11 Things Army Veterans Buy at an Army Surplus Store That Civilians Walk Right Past

I show you 11 overlooked Army surplus items that can be more useful at home, in your car, and for emergency preparedness than they first appear. As a former Marine Corps infantryman and drill instructor at Parris Island, I explain how I use parachute cord, ammo cans, folding shovels, canteens, ponchos, wool blankets, cold-weather layers, sleeping bags, and wool socks. I also show what to check before you buy, from worn seals and damaged coatings to incomplete sleeping bag systems. I cover the surplus store traps I avoid too, including questionable MREs, expired first aid supplies, deteriorating boot soles, and products that only look military. This is practical gear for everyday homes, vehicles, and families—not just collectors. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Practical military surplus gear for home and emergency preparedness. 1:19 parachute cord 3:04 ammo can 5:01 folding shovel 6:42 canteen and the metal cup 8:35 compass 10:33 military poncho 12:14 poncho liner 13:45 wool blanket 17:10 cold weather pieces 19:03 military sleeping bag system 21:10 wool socks