SAN DIEGO -- Nearly 4,500 men and women stationed at Camp Pendleton will be part of an upcoming troop surge in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the Marines preparing for their deployment to the region met face-to-face with defense contractors who are developing equipment the troops may be using.

In the two-day event known as Marine West, Marines got a chance to see different types of gear they may one day take into the field, and they range from scopes to multifunctional robots to help detect roadside bombs.

The event allowed manufacturers to demonstrate how their products can help Marines, with some offering items like high-end glasses to shield the Afghan sun or waterproof socks.

"It's very cool, I've never seen anything like this", said hospital corpsman Justin Williams. "We sometimes have to cross through water where my boots get wet; these socks will come in handy."

Lt. Darcy Peters, who has never deployed before, said she is looking for an interactive language program.

"Not only you being able to communicate with them, but being able to grasp what they're communicating with each other," said Peters.

A phrase or two she overhears could just be the edge to keep her safe, she said.

New designs in protective vests were on display, as well as a new medical device that creates its own oxygen and is 60 pounds lighter than the equipment needed to treat an injured Marine in the field.

One specific item found at the event known as WetFire is a survival tool that creates a 1,450-degree flame in any or all conditions and can light a fire on water.