Mil-Surp gear: notes for those interested

[mtwarden]

I have Patagonia Level 4 windshirt that is used frequently

Patagonia Level 5 soft-shell pants that also sees a lot of use

not as much use, but Patagonia Level 6 Goretex pants

you used to be able to get this stuff pretty darn cheap, no longer

 

[*zap*]

3 pair of acu level 5 pants and two jackets, one levell 4 wind jacket in acu......all those are light and very good for what they do. Excellent over down jackets/pants and I have one L5 pant sized for over the L7 puffy pant.

If I take my WM light down jacket & pant I want a shell for over them so they do not get damp/wet and protect them form wear and dirt. The L5 stuff is very light and packable. The L4 wind jacket is awesome for a windbreraker......no hood thou and acu....so no cool factor.,

 

[*zap*]

Getting ready for a short night ruck and my lwol jacket always gets the nod for that....30° and with just an old midweight top on under it it works just fine.




L7 puffy pant with a L5 softshell over them, that stays just like that and just put on and go.....too hot to ruck in thou...

 

[22lr]

I have Patagonia Level 4 windshirt that is used frequently

Patagonia Level 5 soft-shell pants that also sees a lot of use

not as much use, but Patagonia Level 6 Goretex pants

you used to be able to get this stuff pretty darn cheap, no longer

The internet killed alot of good values and good mom and pop surplus stores. Most surplus stores are now regulated to the knock off tru-spec garbage... its getting harder to find anything out there anymore. The Classified apps have always been the winner for me. Shoot, I buy most of my uniform items that way... can save 50% off retail if you dont mind cutting off a few name tags yourself.

 

[mtwarden]

I remember when I first found out that Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Arcteryx, etc was making military spec stuff- was pretty exciting for a little while

 

[mitchellbk]

I don't know the history on this hat: https://armysurpluswarehouse.com/wool-jeep-cap/ - but it's identical (I know because I have both) to the filson that isn't made anymore: https://www.filson.com/visor-beanie.html - it was $40 I think.

But filson still makes the Watch cap for $44 - and I'm willing to bet it's also identical to: https://armysurpluswarehouse.com/govt-issue-wool-watch-cap/ - $8

 

[Aries_Ranger]

ECWCS GEN II and III are Legit. OCP and the Navy AOR 2 are the go to for camo. OCP = Multicam and AOR 2 = Green Digital. Ebay and Surplus Stores near bases/Posts are your best bet.

Grid Fleece - Lvl 2
Fleece Lvl 3
Windshirt Lvl 4
Soft Shell Lvl 5
Goretex Raingear Lvl 6
Puffy Cold Layers Lvl 7

Keep your eyes out as OR and Patagonia still make a lot of stuff for SOF that comes up for sale. Beyond Tactical, and Wild Things are 2 other high end makers.

 

[Edan]

great info. any leads on an affordable sleeping system? I have always wanted one but cant seem to find all together for anything less than $500.