Just wondering if anyone out there is using military surplus for hunting or camping. A buddy of mine gave me a large ruck sack, mess kits, a few woodland camo BDUs and some other things. It sure seems to be economical!!
I have used that kind of stuf sense I was a Boy Scout in the early 70s . Cant go wrong and it can be neat to look at as well . I had a WWII gass mask pack that I used as a day pack back in the day . Still use a duffle bag and parachord .
I used the military web gear for a few years. Attached some smaller packs to the belt. Have since found a good fanny pack
Always good stuff at the army surplus. I use a lot of stuff for camping and wear ACUs on ocassion while hunting
All the time. BDU pants, OG shirt, the wool sweater, field jacket liner. Comfortable and works well in the field.
I haven't used the web gear too much other than the pistol belt and butt pack on occasion.
I used to use it all the time but have slowly traded it out for lighter gear. I will never wear an ALICE or MOLLE pack again. 9 years of spine crushing were enough.
If you get BDUs go with summer weight. They dry much faster.
My smoking jackets (field jacket liner) and woobies (poncho liner) are never left behind.
I wear military woodland camo and field jacket as my regular hunting clothes. My backup boots are GI all leathers. In moderately cool weather I still sometimes use a mummy style chicken feather bag.For light carry I have a Vietnam era web gear and butt pack, often with a Marine knife and poncho attached. Over the tears more modern stuff has replaced most of the surplus items, but they still work pretty well.
I wear ACU's, use Molle Pack, web belt, canteen. Not really quiet because of materials, but economical and easy to get.
I use Molle Pack Shoulder Straps for some of my stands.
I'm planning some DYI hunts in the somewhat near future, so the ruck sack and the other camping gear will come into good use. I've worn the BDU's for years now. I'm starting to become alittle more "frugal" in my OLDER age, and the price of this stuff was right.
I still use my old pack and canteen. The small wire brushes and swabs used for weapon cleaning also works good for prepping the inside of carbon shafts.
ALICE straps on my tree stands with a padded lumbar belt, makes for a really easier packing experience.
Other than some of it is kinda heavy I like it. A lot of the surplus have gotten pretty proud of their stuff and the prices gone up.
I still use BDUs some of the time. I lover Tiger Stripe camo. One of the best but most overlooked camo patterns of all time. Works great in my TX live oak trees.
I use and modify military stuff all the time......One the thing the Military does......they buy good stuff! I have no problem using that stuff in my adventures!
I use BDU in woodland pattern and the old Vietnam tiger stripe pattern.
I use the "grey bag" which was passed down to my by my dad. It is a gas mask bag and has many miles on it. Always seem to see game when it goes with me.
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I like the wools field shirts and sweaters. Also carry a surplus canteen.
My experience with military surplus is that it is not designed for hunting and is often the cheaper, but not the best choice available.
All these years of buying what I can afford then upgrading five times cause what I originally bought was not the best of choices has mostly come to an end. Save up for a while, research and talk to the folks that actually do the same things you do and get what you really wanted / needed. It is cheaper in the long term.
ChuckC
Molle straps and waist belt on all my tree stands. Makes the hike in a whole lot easier. Also use BDU pants as my beater woods pants and for working in the woods during the off season.
I remember in the 70's Military stores were about the only places you could find camo and cool gadgets for hunting.
I use the marine corps. new ILBE backpack as a meat hauler and it carries with some of the best packs out there.
bdus at the goodwill store cant beat the price!