Monthly Archives: January 2024

Military clothing is known for its durability, high performance, and functionality – and BDUs are no exception. Even though it was officially retired by the US military in the mid-2000s, BDU clothing is still widely worn by outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement, and others who work in tactical fields. But why? And what are military fatigues? Keep reading to discover more about what BDUs and fatigues are, their components, and why they’re such an iconic uniform to this day.

What Are BDUs?

What does BDU mean? An acronym for Battle Dress Uniform, the BDU was once worn by the US military for combat and active duty. BDU clothing was first introduced in late 1981, designed as a replacement for the standard OG-107 uniforms that troops had worn in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

Though the previous uniform had served well during the Korean War and Vietnam War, the military needed a more functional uniform that provided more advanced camouflage. Research

When shopping at a surplus store, it’s inevitable to come across plenty of items labeled as military surplus. But what does that even mean – and why should that matter to you? Continue reading to discover more about military surplus, including what it is, its history in our country, and the benefits of buying the best military surplus.

The Ins and Outs of Military Surplus Gear

What is military surplus, exactly? Military surplus refers to excess clothing and gear that the military no longer needs. Instead of getting thrown away, it’s made available to the public online and in stores. Military surplus stores typically purchase the goods through government auctions, directly from the military when surplus sales are announced, or even from service members selling their gear. Once acquired, the goods are inspected

When it comes to clothing for the winter season and the colder temperatures that come with it, one term you’re bound to come across is thermal clothing. It’s considered one of the best categories of clothing to have in your pack or on your person during outdoor excursions. But why? Do thermals keep you warm? Read on to find out about thermal clothing, including what it is and how it works to keep you warm in the bitter cold.

About Thermal Clothing

What is thermal clothing, and how do thermals keep you warm? Let’s break it down.

Thermal means heat, or caused by changes in temperature. This type of extreme cold weather gear is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that works by trapping your body heat and preventing it from escaping. You’ve likely noticed that thermal shirts, pants, and other clothing have a unique honeycomb weave appearance.

Military or not, most of us are familiar with military identification tags, more commonly known as military dog tags. They’re easily one of the most recognizable pieces of ID that soldiers wear – but have you ever wondered about their origins? Or better yet, why are they even called dog tags? Keep reading to learn about the history of military dog tags, what goes on military dog tags, and how they got their name.

What’s in a Name?

Before we examine the history of military dog tags, we’ll examine how they got their name. There are many rumors about why these identification tags are called dog tags. Some believe that the nickname came from World War II draftees, who allegedly claimed they were treated like dogs. Another rumor is that they got their name because the tags looked like the metal tags on dog collars.

However, according to the Army Historical Foundation, the

Every outdoor enthusiast needs a high-quality, rugged pack they can count on. Facing hours (or even days) of tough wilderness conditions, the last thing you need is your bag breaking or tearing. That’s why so many turn to ALICE. Used by the military for decades, ALICE packs have proven their durability in the field long ago. Wondering whether an ALICE pack is the right choice for you? Read on to learn more about what an ALICE pack is and why it’s one of the most versatile options for outdoor use.

History and Development of the Modern ALICE Pack

Though they weren’t introduced until the 1970s, development for ALICE packs actually began in the ‘60s. The US Army launched a program called the Lightweight Individual Clothing and Equipment (LINCLOE) program, with one of its goals being to lighten a soldier’s load with a lightweight load-carrying system. The pack