When you first think of the army surplus store, you would first conjure up the sights of drab green fatigues and gas masks. No, you won’t find a Kalashnikov nor a rocket propelled grenade. But what you will find is a plethora of items that you can use outside the combat zone.

Have a camping trip or possibly a costume party? Maybe you have a fishing trip or maybe you’re planning for the zombie apocalypse. The Army, or Army-Navy surplus store is a place where you can stock up on combat fatigues, camping equipment or other emergency supplies.

At the Army surplus store, you will hear the term “BDU”; It stands for battle dress uniform -- the standard issue uniform for combat personnel. And at the Army surplus store, you can purchase the same uniforms that combat personnel around the world use. Whether it be desert, woodland or amphibious uniform, it can be found there.

And if you are looking for vintage combat uniform, the Army surplus store has authentic and recreations of these. The surplus store is a destination for people looking for a costume for a party or for Halloween. You can find Civil War, World War and Vietnam era uniforms as well as hats, flags and medals.

Looking to find combat-level tools and equipment for your camping trip? Maybe you are looking for emergency utilities and rations just in case of earthquake, flood or zombie apocalypse. The Army surplus carries stoves, pots, shovels, emergency water and emergency foods just in case. Need heavy duty items like sleeping bags and tents? They carry the same ones as the armed forces use. You can get the same camping supplies and equipment at brand name stores or specialty outdoor stores, but unfortunately the prices on the same items can be much too steep.

Just as sturdy and rugged as combat level apparel and equipment are, work clothes serve the same purpose. Work boots, work pants, jumpsuits, firesuits and coveralls can all be found. The most prominent brands seen at these stores are Dickies, Levi’s, Carhartt and Ben Davis. Work boots from Cat, Carolina, RedWings and Timberland can be found with the option of having a safety toe or non-safety toe.

Image credit: morebyless on Flickr