Guides & Resources

When disaster strikes, you’ll have to make a lot of decisions that affect your safety and well-being. The first and arguably most important is whether to stay put or evacuate. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each situation is different, and a lot depends on the nature of the threat, your location, and your ability to move safely. Let’s break it down. Assessing Your Threat and Environment The first step in deciding between sheltering-in-place or bugging out is to evaluate …

There are approximately 300 significant power outages in the United States each year. Most of these power outages last a day or less. Yet, even these short power outages can wreak havoc. That leaves us to wonder: what would happen during a long-term power outage—and how can we prepare? Extreme Weather Is the Main Cause of Power Outages  Most major power outages are caused by severe natural disasters. For example, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused 3.5 million people to lose power, and the …

During major disasters, a city is one of the most dangerous places to be. Even safe neighborhoods can turn into hazard zones within a matter of hours. That’s why it’s so critical to be able to evacuate quickly and efficiently. The key to a successful evacuation is having a Bug Out Bag (BOB) packed and ready to go.  Bugging Out in the City: Navigating Urban Challenges Evacuating from a city presents challenges that differ significantly from rural areas. You’re more likely …

Shopping for bunk beds can feel overwhelming, especially when safety is your top priority. Whether you're furnishing a kids' room, outfitting a military barracks, equipping a college dormitory, or setting up commercial accommodations, understanding the essentials of bunk bed safety features and sizing options will help you make a confident decision. Essential Safety Features Every Bunk Bed Should Have Safety Rails: Your First Line of Defense Bunk beds sold as a fixed set that can only be used to …

If you’re looking for a sturdy tent that can handle anything from wild storms to sub-zero nights, military surplus tents are a great place to start. These are no ordinary camping tents—they’re built for war zones, field hospitals, and arctic expeditions. But before military tents became the rugged shelters we know today, they went through a long evolution of design, materials, and use. In this guide, we’ll cover the different types available and what to look for when buy …

Military surplus boots are built to withstand rough terrain, bad weather, and long hours on foot—so they can be a great choice for hiking, hunting, or preparedness. But a common question people ask is: Are military boots actually comfortable to wear? The quick answer: they can be, but you will likely need to break them in first. What to Expect from Military Surplus Boots Military boots are designed for function. They’re tough, durable, and made to support your feet under heavy loads, …

Military surplus stores are treasure troves of gear—everything from vintage field jackets to modern tactical equipment. And yes, in most cases, buying and owning this gear is completely legal. However, there are a few important exceptions to keep in mind to ensure you’re not unintentionally breaking the law. How Is Military Surplus Legal for Civilians to Buy? When the military no longer needs certain equipment—whether due to overproduction, outdated standards, or the end of a c …

One of the unique aspects about military surplus gear is that each item may show different wear. All of the “Used Surplus” were once issued and some had long deployments where others may have been turned in with little or no use.  This is all based on the soldier's job known as MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or if they had extra gear etc. Understanding different military surplus conditions—or grades—is key to making an informed purchase. In this guide, we&rsqu …

Shopping for military surplus can be exciting and lots of fun. Not only do you have the chance to find quality gear at low prices, but also to find cool vintage gear from our nation’s history. However, with so many options, and differences buying military surplus we know it can also be a bit overwhelming at first If you’re ready to dive in but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through what you need to know to find genuine gear and make smart purchases. What i …