How to clean a CamelBak bladder the right way — strip Gatorade and electrolyte residue for good, use deep-clean ratios that are actually safe, and fix the drying step that causes most mold.
G.E.A.R. Bunker BLOG
The MOLLE II Waist Pack Has 3 Jobs. Most People Only Use One.
Most guys write off the MOLLE II Waist Pack as a glorified fanny pack — something you bolt on when the Assault Pack runs out of room and forget about otherwise. Fair enough, that’s one job it does. It’s nowhere close to the only one. TM 10-8465-236-10, the Army’s own operator manual for the MOLLE […]
MOLLE II Explained: How the System’s Configurations and Load Levels Work
If you’ve bought a MOLLE II FLC vest, a rucksack, or a handful of pouches separately, you’ve probably wondered how they’re supposed to go together. The Army didn’t design MOLLE II as a single product, it’s a kit of interchangeable parts, built around six configuration sets and three load levels, all spelled out in the […]
US Military MSS Modular Sleep System: Complete Guide
The US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) is one of the most battle-tested, field-proven sleep systems ever manufactured. Built by Tennier Industries under US Army contract and tested at the Natick Soldier Research Center in Massachusetts, it has served soldiers in environments ranging from the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan to the mountains of South […]
Military Surplus Gear: 10 Things to Know
Military surplus gear has earned a reputation for durability, value, and real-world performance. But not all surplus is created equal. Whether you’re a service member replacing CIF gear, a prepper building a kit, or an outdoorsman who prefers proven equipment, understanding military surplus helps you buy smarter. At Smiths Surplus, we focus on modern, functional […]
How to Care for Your ECWCS System: Washing, Storage, and Longevity
How to Care for Your ECWCS Cold Weather System ECWCS isn’t fragile gear — but it is technical gear. When it works, it works quietly. When it fails, it usually does so without obvious warning. Insulation slowly loses loft. Shells stop shedding moisture. Breathable layers stop breathing. None of this happens all at once, and […]
What Is ECWCS? A Guide to the U.S. Military Cold Weather Clothing System
Cold weather does more than make conditions uncomfortable. It accelerates heat loss, traps moisture, and punishes small mistakes fast. The U.S. military learned this through decades of cold-weather operations. As a result, it developed the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) to keep soldiers functional in cold, wet, and unpredictable environments Cold weather doesn’t forgive […]
Ultimate Guide to the USMC Poncho Liner: Field-Tested Warmth and Versatility
Some gear is good. Some gear is legendary. The USMC Poncho Liner — the “Woobie” — is the latter. For generations, Marines have relied on this single piece of kit to stay warm, stay dry, and stay mission-ready in conditions that would sideline lesser gear. It’s not complicated. It’s not flashy. It just works — […]
How to Waterproof Military Surplus Gear: DIY Beeswax & Field Methods
Learn how to waterproof military surplus gear using beeswax, oils, and field-ready methods. From durable shop prep to emergency fixes, stay dry and mission-ready anywhere.
How We Grade Military Surplus Gear: Inside the Smiths Surplus 4-Point Inspection
Discover how Smiths Surplus inspects, tests, and grades military surplus—rucksacks, assault packs, and sleep systems—through a 4-Point Inspection built for the field.