An outdoor or Army surplus store might be the last place you expect to find bargains or hidden treasures. But believe it or not, there are actually quite a few of both that you can find at most outdoors or even sporting goods stores. Have you ever looked through the hunting or rock climbing section of an outdoors store? If your answer is no, you may be missing out on some really great items that you can use in your everyday life.
In the deep recesses of your local outdoor store, you may find a rack or two full of what is called 5.11 Tactical gear. This is an entire line of outdoor wear that can be used not only for outdoor activities but for work as well. If you work in an outdoor environment such as in construction or some kind of civil engineering, you likely go through your work pants and boots quite quickly. This is a large expense when you consider that you have to constantly be replacing both.
You can make your work clothes last longer if you buy 5.11 Tactical gear. In particular, 5.11 Tactical pants are renowned for their durability. Most have reinforced areas like around the knees that allow for much more bending an kneeling like you might do outdoors without ripping the material to shreds.
If you are a hunter or work in a hunting lodge, you have likely seen people wearing 5.11 Tactical pants or even their boots. They have a great line of outdoor boots with lots of sole on the bottom to ensure years of use. Though both the 5.11 Tactical gear and shoes cost more than your usual work clothes, they will last much longer, making them cost effective and a great bargain for those who want to save some money on their work clothes.
Another treasure that can last long (in fact a lifetime) in your outdoor or Army surplus store is the Bianachi brand of holsters. No matter what type of hunting you do or type of gun you own, Binachi holsters have something for you. Most of the holsters are made to withstand almost any type of weather. That means rain or shine, snow or sun, your firearm or rifle is safe and dry if you house it in a Bianchi holster.
Dig a little further and you will find even more 5.11 Tactical gear as well. From flannel shirts to work shirts, hunting vests to rock climbing gear, there is a whole lot of gear to go around. A lot of the gear is great for camping as well. You don't have to be an adventurer to appreciate the high quality of the 5.11 Tactical name. These items are of such high quality that you will be able to keep them for a lifetime with proper maintenance and care, unlike the dollar store flashlights, rain slickers and vests that will rip or tear the first time you use them. These items also store well and are hand in case of power outages, inclement weather and other dangers that you should always be prepared for.
There are a lot of different ways to camp. A trip can be pretty basic, involving tents and sleeping bags. Or, it can be more of a "luxury" trip to the great outdoors, complete with a camper, electricity and more.
Actual outdoor gear will likely be more important to those who really want to get away from it all and rough it while they're out there. To ensure that everyone has fun and the things that need to get done do, a family must work as a team. This is great for building relationships with kids and can strengthen ties among spouses.
Here are some of the ups of camping for any family:
* A way to get away from it all - literally. The great outdoors does come with its own distractions, but a wild deer sighting is likely to be much more fun than 10 phone calls from solicitors during dinnertime. Without televisions, telephones and other electrical equipment readily available (unless you bring them), families can really get to know each other.
* Opportunities to explore new things. With hiking, fishing, biking, bird watching and more all available on a typical trip, there should never be a dull moment.
* Team building. A family can really build itself up by taking a camping trip. It takes everyone to get the site ready, meals cooked and things cleaned up so members can go back to enjoying the sights.
For those who want to "rough it," camping gear can be vitally important. Without the right gear the trip will be uncomfortable for everyone and the basic necessities of life might not be present. Typical gear includes:
* Tent - make sure this is big enough to house all family members unless the teens are staying in their own pup tent! Be certain you understand how to pitch it, too!
* Sleeping bags - these should be comfortable and durable and built for outdoor use. If you're going somewhere very cold, be certain the bags are rated for the cold weather.
* Lanterns - it gets dark in the great outdoors, very dark. Flashlights, too, are a good idea.
* Cooking equipment. Even if you plan to cook over an open fire, if you don't bring the pots and pans, you'll be in trouble. Don't forget to include utensils, plates and so on, too.
* Backpacks and canteens. If hiking is in your future, you'll want to be ready to hit the trail. This means water, food, first aid items and such should go along with you.
* Food. Don't leave home without it! Be certain to pack coolers with enough food to last the trip and also remember things to open cans and so on.
* Bug spray. Don't go into the woods without it!
Those who choose not to rough it and go with the camper will need a lot of these things, too. Pack smartly and try to keep some of the distractions of home at home. Good outdoor gear can make a camping trip a pleasure.
Both Tony King & Ben Franklin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony King has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Online Security and Careers and Job Hunting. Tony King is a contributing author for the The which offers the finest equipment for military, fire, police, hunters, campers and enthusiast. Some of the. Tony King's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.