What Is a Military Surplus Store - and Why You Should Get Your Gear There

Before talking about what an army surplus store is and the perks of shopping there, it is helpful to understand the reason for their existence. Perhaps you’ve seen photos of grocery store employees throwing all the excess, spoiled food into dumpsters and thought, “What a waste.”

Any enterprise with leftover inventory is faced with the challenge of getting rid of it, and luckily, with nonperishable items, it is possible for enterprises to sell off remaining goods instead of dumping them. Generally, when we think of thrift stores, we imagine individuals bringing used items to brick and mortar stores. However, many larger institutions rely on this same model to deal with excess products, and there is a whole industry built on selling surplus goods that the original merchants no longer want. 

Even though it’s not a retail business, the US Military finds itself in these same circumstances. This is what gives life to an army surplus store. In general, the military orders a greater quantity of supplies than it needs to make sure it is prepared for unforeseen demands. However, as newer models of these products are adapted and the originals fall out of use, these excess goods are decommissioned. Private enterprises then buy the army surplus for resale purposes.

The good news for consumers is that army surplus stores are mega moneysavers, and not just for active servicemen or veterans. Products used by the military tend to be high quality, durable, and made with function in mind. Goods aren’t limited to just Army uniforms, but come from all branches of the military such as the Navy and Air Force. Because of this, one can find all sorts of tactical gear from survival and outdoor equipment useful for camping to footwear and accessories. The range, quality, and unbeatable prices of the offerings is what makes an army surplus store such a great bargain. Let’s get into some of the best things you can get when buying army surplus.

Military Clothing

You don’t need to be stationed overseas in a warzone to make use of some good military clothing. What makes an army surplus store so useful is that items you buy can be used for heavy duty purposes, outdoor work, or leisure. Military outerwear includes plenty of camo jackets and ponchos that are excellent on hunting trips when you want to blend into the environment. In addition to the neutral coloring, they offer greater mobility, weather resistance, and durability than standard cold weather gear. If you want to show support for the military or just enjoy the look and feel of camo at the gym, military t shirts are a great option.  

Perhaps you’re in the service and need a new uniform? At army surplus stores, you aren’t limited to buying some old pair of camo pants and can also find affordable dress uniforms including dress shoes and gloves. Last but not least, by making a minor change to your shopping habits that your wallet will thank, you can help prevent waste when you support surplus clothing stores. 

Tactical Gear

Tactical gear is a performance enhancer for more than just top secret missions. Whether you work in law enforcement or are concerned for personal safety, the right tactical gear can save your life. To see what wholesale arrangements can be made, police departments and officers should get in touch with an army surplus store and take advantage of budget-friendly bulletproof vests and plate carriers. Shooting enthusiasts and hunters will find that tactical vests with magazine pouches and cartridge belts make carrying bullets a whole lot easier. Not to mention, your bullets will be in an easy-to-access place.

While knee and elbow pads can be used on the frontlines, they can also help you climb rough terrain without looking like you were attacked by a pack of dogs.

By buying army surplus, there is no need for civilians to have a U.S. military-sized budget to have handy, lifesaving equipment.   

Survival & Camping

Sleeping outside on the frontlines, a hammock is your bed. It’s not your king size bed, but the military has made sure its outdoor sleeping gear is as functional as possible. On your next camping trip, a military grade hammock or sleeping bag will help you endure the elements and sleep more comfortably. Throw in a warm-n-dry blanket that resists wind and water and you not only have a warm sleeping blanket but a beach blanket. Military bags feature extra straps at the waist and shoulders to make lugging supplies that much easier. 

What is special about an army surplus store is that you will find many gadgets you never thought to bring hiking. From multipurpose tools, first aid kits, and mosquito head nets, army surplus stores offer a wide range of tactical gadgets for you to buy, making prepping for camping and outdoor activities that much easier.  

And that’s what an army surplus store is: it’s a place to get top notch tactical and outdoor gear at unbeatable prices. Explore Army Surplus World’s collection and find the surplus gear you need today.