Celebrate National Outdoor Month: Essential Gear for Every Outdoor Adventure

July marks National Outdoor Month, the perfect time to reconnect with nature, explore the great outdoors, and gear up for your next adventure. Whether you're heading out for a weekend camping trip, preparing for a backcountry hike, or just enjoying some time at the range, having the right gear is essential for both safety and enjoyment.

At Gear Up Surplus, we specialize in military surplus, survival gear, and tactical equipment that’s designed to perform under the toughest conditions. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top outdoor essentials every adventurer, survivalist, and tactical enthusiast should have this season.

Outdoor Survival Essentials

Navigation Tools

Getting off the beaten path is thrilling—but you need to find your way back safely. Consider packing:

• Military-style compasses
• Topographic maps of your area
• GPS units with preloaded wilderness trails
• Ranger beads (pace counters) for distance tracking

Fire-Starting Gear

Fire is critical for warmth, cooking, and signaling in emergencies. Essential fire-starting items include:

• Ferro rods and magnesium fire starters
• Stormproof matches and waterproof match cases
• Military-issue lighters
• Tinder kits and compact fuel cubes

Shelter & Sleeping Gear

Proper shelter protects against the elements and boosts comfort during your outdoor adventures. Popular options include:

• Military surplus pup tents and tarps
• Bivvy sacks and emergency space blankets
• Lightweight hammock systems with rain flies
• Military sleeping bags designed for extreme temperatures

Water Purification Solutions

Safe drinking water is non-negotiable in the outdoors. Consider these portable solutions:

• Military canteens with nesting cups
• Collapsible water bladders
• Filtration straws and pump filters
• Water purification tablets

Tactical and Military Surplus Gear for the Outdoors

Load-Bearing Equipment

Carrying your gear efficiently makes any trek easier. Key options include:

• Military ALICE packs and MOLLE backpacks
• Tactical chest rigs and vests for organized storage
• Military surplus duffel bags for longer trips
• Utility belts and tactical pouches for quick access

Clothing & Footwear

Durable clothing keeps you protected in rugged environments. Recommended items:

• Military surplus combat boots
• Ripstop BDU pants and tactical shirts
• Boonie hats and watch caps for sun and cold protection
• Tactical gloves for improved grip and hand protection

Multi-Tools and Knives

Versatile tools can handle countless outdoor tasks. Be sure to include:

• Military-issue pocket knives
• Fixed-blade survival knives
• Multi-tools with pliers, screwdrivers, and saws
• Compact axes or hatchets for chopping wood

Lighting & Communication Gear

Visibility and communication are key for nighttime or emergency situations:

• Tactical flashlights with adjustable beams
• Headlamps for hands-free lighting
• Glow sticks and signal mirrors
• Military surplus radios and field phones for group communication

Additional Must-Haves for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Personal Protection

Staying safe also means being prepared for potential wildlife encounters or self-defense:

• Tactical pens and discreet defense tools
• Pepper spray and bear deterrent spray
• Survival whistles for alerting others

Cooking & Mess Kits

Eating well in the wilderness is possible with the right gear:

• Military surplus mess kits and utensils
• Compact camp stoves and fuel
• Stainless steel nesting pots and pans
• Ready-to-eat military rations (MREs) for easy meals

First Aid & Emergency Kits

Accidents can happen anytime. Don’t forget:

• Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs)
• Trauma kits with tourniquets and bandages
• Emergency survival kits with multipurpose supplies

Gear Up for Outdoor Adventures This July

National Outdoor Month is the perfect opportunity to explore, reconnect with nature, and test your outdoor skills. Whether you’re preparing for a rugged hike, a camping trip, or simply want to enhance your emergency preparedness, Gear Up Surplus has everything you need.

From authentic military surplus gear to modern tactical equipment and trusted survival tools, we’ve got you covered. Browse our full collection online or visit our store to get ready for your next outdoor adventure.