Awesome Military Surplus Item you've probably NEVER heard of!

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[@GruntProof]

What other less popular relics do you guys miss?

[@beardedkountry]

Gortex rain suit, in woodland camo. Best rain gear I ever had. I just out grew it and it to small now. I'll replace it one day.

[@alanrice39]

I don’t miss this cause I have mine, old school GI original issue od field jacket, hard to find, if I do I’ll get another one.

[@tacticalhomestead]

the class A leather gloves that had a wool lining sewn into them.

[@RavenRedwood]

Seems silly but I really like the old anglehead usgi flashlight. I got a rechargeable "D" size li-ion battery and swapped out the incandescent bulb for an LED. Thing lasts for absolutely ever ( like, _days_ ) and being able to multi stack the color filters stored in the handle means I can easily make the light much dimmer than any of my red headlamps. Nice for reading in a tent. Of course the Chinese copies are utter garbage (looking at you, Rothco) but the surplus ones are still pretty tough and always super cheap, like 20-30 bucks.

[@andrewschliewe6392]

Wet Weather top lined with a ponch liner.

[@averilramsey7241]

We original SOCOM soldiers loved our sleeping shirts and guarded them almost as closely as our masks. We often wondered why no pants came with. Glad to hear that they are still a favorite.

[@SpyC7277]

I liked the thin wool sleep hat that used to come with new sleeping bags. It was inside the bag after you opened it up. These were great for chilly weather. Guys used to just throw these away. I saved them. I only have one left and I treat it like gold. It worked great under my helmet as a thin liner. I love and miss lots of that old gear. 👍

[@RedDevil5081]

I still 2 of the sleeping hats from purchasing some new surplus big green fartsacks. The are life savers in cold weather

[@KingKatRider]

dam I was gonna bring this up, ya beat me to it.

[@jaymag87]

The sleep cap was awesome. Only got one in 9 years.

[@vincegonzales6196]

I'm an old school 11Bravo 1980 -2000..and yes I still use the sleeping shirt and carry one in the butt pack..they are very functional and alot more warm than your thin new issue base layer...I find my waffle tops and bottoms at good will .

[@NinetyMinusTen]

I too am an 11B 1980 - 1992. Picked up my sleep shirt at a PX during winter ops training in Alaska. Besides jungle boots it is the best surplus purchase I ever made.

[@vincegonzales6196]

@@NinetyMinusTen hi bro...I still find them new at the good will here in Phoenix also the new issue waffle tops and bottoms...clothing and sales was my best friend back in the day.

[@exgi76gmailcom]

Same here 95’ to 01’ and still love the gear managed to get the entire ECWS sleeping bag as a donation back when I was experimenting with homelessness… and apparently thanks to King Charles who for those of you that don’t know heads the “Deep State” which is a stupid name for those that bear his bloodline.. Obama 8th cousin, Bush Jr. 8th cousin , Clinton 7th cousin , that’s all it is 19 of the past 22 presidents are “Of the blood” and yes currently three rulers on earth aren’t of the Blood ..North Korea, Italy, Trump … that’s why they are after him so badly the other presidents that weren’t blood ? Nixon , and I actually don’t know which other one wasn’t related .. so here’s the problem King Charles rules they will make his every real wish happen because Trump won and wants them out .. and there is no telling who is an infiltrator I do know Tulsi Gabbard is an Infiltrator the only one that could carry off the deception of a side jump into the Republican Party she cannot be trusted I just watched her lie and double down on an easily checked lie .. so she garbage 🗑️… and here’s the real goal : one family earth .. they have a family line that has just over 500 million members I know it’s crazy but this bloodline has been around since before Christ supposedly walked so plenty of time to make Babies… any the King called for a planet with only 500 million people… now do you see ? So yeah their idiotic one disease and bang … while species done unless we take them out first … and remember most are murderers and I do mean most ! So anyway they will be when this is done if we let them do this !

[@stephengriffn9277]

In Germany in '86, the sleep shirt was $7 and brown 5 button wool sweater was $15. Quite a deal even at that time. Still got mine. The shirt was comfortable but not hard-wearing; the elbows wore thin pretty quickly.

[@campsiteministries]

I miss my wool 5 button sweater. I actually still have it somewhere, but I’ve had it for so long and used to wear it so often that the fibers around the collar and cuffs started to wear out and come apart. It was one of my most reliable pieces of winter gear. They seem to be extremely hard to find now.

[@GruntProof]

Still have mine!

[@wes11bravo]

My nephew is still in and I was thinking of getting him one. There's even a company that makes a reproduction of the WWII version which would be even more awesome to wear under his whatever they call the new BDUs...

[@TylerSnyder305]

I have found that the USGI 5 button wool sweater is nowhere near as thick and warm as the USMC commando sweater, I like the collar but they're a thinner knitt that's just not as warm. Maybe I just got a bad example? Now the USGI OG-108 wool field shirt is great, even the 70's examples that are readily available online NOS for around $30. The Korean war era examples are supposed to be even better, but I've been perfectly happy with the 1977 examples I bought. I wear it over a Henley & flannel, under my m65 if it's raining or just as an extra wind barrier under my wool cruisers or vintage wool barn jackets. I love wool and have a good deal of it, but fleece makes my skin crawl and I can't wear it.

[@whiskeythree1622]

The Indy Gun Bunker on Washington St in Indy had about 6 of the legit ones ( smaller sizes ) awhile back Very reasonable prices Also Military Tactical Law surplus store in Duncannon PA had a few ( also smaller sizes ) a few months ago Best of luck

[@davidperdue7506]

Early 1980's - As a new Plt Commander, I got a lot of new stuff from supply. Including a nylon sleep shirt. They had been in the system since Vietnam and not as nice as the modern poly-pro ones like you are showing. I was prior enlisted and had never gotten anything brand new from Supply. The little sleeping cap was in the package with my new sleeping bag. Before we went to the field, one of my Marines asked if I got the cap thing. I said yes, and he told me that they only used them for sleeping. Not walking around the bivouac area. He said they all called them the "Penis Head Hat". I know they let me in on things like that because I'd been a SSgt. The other Lt's didn't get the memo and wore them out and about. Gave the Marines something to chuckle about.

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

ETS in 1970. We weren't even issued jacket liners! No rain gear of any type! Ear plugs were filters from your smokes. Back then most of us smoked! Best thing we were issued were the socks, wool with double layer heal and toes. It took decades but I finally wore them all out!

[@BandGeek2210]

I was 11B 1983-1988…the green sleep shirts had three buttons…but l wore them all the time….great garment especially for the winter in Korea…

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

I have two of those sleep shirts -- issued to me nearly 20 years ago. Got 'em hanging in the closet with my OD Green, Woodland Camo and DCU M-65 Field Jackets! Great find, Randall!

[@philhamlett2223]

Joined the army in'82. I've got 3 of them that I still use every winter. My first one came with my first extreme cold sleeping bag.

[@johngarrett7050]

I don’t doubt how warm it is but as an electrician, I do know that synthetic materials in a high spark flash, or fire situation that stuff melts to your skin. That’s what keeps me going back to natural materials. by the way, I do dig the PBR hat.👍🇺🇸

[@billgrant6175]

It is great you show everyone all of the low cost, good quality options for gear. I like all of the cool name brand stuff. But it is nice to have durable gear which works for a quarter of the price. The Canadian Military Heavy Wool shirt (circa 1990s) is a great, surplus piece.

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

I had a couple issued to me. Wore them when I was stationed in Korea 94-95. This, aside from my field jacket was my favorite piece of gear I WORKED in. Nothing says hard work like working outside for 14 to 16 hours hours a day, 6-7 days a week, during a winter your told was the coldest they've had in 20 years or so, doing 3 years worth of heavy construction projects inside 1 year. So yeah, me and the sleeper shirt had ALOT of time together. Wore one under my blouse, or just my field jacket without the blouse. A lot of times, i wore just my T shirt, and field jacket. You had to strip down so you didn't get a cold sweat. Or just my T shirt, sleeper shirt, and field jacket. Generally speaking, if you were cold, it meant you weren't working hard enough. I was BUMMED when I wore mine out. I looked around for a replacement years past, but gave up on finding one. Thanks for reminding me.. just found a medium on Ebay. Brand new with tags, $32d some odd dollars, worth every penny.

[@Followme556]

I dig the green flannel. What I call "discrete tactical."

[@johnniemoore6767]

Yes sir I have several of those,I collect and use U.S.Military gear everyday of my life great video!

[@h-minus2212]

Just found your channel - thank you for putting together great content. I was issued a sleep shirt in January 1989 when I started my tour in Korea. I hardly ever wore it, preferring the field jacket liner. Thanks again for the great review of this piece of kit and the insight into prices and availability - it was very helpful.

[@Happyhandcannon]

You are correct - the brown is hotter than hell, doesn't breath at all and shrinks like crazy when washed a few times.

[@GruntProof]

Yea I never put mine in the dryer

[@harrymills2770]

I've never been in the military, because I'm 4F, so I always had the leisure to stop and add or peel layers, without risking any objectives or lives. From childhood, I was always the kid with his coat tied around his waist. As I got older, I started embracing the suck and going out dressed for my anticipated activity, with my thermal/puffer layers packed or tied to my pack. But it's more a work thing around the house/camp than an on-maneuvers thing. Throwing on a wool shirt to go out and split a bunch of rounds. You heat up pretty quick wielding a maul and stacking firewood. Turns out it's better for your health to give yourself those cold shocks. Beneficial for your metabolism. I like the poly for sitting still, but wool is best for me. I can see why people like the soft shell, but I prefer wool, and when I need to be quiet, I like 100% wool mackinaw, with or without a sweater, but always a merino base layer. Even the new poly stinks up quicker than wool, and I'm not as concerned about weight. You can pack a spare and still be lighter than one wool garment, if you use the synthetic stuff.

[@ronaldmercer9616]

These used to come with the new cold weather bags , never saw them any where else

[@TalkAboutMartin]

I served in North Germany - We did not get issued anything even close to those

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

I’ve got one, had it for a few years, it’s outstanding, comfortable, and definitely keeps you warm. I want to get a few more.

[@wes11bravo]

That brown polypro was almost too warm, just like the M1951 Fishtail Parka with the wool liner. Good if you're laying in your ranger grave out at Ft Indiantown Gap in February but if you're moving at all, get ready to sweat.

[@ericluther1872]

Hard part trying to find it in XL size even when it was issued. I live near two major military bases.

[@michaelfarinola5044]

2nd problem with the polypro is that it shrinks up like a melted soda bottle in the exhaust of an Abrams.

[@stewarttrains98]

I've never heard of it, but it's definitely something to be on the lookout for. Thanks for the info

[@deedeldeedle]

Polypro gear is no joke. The lighter the warmer ironically enough

[@gregjablunovsky841]

I got one in my USAF days, and it worked well with the ABU uniform. I wear it a lot during winter.

[@petercervantes2446]

When I first saw the stains I thought that the left lower stain was a guy jumping with a parachute.

[@_JimS]

LOL!!! Me Too!!

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

Now that's something I'm going to have to look in to! Gen 2. I've been having trouble finding something comfortable to sleep in and that looks like it will do great. Thanks!!

[@cripplers8]

Picked up a couple for cheap at the local Army-Navy store a few years ago and they’re awesome

[@ulflyng4072]

Always great to find good gear affordable. What is the "stink-factor" on day 3?

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

I still have a set of the light and heavy brown Polypros hahahahaha nice

[@erikcornog9479]

guy at the flea mkt has some of these sleep shirts and i never thought to much about em but i might pick one up before thay run out.

[@caseysmith544]

There are out there right now if you can't find these in the Surplus stores, some light jackets/heavy sweaters that are very similar to the sleep shirts with extra tall neck part like above that can be found for a better price then say a Kuiu or Colombia brand when not on sale. Most of these on the lower end are sports brands that call the tops some type of benchwarmer gear made more for High School coaches for sports like Ice Hockey, late season USA Football, or Track and Field Coaches early in the spring season.

[@MerryReaper6]

That’s really cool man! Thanks for sharing

[@DOMINYPAUL]

I've got one, I kept it from my time in the 2 ID. I wore it to sleep in when I was walking on the A.T.

[@carelscompanys1]

As mentioned above, you can remove latex paint with fingernail polish remover or acetone. Make sure the fabric doesn’t contain acetate or triacetate because the acetone will melt the fibers in the fabric. Make sure you’ve removed the paint before putting the clothes in the dryer, as the heat will cause the stain to set.

[@MIronLance]

The first polypro I got my hands on was at Clothing Sales(Wurzburg) and I bought myself(in 1987). It was a thinner base layer made by Allen-A. I would wear the crew neck shirt in lieu of the brown t-shirt in winter. That and the bottoms usually kept me warm enough not to need the field jacket liner (unless temps started dipping down near the zero and below range, then the 5 button wool sweater came in before the liner).

[@suntzu5562]

WAFFLE TOP GANG RISE UP! but for real I am a sucker for waffletop

[@jansirkia3809]

Thanks, Randall! 😃

[@euanr.skinner6492]

Aaahhh... A blast from the past indeed ! We used to wear the polyprop upper under our BDU blouse during the winter. In the field however, the M-65 still ruled ! I remember we had to fold the polyprop collar down so that just our brown t-shirt was visible... otherwise... you would find yourself "toasty warm and sweat sodden" from a "spontaneous jog" around the base perimeter 🙂

[@GruntProof]

I still wear my 65

[@NicholasBrule]

I have a sweet hoodie made with the same material from "Balance Collection". 20 bucks at a salvation army, total gem in the kit.

[@garyfoster738]

I retired in 1994. We had them then the only problem that I ever had with them was the elbows would wear out too fast

[@rufuslynks8175]

Do miss my sleep shirt. If you roll/tuck the collar underneath/inside the short you can wear it under your BDUs. Wore this almost everyday during winter in Korea.

[@rickcampbell2524]

They are testing some new cold weather gear in Alaska. I believe it was just issued recently. Thanks for the video' s.

[@lessharratt8719]

Your wife is right. And it puts the concealed in concealed carry. I want one.

[@grandpaweber2097]

Mine were dark OD and had buttons. Worked like a charm layering in Germany and under my BDU top in Ft. Polk "winters." '84-'90.

[@michaelmartin5995]

Love the brown poly's. I have four pair and they are my go-to during the winter outdoor season. If I could only have one more item I was issued, it would be my medium MOLLE ruck. (Had to turn that back in.)

[@whiskeythree1622]

Best I know, those ACU patter MOLLE rucks go for $20 at some surplus stores Get ya one 🤙🏽

[@dfostman6014]

One of the items I always hunt for at thrift stores and yard sales. The first type had buttons instead of the zip. Never was issued one, but they were available at Clothing Sales. 5 button sweater, poncho liner , sleep shirt and green jungle boots were all good gear. The older West German surplus long sleep shirts are very comfortable if you find one.

[@earlgeorge7573]

thank you for your service

[@HumbleCowboy92]

I noticed your Garmin Instinct 2. I have the same exact watch and color, and I love it!

[@jayjenkins4721]

I still have one or two of those from years ago when we were wearing BDUs and working F-16s and A-10s on the flightline. Nice and toasty. With the OCPs I wear the waffle top now with the Polartec thin long john top and bottom when it's below 30 on the flight line.

[@CB-vt3mx]

LOL...the one I was issued has buttons instead of a zipper. it came with a sleeping cap made from the same material. We got it issued at CIF with our jungle fatigues, wool sweater, and field pants... :D

[@RP-yf1ed]

And the sleeping hat hat was just like it. I loved those things

[@johnsteele2986]

Grunt Proof and Wife Approved! I'm buying one!

[@douglucas4599]

The Five button brown wool sweater.

[@jerryj3047]

CSLA vz.60 "jehlici"bdu,The Kanady vzor 60 (Czech Combat boots pattern 1960),Celta AČR, vz. 60 rain poncho/tent ,czech gas mask M-10M,Vojenský spacák vzor 67 ,sleeping bag...

[@williamrogers.]

I like the mint green fuzzy jacket with the big pockets.

[@haroldcotten1840]

I like it wished my surplus store had those

[@kennethhamby9811]

The wool mummy bag liner that the 50s 60s bag had. Used them as a bag on warm weather camps.

[@SavageAirguns]

I use polypro tops and bottoms with a fleece liner or waffle top then my coat and hat of choice for being in a stagnant position in cold weather. But that's a cool top.

[@scoth2930]

I had a sleep shirt before the polypro came out. My friend got it, but it was to small for him so I traded for it. This was back in the 90’s

[@jaymag87]

Loved the sleep shirt. I think I still have it somewhere. Might have to go look for it.

[@MPA249]

I liked the 5 button brown wool sweater better but the green sleeper shirt was nice.

[@richardsiegler8456]

Loved the sleep shirt, even after my service was over, I wore one for years.

[@rossbabcock3790]

Lambs wool one-piece long johns. Saved my bacon on the Korean DMZ in winter of 79. Wish I could find a pair!

[@luisperez-zn5tf]

I have the Beige waffle top and bottom issue, Gen 3. Mine was issued in Ft.Hood in 2009

[@patriciacooper1308]

Nothing beats 100% wool. I've worn wool from WW1 pants and shirts for 40 years in winter in Vermont. Wool gets wet but stays warm. If taken care of lasts for years. I would buy newer stuff for winter but the older ones aren't worn out yet, not even thin or patched. I don't wear a sleeping shirt...

[@RBG-tr9ce]

A friend gave me a seat of those poly long johns when he got out of the Army. I live in Texas, they were too hot to wear even on our coldest days.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I remember those sleep shirts, they worked well in the Artic

[@mikebox]

We had those. I’ve still got one. It came with the mountain sleeping bag. It did predate the polypro. And in winter. We lived in them

[@mikebox]

@@williamschlosser77 I also loved the Jac Shirt. Can’t find them in XXL sizes.

[@mikebox]

@@williamschlosser77 What was funny, not really, was we never or barely used the sleeping bag. No room in the Large Alice, but we loved our Sleeping Shirts.

[@MrFunnyDad2024]

I would not trade my sleep shirt for billion dollars. Well maybe...

[@crunchthenumbers]

Not a grunt but a Signal POG, discovered your channel and like what i see

[@MrFlyrod7]

Almost all the bases have a thrift shop and you can get this stuff cheap

[@canadafree2087]

I own two, one is button up and one is zipper; I prefer the button model. I did find a third and gave it to a buddy. Is it true, that Henry Ford worked for the military before he started making cars? "You can have any color you want, as long as it is olive drab". 😛

[@finnberglander7816]

I really don't miss the days of 80+lb rucks in the winter.

[@tracybrigman1666]

13 B 30 here I have a couple of these shirts. Love them for there warmth.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on.

[@tomuehrke2782]

My Dad was career Air Force...as a kid&teen I had winter and summer flightsuits,jackets,etc.but I remember best the winter wool flightsuit that saved my ass doing z paper route at 4:30 am in Illinois!

[@stevencook3074]

The sleep shirt was awesome

[@randyyeager]

cool that yer out in the wilderness, but you have a sprinkler in the background.

[@m.7n6]

Military surplus clothes make great work clothes/hunting clothes/camping clothes it's cheap, rugged, get paint on em or muck, car grease, oil wouldn't even worry about it

[@markb42569]

I am actually wearing one as I watch the video. Hilarious.

[@mtb6816]

I picked up a new one of these a couple months ago, definitely a nice shirt. The only thing I noticed was odd sizing. It had plenty of room in the mid section as you described but the sleeves were tight on my forearms. Makes me feel like I have Popeye arms, still love it though.

[@johnlenz2921]

Never got much bang for the buck out of the polypros. Never kept me that warm. Now the ugly brown three button sweater? Toasty warm goodness!!! Still use mine on cold days. Love it!!

[@scottydouglass1892]

The Air Force gave us sleep shirts, they were nice for sleeping in the cargo bay. As a C-17 crew chief that's where you slept because we did 36 hours days. I have decided the best surplus thing I like best, is the dd-214 club members.

[@corporaterobotslave400]

I've got one of those that's so old it has buttons instead of a zipper on the neck. I've got two with the zipper as well. They are hand me downs from my Dad who was a Colonel in the Marines. Semper Fi.

[@michaelmcmanus5196]

Still have and use my brown ploypro when needed.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I use to have a similar shirt, it was a foreign milsurp, I loved the collar, it folded, and when you unfolded it. It would cover your mouth. It would keep you warm for a bit even into the upper 20s.

[@robbybankston4238]

Curious. Who manufactures that and does it show an NSN? Thank you sir.

[@stephaneswem7618]

I loved mine until after 20 years of use it met it’s demise! I thought that it was warmer than the browns with way less bulk!

[@terrysoule8441]

I have the sleep shirt... USAF issue though. It's about 20-25 years old now but still like new.

[@talkeetna911ify]

Yup and wear that wool jacket around the fire so you don't burn holes in it 🤣

[@alanrice39]

I like that, if I can find one I’ll get it, love military surplus

[@erikcornog9479]

I just went to the flea mkt this morning and the guy had 2 of these sleep shirts for 10 bucks each. the one was thicker than the one i bought and it had a tag that said medium which is too small for me so i got the other one that looks exactly like the one in this vid but it has no tag or Id marks except a small 09 on the inside bottom hem and im wondering if thats just an inspection number or the year it was made? Any ideas on that? Its chilly out today and this thing does seem pretty warm while being light and packable.

[@mtiger5]

Northface makes a waffle hoodie that’s close to the OG waffle tops from cid

[@philsmith2444]

Sleep shirt under a BDU shirt was warmer than a field jacket over it. Like has been said, though, they wear very quickly when used as an outer layer.

[@andrewschliewe6392]

Before my time. I had the brown wool sweater that went under your BDU top.

[@sectorseven07]

I have one of these as well, I like it a lot.