What Army and Navy surplus stores sell and where to find them

Army and Navy surplus stores sell used or overstock military clothing, gear, and equipment that the Department of Defense no longer needs. The stock includes combat boots, field jackets, backpacks, ammunition boxes, canteens, web gear, and sometimes vehicles or large equipment. Some stores also carry new surplus — items manufactured to military spec but never issued.

You can find these stores in two ways: physical locations in your city or town, and online retailers. Physical stores let you inspect items for wear and fit before buying. Online retailers offer wider selection but you cannot see the condition until it arrives. Many stores operate both ways.

The largest national chains include Sportsman's Guide, Cheaper Than Dirt, and Pyramid Air. Regional chains and independent shops exist in most mid-sized cities. Search "Army surplus near me" or "military surplus [your city]" to find local options. Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon also carry surplus items, though quality and authenticity vary by seller.

Key Takeaways

  • Army and Navy surplus stores sell used military clothing, gear, and equipment ranging from boots and jackets to ammunition boxes and field packs.
  • Physical stores let you check condition and fit before buying, while online retailers offer more selection but require you to accept items sight unseen.
  • Prices are typically 30 to 60 percent lower than retail equivalents, but condition varies widely depending on how much the item was used.
  • Authenticity can be difficult to verify online, so buy from established retailers or sellers with clear return policies if you need genuine military-issue gear.
  • Certain items like gas masks, body armor, and some ammunition may have legal restrictions depending on your state or local laws.

How condition grades work and what they mean for price

Surplus stores grade items by condition because military gear often shows wear. The grading system is not standardized across all retailers, but most use similar language. "New" or "unissued" means the item was never worn or used. "Excellent" means minimal wear, usually from storage. "Good" means visible wear but fully functional. "Fair" means significant wear, stains, or small damage but still usable. "Poor" means heavy wear, tears, or stains but the item still works.

Price drops sharply as condition declines. A new military-issue field jacket might cost $80 to $120. The same jacket in excellent condition costs $40 to $60. Good condition drops to $25 to $40. Fair condition might be $10 to $20. Poor condition items sell for $5 to $15 or less. The exact prices depend on the item, the retailer, and current demand.

Condition grades matter most for clothing and soft goods like backpacks. For hard goods like ammunition boxes or canteens, even poor condition items are often fully functional and last for decades. Read the specific description before buying online — "good condition" from one seller may look different from another's.

Price differences between online and physical stores

Online retailers usually undercut physical stores by 10 to 20 percent because they have lower overhead. However, shipping costs can erase that savings, especially for heavy items like boots or web gear. A $30 item with $8 shipping costs more than buying it in person for $35.

Physical stores let you avoid shipping and inspect items before paying. You also see the actual condition rather than relying on a photo or description. The trade-off is that physical stores carry less inventory — you see what is on the shelf that day.

Some retailers price match or offer free shipping above a certain order total. Check the store's shipping policy and return terms before buying. If you are ordering a single light item, online may cost more. If you are buying multiple items or something heavy, compare the total including shipping to a local store's price.

What to check before buying surplus clothing and gear

For clothing, check the size chart carefully. Military sizes do not always match civilian sizes, and surplus items may have been altered or shrunk. Read the description for material — cotton shrinks, synthetics do not. Look for photos showing seams, zippers, and any damage. If buying online, confirm the return policy in case the fit is wrong.

For backpacks and web gear, test the zippers and straps if you are in a physical store. Check for mold or mildew smell, which indicates the item was stored in damp conditions and may not be salvageable. Look at seams for tears or loose stitching. Straps should not be cracked or brittle.

For footwear, military boots often need breaking in and may feel stiff. Try them on if possible. Check the sole for separation from the upper and the heel for wear. Insoles can be replaced, so worn insoles are not a deal-breaker. If buying online, know that boots are often non-returnable once worn, so size carefully.

Legal restrictions on certain surplus items

Most surplus clothing and common gear items have no legal restrictions. However, some items do. Body armor plates and ballistic vests are restricted in some states and cities — check your local laws before buying. Gas masks and protective equipment may be restricted depending on the type and your location.

Ammunition and ammunition storage boxes are legal in most places, but ammunition itself is heavily regulated. You cannot buy surplus ammunition online in most states — it must be shipped to a licensed dealer. Some surplus stores sell ammunition in-person only.

Weapons and weapon parts are heavily restricted. Surplus stores do not typically sell firearms, but they may sell items like holsters, slings, or cleaning kits. These are generally legal, but check your state's laws if you are unsure. When in doubt, contact your local police department or a firearms dealer to ask about a specific item.

How to spot counterfeit or mislabeled surplus items

Counterfeit military gear exists, especially online. Genuine military-issue items have specific markings: a label with the manufacturer's name, the contract number, the size, and often the date of manufacture. Counterfeit items may have misspelled labels, blurry printing, or labels that do not match the item's construction.

Buy from established retailers with clear return policies if authenticity matters to you. Smaller online sellers and marketplace listings are higher risk. Ask the seller for close-up photos of labels and tags before buying. If the price seems too low for the condition described, it probably is.

Mislabeling happens too — a seller may call an item "military-issue" when it is actually a civilian reproduction. Read descriptions carefully. If it says "military-style" or "reproduction," it is not genuine surplus. Genuine surplus will say "military-issue," "U.S. Army," "U.S. Navy," or similar.

Seasonal buying patterns and inventory changes

Surplus inventory changes based on what the military is clearing out. Large shipments of a particular item may arrive and sell out within weeks. If you see something you want, buy it soon — it may not come back in stock for months or years.

Demand also shifts seasonally. Winter clothing sells faster in fall and early winter. Summer items move in spring. Camping and outdoor gear sells year-round but peaks in spring. Prices sometimes drop at the end of a season when stores clear old stock, but selection is lower.

Online retailers update inventory more frequently than physical stores. If you are looking for a specific item, check online first to see if it is currently available anywhere. Then decide whether to buy online or wait to find it locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surplus military gear as durable as new military gear?

Durability depends on condition and how much the item was used. Unissued or excellent-condition items are as durable as new. Good or fair condition items are still durable but may need repair sooner. Military gear is built to last, so even heavily used items often outlast civilian equivalents. The risk is that you do not know the item's history.

Can I return surplus items if they do not fit or I change my mind?

Return policies vary by retailer. Some allow returns within 30 days if the item is unworn and in original condition. Others do not accept returns on used items or clothing. Check the store's return policy before buying. Online retailers usually state their policy clearly. Physical stores may have different policies for in-store versus online purchases.

Why is military surplus so much cheaper than retail?

The military buys in massive quantities and negotiates bulk prices far below retail. When the military no longer needs items, they sell them as surplus rather than destroy them. Retailers buy these items at auction for pennies on the dollar, then resell them. The savings pass to you because the retailer's cost is so low.

Are there differences between Army surplus and Navy surplus?

Army and Navy gear is similar in quality and durability, but designs and colors differ slightly. Army items tend toward olive drab and tan. Navy items include navy blue and gray. Both are built to the same military standards. Most surplus stores carry both mixed together, so the distinction matters mainly if you want a specific color or design.

What should I do if I receive a damaged item from an online order?

Contact the retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Most will replace the item or refund your money if you report the problem within a reasonable time. Keep the original packaging and do not discard the item until the retailer tells you what to do. Some retailers ask you to return the damaged item; others let you keep it and send a replacement.