Why buy military surplus?
Military surplus gear can be a reliable source of high-quality equipment. It appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and budget-conscious adventurers. The gear is available at an affordable price and from many different sources. Whether you’re looking for rugged backpacks or hydration solutions, surplus gear provides a great level of durability. It offers performance that is comparable to commercial alternatives. When buying military surplus, you do not always know the “brand”.
You may also be unaware of the manufacturer responsible for making the piece of gear. The gear is often labeled that it was made for military issue. Sometimes, it might not have a manufacturer’s name but a code. Some major manufacturers of standard issue military gear are Crye Precision, Point Blank Enterprises, Rothco, Military Police Equipment Company (MPE), Eagle Industries, and 5.11 Tactical.
Ebay Search for “Military Surplus” with Location Set to US ONLY – Currently showing 88K results
Here are some of the best military surplus items still worth buying today and why they’re a great value. We will do deeper dives on each item in the future and post our full reviews.
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3-Day Assault Pack
The 3-Day Assault Pack is a staple for military personnel and outdoor adventurers alike. Designed for short missions, this backpack offers ample storage, rugged construction, and a comfortable fit for long hauls. The USMC FILBE Assault pack has a capacity of about 30-37 liters (1825-2300 cubic inches) and is typically made of durable 600D or 1000D Cordura nylon. The Key features are a plastic frame sheet for stiffness, a hydration bladder sleeve, and heavy-duty YKK zippers. These packs are typically manufactured by Eagle Industries. Along with many other surplus packs, it features MOLLE webbing, allowing you to customize your loadout with additional pouches. Surplus options are built with similar standards to commercial hiking packs. They are available at a fraction of the cost. These packs are normally listed on eBay from $35 – $75 depending on the condition.
We bought ours and the seller had claimed the condition was “VERY GOOD” and when we got the pack that was 100% not the case. We reached out to the seller and they offered 50% off on the item and at that point it was worth keeping. We’ve been happy with the pack after a good cleaning. Watch out for broken zippers or tears in the pack as those will make it not function as a good pack. Email eBay sellers and ask for more pictures if needed.
USMC Hydration Pouch (MOLLE)
Staying hydrated is crucial during any outdoor adventure. The USMC Hydration Pouch is an excellent way to carry water efficiently. This MOLLE-compatible pouch holds a hydration bladder. It easily integrates into your existing backpack or plate carrier setup. Its durable construction ensures it withstands tough conditions, making it a smart choice for hikers, campers, and survivalists. This hydration pouch attaches to any MOLLE platform style carrier. Milsurp sellers on eBay list these from $10 – $15. They often give discounts when buying more than one of the same item.
CamelBak Hydration Bladder
CamelBak is a trusted name in hydration systems. Their military-grade hydration bladders often find their way into surplus stores and online. These bladders feature reinforced materials that resist punctures and leaks, and they handle extreme conditions effectively. If you’re searching for a cost-effective means to enhance your hydration setup, consider surplus CamelBak bladders. They provide top-tier quality without breaking the bank. These brand new sealed items sell between $20 – $25 on eBay.
Hydration Carrier Pack (MOLLE)
For those who prefer a standalone hydration solution, the Hydration Carrier Pack is a great option. It’s a lightweight, compact pack. It fits a standard hydration bladder. You can wear it on its own. It can be attached to a larger MOLLE-compatible system. Perfect for day hikes, cycling, or any activity where you need quick access to water without carrying a full-sized backpack. You can typically buy these for under $20, and Point Blank Enterprises manufactured the Multicam versions. This pack combined with the above CamelBak hydration bladder make a solid “Under $50” water carrying setup.
USGI USMC Coyote Brown FILBE CIF MOLLE II Sustainment Pouches
You can find these sustainment pouches for about $10 apiece when you buy two at a time. Eagle Industries made them, but the company no longer produces them. This doesn’t mean they are not massively beneficial when added to a pack like the 3 day Assault pack FIBLE. They hold approximately 7L each, so when added to either side of the Assault pack you gain an extra 14L of space.
Field Cleaning Kit
Firearm maintenance is critical to have in the field. Military surplus field cleaning kits provide everything needed to keep weapons in working order. These kits typically include brushes, rods, and cleaning solvents, all packed into a compact and portable case. Surplus kits are often far more affordable than commercial alternatives while still delivering military-grade reliability. These sell for under $15
Where to Find Military Surplus online
The best part? These items are easy to find on eBay and other surplus stores at a fraction of their original retail price. Many of these items show light use. Some are even brand new and still in packaging. They offer incredible value compared to some commercial counterparts. Our tips and tricks for finding these deals on eBay is to search for “Military Surplus (Item Name)” and filtering by U.S. Only. Doing this will weed out anything coming from China (NOT true military Surplus). A lot of Chinese retailers put “Military Surplus” in front of their item names to attract people who are looking for this gear. For example an eBay search for “Military Surplus Jacket” with the default filter has 6,800 Results. When narrowing it down to U.S. Only there are 3400 results.
Ebay Search for “Military Surplus” with Location Set to US ONLY – Currently showing 88K results
Final Thoughts on Military Surplus
Military surplus gear remains a fantastic option for those seeking durability, affordability, and functionality. Cheap military surplus gear goes perfect in a bug out bag or in a survival kit Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a survivalist, these surplus items provide exceptional value. They are also great for those just looking for high-quality gear without breaking the bank. Next time you’re shopping for gear, check out military surplus. You might just find the perfect addition to your setup at a price that can’t be beaten!
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