When you make plans to take the entire family on a camping trip at a state park or other campground, you'll need to take a lot of gear with you. That could end up costing you a great deal of money if you aren't careful. You might be surprised to learn that you might be able to pick up a lot of what you need at a military surplus store. These stores typically receive their inventory from different military suppliers who have made too much of a particular item or through veterans of the armed services who are parting with old belongings. Here are just a few of the things such a store can help you with.
Supplies
One of the best reasons to visit a surplus store before you go camping is that you can get a lot of camping supplies for less money than in other stores. You can pick up essentials like tents, flashlights, mini-stoves, blankets and canteens. You might even be able to find things like night vision goggles.
Clothing
Once you've got the necessities in place, it's time to make sure that you and your family are comfortable while you're out camping. To do that, you'll need clothing that is appropriate for the trip. At a surplus store, you can buy heavy-duty boots so that traipsing through woods and mud is easier. Your feet will stay warm at a fraction of the price compared to boots you buy in retail stores. If you are camping in the fall, you might even want to pick up a military coat to keep you warm; they are designed to withstand heavy winds and cold temperatures. You can also get accessories like gloves and hats if you think it will be that cold at night.
Activities
Not only can a surplus store ensure you're got all the necessities and clothing you need to get through your camping trip, it can also help with activities. Many stores offer items used for military training of some kind that can be used by your family to enjoy your time in nature.
For instance, paintball equipment that is used for reconnaissance training can often be found in a surplus store. Because many branches of the military offer many different types of water training, it is no surprise that you may be able to find kayaks, canoes, life vests and paddles. You might even be able to find archery equipment and two-way radios that you can use during orienteering.
With such a collection of items, a military surplus store can be enormously helpful for a camping trip without causing you to spend too much money. Contact various stores in the area like Andy and Bax to get an idea of what particular items they can provide.
