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Since outdoor brands like Gore-Tex and Polartec supply garments to soldiers, military surplus stores carry high-quality outdoor gear.
Since outdoor brands like Gore-Tex and Polartec supply garments to soldiers, military surplus stores carry high-quality outdoor gear. (Photo: Joe Jackson)
Gear Guy

What Outdoor Gear Can I Find at the Army Surplus Store?

Outfit your base camp鈥攆or less than $160

Published: 
Since outdoor brands like Gore-Tex and Polartec supply garments to soldiers, military surplus stores carry high-quality outdoor gear.
(Photo: Joe Jackson)

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Army surplus stores have always been a good place to find camp basics like first-aid kits and water bottles. More recently, they鈥檝e also become a great place to buy steeply聽discounted聽gear from Gore-Tex and Polartec, both of which supply聽apparel聽to troops.聽I recently visited my local surplus store and came away with these top eight finds.聽

G.I. Silkweight Pants ($10)

(Joe Jackson)

This long underwear is built from 鈥攎y favorite next-to-skin fabric, thanks to its gossamer weight and moisture-wicking abilities. Several mainstream聽outdoor brands use the exact same material in their baselayers, but those products cost five times as much.聽


Army Combat Temperate Weather Boot ($100)

(Joe Jackson)

Sure, it's the most expensive item on the list, but that鈥檚 because this boot is built to take a beating, with a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and burly聽Vibram rubber soles. Comparable outdoor boots usually cost twice as much.聽


Parachute Cord $5

(Joe Jackson)

P-cord is good for everything from fixing tents to hanging your food from a tree. And five dollars for 100 feet of 550-pound P-cord is a pretty good聽deal. Bonus: the聽massive color selection.聽


Ammo Can $11

(Joe Jackson)

Every serious whitewater聽rafter (or road tripper) owns at least one ammo can.聽These rigid, waterproof containers will keep your valuables and first-aid kit dry and safe while paddling鈥攅ven if聽everything else goes in the drink.


Vinyl Poncho $4

(Joe Jackson)

Vinyl ponchos are essentially over-engineered聽plastic bags with zero breathability. But they're 100 percent waterproof, very lightweight, and come in聽handy during sudden downpours at camp. Plus, it's hard to argue with a $4 insurance policy.聽


G.I. Mosquito Head Net $4

(Joe Jackson)

This inexpensive net is聽the most important item聽in my pack when I'm camping in mosquito-infested areas. Sure, it looks ridiculous, but there鈥檚 no better way to protect your face and neck from blood-sucking bugs.


Travel Kit $8

(Joe Jackson)

There鈥檚 no included carrying case, but this is by far the best-stocked beginner鈥檚 first-aid kit for the price. Army surplus stores also carry more advanced kits for people with real聽medical training.


Proper Boonie Sun Hat $11

(Joe Jackson)

We鈥檝e tested technical sun hats that are better at wicking moisture, but this cap聽has three things going for it: it's聽cheap, durable and provides plenty of sun protection.聽

Lead Photo: Joe Jackson

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