In some cases, military gear can be an exceptional choice for prepping or survival and often, this gear is not all that expensive. Even though army surplus stores are beginning to fade out of existence, many of them are still around.
As preppers and survivalists, we should be making a point to use these stores to our advantage before eCommerce erases them from existence.
I have compiled this list of 11 military surplus items that you can find in surplus stores for under twenty dollars.
Most of these are items that I have either purchased in the past or are currently on the lookout for.
Field Manuals
The military seems to have a field manual for everything, and they can be invaluable resources for preppers and survivalists alike.
These books are packed with useful information from weapons to navigation and would make a great addition to any prepper’s bookshelf.
A few notable field manuals to keep your eye out for are:
• FM 3-25.26 Land Navigation
• FM 21-76 Survival
• SH 12-76 Army Ranger Handbook
• FM 4-25.11 First Aid For Soldiers
• FM 5-31 Boobytraps
• FM 20-3 Camouflage
This is a short list, and your local surplus store is bound to have a host of other titles you may find interesting.
Poncho
Often you can find old surplus ponchos at your local surplus store for less than twenty dollars, but you’ll need to check them over thoroughly for any holes or rot.
Related: 13 Shelters That You Can Build With A Military Poncho
These are not only great for protection from the rain but can be used as an improvised shelter, stretcher, bodybag, or an improvised sleeping bag when paired with a poncho liner.
If you can locate good ponchos at a good price, it is worthwhile to pick up a couple of them.
Snipers Veil
I often will use a sniper’s veil as a scarf when I’m hunting or scouting. These have similar uses to that of a shemagh, but since a sniper veil is a cotton mesh, you can use it in many situations where you may need a net.
Sniper veils also act as fantastic camouflage that you can drape over your head while still seeing through it.
Shemagh
Most preppers, survivalists, and bushcrafters have a shemagh or two because they are indispensable pieces of kit. Army surplus stores are great places to find these items, both new and used in a wide variety of colours.
Be aware of cheap knockoffs made from polyester; always look for shemaghs that are 100 percent cotton only.
The list of uses for the humble shemagh is worth an article on its own but what I can say is that my shemagh found itself used to sling my son’s broken arm while out in the bush.
Watch Cap
When I was a young soldier, I never wore the issued wool watch cap because I thought my thin balaclava made me look cooler and more tactical; as the adage goes, “Looking good is half the battle.”
I was definitely cooler since my headgear choice was nowhere near as warm and cozy as an issued watch cap.
These caps come in different styles and thicknesses, but as long as they are made from wool, they will be very warm and well worth a purchase.
Every winter, I wear my old army watch cap to keep my head warm as I commute to and from work, out in the yard, or the woods.
P-38 or P-51 Can opener
The P-38 can opener was put into service in 1942 and issued along with the K-rations and C-rations until the 1980s.
While the military service requirement has disappeared, the P-38 and its larger sibling, the P-51, are still produced commercially.
These can openers are made of a thin piece of metal that acts as the handle and a small blade that flips out at a right angle. Since these can openers are small and inexpensive, it is easy to include a few of them along with your canned food stores.
Related: Best Canned Foods For Emergencies On The Market Today
The P-51 is the only can opener that I use, and there is always one of these in my kitchen utensil drawer; in fact, I can open a can of soup faster with a P-51 than the usual manual can openers you’ll find in most kitchens.
Pouches
I’m a strong believer in organization, and one of the best ways to organize gear is using pouches to keep various pieces of equipment together and organized.
The military has a massive assortment of pouches and bags that you can repurpose to organize your gear, be it in a pack or for storage.
Trioxane Fuel Tabs
These little fuel tabs are a little thought of prep that you can often still find in your local surplus store.
While the military has now shifted to using flameless ration heaters, I have fond memories of firing up some of these tabs to get a brew on or warming up a pouch of barely edible mystery meat.
These little tabs also act as great firestarters and are good to keep in fire kits. I like to keep one or two in my bino harness to aid in fire starting.
Sleeping Pad
The great thing about a foam sleeping pad is that they never leak and deflate. Self-inflating air mattresses are becoming the standard sleeping equipment for so many, and most people carry a patch kit to deal with an unexpected puncture.
The problem is that the three am deflating of your insulation from the cold ground is still going to disrupt your slumber. I’ve slept on the same foam pad since I was 18 and have no intention of changing.
Sandbags
Sandbags are great to have around, and they do not take up too much space when empty.
You can use filled sandbags to divert water, as ballistic protection, counterweight, ballast, and you can use empty sandbags to store loose gear.
In most cases, it is not practical to keep enough of these bags around to fortify a home or prevent flooding, but having a few dozen on hand is something that will certainly come in handy in a grid-down situation.
Related: How To Build A Cheap Bunker In Your Backyard
Ammo Cans
Ammo cans are so useful it is a good idea to have several on hand. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a variety of needs and uses.
Ammo cans are awesome for storing all sorts of loose gear and are sized so that they can fit in a lot of spaces.
A few years back, I turned an old 7.62mm ammo can into a toolbox that fit perfectly behind the seat of my old Chevy S-10. I also have a cardboard-lined ammo can as a faraday cage where I store a few ham radios and other electronics.
People have also turned ammo cans into stoves, battery power banks, and various other DIY projects.
Concluding Thought
While not all military surplus gear is worth stocking up on, there is still a good variety of clothing and equipment that is well worth the investment of a few dollars.
These little inexpensive preps often prove to be the most valuable additions to your kits.
You may also like:
Home Security Tips From A Military Expert
10 Medical Supplies You Need To Stock Up Before It’s Too Late (Video)
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I used to focus on Eastern European GENUINE military surplus, particularly Swiss military as they were manufactured as heavy duty equipment. The small German / Swiss shovels, Swiss ‘salt and pepper’ canvas packs were often sold for less than $20.
The U.S. Multi-purpose Net is an item worth keeping an eye out for too. Like the sniper veil above, it really does have a lot of different uses.
You made a great list of items to look out for. Need to read the description – ‘Made to Military Specification’ is not the same.
News Flash! Switzerland is NOT Eastern Europe. If you are getting “DDR” equipment then that was considered Eastern Europe and usually not very good.
Got my 1st P-38 back in Basic (72) and carried it with everywhere (went in the baggage on flights) I went til it broke about 10 years ago. Got a replacement and some spares the next day.
PS. it can also double as a screwdriver as most P-38 fans know.
Book ?
only problem I have with using US military current issue is the real possibility of mis-ID and military retributions in any case of marshall law or insurrection ….
Lol they won’t have that issue. Anyone can clearly you that you’re dressing up.
If you are running around during an SHTF scenario, dressed up in military camo, decked out to the hilt in gear, you obviously had forethought to gather plenty of supplies and preps before SHTF…. I would think that would mark you as a source of supplies and people would be following you around trying to figure out how to take what you have…. You best learn how to sleep with one eye open, or have enough friends and family to setup a night shift, guard duty roster….
They follow me home they will have to be better in the woods than me…plus they better watch closely for trip wires…
Just a bit of humor: While standing in line at a local gun store, waiting to buy some additional ammo, my wife struck up a conversation with a man in the same line. They talked about the caliber of ammo they wanted to buy and the conversation turned to the type of weapon they preferred. My wife responded that she had a Daniel Defense AR15 that was “pink camo”. The man laughed and commented, “you know you can’t hide with pink camo”. My wife quickly rebutted, “The point is, with my rifle, I don’t have to hide”. The man quickly changed the topic to handguns.
Military surplus items, whether daube green, green camo, grey camo, desert camo, tan or black, is worth having on hand for your prepping needs. As pointed out, it is usually inexpensive and will be of great value when you need it..
Have you considered that carrying a pink weapon gives you a few extra seconds to eliminate the enemy while they are busy laughing.
Thanks for the tips! Got myself a beanie and I looked into those can openers that you mentioned.
Got a bunch of them here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAGH4VG?psc=1&smid=A25KC4I3K8FZ6H&linkCode=ll1&tag=fsbastore-20&linkId=3c73dbfdf3c6118e2fd6ab4bde37bfdb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
My pop carries a full size opener and I’ve never liked that. Big and heavy. These P-51’s solve that! ?
I used to carry Dads p38 on my key ring. I left the keys at a garage and the p38 disappeared. I’ll look to see whats available. Thanks.
I grew up with old green surplus wool blankets et. All great for camping.
I’ve looked at a surplus store but there isn’t much usfull to me there anymore. I watch yard sales and occasionally second hand stores. Craigs list if I’m headed into the city is always on moist to check out.
I have one of those can openers…I was a farm kid in the 60’s and the army came to stay and do some sort of radar work on our farm. While there Dad invited the men several times in for a home cooked dinner… Mum always served up great meals. When they left they had several ration tins left over so gave us kids one each. All I have left is the can opener….and God help anyone who tries to take it from me. lol
Tape the can opening ‘flap’ closed, because 1st hand experience details torn pocket seams,
Sportsmans Guide gas lots of good surplus items. They have assorted gas masks, uneful in noxious situations. Polish, Hungarian or Serbian mess kits are a good deal, too. They also have an excellent selection of rucks and load bearing ewuipment.
SG annual membership very affordable & entitles to steep discounts & free shipping. Merely for their military grade cotton t-shirts (in black, olive drab or beige) worth recommending …had acquired a dozen @ $50 (twice).
Alot of the Army Field Manuels can be downloaded for free, ( like I do here with quite a few wonder articles ) and printed for a physical back up ( what I plan on doing with some articles here ).
And if you need a bit of humor, Fm 22-102 was always my favorite as a NCO during my time in the Army.
Sportsmanguide has a lot of good stuff and good prices.
I still have a few P 38’s from the old days. Also a pilons survival stainless pocket knife.
Well, I see that USGI MilSurp 550 Paracord didn’t make the list. Don’t waste your time with the commercial garbage that is branded “550 Paracord” in WalMart, that is only rated to 175 lbs.! MilSurp 550 cord is a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs. Tons of uses.
Bug netting is also good to have. I havn’t found any in years, so I’m stuck with commercial stuff from companies like Coughlans (again, WalMart). Tell you what, it’s a big relief to keep the bugs off your face even if you have Deet. And they also have one for you and your cot/sleeping bag. Keeping those buggars off ya is great!
About ammo cans. I tested the (then) new commercial repros, and they are not reliable. I found the MilSurp are the best no matter what. The repros are a waste of time & money.
Might try Sportsmansguide for bug netting.. Have seen it on there in the past. Although that’s been a few years ago now.
Amazon has all kinds of mosquito netting, including mosquito netting for umbrellas ???
Just insert mosquito netting in the search block.
We hung mosquito netting in our van when camping in locales where mosquitos were prevalent. Hung the front from the exit handles over the front doors and the rear over the rear hinges of the cargo door. While it was supposedly for a single bed, it was large enough to reach the inside walls of our Ody van and provide complete protection.
I seen on the news the best source for MilSup these days is the Afghan National Army.
Right, I wonder if they can throw a US taxpayer a discount to obtain what they already paid for?
Another item to look for is surplus backpacks or med kit packs. I had a small one left over from my grandfather’s WWII service, olive drab canvas, that I carried for several years as a book bag for school and then as an oversized purse…it finally fell apart and I still miss it!
One caveat about “army surplus stores” is that a lot of them are very expensive and carry cheap knockoffs. Be careful and shop around for the best deals.
? Book
Raventacticalmedia >>> how tactical can you be? – when you don’t even know what happens to a civilian caught battlefield corpse pillaging – a GI canteen is enough for a quik bullet
PS you always hide from responses? – quite the man
The Illini Warrior is trying desperately to be relevant but it will never happen for the poor soul.
It’s to bad that he never walked the trail.
@ raven tack meds
IIIini Warrior is right
It’s true the only thing you ever do is blow your horn and say nothing to the group that would be beneficial to the group or to the site.
Hey, how old are you, 16 yrs old because you post like you are a kid.
You did the same thing in another site I was on. Just run your mouth and then leave the site.
You are like the trolls that we all have to deal with when we post something and some A- hole comes in and sprays there crap and then runs.
Just stick to your u tube channel. I’ve seen them. Trust me they need you there working on that, not in here saying nothing…
If you are going to come on here, make it worth every ones time when they read your post.
“Don’t be that guy”. We have more then we need already.
OKAY I’m ready. Say what you want.
When you respond to this, don’t post some stupid crap. Be a “MAN” and not {a troll} or a thumbs down guy.
You’re upset because I suggested that you airsofters are wearing uniforms of the current issue. Will be quickly id by even the lowest e1 as a fraud.
Wear whatever you want and your focus is in the wrong places. But then again you live in the city.
@ raven LOL…
The only thing that any one is upset about, is you running your mouth about nothing.
Maybe you should focus on not being a PUNK. What do you care were our focus is at.
Do you think you are on the right track LMAO!!!! Go back and watch your own u-tube videos they are a JOKE. Like you and your post…
I live in the country goofball and never have played air soft. But, I bet you did.
If you wear in the military, I bet you never made it past latrine duty. I say this because you only spew shit out of your mouth
Stop being a punk. PUNK!!!!!!!!
I still have a p-38 on my key ring. It’s been on there since the 60’s.
@raven lol
Really
Raven, I am inclined to think that either RA or IW would be more than willing to buy you dinner, but it won’t be a roofie they slip you. Polonium210 perhaps, but not a roofie.
I feel I must concur with both of them, as I fail to see any addition you provide to the community. Instead you poke and prod and provoke. I feel that while neophyte-survivalists are certainly a tremendous benefit to our community, we have no need nor any desire for any antagonists, and most certainly those that match your lack of skills.
@ CK
Thank you. You Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still wondering what your problem is. I guess will never know. I am sure your the Jim Cobb of prepping.
Trolls like you.
now. you know
Over the years I saved my p38’s from the c-rats we got issued to us. I still have several floating around here, in my go bag, my glove box and in an old butt-pack I use when I wander through the woods up here in the great PNW. I’ve used p38’s for tightening screws, peeling bark, digging out thorns, slivers and all kinds of other uses. I carry one on my neck chain along with my 1972 issue dog tag.
The best multi use hand tool ever made. I’ve heard of the P51 but never used one. Same concept I imagine.
The P-51 , being larger, gives a little extra leverage to those that find the 38 hard to use.
still have my “John Wayne” (P38). Got it in Boot Camp in the 70’s because I was a squad leader. Have used it many times over the years, camping or even staying at a B&B.
Please notify of me of your future mailing lists. Thank you !
Book
Please notify me of future mailing lists.
Thank you,
Steve Peterson
I prefer the p-51. it offers you better liverage. Thanks for the tip about taping it shut.
Instead of P38 or P51, I keep an Australian FRED (field ration eating device.). The top looks like a P38, but the bottom extends to be a small spoon. I carry these in my pack. I do carry a P38 on my key ring.