WHY ALL THE SURPLUS

SURPLUS GEAR IS A GREAT WAY TO GET GOOD WORKING GEAR ON A BUDGET. IN THIS VIDEO I WILL SHARE MY THOUGHTS ON WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT SURPLUS GEAT TO BUILD YOUR CAR EMERGENCY OR BUGOUT BAG.
kaufmans army surplus
samson alabama
1-334-898-1770
www.bing.com/local?lid=YN873x...

[@blackoracle69]

hope you enjoy the video safe journeys

[@briarsmoke6046]

I lived in a military surplus field jacket for many years when I was a young man, and to be honest I loved that coat far more than just about any other jacket I’ve ever owned, and I think I gave less than $20 for it when I bought it. I have $300 jackets now that don’t live up to that old surplus coat.

[@gregorydigiovanni1466]

Smoke, I am with you. I feel bad when I am gifted gear or clothing that ends up in the corner hanger of the closet. Comfort first!

[@agschell]

Agreed, as I pair down to minimalist level supplies, I find myself opting to keep my oldest surplus gear glad I kept some garmets even through the fat years. I can get back in my uniforms from 1980. Yay!!!

[@357blackhawk]

Still wear the ones I was issued.

[@blackoracle69]

i have used my m-65 field jacket as a field coat for many yrs. cant beat it

[@HK-qj4im]

Totally agree. That M65 was fabulous. 4 pockets. Liner.. Rambo cool. He just wanted to be left alone.😏

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Ya we can not beat military gear. It last. Mom bought me a U S extreme cold weather sleeping bag for Christmas back in the 90s . And I got down into - 15 degrees below 0 . Yep I was Cold but I survived. When I woke up I was warm in toasty. That bag is rated for 0 . Well good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the comment

[@jenniferbauman4802]

@@blackoracle69 your welcome. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@kenhamm5633]

Ken Hamm - Not only all the valid reasons in the video, but by collecting and using this stuff we are maintaining important history that current generations will lose.

[@blackoracle69]

true

[@mwirth187]

One of the reasons I like surplus is the history of it. If it's used, I think about the troop that carried the item. Even unissued gear makes me think about the time, place and purpose. Cheers!

[@blackoracle69]

i agree they had to carry and depend on this gear

[@howardthompson4677]

With over 10 years in the military I trust the stuff and I can’t afford the caviar equipment on a hamburger budget

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

All the "walk-in" REAL military surplus stores I grew up enjoying are sadly gone now, but I've found a few on-line sources that have quality items at fair prices. For serious field/bushcraft you can't beat military surplus field shirts, jackets, ruck sacks/bergens, sleep systems, and even tents and entrenching tools. At least half of my field gear is U.S., UK, Italian, German & Czech surplus.

[@stevenmerlock9971]

@Barone 👍 correct. Around here the “Army Surplus” stores carry the same communist garbage as Walmart!

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@stevenmerlock9971 You're right... Very little is actual, true to form Military Surplus. A LOT of online stores are simply selling stuff made for/marketed by a company that begins with an R...

[@blackoracle69]

i like some of the german gear

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@blackoracle69 I've got a German OD green canvas small rucksack that's perfect for my car emergency kit

[@samsanfratello7549]

40 years ago, I bought a Military Surplus Evacuation Bag, the ones they evacuate the wounded with. It is very large and filled with goose down. The only bag that fits my 300 pound body. It had some blood stains on it so I brought it to the Dry Cleaners. Yes it was expensive to clean, but I have used it all these years and have never gotten cold. I live in NYS so it does get cold here.

[@frydemwingz]

wait, you bought something that has some wounded strangers blood on it? lol

[@blackoracle69]

heck yea i would buy that in a heartbeat..

[@donnydread7631]

Do you ever wonder if someone may have died on the gear that is keeping you alive? 🙏🏼

[@williamgregory6684]

Those are probably the warmest bags ever made if it's the Korean (Conflict)War era bag. I would love to have one of those bags!!!! It's still on duty and doing it's job after all these years!!! They just don't make um like they used to!!!

[@donnacraneduncan5449]

There is nothing better than the smell of good ol’ surplus gear. I miss the old Army/Navy stores. I will be making a road trip to Alabama for some gear. Thanks Blackie

[@blackoracle69]

Please do! i will be holding my gathering on april 6-10 and we go to the surplus place on fri or sat as a large group why not come campout with us

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie , Great Video and Information. The best sleeping bag I ever had was the Heavy Mountain Bag that I was issued in Germany back in 1980 . I also have a Large ALICE pack and Medium too. I still use my U.S Army gear from when I was in '79 - '86 . There is a Great Army Navy store in Nashville, TN on 21st Ave . Thanks Again for sharing your knowledge and time. Yes You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter. Tim L. U.S. Army Vet and rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouts . back in the 70s.

[@blackoracle69]

those mountain bags are great bags a little heavy but very warm

[@timlacy2284]

@@blackoracle69 I got lots of my TA- 50 .

[@barrycartner3855]

I don't suppose that you would consider putting a video out about the 1949 army sleeping bag evolution to the modern? I have polyester stuffing army bag, fairly salty, that I cannot read the label any longer. But it looks like the earlier mountain bag.

[@johnlindsay6465]

Boy Scout cooks are never too fat cuz we got to put a backpack on and carry all that crud in 4 lb of bacon for the whole Troop gets a little heavy after 10 miles

[@blackoracle69]

lol very true

[@michaelmichael8406]

All the reasons you mention and, for me, nostalgia. I came up when surplus gear was the thing to have, running around in the woods. So now it brings back memories, which are always a pleasant companion when I’m out camping.

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Great point. My emergency car blanket is a Hudson bay wool blanket that i got at a thrift stor for 3 bucks.

[@blackoracle69]

great score

[@bayouflats5054]

With the exception of the old flashlights. Always shaking those darn things to get them to work. 😂😂 But yeah, I agree, love my surplus. Was magical digging through the old surplus as a kid in the 60’s. Guns and Ammo along with couple other magazines had new Willy Jeeps in grates for $500. Had to put them together, but what a steal. I believe that was still available thru the 70’s.

[@robertbates6057]

I remember seeing a newspaper add for them brand new in the crate back in the early 70s. Wish I could have gotten one.

[@blackoracle69]

yep i pass on those old angle headflashlights as well

[@garytredwell5649]

OMG! I laughed out loud when you explained the Navy cooks surplus gear. Classic!

[@blackoracle69]

lol

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Great information! I appreciate the way you handled this video very very very impressed my friend great job I learned something every video!

[@blackoracle69]

I appreciate that!

[@TheSamurai66]

Greetings from Tokyo! I agree with you that military surplus is far better than the expensive and trendy outdoor gear. I am glad to see you've earned the BSA Camp School Badge! I earned mine years ago. I am sure you would be an excellent Camp School Trainer or Scout Skills Director or a Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Counselor.

[@dalewarner4216]

I love my surplus gear. It’s budget friendly on a fixed income. I also like thrift stores. Picked up a couple excellent sleeping bags for $3 to $7 each. Same with clothing for the woods.

[@charlesmurphy7712]

You are 100% spot on , I've been a surplus scrounger since 1965, and I have the same experience in the getting the next best thing out, lasted a couple seasons and it disintegrated, ( one tent and one backpack) Paid well over 1200 for both and used a high end north face bag back when they first came out in the 80s . Fantastic gear served me admirably until they were in third year and i spent a season completely off grid for about 8 months of hiking and camping in the Bravard NC National Forest and the Smokie Mountains National Park, fishing and taking a break from work and school. After learning my lesson I promptly got back into Army surplus. Just works better for rough times. And I've always been rough on gear. But I have had a great time. 👍

[@blackoracle69]

i have used surplus for 40+ yrs its good for the money

[@sailingmaster]

Varusteleka out of Finland has an amazing array of international surplus gear, their own original stuff as well, and decent shipping costs.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the info

[@pamkohlenberg2021]

Besides the good food and fellowship, Kauffman's is a highlight of the trip!

[@blackoracle69]

yep we will be going this yr as well

[@terrancecoard388]

Back in the day you went to the surplus store for good gear. The quality was top notch and things were inexpensive. Nothing like scrounging through one and being surprised at the treasures you found. Then there was the "smell" of the place. There were no knock offs or made in China stuff....just authentic US Military or German gear. I got a down mummy bag in 1982 from a surplus store in New York City and headed out went to Arizona. It took me several years of scrounging to find the shell. Together I was never worried about getting cold. I cant fit it anymore but my wife absolutely loves it even though it still has that "smell"

[@blackoracle69]

smells like adventure !!

[@user-ts1fp4nm9y]

You got a killer deal!! I paid $55.00 dollars for a new m 1949 in 1977!! I seriously doubt that the North Face bag will still be around and functional 70 years from now. North Face, Jansport,Eureka,etc. and all the other high end high dollar civilian camping companies don't make quality durable equipment like they used to and the prices are through the roof!!! I do have some older Camp Trails backpacks that are well made from the 90's and some Sierra Designs tents . USGI will always be my favorite!!!

[@fakenews7266]

I love my surplus Army gear , it is heavy and that is why I went out and bought myself a Radio Flyer 34" All-Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon and added 4 X 15 In. Worry-Free Tire's With Polyurethane Hub's from Harbour Freight and a lift kit made from 4X4's then painted everything in olive drab for hauling my gear , I also added a set of motorcycle drag bars and some webbing that is attached to a climbing harness so I can keep my hands free while pulling everything . I can still wear my pack and in the bottom of my wagon , I put a piece of pressure-treated plywood that is cut to fit so I can remove it and place it onto the wagons wood sides at 90* to make a table , the larger tires make it very easy to pull the wagon over small logs . I can now haul every item you could think of living in comfort while out on the trail , I do get weird looks but I bet some of the people who gave me the "LOOK" went home and made the same thing . I will be making my "Battle wagon's" axles around 2 inches wider ( each side ) so the whole thing will be 4 inches wider to keep it more stable when pulling on uneven ground . 😎

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the comment

[@fakenews7266]

@@blackoracle69 You're more than welcome , keep putting out the inspiring videos

[@brandonwebb5256]

As a 20 yr vet myself... I love a lot of surplus gear. I still have an extreme artic bag I was issued in North Dakota, very similar to your mountain bag. I slept in it at 60 below and had to basically use it as a blanket cause it was too warm. Yes, it is heavy, but I know I will stay warm to sleep.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@jelkel25]

I've watched my British Army Basha throw off a storm while my compatriots expensive light weight tarps gave up the ghost and leaked like a seive. If you remove the stretcher straps they're not that heavy. A tip for anyone considering a British Army Basha, I'm told the older DPM pattern ones are better made than the newer MTP pattern ones but I can't confirm that as I've only owned the DPM patterns.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the info

[@simonh6371]

Good to know mate, I have the DPM one, it's bombproof and furthermore is a mansion compared to the old olive green ponchos we used to basha up in when I served. Also I avoid MTP as it isn't really suitable for Northern European woodland, and I don't want to ever get accused of ''walting''. My gear is British & Dutch DPM (Dutch DPM is basically the same) and a couple of Bundeswehr items in Flecktarn, all of which are the best cam for stealth camping in the UK.

[@vancamerawoman7399]

I’ve ordered two basha tarps and after a week or so I’ve been told that customs wouldn’t let them in and I get refunded. I wonder what is going on?

[@MichaelR58]

Blackie , good video , I grew up with and still use surplus gear , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

[@blackoracle69]

my pleasure

[@howardthompson4677]

Nothing wrong with surplus gear I don’t have the money for that ta ta stuff I agree with you 100 percent

[@blackoracle69]

yep it good gear

[@fredferren8585]

25 years in military and trust the stuff.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@unclearthur9192]

G'Day from Australia, I came to this video after watching your excellent "How to load a muzzleloading shotgun" video. Learned so much from that. Thanks! I've used a lot of surplus gear since I was a kid--I'm 66 now. Shirts, pants, jackets, all types of hats, belts, pouches and packs just to name a few. Some gear I've used for decades because it is so well made and rugged. The generally sombre colours--browns, greens and grey suit outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing. Most surplus gear tends to be fairly cheap and, as you call it, disposable without too many tears! Also, when using surplus gear, you don't look like a walking advertisement for the many outdoors activities companies! Here in OZ, surplus stores used to be everywhere but many have either closed down or gone online. One of the largest surplus stores now only operates on line or you can now still browse around their huge warehouse----all part of the fun when shopping for surplus gear. You never know what you'll find. Thanks for this and your other videos. I'll eventually work my way through them. Cheers, Steve

[@blackoracle69]

welcome to the channel and thanks for the comment safe journeys to you

[@billrivenbark8983]

Your preaching to the choir brother. I don’t know why but there’s something about the smell of MILSURP that gets me exited to go camping! I collect the stuff. I’ve got enough packs, haversacks and rucksacks plus the stuff to fill them up to equip a small scout camp! Plus, my knees are shot so car camping is about all I can manage these days. Anyhow, your dead on about cost and the durability of this gear. Keep on with the great videos. My south is right next to you and we’re getting some cold in to the low twenty’s to down into the teens this week. Dutch hooped bivy, a good mat and my MSS and it’ll be alright.

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the comment

[@decapolis01]

Growing up my brother and I use WW2 and Nam gear to camp with. It was super cheap in the 80s and it worked well. These days I could not tell you where to get it. The big surplus store in Mobile AL has been closed for years.

[@blackoracle69]

1-334-898-1770 kaufmans army surplus samson alabama give the ladies a call they seem to have everything

[@jasonruth598]

You are a very patient man, mill. Surplus is almost always the best place to look first, I apreatiate you!

[@blackoracle69]

thanks so much

[@calvary1808farm]

Great response. I trust surplus gear considering I know how the stuff has been used and what it's held up against.

[@blackoracle69]

true

[@krishoogstraat6866]

What’s the link to the surplus store you use ?

[@blackoracle69]

www.bing.com/local?lid=YN873x2812402952217494202&id=YN873x2812402952217494202&q=Kaufmans+Army+Surplus+Samson+AL&name=Kaufmans+Army+Surplus&cp=31.103018~-86.04668&qpvt=kaufman%27s+military+surplus

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

I agree with all thoughts, surplus gear affordable, rugged, and comfortably sacrificial 👍🏼👏🏼 Great video Blackie 🙏🏼

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

fact is army surplus gear wears harder well made for duty use and is cheap sometimes and its cool history

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@TheBloodwaraxe]

I like military surplus because #1- I used it for 8 years as a Combat Engineer. #2- price. Cant beat the price. Is it heavy? Yes. Is it durable? Yes. This is why I love your site, Blackie. Doing what I thought of doing. Keep up the good work.

[@blackoracle69]

i agree often its heavy but you buy it and use it for years and years

[@dez410]

I always figured if it was good enough for our service men and women, then it's definitely good enough for me. I appreciate the fact that you think of others...like your example of "if I rolled up on an accident I would have an old blanket to keep them warm with". I'm glad I'm not the only one that keeps this in mind. I usually have more extra gear for others than I have for myself.

[@blackoracle69]

they hold up to real world use better than many of the other store bought brands

[@wendellhagg3511]

Love Your Videos. And Your Practically is Spot On !! H.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you

[@57WillysCJ]

I don't like storing high end equipment in my vehicle. Even tools have to be locked down pretty well. Although home owners or renters insurance might help some it's not likely enough. Also gear in a vehicle gets knocked around, tossed around and shoved into corners. That is what military equipment is designed for. 👍

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Agreed ! The gear that stays in the car is good enough to take care of me and any passenger should we need it. But if it's stolen by miscreants, or use It at a highway accident, the total value isn't but $65-75 tops...

[@blackoracle69]

yep the high end stuff is not left out in a car to walk off some dark night

[@smoothvern165]

Great, down to earth tips! That’s one reason why I love your videos!!

[@blackoracle69]

I appreciate that!

[@mikemuenze5390]

Thank you Blackie good counsel .

[@blackoracle69]

You are very welcome

[@TheBanjo53]

That canvas cover and a poncho liner make a great bag for spring and summer. Through a good poncho over it and you are golden.

[@blackoracle69]

you are correct i have done that quite a few times

[@kenbillings4842]

I agree with you Blackie. When I was getting ready to PCS to the Panama Canal Zone, I gave $50 for2 full military laundry bags. Then made a deal with my supply sergeant, I had been bidding against him and didn't know it, when I walked into his office and dropped the contents of a full laundry bag onto his floor and said can we deal. All I mainly wanted was to get the heavy winter sleeping bag and a few other things cleaned. He happily gave me the paperwork to get clean serviceable equipment traded. At the TA-50 supply point, I gave them the paperwork and equipment to turn in. The ladies working there took the old stuff and one started pulling replacements off the shelves. The stuff she pulled was all brandnew in plastic bags. As I was leaving the ladies asked if I had other equipment I wanted to DX. Isaid yes but didn't have paperwork for the rest I had. Was told they would be the judge of what I could trade. I walked back in with an arm load of things and left with all new stuff. Due to I'd come on a slow day and was nice and polite they made the trades and said have a nice day. I saw one of them adding the things onto my paperwork that had come from my supply sergeant and not bat an eye about it. That was my earliest dealings with the good old boy/girl supply system and in the remaining of my 20 years in the Army I used that system well and showed others the benefits of it. Well Blackie I've bent your ear enough so have a good one and stay warm. As I finish this it's only about 6 degrees witover 12 inches of snow on the ground. Ken Billings

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for posting

[@blackoracle69]

and thank you for your service

[@joannekeefe426]

Thats was just such a nice thing to say. "In case someone else needs it" thats just so very thoughtful of you! GOD BLESS ya!

[@blackoracle69]

thank you i try to pass on gear if i am changing or retireing a bit of kit if its still good and will serve i try to pass it along

[@Patriot-American]

Well said Backie... I utilize surplus in my camping and you are spot on about the value...

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for watching

[@gregorydigiovanni1466]

Blackie, many great points Sir. For me, surplus says "tried and true" in many cases. Kaufman's West here in Albuquerque for some good surplus I have to say!

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks for sharing

[@biranit50]

The US Army surplus gear i liked most for value/cost ratio and comfortwere the self inflating mats. About 50usd brand new and if they do not hold air they are very cheap like 9usd and usualy they are very easy to repair. my 2cents. ...and i have bought them on ebaybecause they usualy do ship to Israel. I guess that in the US you can find them much cheaper!

[@forrestwilliams4118]

18 Bravo here... You are so right on those Navy Cooks they are some squid

[@blackoracle69]

never trust a skinny cook a old marine told me that

[@paulblackburn4245]

Very well said Blackie. Thanks for the source.

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks for listening

[@sunbunbradley]

I went camping in the upper peninsula of Michigan with that surplus bag and the temps were -12 without the wind chill and it was warm . I did a snowshoe race the next day and got a major award!!!!

[@blackoracle69]

awesome

[@mbarr1029]

Great thoughts and well thought out. I will be contacting your source. Minneapolis, MN has very little to shop at. And we dooo get cold.

[@blackoracle69]

hey they got snow shoes and gear you would not think of in the south

[@knifelore1647]

Man Blackie I remember I believe the winter of 2001, I was spending Christmas with family between Crestview an Florala, an it may have been the coldest I ever felt in my life. An One summer Crestview, the hottest, Just some strange weather there sometimes! Love what ya do, an thanks for sharing!

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks for sharing! down here is a land of extreames one day warm next night in 20's

[@wayneautwell4255]

Last October I was on my way home from PCB and stopped in at Coffman's. They have a very large building very full of gear. If anyone goes I recommend going as early in the day as possible because they have so much stuff just packed into the building. My visit was later in the day and I didn't have time to really look for the items I had hoped to find.

[@blackoracle69]

it a event to be sure when i take campers from my gathering over there we stay several hrs

[@robertmiller2629]

I agree with you on military surplus gear I use it my self a lot. At my surplus store I found the compression straps for the military sleeping bag that you have there and they work great for making it smaller for transporting it under the pack on a frame and will leave enough room under it for an old military rubber bitch mattress or the inflateable rubber mattress.

[@justme8108]

Smart answer. Thanks.

[@blackoracle69]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnwyman5939]

Good information. Appreciate it

[@blackoracle69]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lewisward4359]

Good information> My uncle who was in the reserves in WW2 guard ing a state prison. He hard a couple types of WW2 era bags. As I recall both mummy bags. I liked both of them and felt fortunate to get to use the down bag, but the wool munmmy bags looked cool event though they were scratchy. Never saw them for sale.

[@blackoracle69]

i have loved the mt bag and it down fill its heavy but real warm

[@davev9199]

I love military surplus and own military gear 30+ years old and even old Army foxhole shovel from my Dad. The gear just outlasts everything. I'll have to check out Kaufmans. I'm ex USNavy and 6'4 but not a Navy cook.😂😂 Enjoy your videos Blackie!

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@dannyfoster1623]

Shopping at surplus stores is a very good idea. The items you can get there, has already been tested by the military so you it's good. I like the old-fashioned wool blankets. But they are getting harder to find. I like to keep 2 or 3 blankets in my vehicle.

[@xHellzKoolaidx]

Totally makes sense, been doing this my whole life. Common sense is kinda uncommon. Thanks for the videos, Blackie

[@blackoracle69]

your welcome

[@MB_OutdoorsMT]

Good advice as always. Greetings from Malta!

[@blackoracle69]

Hello there! thanks for watching

[@oldminer5387]

Great video Blackie. I use a mix of surplus and light weight depending on what I'm doing. The last surplus store in my area closed 4 years ago and I really miss that store.

[@blackoracle69]

give the ladies a call if you need something they might be able to help you out

[@jeffechols5302]

Excellent points

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks for listening

[@mikebsbd]

Great info. Thank you for sharing.

[@blackoracle69]

My pleasure!

[@cwdiacetis4423]

Blackie, I grew up in the 50's and 60's in Augusta Ga and all of our camping gear was military surplus that we bought at the Fort Gordon surplus store on Fort Gordon in Augusta. We couldn't have had a better young adult and childhood experience.

[@blackoracle69]

i agree

[@FoxPineOutdoors]

I would like to add that surplus is far more durable then other cheap options. Good discussion Blackie!

[@blackoracle69]

very true i have in my collection a ruckssack made of canvas and leather straps that in the flap has a date of 1927.. and i only retired it after a strap broke 2 yrs ago if i replaced the strap it would be in the field again after almost a century of service

[@AMX86]

Surplus gear does a great job as "truck gear". Plus I trust surplus gear as I grew up with it and learned to use it well. Plus 6 years in the Army gave me a lot of experience with military gear.

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@madmike5550]

I have used military surplus and military new issue equipment for over 60 years, as a kid growing up just outside the gates of Ft Bennington, Ga, and for 25 years in the US Army all over this planet. Eaten K-rats, C-Rats, MREs and plenty of Army mess hall meals. They all have served me fine in jungles, the Artic circle and deserts. Some folks think spending more makes it better. I like using my money wisely. Love your videos! Keep it up, and ignore the complainers!

[@blackoracle69]

back in the 80's i went to ranger joes at least once a month back then they had some surplus

[@madmike5550]

@@blackoracle69 I remember Ranger Joe’s well. I wonder if they are still opened? Shopped there many times. I live up close to Atlanta now, but miss Columbus.

[@blackoracle69]

@@madmike5550 i passed thru columbus a few months back late at night and came but victory drive and rangers joes was stil there

[@robertkoller3391]

I have carried the same sleeping bag, wool blanket, tent and everything else that I needed on the Appalachian Trail. My unit hiked 35 miles back in 1985. You are right there is a lot of lighter gear but none quite as durable. It's all in what you are used to and have trained with.

[@blackoracle69]

very true

[@david_W5QDF]

Agree with you about durability of surplus everything.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

I like military surplus. Thanks and take care.

[@Papakilo41]

Hey Blackie, Great video. Good "common (or uncommon nowadays 🤔) sense" stuff.

[@blackoracle69]

Exactly!

[@forestgnome55]

Hey Blackie! Hope this note finds you well and happy! Great to see you out and about! I am absolutely we were born under the same star! It's never "Oh well, already done that, got the tee shirt." Rather it is:" Oh wow, never thought of doing it that way!" Keep 'um coming! Regards and best to you and yours, Pink.

[@blackoracle69]

That is awesome!

[@jeffrichards5106]

There used to be a great local surplus store here, I grew up going there and got a lot of great surplus that I used for camping. Sadly that closed about 20 yrs ago. I have the MS Sleep system. But I would like to get the M-1959 down bag like you have. Can't find one locally. Looked on EBay, weren't many and they want to charge twice what you paid for a used one. Thanks for the info! appreciate it. I'll give Kaufman's a try.👍

[@blackoracle69]

i am sure the ladies at the surplus place will be able to help you

[@jeffrichards5106]

@@blackoracle69 Thanks again

[@Bamaoutdoors]

Thanks for the info I didn't realize Samson had a surplus store! The only one I knew about was MP surplus and pinkard and it's been closed for quite a while now.

[@blackoracle69]

yep i was at mp a lot of saturday morning going thru that back room

[@adampotraffke2134]

Hey I love military surplus!!! I use it when ever I have the chance.

[@blackoracle69]

me to

[@toneyjohnson8910]

Kaufmans is great love my MS sleep system. every time I ordered something they would ship it fast. Military surplus is part of my camping and the lighter more expensive equipment is for hiking. great video Blackie

[@blackoracle69]

thanks for the comment safe journeys to you

[@Edward2092009]

GREAT video as usual

[@blackoracle69]

I appreciate that

[@jcmclarnan4907]

Blackie, if you see a skinney cook in the navy, you’re in for a rough, long cruise!

[@blackoracle69]

thats for sure

[@cluek9780]

I took that bag 65 miles hike at Philmont in 1967

[@blackoracle69]

oh the death march i have heard of a few of those hikes

[@Nephilen2030]

Great video and I really appreciate the Down to earth mentality. We can’t all afford the top of the line gear. Having also grown up poor I enjoy finding alternatives as opposed to $$ gear

[@blackoracle69]

Right on!

[@thriftysurvivor6117]

Your two cents is worth a fortune. Thanks for the videos.

[@blackoracle69]

Glad you like them!

[@juwright1949]

WOW! A BSA National Camp School Patch. 👍🏻

[@bggy63]

Hahaha, great info. But the best was the Navy cooks reference. I am an old retired firefighter and that reminded me if the firehouse and our drivers who also were normally our cooks and we would say the same thing about them. Most of those dudes would put in for larger uniforms every year from the time they made driver until they retired. Lol. Great info thanks brother.

[@blackoracle69]

yep drivers get ya there and you want them on the end of that rope to hold ya

[@rickcalvert183]

Good video! Well done!

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@kentonhammond8938]

In my Hippie Daze I hitchhiked all over the U.S. & Backpacked most states west of the Mississippi. This was in the 70's & I bought my down bag from J.C. Penney's when they still sold everything, including tools, mowers etc etc. & it has never let me down or cold. That same down bag is opened up & spread across the top of my bed as I speak. I live in Wisconsin & it's cold right now. Since I live alone I just get under that down bag instead of having to make a King size bed up every morning by myself. That's a 50 yr old bag & still useable today, American made when things were built right. To wash it I just put it in the washer alone, then the dryer & put an old tennis ball in there to pound out the feather clumps in it & it comes out good as new. A few feathers slip out now & then, but that bag was on my back for years on the road & in the Mountains. The memories it holds, I will not part with it. OOHhhhh the good old days of American made stuff. Wish J.C. Penney's was still around like the old days selling stuff that lasts a lifetime made in America.

[@blackoracle69]

we were very luck to live in such times we had good music and good gear

[@hiramhaji7813]

great video

[@blackoracle69]

thanks

[@timmatherly5080]

I like surplus gear because I'm familiar with it. I've been using it for 60 years.

[@gregknight293]

This is a great show. I love a good military surplus store . Spent many happy hours just browsing there and more than a few dollars. Probly the best one in central Texas but sadly it burned to the ground several years ago. Someday I'd like to make a road trip to Samson and do a little shopping. This show very interesting to me.

[@blackoracle69]

i put on a gathering campout in geneva state forest april 6 -10 this yr we camp fish ect and we go to the surplus place on fri or sat you should come camp with us we usually have close to 100 campers from all across the country many of them have youtube channels of their own

[@gregknight293]

@@blackoracle69 I consider it a great honor that you invite me. I have some badly needed knee surgery I have to get out of the way first. Everytime I get set to go the hospitals go haywire with the virus situation again and I put it off till things settle down. I will be pleased to join in with you soon as I possibly can .

[@MrFullfocus]

I love surplus stuff. There used to be one in Pinckard, AL call MP Surplus that I spent hours in when I a a teenager. I still have some of the stuff I bought there.

[@blackoracle69]

i spent many hours there digging thru gear

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

And my Daddy used to take me to a surplus "warehouse" in Baton Rouge Louisiana that was under part of the I-10. That was my "candy store"... Used to be able to get stuff that went "bang" without any paperwork. Of course that was prior to the GCA of '69...

[@chadstanley4355]

Used to have stuff at our gun shows but not anymore here in Indiana.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I completely AGREE Blackie! FYI: Kaufmans Army Surplus doesn't have a website, but they do have an Ebay store

[@blackoracle69]

good to know

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Yep, my thoughts too.

[@blackoracle69]

cool

[@simonh6371]

Another advantage of buying surplus is that you can mix and match the best bits of kits from different countries and from different eras, and don't have to equip yourself with a standard issue that serving soldiers had to use. I served in the British Army 1988-93 and to be honest a lot of our kit was pretty dire and now I don't think I own one single piece of issue kit that I used back then. I have a mix of British kit which was issued later on e.g. DPM goretex bivvy bag, DPM basha, and kit from other countries i.e. predominantly Dutch and German but with a few items of Swiss, Swedish and Belgian kit too.

[@blackoracle69]

very true my gear list looks like a U.N meeting lol

[@danbradley4838]

I like your channel--mostly very informative. Queston: you frequently talk about surplus gear ( I use it myself) and reference/infer that you are a "ground pounder" and "door kicker"--have you ever been in the military?

[@benterwellen]

I like surplus gear, it works, I have used a lot of it while in the military for over 20 years.."

[@blackoracle69]

thank you for your service

[@johnlindsay6465]

I used to rock an army set up like that and I'm most of my gear is military surplus but you're right now I rock a to kill teabags a light summer and a heavy winter bag soon I'm going to cut open the heavy winter bag and collect all the down out of it and cut up my summer bag cuz I like to design better and it's a cosmic Intergalactic and imma take all the cosmic and put it into the galactic bag if you know Kelty bags anti-rock a fleece-lined inner liner and I've been down to -5 - 6 and I stayed quite warm but I want to combine the two sleeping bags to make them more efficient and easier to carry

[@blackoracle69]

cool idea

[@DavidPyro]

New haircut looks sharp. 👍🏻

[@blackoracle69]

Thanks 👍