Top Military Surplus Items for Fall Camping & Overlanding Adventures

Fall is one of the best times of the year to escape into nature—whether you’re car camping, hiking, or tackling a full-blown overlanding expedition. Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and stunning scenery make it the perfect season for outdoor exploration. But as conditions shift, so should your gear.

At Gear Up Surplus, we carry high-performance military surplus and tactical gear that’s built to withstand the harshest environments—making it ideal for camping, off-grid setups, and overlanding. Below, we break down the top military surplus items to pack this fall for maximum durability, comfort, and preparedness.

1. Military-Issue Tents, Tarps & Bivvies

Forget overpriced ultralight setups. Surplus shelter gear is rugged, weather-tested, and affordable.

Top Shelter Picks:

• U.S. Army pup tents – classic two-person setup with canvas strength
• Military-issue ponchos with liners – doubles as shelter, ground cover, or blanket
• Gore-Tex bivy sacks – waterproof and windproof for solo sleepers
• NATO tarps with grommets – easy to hang from trees or vehicles for a makeshift overland canopy

Why It Works: Built for field deployment—these shelters are made to handle storms, wind, and repeat use.

2. Sleep Systems & Cold Weather Gear

Fall nights can get cold fast. Military sleep systems are designed to retain body heat, even in freezing temps.

Must-Have Sleeping Gear:

• Modular Sleep Systems (MSS) – includes patrol bag, intermediate bag, bivy cover
• U.S. wool blankets – thick, durable, and fire-resistant
• ECWCS thermal base layers – Gen III level 1 and 2 for cold-weather layering
• Field sleeping pads – compact and insulative

Pro Tip: Pack extra socks and gloves. Surplus wool liners beat most commercial options for warmth.

3. Tactical & Modular Storage Solutions

Stay organized on the trail, in your truck, or at base camp. Military storage solutions are durable and mission-ready.

Essential Storage Items:

• ALICE or MOLLE rucksacks – load-bearing packs with modular expansion
• Ammo cans – waterproof, crushproof, and ideal for tools, food, or electronics
• Military duffel bags – rugged, oversized, perfect for overland packing
• Utility pouches – great for separating tools, cookware, and hygiene gear

Overlander Bonus: Ammo cans and MOLLE pouches mount easily to racks or interior vehicle panels.

4. Mess Kits, Cooking Tools & Fuel

Don’t hit the trail without a way to cook. Military field gear makes campfire meals simple.

Top Cooking Gear:

• Military mess kits – nesting cookware with plates, utensils, and pans
• Fuel tablets and solid-fuel stoves – easy to pack, light to carry
• Canteens with nesting cups – boil water directly in the cup
• Utensil kits and bottle openers – often overlooked but essential

Pro Tip: Keep one mess kit in your go-bag and another in your vehicle at all times.

5. Field Tools & Essentials for Off-Grid Living

Military surplus excels at providing multi-functional, packable tools for field repair, fire-starting, and survival.

Critical Gear to Pack:

• Entrenching tools (E-tools) – foldable shovels for digging latrines or campfire pits
• Ferro rods and magnesium fire starters – waterproof and windproof fire-making
• Tactical flashlights and headlamps – rugged, reliable lighting
• 550 paracord and carabiners – infinite uses from tent rigging to gear repair
• Water bladders and purification tablets – safe hydration in remote areas

Why Military Surplus for Camping & Overlanding?

Military surplus gear is battle-tested, budget-friendly, and field-proven. Unlike trendy outdoor brands, it’s not designed to look good on Instagram—it’s built to keep you alive, dry, warm, and equipped no matter where you go.

At Gear Up Surplus, we offer authentic military gear and modern tactical solutions that work seamlessly for outdoor adventurers, overlanders, preppers, and anyone seeking performance without gimmicks.

Ready to Gear Up for Fall?

• Browse our in-store and online selection of:Military-issue tents & sleeping gear
• Overlanding storage solutions
• Tactical flashlights & fire-starting tools
• MREs, cookware, and water kits
•  Loadout bags and ready-to-roll bug-out setups

Visit us in Titusville, Florida or online at gearupfl.com to prepare your fall field kit today.