What is Military Surplus?

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 and sorted through for quality control, then made available to you!

Surplus can include a wide variety of items, like military clothing, military bags, military camping gear, tactical equipment, protective gear, and more. Though a common misconception, military surplus does not refer solely to used goods. The best military surplus gear can be used or completely new, simply sold by the military as surplus due to excess stock or new equipment standards in place.

How Military Surplus Started

Military surplus is nothing new. In fact, it dates all the way back to around the American Civil War. There was a vast amount of mass-produced military gear and equipment no longer needed by troops. Rather than being disposed of, they were sold and made available to the public.

Francis Bannerman created the very first military surplus store in 1865, named Bannerman’s Army & Navy Outfitters. Bannerman – a teenager at the time – purchased a huge amount of the best military surplus at government auctions and opened a military surplus store on Broadway in New York City. This was no small operation that Bannerman created. Over the years, the store grew to encompass over 40,000 sq. ft. of space, and it issued a hundreds-of-pages-long catalog that enabled items to be sold to subscribers all over the world. Fun fact: Bannerman had so much inventory that he purchased an island in the middle of the Hudson River (Pollepel Island) and built a castle to store his stock!

Even though Bannerman’s no longer exists, the store led the way with military surplus in the US. Following times of conflict, particularly the Korean War and Vietnam War, more military surplus stores began to open to meet the high demand.

Who Buys Military Surplus

Now that you know what military surplus is, you might be thinking that it’s not for you. Military clothing and gear must mean it’s just for the military, right? Wrong! Military surplus is for anyone, whether they’re a service member or a civilian. They’re particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-quality, military-grade gear that’ll endure the rough wilderness conditions they encounter.

The best military surplus can be used for camping, hunting, and other outdoor excursions. Surplus is also great for military or history buffs who want to add to a growing collection of military paraphernalia. There’s no limit to who may buy military surplus!

Why Buy Military Surplus Gear?

If you plan to head out into the great outdoors, you need gear you can count on. Clothes that rip on brush and backpacks that fall apart are not an option mid-hike. The problem is that high-quality gear can be expensive – and unreliable. That’s where surplus comes in.

Military surplus is some of the best gear for outdoor excursions since it was designed to withstand harsh conditions. The US Military has strict standards in place for the gear it uses. Products must meet Mil-Spec, or military specifications, which outline the materials, requirements, and testing procedures that ensure all items are up to quality and performance standards. Check out some of the other benefits of military surplus:

It’s Highly Durable

What is military surplus gear made of? Designed to be highly durable, it’s crafted from tough materials that withstand anything that comes at them. For example, some military pants are made using ripstop nylon, resistant to rips and tears you may experience in the wilderness. You could also find ammo boxes made from sturdy steel construction, MOLLE and ALICE packs made from water-repellent nylon, and more. You can feel confident in the construction of the best military surplus.

It’ll Provide Optimal Functionality

Functionality comes standard with military surplus gear. Whether it’s clothing or equipment, these items usually have added features to keep you safe and prepared in the wilderness. Clothing could have reinforced knees and elbows and advanced insulation, bags and clothing could have more pockets to hold extra gear, or some items could be multi-purpose. One great example of a multi-purpose surplus item is the P-38 can opener. First introduced in 1942, it’s one of the best military surplus items because it can also be used as a box cutter or screwdriver, to dig, as a knife, and for countless other purposes.

It’s a Cost-Effective Option

If you’re looking for high-quality gear at affordable prices, military surplus is the best gear for your needs. Despite being crafted from durable materials and having innovative features, surplus is typically sold at a fraction of its original price. This makes it an excellent, cost-effective option for any outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want to break the bank buying gear.

Made in the USA

GI & Army issue surplus, also known as genuine-issue military surplus, is made right here in the USA. So, if you prefer your clothing and gear to be American-made, choosing a military surplus is a great option. And since they’re made to our military’s specifications, you’re getting the best military surplus with quality standards you can trust.

Investing in Military Surplus

What is military surplus? It’s high-quality, cost-effective clothing and gear that anyone can invest in for functionality in the field and on the trails. Shop Army Surplus World today to get some of the best military surplus gear for your next excursion!