Are you on the lookout for affordable, high-quality items that can withstand tough conditions? Something that looks cool, tells a historical story, and with the added bonus of promoting sustainability? Military surplus might be just what you need.
Military surplus refers to military-grade items that have become available for civilians. Rich in durability, versatility, and historical significance, military surplus offers a great selection, from sturdy field clothing and tactical camping equipment to collectibles. In this article, we'll explain what military surplus is, its different uses, purposes, and benefits, and provide you with some basic tips on how and where to buy it.
Whether you're a seasoned military surplus veteran looking to expand your extensive collection or a rookie looking to buy your first item, look alive, soldier, and continue reading! This guide will act as the loudmouthed drill instructor, helping you pick the top 10 must-have military surplus items for your varying needs.
What is Military Surplus?
Military surplus refers to military products that have become available to the general public when they are replaced or overproduced. The key difference between military surplus and standard civilian products lies in their durability and affordability. Military surplus meets strict government standards. It is designed to endure harsh conditions and heavy use, making it a great choice for anyone looking for tough gear that will last a long time.
So why does this stuff end up on the market? Often it's due to technological upgrades or changes in military needs that make certain supplies redundant. Hence, governments started selling this stuff to civilians.
Read also: A History of the Mau Mau
A Brief History
In the following century, the nations were subjected to various wars, such as World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the Cold War. The South African Border war went on for over 23 years involving everything from local policing all the up to armored engagements and almost everything else in between. The Cold War was not cold for South Africa. While most of Europe was playing an elaborate game of ‘who-has-the-most-nukes’, the South African Defense Force (SADF) was hard at work fighting the counter insurgency battles of the future. In the 1960s and 1970s South Africans were involved in three major counterinsurgency wars in Sub Saharan Africa: The Congo Crisis (‘60-65), the Rhodesian Bush War (‘64-79), and the Border War (‘66-90). Each of these conflicts were a unique combination of policing action, counterinsurgency and full-scale warfare. The Republic of South Africa developed a rather robust and informative series of military pamphlets regarding how to effectively fight these conflicts.
The Evolution of Military Surplus Retail
During the 2010s, military surplus retail evolved significantly. Traditional walk-in stores continued to thrive, providing a palpable shopping experience where customers could inspect and try on various products, ensuring quality and fit. Simultaneously, e-commerce was on the rise, revolutionizing the digital marketplace for military surplus. Fast-forward to today, and the preference to use e-commerce stores to buy military surplus commodities is at an all-time high due to the convenience and worldwide product selection.
Who Buys Military Surplus?
- Campers and Hunters: Military surplus is ideal for outdoor activities.
- Budget-conscious Buyers: Budget-conscious buyers often seek out military surplus for its cost-effectiveness and reliability.
- Military Enthusiasts: Military enthusiasts often seek out surplus items for their authenticity, as these pieces provide a tangible connection to military heritage and service.
- Survivalists and Preppers: Survivalists and preppers often look for good gear for long-term use. They tend to prefer military surplus because it is well-made, which means it is strong and reliable.
- LARPers: LARPers often turn to military surplus for authentic and durable gear that enhances their role-playing experiences.
Benefits of Buying Military Surplus
Ultimately, military surplus offers a range of durable, affordable, historically unique, and versatile items.
- Durability: One of the main reasons people buy military surplus is its durability. Military-grade items are built to last under tough conditions, which means they often outlast their civilian counterparts.
- Cost Savings: Another benefit is cost savings. You get high-quality goods at a fraction of the original retail price. Items like boots, outdoor jackets, and tools are often over-engineered for maximum performance and longevity.
- Historical Significance: Military surplus also holds great significance as historical memorabilia. Many items have unique stories behind them, connecting you to different eras and events in history. These historically unique items are not just functional but also collectible.
- Versatility: Versatility is another strength for military surplus goods and materials. These items serve various applications beyond their original purpose. The functionality extends into everyday life, too.
- Sustainability: Buying military surplus promotes the reuse and recycling of durable military goods that would otherwise go to waste. By repurposing high-quality products like clothing, gear, and equipment, the demand for new products decreases, thereby saving the resources and energy required for manufacturing. This practice also helps reduce the environmental impact related to the production, transportation, and disposal of goods.
Where to Buy Military Surplus in South Africa
Online stores offer a convenient way to buy military surplus for the general public. Specialized antique stores can provide a wider range of singular collectible items but they usually can't compete with the price and range.
BUY IT BEFORE ITS GONE! Surplus you should own! Part 1
- Military Auctions: Military auctions are another great source for finding army surplus items. Participating in an auction involves registering on the platform hosting it-whether that's through an official government site or a private company.
- Flea Markets: Flea markets offer an interesting venue for purchasing military surplus. You can sometimes find excellent stuff at regular flea markets, too, but your best bet is the ones that specialize in military equipment. These markets feature everything from vintage uniforms and historical artifacts to modern tactical gear and survival equipment.
Top 10 Must-Have Military Surplus Items
Military surplus items are great for a variety of outdoor activities, emergency preparedness, and everyday use, providing reliable gear that can endure harsh conditions and heavy use. Choosing military surplus can save money due to its durability and natural versatility. For example, you can use the same stuff for everyday use and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting. Military surplus can also bring value to collectors and history enthusiasts, as it often includes specialized gear and memorabilia that is unavailable elsewhere.
Read also: Ghana Army
-
Military Field Jackets
Military field jackets are known for their rugged design and practical features. Typically, these jackets come with multiple pockets, durable materials, and often also various weather-resistant properties. They are great for outdoor activities like hiking or camping and also work well as casual wear or layering pieces during colder months. When choosing a jacket, carefully examine the stitching and zippers for quality. High-quality field jackets from army surplus stores often have reinforced seams and heavy-duty fasteners. Some rare models can also be valuable collectibles due to their unique designs or historical significance.
-
Military Cargo Pants
Military cargo pants feature jagged construction and large pockets for items like gloves and tools like pocket knife, compass, lighter, etc. They are made from ripstop fabric, heavy-duty cotton, and other strong materials, which ensures longevity. Benefits include durability, comfort, and convenient extra storage, making them ideal for hiking, workwear, or casual wear. When choosing cargo pants from army surplus stores, consider the right size and material to match your needs.
-
Combat Boots
Combat boots are a sturdy piece of gear found at any good army surplus store. They are known for their resilient fabrication and practical features. These boots have reinforced soles and provide good ankle support, making them perfect for uneven terrains. They are usually made from leather and sometimes include waterproof elements to keep feet dry. Designed with breathability in mind, they also help reduce foot sweat during long periods of wear. When shopping for high-quality combat boots, inspect the soles and stitching to ensure they meet your needs. Choose the right pair based on terrain and climate; some models have insulation to suit specific conditions. Another important thing to note is that military surplus boots do not necessarily come with insoles, and even if they do, the insoles might be worn. Hence, you might wanna buy a new pair of insoles along with the boots.
-
Military Surplus Backpacks
Military surplus backpacks are recognized for their solid construction and numerous storage options. Many of these backpacks come with modular designs that enable users to easily add extra pouches to fit their requirements. Tactical backpacks offer advantages such as unsurpassed price-quality ratio, efficient organization, and versatility. These backpacks are well-suited for a variety of activities, including traveling, hiking, and everyday use. When choosing a backpack, look for a capacity that suits your needs along with features like hydration packs and comfortable straps. Maintaining your tactical backpack involves regular cleaning and organizing it efficiently to ensure quick access to essential items. This keeps the equipment in top condition while making it easier to carry everything you need.
-
MOLLE Pouches
MOLLE pouches are renowned for their modularity and adaptability. These tough pouches come with attachment points that allow you to customize your loadout by easily adding and removing pouches based on your needs. MOLLE pouches such as magazine or utility pouches are primarily used for military-related activities, however, you can also adapt them to camping and hiking. They can be easily integrated with other gear using the PALS webbing. When choosing a MOLLE pouch, identify your personal needs and determine the ideal size for your purposes. Pick a color or camo pattern that suits you and ensure that the attachment system is up to par and compatible with your other equipment. Trying to pair a modern MOLLE pouch with a WWII pack, for example, will require a stapling gun or duct tape and lots of stupid.
Read also: Opportunities in the Nigerian Army
-
Military Surplus Tents
The longevity, all-weather capability, and dirt cheap price of military surplus tents can make them a good addition to your military surplus collection. Made from high-quality materials and often with quick setup and versatility in mind, these tents are suitable for many outdoor events like camping or music festivals. When selecting a tent, make sure that the size and capacity match your needs. Look for strong materials like ripstop nylon and canvas, and ensure that the tent provides the necessary weather resistance and ventilation. For an ideal experience, pay attention to the ease of setup and transportability of the tent. Although especially with older military surplus, this can be tricky to achieve. But hey, that heavy and annoying piece of crap still looks way cooler than those flimsy civilian ones.
-
Military Dry Bags
Military dry bags are highly regarded for their exceptional waterproofing capabilities and long-lasting durability. These reliable bags are designed with convenient roll-top closures that effectively seal out moisture, providing a secure and protective storage solution for your valuable gear and equipment. Their superior quality and ease of use make them a popular choice for individuals engaged in various activities such as military reservist hobbies, water sports (not that other kind), camping trips, and traveling. When selecting a military surplus dry bag, it is essential to consider the specific size and type of dry bag that will best suit each activity you plan to participate in. Choosing the appropriate size ensures that your belongings will fit securely and remain protected from water. Take too small, and you have just dry sad. To prolong the lifespan of your military surplus dry bag, clean it thoroughly after each use.
-
Military Canteens and Mess Kits
The portable design and adaptability of military canteens and mess kits make them perfect for wining and dining in the wild. These items are made from sturdy materials that can endure even the harshest conditions. Apart from their ability to withstand wear and tear, they offer (a bit bulky) convenience in terms of portability and can be used for camping, hiking, or emergency preparedness. When picking your canteen and mess kit, aluminum, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic (plastic canteen, not mess kit unless you like plastic soup) are the best materials to choose from. To ensure a satisfying experience, pay attention to the capacity and weight of the item.
-
Military Field Shirts
The functionality, reinforced construction, and sustainability of military field shirts make them a popular pick for anyone looking for cost-effective and reliable shirts. Designed for active use and demanding physical tasks, field shirts are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities and also casual everyday wear. And even pretty formal if your wardrobe only consists of coveralls. When choosing a field shirt, consider the fabric composition and thickness to match your climate and activity level. Make sure that the pockets are ample and well-placed for added storage.
-
Military Tarps and Shelter Halves
Versatile and resistant to challenging weather conditions, military tarps and shelter halves provide protection against the elements - soldier level, not princess level. They are also easy to set up, making them ideal for camping, emergency shelters, and outdoor events such as music festivals (if you don't need privacy). One creative use is turning a tarp into a makeshift ground cover for picnics. When choosing a tarp or shelter half, look for features like reinforced grommets and durable materials. Military tarps and shelter halves often come in camouflage patterns, adding extra utility with camouflage nets included. To maximize lifespan, always clean and dry your tarp after use.
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
