>>2258966Mil surp is is minimum viable for most stuff, and there often really are deals to be had. I've gotten sleeping bags, boots and waterproof bibs that were cheaper and better than civilian options at 1/3 the price. However, along with the usual heavy/bulky complaint it almost always comes with some form of "but..."
its warm and durable!
>its meant to be part of a system, so the size and cut makes you look deranged its an earth tone version of a civilian product!
> no one has seen one in normal human sizes since 2014It's made of high quality materials
>it was warehoused next to [cтpинги бoeвыe, кayчyкoвыe и бaкeaлитoвыe, 69шт] and that smell will be around when the glowing dust settlesTake your time in the store, put on and wear everything you think you might buy, remember: everything is here for a reason. Warm it up and check the smell. Use every zipper, button, clasp, cockpocket, whathaveyou. Use the flashlight on your phone to give anything a once over, those places are kept dark intentionally. Hold anything waterproof up to a window and look for holes. Don't even think about buying anything lifesaving (purifying tabs, sterile bandages) , no matter how " unpackaged but unissued" they claim it to be.
Other tips:
-Some places have pretty good connections to wholesalers. If you're looking for something in particular and they dont have it, I've had them just order a crate and cut me a single at the bulk price.
-most aren't turbo spergs, dont list off the NATO AIN and expect them to recount the wikipedia page to you
-some of the least abused stuff is issued to support roles. If given the choice I'll go with the issued boots of a PHD holding research assistant in the NOAA corps vs the boots of some reservist who liked to play "me and the other LCs see who can hold their foot in the MRAPs exhaust the longest".
Happy hunting!
