Benefits of Military Surplus Backpacks for Camping

As the storage unit for all your essential camping gear, your backpack is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll bring to the great outdoors. However, with so many options available, it’s challenging to determine which bag is right for your situation. Generally, you’re going to need a bag that’s a good balance of functional, durable, and roomy. While there are high-end commercial camping backpacks that may fit the bill, there’s nothing that quite beats military surplus camping gear. Read on to learn why you should give military surplus backpacks a try for camping.

If there’s one thing that military surplus camping gear is known for, it’s its durability. Military surplus backpacks are rugged and designed to withstand the toughest conditions, from inclement weather to being tossed around outdoors. This also means that you’re not going to experience any rips walking through brush and that your bag will still be in proper working condition if you encounter rain on your trip.

The durability applies to the inside of the bag, too. With all of the camping equipment you’re packing, you need to be sure your bag can endure the weight of the load without tearing. Since military surplus camping gear is built with strength and durability in mind, you can feel confident in the quality, regardless of the outdoor conditions you encounter.

There’s a lot of gear that you need to stock up on before you go camping, meaning you’re going to need a backpack with an ample amount of storage. While other backpacks offer you moderate space, military surplus was practically made for camping. These function-driven backpacks provide generous space, including a vast main compartment with organizational features and outer compartments for added storage. 

If you’re looking for double duty, military surplus camping gear is the option for you. While the abundant bag space makes for easy storage, it will also give you optimal organization. Doesn’t sound as important as other backpack features? Compartments and pouches keep all of your smaller items safe, secure, and readily accessible. No need for you to dump your entire backpack once you’re at your campground to find that one item because you already know where it is!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading on a camping trip, a hike, or another outdoor adventure – a good backpack can be expensive. Add in tarps, sleeping bags, and other survival camping gear, and the costs continue to add up. In some cases, that gear isn’t even reliable. No camper wants to head out to the wilderness, only to discover that their bag isn’t equipped to handle the elements or the weight of their gear. 

Military surplus camping gear is high-quality and affordable. Why’s that? If you’re not familiar, military surplus refers to equipment and materials that the military no longer needs or was bought in excess. These materials are then made available to the public – often at a small fraction of their original price! This is especially beneficial because it means you can get all of your military surplus for camping without breaking the bank.

Though functional and spacious, many camping backpacks aren’t adaptable to your needs. One huge benefit to military surplus camping gear is that you can find highly customizable or flexible items. Unsure of the weather conditions you’ll encounter? You can find a military surplus backpack that’s made to withstand colder or has been waterproofed to handle rainy conditions. Looking for a lightweight, durable bag to carry? Military surplus like ALICE packs may be the camping bag for you.

Other options like MOLLE backpacks give you even more adaptability thanks to their design. The Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system is designed for gear attachment and arrangement. With this system, you can adjust and attach equipment to create the best setup for you. Carry flashlights, canteens, and more with this famous modular system currently used by the US military.

All of that military surplus camping gear you’re planning isn’t lightweight, which is why you need a backpack that will provide a little more stability and comfort while you’re on the move. You can’t have your emergency first aid, mess kit, and multi-tool shifting around, and you certainly don’t want your load to be any more difficult to carry than it needs to be. Military surplus is beneficial for camping because it allows for stability while in motion. If stability is a concern for you, surplus backpacks like MOLLE are great options because they’ll provide steady, balanced carrying that doesn’t need to be adjusted mid-way through a camping trip. You may also want to look for surplus bags with cinch straps, which will compress and stabilize your bag’s contents.

Receiving immense functionality and durability in military surplus camping gear doesn’t mean that you have to forfeit any comfort automatically. Like commercial camping and hiking backpacks, military surplus bags offer features like padded shoulder straps to ease any discomfort while carrying your load. These bags also have practical features like adjustable sternum straps, shoulder harnesses, and waist straps. More than just for comfort, these beneficial components provide you with greater adjustability and stability/balance. You get to accommodate the bag to fit your needs rather than the other way around.

There’s no need to buy a different backpack for camping trips, hikes, fishing trips, or other outdoor activities because military surplus does it all. Spacious and durable with a subdued appearance, they’re the perfect multi-functional choice. Use military surplus as your camping gear, then strap it on and take it hunting!

Finding the right backpack is the first step to preparing for your camping trip. The next is getting the gear that’ll help you stay safe and be ready for anything. Shop high-quality and affordable military surplus camping gear at Army Surplus World now!