5 Military Surplus Items To Take Camping

Equipping yourself for a camping trip can be expensive, but you can save some money by purchasing some items from a military surplus store.

Camping is one of the most popular summertime vacations for many families, as it can be must less expensive than other types of travel. However, purchasing all of the equipment that you need to keep everyone comfortable in the great outdoors can also be costly, putting you over your budget in no time. While it can be tempting to buy only the top-of-the-line equipment available at your local sporting goods store, there are plenty of other options that are much more cost effective at a military surplus shop.

Over the years, the military ends up with extra goods that were never used in combat or by servicemen and women at all. These surplus items come up for sale to the public at bargain prices, making it easy to stock up on everything you need for camping in one place. Instead of spending an arm and a leg on a brand new tent, consider one of the heavy-duty military tents that you can find at most surplus shops. These tents are manufactured from tough fabrics that are designed to repel water and keep you warm and dry.

Sleeping bags are another essential that you can pick up at a surplus store. Many of these military-grade sleeping bags are created for soldiers in cold-weather situations, so if you anticipate that you'll be camping somewhere with freezing temperatures, it is a good idea to pick the right product for your specific need.

Packing eating utensils from home can take up a lot of space, but many military mess kits are small and compact, fitting easily into your bag. Some even come in an included carrying case, so you don't have to worry about them getting dirty as you hike into your camping spot. Look for mess kits that include a cup, bowl and plate so that you are completely prepared for any dish.

What you wear on a camping trip can make a big difference on your level of enjoyment, so you should make sure to outfit yourself properly. If you are need of good quality boots, a military surplus store typically has a big selection to choose from.

If you're on the lookout for outerwear, you can save a lot of money by shopping surplus. Coats, jackets and even rain gear are often on hand to choose from, so you can stay protected on your outdoor adventure no matter the weather.

Before you start buying all of your camping equipment at top dollar, be sure to check out your local military surplus store to see if there are any items that you could purchase instead. Visit this site to find a camping store in San Diego.