Army Surplus Survival Gear

Probably one of the best sources of survival gear is an army surplus store. This can include such items as flashlights, first aid kits, walking sticks and head lamps, to name a few.

First aid kits that are available in army surplus stores can range in size from 25 to 50 items and include all the basics needed for first aid. The first aid kits typically come in vinyl pouches for outdoor use. Also available are safety scissors, sewing kits, snake bite kits and kits providing all the necessary tools for performing minor surgery on a long hike in the mountains.

Army surplus stores also carry flashlights and candle lanterns. Candle lanterns can be used either for everyday purposes such as providing light in a camping area or as an emergency source of light if the power fails in your flashlight. Flashlights come in a variety of sizes and use different types of batteries from AA to D size batteries. You can also purchase a carrier for your battery to help prevent you from losing it. There are also batteries that use LED bulbs as well as ones that use Xenon bulbs.

Along with flashlights are head lamps. These are lambs that are attached to a band that goes around your head and are used mostly at night to help guide your way through the dark. Most popular these days are LED headlamps. Because they are attached to your body, you do not have to be concerned about carrying them around like flashlights or even candle lanterns.

Army surplus stores also carry emergency blankets. These can be used as a blanket ground cloth, a break from the wind or for emergency shelter. There are also basic blankets for emergency use, such as to keep warm in the woods if one has gotten lost and is waiting for help.

Compasses are available in many varieties. They can be hand held, slip on your wrist, or fit in your pocket. Some are filled with liquid that gives them their functionality while others use lenses. Some compasses are combined with thermometers or a thermometer can be purchased separately. Also available are government-issued G.I. compasses that come with a pouch and are extremely rugged and durable.

Another item to consider is a hand warmer. The kind is found in an army surplus store uses a liquid fuel that gets warmed and placed inside the hand warmer itself. These can last for nearly an entire day on a single filling.

A handy item to have when hiking in the woods on a hot, humid day is something to protect you from the bugs and mosquitos. You can purchase a mosquito headnet which can be worn over a hot or other head gear or worn alone. For full protection against insects is a complete garment that includes jacket, pants and headnet.

One thing you may not want to be without is a whistle. There are several varieties of pea-less whistles, some of which are waterproof and will not fail in an emergency by freezing. The G.I. military whistle has a “pea” and is made of heavy duty plastic while another whistle with a pea works in and out of water. Other whistles are made of aluminum or brass.