some concealment with its camouflage pattern. It was typically worn over the BD uniform and under the web gear. Also, some of the troops wore modified "Para trousers" which were the standard BD trousers with an extended, bellowed thigh pocket, a side seam pocket for the F-S dagger, and the addition of two shell dressing pockets on the rear. Airborne troops were also known to carry with them the "rope of a 1000 uses", the toggle rope. Another key uniform difference was the presence of the infamous maroon beret. This headgear was eagerly adopted by the Scottish troops, who were usually reluctant to give up their traditional Tam 'o Shanters.

The airborne pattern steel helmet was worn by the soldiers of the 5^th (Scottish) Para. Plain helmet nets were sometimes worn over the helmet to aid in reducing glare and to somewhat diffuse the outline, but it became common pratice for the paratroopers to nearly obscure their helmets with strips of dyed burlap, called scrim.