Surplus Gear?
- Thread starter wacker12
- Start date
SunTzuNephew
Explorer
No, not really. I used to, but civilian gear is just so much more practical that even the military uses a lot of it, either bought with private funds by the soldier or purchased by the unit using whats called rapid-fielding initiative funds...
The military procurement and design systems are so slow that it's pitiful. There are probably a dozen different styles of medic bag in use, and I'd bet there isn't an experienced medic in the field using one that is standard GI. Because they're crap. Same with Camelbacks - it took the USMC issuing everyone a unit before the Army approved them. Radios? The troops were using a lot of off-the-shelf Motorola SABRES and even FRS radios before the mil-spec radios were even adequate.
There are a few military items that are a buy - mostly storage cases, because storing stuff is one thing the military does very, very well. I have a lot of military sleeping bags (arctic, intermediate, mountain, ECWSS) but I prefer civi bags and tents. I have a lot of GI coleman lanterns, and a complete field range set (with 5 complete range cabinets and burners) but I'd rather cook on propane, and use it for lighting... My garage used to look like a surplus store...now I have a shop building/store room that looks like an REI.
But, if you can find real US Mil-Spec surplus (not imitation stuff) in good condition at a good price, it can be a good place to start.
The military procurement and design systems are so slow that it's pitiful. There are probably a dozen different styles of medic bag in use, and I'd bet there isn't an experienced medic in the field using one that is standard GI. Because they're crap. Same with Camelbacks - it took the USMC issuing everyone a unit before the Army approved them. Radios? The troops were using a lot of off-the-shelf Motorola SABRES and even FRS radios before the mil-spec radios were even adequate.
There are a few military items that are a buy - mostly storage cases, because storing stuff is one thing the military does very, very well. I have a lot of military sleeping bags (arctic, intermediate, mountain, ECWSS) but I prefer civi bags and tents. I have a lot of GI coleman lanterns, and a complete field range set (with 5 complete range cabinets and burners) but I'd rather cook on propane, and use it for lighting... My garage used to look like a surplus store...now I have a shop building/store room that looks like an REI.
But, if you can find real US Mil-Spec surplus (not imitation stuff) in good condition at a good price, it can be a good place to start.
The stuff I got was an awesome price, I helped out at a food bank this morning and they have a program upstairs that donates military surplus gear to vets. Some of my shipmates from my unit and I are volunteering so they gave us some free gear.
I'm assuming your Army? If you want to see antiquated, you should check out the Coast Guard. My boat is triple it's intended service life!
I'm assuming your Army? If you want to see antiquated, you should check out the Coast Guard. My boat is triple it's intended service life!
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
I regularly use my modified ECWS bivi, but civi bag. I use my Gore-Tex every day, and I have two of them and plan to get more (to keep in cars, etc.).
I used my MOLLE bag for years, but have recently switched to a civi pack (never knew what I was missing!).
I still have my poly pros, but can't remember the last time I used them.
The best stuff is civi gear, plain and simple. Military gear is often heavy, uncomfortable, or obsolete.
There are clear advantages. Price. Modularity. Availability.
My military gear is gradually being replaced or modified to suit my needs, but it was a great start, when I was younger and cared less for comfort!
I used my MOLLE bag for years, but have recently switched to a civi pack (never knew what I was missing!).
I still have my poly pros, but can't remember the last time I used them.
The best stuff is civi gear, plain and simple. Military gear is often heavy, uncomfortable, or obsolete.
There are clear advantages. Price. Modularity. Availability.
My military gear is gradually being replaced or modified to suit my needs, but it was a great start, when I was younger and cared less for comfort!
SunTzuNephew
Explorer
Except for two years and change in the Army Guard, I'm Air Force....however, after 26 years of it I can speak purple well enough.
Good catch on the gear.
AFSOC
Explorer
I find I use all sorts of gear I have accumulated over my 22 year USAF career. When compared to commercial gear, mil-sec is generally heavy but very robustly built. Some of my favorite and most frequently used bits of kit include my Cammenga Tritium Lensatic Compass (ballz accurate&bomb proof), P-38 (can opener, not Range Rover), flyers kit bags (super robust& flexible duffel), Wolf Boxes, 3 day assault packs (ditch bag), ever trusty DCU pants and my favorite cool weather piece, the liner from a Gortex ECWS. I think the best kept secret in Military issue is the "Sleep Shirt", NSN 8415-00-890-2102. It is 100% polyester, heat retentive, moisture resistant, quarter zip garment. BUTT UGLY, but effective! It is my go to garment when there is a chill in the air. I wear them for outdoor work, camping or any other physically oriented activity where you have varying conditions. The sleep shirt has been around for about 20 years and is IMHO quietly a premier high performance layer.
I would not recommend hitting the field in full surplus equipment, however I don't hit the field without a smattering of Mil-spec items that have either proven themselves or that I am comfortable using. Economics plays some part in most of our gear decisions. My "can't live without" Sleep Shirts have their equals on the rack at REI but at $75 or more, the considerable aesthetic advantage the Mountain Hardwares or Arc Teryx's hold just isn't worth the considerable cost to me when function is equal. Most everyone on this forum is very selective about the gear they use. Unless you are a deep pocketed ExPo fashionista, have solid sponsorship deals and/or a distaste for less than state of the art, you can find some very high functioning, high reliability items for your personal kit that have been proven by the greatest military history has ever known. Who couldn't save a buck here or there as long as the gear adequately meets your requirements? When selecting gear, some Mil-spec items may meet your criteria. I don't think surplus Military gear can be totally discounted as possible source, you just need to analyze it against your needs.
I would not recommend hitting the field in full surplus equipment, however I don't hit the field without a smattering of Mil-spec items that have either proven themselves or that I am comfortable using. Economics plays some part in most of our gear decisions. My "can't live without" Sleep Shirts have their equals on the rack at REI but at $75 or more, the considerable aesthetic advantage the Mountain Hardwares or Arc Teryx's hold just isn't worth the considerable cost to me when function is equal. Most everyone on this forum is very selective about the gear they use. Unless you are a deep pocketed ExPo fashionista, have solid sponsorship deals and/or a distaste for less than state of the art, you can find some very high functioning, high reliability items for your personal kit that have been proven by the greatest military history has ever known. Who couldn't save a buck here or there as long as the gear adequately meets your requirements? When selecting gear, some Mil-spec items may meet your criteria. I don't think surplus Military gear can be totally discounted as possible source, you just need to analyze it against your needs.
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rynosurf
Adventurer
I have some surplus cold weather gear that I like. Best deal was OR Gortex gloves for $20 similar to these http://military.outdoorresearch.com/site/pro_mod_gloves.html but with a heavy duty palm. Best snowboarding gloves I've ever used. I also like the backpack covers for use as tire covers, they dont work on big tires but look sweet on my trailer.
CoastalDefender
Explorer
I've done a lot of gear testing throughout the years. Both professionally and privately.
Here's the deal- Older military gear is junk. Plain and simple. The newer military gear took advancements from civilian gear production and added the durability of the thicker and heavier military gear. You're getting heavier, more robust gear from the aftermarket military-oriented gear sellers these days.
I would stick with Tactical Tailor, Diamondback Tactical, Kifaru, Camelbak, Maxpedition, and Blackhawk. They make damned good gear.
Now, if you're just looking to haul crap in your rig, get whatever it will fit in. Jansport, Wal-Mart specials, whatever.
If you're looking to pack your junk in and out, and spend a few weeks doing it all off your back, look into quality gear.
I am running my second Camelbak Talon as my daily pack and am becoming re-impressed. My Maxpedition Kodiak just failed me a few months ago, so I am trying the Camelbak out again.
I can go on and on and on, but I must say, the military-oriented gear manufacturers have taken the lessons learned from the civilian backpacking world and applied them quite well to the military type consumers. You gain comfort, flexibility, and retain the toughness of the "classic" military packs.
Here's the deal- Older military gear is junk. Plain and simple. The newer military gear took advancements from civilian gear production and added the durability of the thicker and heavier military gear. You're getting heavier, more robust gear from the aftermarket military-oriented gear sellers these days.
I would stick with Tactical Tailor, Diamondback Tactical, Kifaru, Camelbak, Maxpedition, and Blackhawk. They make damned good gear.
Now, if you're just looking to haul crap in your rig, get whatever it will fit in. Jansport, Wal-Mart specials, whatever.
If you're looking to pack your junk in and out, and spend a few weeks doing it all off your back, look into quality gear.
I am running my second Camelbak Talon as my daily pack and am becoming re-impressed. My Maxpedition Kodiak just failed me a few months ago, so I am trying the Camelbak out again.
I can go on and on and on, but I must say, the military-oriented gear manufacturers have taken the lessons learned from the civilian backpacking world and applied them quite well to the military type consumers. You gain comfort, flexibility, and retain the toughness of the "classic" military packs.
overlander
Expedition Leader
X2..well said. The older koren war style stuff is quickly being phased out throughout the front line, and will eventually be completely gone. Ever since the launch of OIF, the rapid fielding has started pushing civilian high grade stuff to soldiers, bypass the years of testing from DoD engineered stuff. On my second deployment now, and I'm amazed at the quality of the stuff they are pushing into my duffle bag at mob stations.
The cold weather system they gave me (gen III I believe) is awesome. We don't need it in Iraq, but it's really good stuff. The fleeces (particularly the black fleece jackets) is unbelievably warm.
I am a big fan of the new 5 piece sleep system. Army is replacing the woodland camouflage ones with an ACU pattern now, so the woodland will probably start showing up in surplus stores. I have my own military sleep system I am able to keep, and it will be along time before I consider replacing that with any civilian. It's extremely effective. I've never been cold in that system and I've been in some bad weather.
Blackhawk, 511 and other type gear made for law enforcement and military are high quality gear, and worthy of expo useage.
Yudda
Adventurer
First let me say, i import US military goods to Israel. Everything from Nylon goods to weapons and ammunition.
I got into the business because when i came to Israel to serve in the IDF, i brought along my own gear.
After a while people kept asking me the get them pieces of gear and almost by force
started importing.
I guess my number 1 piece of military gear is my Eagle industries A3 pack.
Ive used the same pack daily for over 15 years....up until my last trip to Paris where it was stolen.
I bought another Eagle A3 except the MOLLE version.
Bottom line...overbuilt ? YES. heavier than civilian packs ? YES.
worth every penny ? YES.
rob
I got into the business because when i came to Israel to serve in the IDF, i brought along my own gear.
After a while people kept asking me the get them pieces of gear and almost by force
started importing.I guess my number 1 piece of military gear is my Eagle industries A3 pack.
Ive used the same pack daily for over 15 years....up until my last trip to Paris where it was stolen.
I bought another Eagle A3 except the MOLLE version.
Bottom line...overbuilt ? YES. heavier than civilian packs ? YES.
worth every penny ? YES.
rob
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Momrocks
Adventurer
The liners mentioned by AFSOC and CoastalDefender are first rate. They are black Polartec 300 fleece with arm pit zippers, two way front zippers and velcro cuffs. The rest of the parka or ECWS system is a bit too bulky, ridged and noisy for my taste though.
One of the world's toughest, most useful compasses is a US Military veteran, the Cammenga Lensatic. I think we all use or have used 550 para cord and P-38 openers. I can't think of superior civilian equivalents for any of these items.
I am keeping my eyes out at yard sales, moving sales and Craigslist ads (I live in a Military town) for a sleep system. I have used the current generation bags while traveling the AOR and fell in love with their flexibility and rugged construction.
`
One of the world's toughest, most useful compasses is a US Military veteran, the Cammenga Lensatic. I think we all use or have used 550 para cord and P-38 openers. I can't think of superior civilian equivalents for any of these items.
I am keeping my eyes out at yard sales, moving sales and Craigslist ads (I live in a Military town) for a sleep system. I have used the current generation bags while traveling the AOR and fell in love with their flexibility and rugged construction.
`
Yudda
Adventurer
Is this the one your talking about ?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5-Piece-Mil...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a557ad3a2
much appreciated.
rob
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
I am a medic in an infantry unit, so we get all kinds of cool toys... and I use most of it camping through out the year in one way or another. I stay dryer and warmer and more comfortable than my buddies using civilian gear. My stuff might not be as pretty, light weight, or have a cool logo on it... but its out lasted everything else.
As for the black fleece jacket..... best jacket ever!!!!!!!!
X2 on Blackhawk quality, they built my aid bag and that thing is almost indestructible.
As for the black fleece jacket..... best jacket ever!!!!!!!!
X2 on Blackhawk quality, they built my aid bag and that thing is almost indestructible.