Military Surplus... Any good?

7ofBrian

Right folks. Thinking about getting a pair of combats from these lads for walking in the forest and general mucking about :

http://militarysurplus.ie/67-us-ranger-trousers-typ-bdu-woodland-(xs-5xl).html

Would they be any use ie would the material be durable / quick drying etc? Any better ideas? I'm on a pretty tight budget. Links appreciated.

SomeFool

If you live within shouting distance of a TK Max you can probably get a pair of Craghoppers Kiwi pants for about €30, about the best value out there at the moment.

Donny5

Ranger pants are okay (although be warned their sizing is exact, none of the vanity sizing you'll get in civvy clothes), but they are just cotton trousers with a load of button pockets. I have a few pairs for knocking about in, but I prefer Kiwis for hiking.

Orion

SomeFool wrote: »

If you live within shouting distance of a TK Max you can probably get a pair of Craghoppers Kiwi pants for about €30, about the best value out there at the moment.

Best value is eBay. I've bought a few pairs of Kiwis for about €25 on average from shops in NI and Wales. If you use Parcel Motel for delivery you'll save a lot on postage.

Gran Hermano

Amazon UK often have the craghopper range on special offer as well.

Orion

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Amazon UK often have the craghopper range on special offer as well.

Never thought of them - I'll have a look and do a price comparison next time I'm buying some. Again I'll be using Parcel Motel for free UK delivery prices.

Gran Hermano

Orion wrote: »

Never thought of them - I'll have a look and do a price comparison next time I'm buying some. Again I'll be using Parcel Motel for free UK delivery prices.

Pricing varies depending on colour and size:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Craghoppers-Classic-Kiwi-Walking-Trousers/dp/B00C6C8FC0

Depending on price and whether it's over £25 you may already have free shipping from Amazon and avoid needing parcelmote. Or just order two pairs if under 25 quid.

Even though I think North Face gear is a bit overpriced and...well...kinda over the top for most hiking around Ireland, on the other hand picked up trekking pants for €50 in their Kildare Outlet Village store recently and gotta concede they are just outstanding, very light, stretchy, dry in a heartbeat.

Tabnabs

If you're looking for trousers that are good for mucking around in the forest and may take a bit of abuse, then surplus are probably what you're after. They tend to be heavier and less prone to ripping. If you're after trousers for hiking, then craghoppers or better are what you're after.

My choice for best of both worlds would be Austrian army rip stop combat trousers.

7ofBrian

Tabnabs wrote: »

If you're looking for trousers that are good for mucking around in the forest and may take a bit of abuse, then surplus are probably what you're after. They tend to be heavier and less prone to ripping. If you're after trousers for hiking, then craghoppers or better are what you're after.

My choice for best of both worlds would be Austrian army rip stop combat trousers.

Any chance of a link?

Tabnabs

7ofBrian wrote: »

Any chance of a link?

https://www.google.ie/search?source=ig&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENIE313&q=Austrian+army+rip+stop+combat+trousers&oq=&gs_l=

stocks come and go as is the norm with surplus I'm afraid.

Gran Hermano

Another few sites that often have a few heavily discounted items suited to hiking amongst the usual dross they stock:
http://www.mandmdirect.com/
http://www.fieldandtrek.com/
http://www.sportsdirect.com/

dipti

As per my knowledge military surplus clothes or even military surplus weapons are very good to use. Because of they are made to protect soldiers in hard conditions. These clothes will be perfect for tracking and campaign purpose.

Cen taurus

Military surplus varies greatly in quality. When governments are tendering for military clothing, its the lowest price supplier that meets the specs and gets the job, in these specs, durability for the government takes precedence over comfort/breathability/waterproofness every time. When other choices were limited, and it was priced well, and there was a steady supply in europe thanks to the cold war, military surplus was ok. Nowadays, anything that has not already worn out and half rotted by sweat, can often be overpriced for what it is, though it will be very durable, as military clothing does have to put up with a lot on training exercises. It has a novelty factor for some, and you might pick up a good piece now and then, keep an eye out.

W1ll1s

You have to look critically at this gear. A lot of fake military surplus on the market...