OOC: Who said you HAVE to use them?
The Gears, like I said, are NOT very big. They're just a bit bulkier than the suits, and are worn OVER the suits.
The Gears are useful for the rescue op because we are evac-ing the Civvies, not actually pulling them out.
One can exit the Gear if one needs to.
Gears are more enduring than the suits, and can be used to reach things.
The Gears can be piloted by your AI separately, to be used in holding off the Nagalisk.