If you’re preparing to head off on a round-the-world trip, long-term travels or even a shorter holiday you’re probably stocking up on gear. Some people shop online for the best deals but we like to actually go into a store before we purchase things so we can check things out, try packs and clothing on and compare apples to apples when we’re shopping. Before our yearlong sabbatical trip last year we bought around two thousand dollars worth of gear, which sounds (and is) high.
Our surplus store haul
Today we went shopping for some warm-weather gear for our upcoming move to Norway and made an exciting discovery: our local Army Surplus Store had just about everything we paid top dollar for at the big outdoor and adventure stores. At about half the price.
There they were: dry bags, gloves, packs, fleeces, camera bags, scarves, woollen socks, boots, hats, camping equipment and travel gadgets, laughing at us with their price tags: “Haha, suckers! Here we are at half of what you paid for us.” The annoying thing is that we knew about the surplus stores. It just never occurred to us to shop there for travel equipment. Or that it would be so much cheaper.
New gumboots for the constant rain in Stavanger - only A$80 for both!
Here’s what we picked up (we’re in Perth so prices are in Australian dollars, sorry):
insulated beanie hats: $9 each
thick warm lined fleece: $45
thick lined waterproof gloves: $14.50 each
convertible Amphibian trekking pants: $79.50
high quality thick wool blend socks: $12 – $18.95 each
Wellington boots: $29.95 and $49.95 each
balaclavas: $12.50 and $4.95
big waterproof toiletry bag: $19.50
scarves: $19.50 each
I’m curious as to how the prices at your local surplus store compare. You may not find some of the more exclusive brands at the Army Surplus Store and you probably won’t find things like stylish outdoor clothing or shoes, but I’d definitely make this your first stop before you head to the other camping and outdoor stores and pay top dollar.
Where do you buy your travel gear and why?
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
This really is a great recommendation. I think the tendency is to always think we have to buy new and name-brand equipment and clothing, but when you have to buy so much — and for two people! — that’s not really realistic. Most of our hiking and travel gear comes from REI, LL Bean, and Cabela’s, but it was almost entirely bought on major sale. REI has “garage sales” a few times a year and we usually stock up on gear then. I never thought of Army Surplus — I’ll have to try!
I’d love to start up a travel swap meet somewhere, actually – because we have so much gear we don’t need or use anymore…I know people do that with baby and toddler clothes and I reckon travel would be a logical niche for an exchange. Stuff definitely does not need to be brand new or top end.
Very good idea this. My brother gets all kinds of gear at a military surplus store here at ridiculously low prices.
They are ridiculously low – John and I were running around like kids in a candy shop just saying over and over, “This place rocks!” =)
A friend clued me in on this great spot for gear a couple of years ago. Great tip!
We were most recently sent there by the manager of a travel/outdoor store, which I think is telling =)
This a great tip especially for people who are on a budget. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve bought some camping stuff at my local surplus store and it was cheap compared to the two major outdoors retail stores. now that i am about to get started traveling more often I will surely make sure I got there first
Great idea! Why spend more than you have to?
I used to go to our Army Navy surplus store all the time with my dad – such a treasure trove of random things!
So funny! Just last week I went to the army surplus for the first time in years. I took some teenage kids and they went wild. Loved it! It’s definitely good for a deal and really just has cool stuff! Great idea!
Fantastic! I’ll always be popping in when I see one for some great deals
Great tip! I never would have thought of going to an army surplus store at all.
Brilliant! Great tips for saving money on travel gear. The thrift store is always our first stop- it’s amazing the things you’ll find. We’ll be sure to add a stop the Army Surplus store for our more adventurous supplies!
I haven’t been in a thrift store in ages but agree that’s a great place for cheap stuff!