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Does anybody use military surplus gear for hunting?

I use a ton of it. I often wander through the local surplus store to see if there is anything I can use. I use pouches, BDUs, layers for cold weather, rain gear, hats and a bunch of other stuff I am forgetting. I've been very happy with almost everything I've bought there.
 
I added a shoulder strap to a sustainment pouch. Holds 6 neatly stacked Primal or WE steps.
 
BoTheHunter said:
I was wondering if anyone uses military surplus gear for hunting. If so what do you use?
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It’s not surplus per se. I bought US style Multicam top and bottom. I’ve had good luck with them in the early season. Washed in scent free detergent I had a doe come 5 yards from me while I leaned against a tree. That was about 10 min after two does came in to 20 yards before we had a stare down and they they ran off.


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I wear Canadian Winter Whites over my CF surplus parka and CF surplus wind pants when I’m out coyote hunting in the winter. Pretty much head to toe CF surplus. I am an ex-army reserve veteran so I guess it’s what I’m most comfortable with.


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If I had to guess 75% of all my hunt gear is surplus and as my box store camo I bought when I first started hunting is wearing out I'm replacing with surplus. Sportsman's guide has so many good deals on all kinds of surplus stuff. Clothing, pouches, packs, vests, u name it. With it finally getting to be cold enough to actually get cold I was unpacking my winter layers in preparation for any chance I get to go hunting before the season ends (just had a baby yesterday so I'm not expecting any more hunts but if I get a green light I need to be ready already) and I remembered this thread. U.S. surplus jacket liner, croatian wool undie, and french surplus fleece turtle neck pull over....less than 30 dollars for all items and the undies came in a bundle pack of 3 tops and 3.bottoms.... Those 3 layers are 10xs warmer than a kinda expensive heavy jacket I bought from academy...cheaper, better quality, and better performance.....I love me some surplus stuff

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Giving the old alice pack a workout....

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BCHunter said:
The Gen III cold weather gear is stupid warm, it's not super quiet material, but you can find it for super cheap if you look for a good deal. It's also pretty lightweight. Definitely size down on the pants. Mediums fit like a large. They are only like 8oz heavier than the first lite puffy pants for 1/4 the price.


GI Extreme Cold Weather GEN III Level 7 Primaloft Pants Urban Grey (Medium Regular) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JCHOQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_C.BMDbXTJJF9N

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Do those have leg zippers? If so, how far up do they go and if full length do they disconnect?
 
The functionality of good hunting gear is excellent, no doubt about that. If I hunted in a more extreme environment I'd definitely invest more in specialized gear. As it is, I may only hunt in the upper 20's a few mornings a year. The first half of the season is hot, the second is cool. Surplus clothes work just fine for most of it.
 
I hate that the surplus stores near me closed. As a kid I pretty much exclusively wore surplus camo in the early season. I was in the Boy Scouts and we all had surplus camo for campouts. I like watching The Field Archer on YouTube because he always hunts in surplus camo. I've bought some things like molle straps on eBay. I was actually looking at one of the M65 field coats with the liner on eBay. I'd also like a parka jacket or something with gore tex for rainy days. Being wet and cold will keep me out of the woods. Can't bring myself to spend $500 on a Sitka coat.
 
I'm using surplus thread in my speedy stitcher and I recently waterproof the rain fly on my tent with some surplus waterproofing wax....works way better than silicone spray and I essentially got a lifetime supply (20 bars and I only used maybe 1/4 bar on a real big cabin tent rain fly) for less than 10 bucks
 
My boys and I use made in USA genuine USGI WP non-insulated combat boots made by Rocky and Bates, USGI Intermediate WP insulated cold weather combat boots W/removable liner made by Bates
Genuine USGI Black and White Mickie Mouse Boots again made by Bates
All have been awesome at keeping our feet dry turkey hunting and warm and dry deer hunting
Best part is I didn't pay more than $50 for a single pair of made in USA boots
I also have been using two medium and two large Genuine USGI ALICE packs I bought new unused for over 15-20 years now and grant you I take excellent care of my gear but those ALICE packs are built
Abrams MBT tough and have been on hunting trips to NM, UT, WY countless deer trips, stand set ups and and even loaned a large ALICE to friend who spent a summer as an assistant guide in AK and all my ALICE packs are still going strong.
Also have a bunch of Intermediate and extreme cold weather insulated underwear that is unbeatable for cold weather
Always checking for deals on military surplus especially USGI surplus
 
Bunny boots and polyproplyne thermal underwear are my go to when the temps get down there.
 
I've read more than once that new surplus goretex is the best bang for the buck. Lots of interesting surplus offerings from our allies as well. I have a pair of British surplus quilted insulated pants that are meant for an under layer but can be used as an over layer also. Full, disconnecting side zips. Paid like 20 bucks new at sportsmansguide (great place to nose around for interesting stuff).
 
I use my BDU uniform pants, old school Army wool sweaters, MOLLE straps and waist belt for lockon, Army wool glove inserts, polypro long underwear, a bunch of stuff...
 
I think I heard of folks wearing the old MOPP and newer JLIST chemical protection suits for hunting. The charcoal lining was supposed to be good for scent blocking. Orrr something like that.
 
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