August 28, 2019
If you've ever been in the bush with some really crappy gear, you might be able to relate to what I'm about to share with you today.
When you go out on a survival trip, camping trip, family vacation, conference, school, concert, etc... the most important aspect of equipping for the mission is getting those items that fit your need.
You wouldn't need, for instance, a bright yellow bicycle with a basket to go out on a sasquatch hunt. In the same vein of thought though, you might want that yellow bicycle with a basket if you are taking a photo-op in Tokyo.
The point is that you need to put some though and planning into the equipment that you purchase and take with you to ensure your success in your endeavor. Here are some key aspects of your equipment list that you should be cognizant of as you prepare to go.
1. Aesthetics. Let's face it, you need to look the part. At least to some extent. If you are going on a photo-op in the desert, you wouldn't want to wear a military surplus dress uniform nor would you want to stay in a tent that was woodland camo. You just wouldn't fit in and would stand out in a bad way. (Consider the above yellow bicycle reference).
2. Durability. Military surplus equipment is some of the finest and most durable equipment ever made, consider the fact that this is designed and manufactured to win wars with. However, you must bear in mind the fact there are different levels of durability within the realm of military surplus equipment. The best example I can give of this concept is the U.S. G.I. Jungle Boot. This boot was developed for jungle warfare and was made most popular during the Viet Nam conflict. This was perfect for the jungles of Viet Nam; however, you would not want to wear these boots in an arctic environment, or in the desert.
3. Dependability. One of the most important concepts that you need to keep in mind when you are choosing the equipment that you will eventually settle upon is it's past performance. Not all military surplus equipment is successful. Some of the phased out equipment is phased out because it's inadequate. Make sure that the equipment you are choosing is a success and not a failure.