Why Military Surplus Clothing is Perfect for Outdoors

Fighting the forces of nature is like tilting at windmills—utterly hopeless. However, there are ways to ensure that the elements don't screw you completely when you're venturing into the wild. One such way is to use military surplus clothing. Military surplus stores such as Varusteleka offer a wide range of authentic military surplus items suitable for various outdoor needs. From jackets to boots, finding specific pieces is straightforward due to their availability both in the online shop and physical store in Helsinki, Finland

Old-school outdoor veterans and bushcrafters have for a long time turned to military surplus clothing for their needs. This type of gear, originally designed for military use, offers a blend of durability and functionality, making it ideal for various activities like hiking, hunting, camping, and backpacking. The transition from military use to civilian wear happened naturally. Outdoor enthusiasts saw the value in wearing something reliable and sturdy during their adventures.

This article will explore why military surplus clothing is perfect for outdoor adventures and how this affordable yet high-quality option can enhance your outdoor experiences without breaking the bank.

Why Choose Military Surplus Clothing for Outdoor Adventures

Affordability, Practicality, and Quality

Military clothing is known for its high-quality materials. These garments are designed to withstand tough conditions, making them durable and long-lasting. The fabrics used in military surplus clothing often include heavy-duty cotton blends and ripstop nylon, which resist wear and tear. One thing to consider, however, is that surplus usually means issued and used. Sometimes you can get hold of unissued military surplus, but mostly not. The further back in time you go, deep down to the Cold War storage bunkers of the 1970s and 80s, the stronger the iconic surplus smell gets. This is especially true for surplus from Eastern European countries, since western militaries tend to have their warehouses in better order. However, we at Varusteleka will tell very clearly when the surplus we sell is used or unissued, and we will describe the condition of the used products quite bluntly, so you know what you’re buying.

Another big advantage is cost-effectiveness. Military surplus items are often available at a fraction of the price of new outdoor gear. For example, you might find a certified field jacket on sale for much less than a similar commercial product but with equal or better quality.

Military surplus unfortunately is not usually made for the big-boned. Most soldiers are lean and mean, which means that bigger sizes are in great demand on the civilian market. The biggest sizes always go out of stock first because the demand is so high. In the military, however, things are like private Jackson puts it in the film Saving Private Ryan "I'm a size 9, just like everyone else."

Military clothing excels in functional design elements tailored for practical use on the field. Features like multiple pockets provide ample storage space. These features enhance practicality during different activities such as hiking or camping by allowing easy access to essential gear without carrying extra bags or pouches.

Camouflage and Protection

Camouflage patterns, such as MultiCam, the Finnish M05, and craploads of others, offer great benefits for outdoor activities like hunting and wildlife observation. They help you blend into natural surroundings, making it easier to stay unnoticed by animals, and people, if you are into that sort of thing.

Military clothing also provides excellent protection against the elements of nature. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, these garments shield you from wind, rain, and cold. Specialized gear like cold weather gear ensures that you're prepared for extreme environments.

Eco-friendly Option

Buying military surplus is a form of recycling, reducing the need for new manufacturing. This helps lower the demand for raw materials and energy consumption associated with producing new items.

Maintaining and repairing your surplus clothing can further extend its lifespan. Simple fixes like patching holes or replacing buttons keep these items functional longer.

In addition to being eco-friendly, this approach saves money while promoting sustainability. Next time you're looking for outdoor gear, consider how military apparel supports both your needs and the environment.

Perfect Military Clothing Items for Outdoor Use

Field Jackets and Surplus Shirts

Military field jackets and surplus shirts are one of the most commonly sold and popular surplus items. They often come with multiple pockets, providing ample storage space for essentials like maps, tools, or snacks. The durability of these garments is another key benefit. Made from tough as nails materials, they can withstand rough conditions without tearing or wearing out too quickly. Unlike most modern outdoor clothing, surplus pullovers often contain a big percentage of wool which helps to reduce holes from sparks. It is possible to get proper wool from the civilian market as well, but the price is something completely different.

Weather resistance is a common feature of military field jackets. Many models are designed to protect against wind, rain, and cold, making them ideal for unpredictable outdoor environments. While not nearly all are treated or waterproofed with membranes you can apply a coat of fabric wax to almost any polycotton blend fabric to make it water-resistant.

Layering is crucial for staying warm in varying conditions. Pack clothes with different densities when going on a hiking trip. For example, you can easily layer a shirt under a field jacket to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. You can also choose military clothing with detachable liners and remove or add them based on the temperature.

Military Surplus Pants

Military surplus pants are built tough and can withstand harsh environments. They often feature reinforced areas at stress points like knees and seat areas, which add extra durability where it's needed most.

Comfort isn't sacrificed despite their sturdy build; many designs feature a flexible cut that ensures ease of movement, whether climbing over rocks, scrambling through dense brush, or engaging in other outdoor activities. This ensures that movement remains unrestricted no matter what the activity entails.

Combat Boots and Socks

Military combat boots are known for their durability. These boots are designed to withstand harsh conditions, making them ideal for rough terrain outdoors. modern combat boots also provide excellent ankle support, which is crucial when hiking on uneven terrain. Surplus boots support your ankle better than e.g. flip-flops and sneakers, but they are in a completely different ballpark than modern hiking and combat boots.

You can complement the boots with military-grade socks that add another layer of comfort and protection. These socks are often made from moisture-wicking materials that keep your feet dry, reducing the risk of blisters. They also provide extra cushioning, which enhances overall foot comfort. You can forget trying to find surplus socks since they are usually disposed due to their relatively short service life.

Breaking in new combat boots properly ensures they fit well over time without causing discomfort. Start by wearing them around the house with thick socks to soften up stiff areas gradually. Regular cleaning and conditioning will maintain their durability.

Accessories

Hats and Caps

Military hats and caps are usually designed for specific purposes and weather conditions. Common examples include those for hot and dry climates, winter use, rainy weather, and jungle environments. When choosing a military hat or cap, first determine the conditions where you primarily want to use the item, and then find one that fits those criteria.

Gloves

Military surplus gloves are perfect for a variety of activities. Some provide warmth in colder climates, while others are designed to protect the user from threats such as cuts, chemical substances, and fire. Many variants are specifically tailored for different tasks, such as mechanics gloves, which offer the necessary comfort and grip when working with tools.

Belts

Military belts don’t just keep your pants up; they offer practical solutions for numerous uses. Utility, tactical, and combat belts provide soldiers with the utility and strength to carry equipment and tools, while dress belts are a fixture of the formal military uniform. There are also specialty belts, such as the Rigger’s belt, which provides extra security for activities like climbing and rappelling.

Scarves and Neck tubes

Military surplus scarves are used by soldiers for various purposes. They provide warmth and insulation in colder climates and can also be used as head coverings or even as makeshift slings or bandages in emergency situations. Common types of surplus scarves include:

• Wool scarves: Made from thick wool, they provide warmth and insulation for cold weather.

• Shemaghs (Keffiyehs): Middle Eastern scarves suitable for a variety of uses, such as head coverings, face masks, and neck protectors from heat and sand.

• Neck tubes and gaiters: Military neck tubes, also known as neck gaiters or buffs, are versatile and multifunctional pieces of gear used by military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts alike. They can be worn in various ways, including as a neck warmer in colder environments and as a face mask while skiing or dodging flies in nature. A neck tube can also be used as a light beanie. They are typically made from high-quality, moisture-wicking, and breathable materials such as wool, cotton, polyester or a blend of fibers.

• Bandanas: Large, square pieces of fabric that can be folded and worn in various ways, such as protecting the neck and face from dust and sun.

You can find your scarves and other military surplus accessories here!

Surplus Backpacks

Military surplus backpacks are known for their tough design and durability. The materials used in military-grade backpacks ensure they can handle heavy loads without tearing or wearing out quickly. You should check out our surplus backpack article for further reading.

These packs come in various sizes and shapes, so there is something for everyone. The modern military packs have multiple compartments, PALS webbing, and other organizational features that help you keep your gear sorted and easily accessible. Whether you're packing for a day hike or an extended camping trip, you'll find that military surplus backpacks offer plenty of room for all your essentials.

If you want comfort, look for more modern military-grade backpacks. They include padded straps and back panels to provide support during long treks. This reduces strain on your shoulders and back, allowing you to carry heavier loads more comfortably over longer distances. Older packs will give you pain and suffering, but they also have that wonderful old-time charm not found in modern gear.

Conclusion

To summarize, military surplus clothing is a great option for outdoor adventures because it's durable, affordable, and super practical. Made from high-quality materials and designed for functionality, it's a smart choice for anyone who loves being outside. It’s also an ecological choice for people who care about the natural environment.

Plus, it's cost-effective, so you get great value for your money. So, next time when you're gearing up for an outdoor activity, consider adding some military surplus gear to your collection—it might just become your new favorite outdoor wear.

This article has been created in collaboration with Skyn... generative AI to get some of that sweet, sweet search engine optimization juice. We have used it to gather data and relevant SEO keywords/phrases. We have then edited the crap out of it to remove all the weird and unusual suggestions from our robot overlords. Thank you for understanding us wanting to prosper in today's brutal SEO game.