Current Issue Sources

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barber oregon

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Nov 19, 2000
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I went on a camping/fishing trip last weekend on which (among other things) I brought along a current issue U.S. military canteen and sleeping mat.

Both these product performed extremly well for their price--for about a third (or more) less I got the same or even better performance out of these than my companions with somewhat expensive brand-name products.

Given the cost/performance ratio I'd like to purchase more of this equipment for emergency bug-out bags.

Questions: can anyone suggest any on-line sources of current issue military equipment? I would prefer Canadian sources since the exchange rate and shipping would eliminate any cost benefits; does the U.S. gov't sell these directly?

Also, what are your opinion/experiences on using this sort of gear?
 
Here are a few vendors I've had positive experience with:

Big Surplus Warehouses

Bradley's Military Surplus, Good Prices, good selection of US Military surplus (some foreign) and good for those hard-to-find US military items (i.e. MOLLE system packs and accessories).

Major Surplus & Survival, One of the bigger operations around, but customer service despite its size is pretty good. Great prices, good selection from around the world.

Cheaper Than Dirt!, Big outfit, good ammo prices, customer service sometimes leaves something to be desired. But, I've always been happy.

Big Commercial Warehouses (with some surplus)

Ranger Joe's, Good selection of both new and used military gear.

Brigade Quartermasters, Good selection of both new and used military gear.

US Cavalry Military & Adventure Gear, Good selection of both new and used military gear.

Hope that helps...
 
Also, what are your opinion/experiences on using this sort of gear?
Click to expand...

Military surplus is a good inexpensive alternative if you do not mind antiquated design and heavy weight (in comparison to new commercial gear).

The mil-surp "issue gear" has to be made totally "grunt-proof"--therefore heavier metals, canvas, nylon, rivets, etc. are utilized, increasing the overall weight . The packs (i.e. ALICE), it seems, were designed before the concepts of ergonomics were known--if you've ever humped a fully loaded Large ALICE pack you know how it basically put all the weight on your shoulders and constricts what seems any blood flow to your noggin'.

Now, if you can find a MOLLE pack, it is definitely an improvement over the ALICE system. However, it also suffers from the overweight-syndrome, and is also much more expensive--getting into the price range of new and lighter, commercial gear.

Hope that helps...
 
If you are interested in US Military surplus gear you better stock up now. The latest ANSOM Magazine (Army Navy Store & Outdoor Magazine) has a story in its July issue that the US Government has suspended sales of all textile based military surplus apparel.
This includes outerwear, underwear, special purpose clothing, individual equipment, personal armor and special clothing and accessories. Basically, any item that incorporated textiles containing infrared/spectral reflectant properties. Sleeping bags and ALICE packs would also be included in the ban.
The government is also seeking the return of goods already dispersed to the surplus industry.
We don't need to guess why they don't want us (or anybody for that matter) to have this gear. If you need any US military gear better get it now as it is sure to become scarce and expensive.
 
What are your experiences using this sort of gear?


Barber,

Like guncollector said, it's often low tech and heavy, but that makes it hard to kill.

I was in the Corps for 4 years and we rarely had our feild gear fail.

My North Face internal pack is comfortable , but I would never trust it loaded the way we loaded a large Alice(she sure is a bitch!).

guncollector set you up with good resources


Good Luck

Fight the Good Fight!!
 
you pretty much have to go south of the border to get this stuff. canadian retailers usually charge you more than if you just buy it online in US funds. I use a USGI Mod 3 sleeping bag system, US army 1 and 2 liter canteens, US army poncho, ECWCS goretex jacket, and various other current issue US gear. If you are selective, you don't have to suffer too much extra weight. I really like the long term durability and simple design that military gear affords, so I mix it into my gear whenever it makes sense to do so...
 
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