Camping Tips: 5 Vital Pieces of an Army Surplus Kit
Posted on: 30 May 2017
Getting out into the great outdoors can be a lot of fun. However, it is important that you are fully prepared so you can navigate your way around, make food and deal with any emergencies. The Australian army produces some of the finest outdoor equipment known to man. Below is a guide to 5 military surplus items you should consider investing in before your next camping trip.
Military ration packs
When you visit the army surplus store, you should look out for any military ration packs which are on sale. Military ration packs contain freeze dried food which contains all of the calories you will need when hiking outdoors. The packs are easy to prepare, as all you need to do is add boiling water.
Heavy duty military compass
While many camping supply stores sell civilian compasses, these do not compare with the heavy duty type used by the Australian military. Civilian compasses are typically made of a perspex material which can shatter when dropped. Military compasses usually incorporate metal and Kevlar into their design which makes them shock resistant.
Military first aid kit
While it is possible to buy a civilian first aid kit, these are normally designed for use around the house or workplace rather than in the great outdoors, meaning they may not contain all of the equipment you may need. A military first aid kit is designed to be super lightweight and will contain larger bandages, tourniquets and burn bags which are not typically found in civilian first aid kits.
Military head torch
If you are trying to read a map, traverse difficult terrain or carry out first aid on a member of your party, it is likely you are going to need both hands to do it. A military head torch features a comfortable strap which will allow you to attach a lightweight LED torch to your head. When wearing the head torch, wherever you look will be illuminated, and you will have the full use of both hands.
Flints or waterproof matches
If you find yourself in an emergency survival situation, the ability to start a fire to keep warm and cook with could be the difference between life and death. An army surplus store should sell a range of waterproof matches and flints. By striking a waterproof match or the flint against a rock, you should be able to create the heat needed to start a fire.
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of using army surplus equipment, you should contact a camping store today.
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