If you’ve ever shopped on the second-hand outdoor gear market, you may have come across military surplus tents. These are unique from typical everyday camping tents, offering abundant advantages for a range of different adventures and activities. But what exactly are military surplus tents? How are they different from traditional camping tents, and what are the best ways to use them as an average consumer? Read on to find out!
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What Is a Military Surplus Tent?
A military surplus tent is a tent that was once used for various military operations, including war zones, expeditionary shelters, field hospitals, emergency housing, and other purposes. At the end of their use in the military, they’re donated or sold to second-hand and surplus stores, where people like you and I can purchase them used.
They come in a wide range of styles and shapes, with canvas tents, like wall tents and bell tents, being two of the most common. While military surplus tents range in style, they all share several advantageous qualities that allow them to excel in the unique and intense environments of military operations. These favorable characteristics include 4-season weather resistance, durability, and spaciousness, just to name a few of the best. It’s safe to assume that these tents are held to only the highest standards, making them a coveted find for everyday consumers shopping for reliable used tents.
The Best Ways to Use a Military Surplus Tent
Thanks to their high quality and abundant beneficial traits, there are endless ways to give these shelters a purposeful second life.
Family and Group Camping
Family and group campers alike love military surplus tents for their spacious interiors, which can easily fit an entire camping crew. While the capacity of each tent will differ depending on the style and model, canvas army tents can often accommodate anywhere from 2 to 16 people at once, making them some of the best options for large groups. Families with young kids and pets also benefit from the durability of these tents, thanks to their ability to withstand a little more roughhousing than traditional camping tents.
Glamping
If you need space and durability for things instead of people (no judgment here!), military surplus tents will serve you well, too. Creating a glamping oasis in the outdoors requires a specific type of tent to be able to hold the luxury tent accessories associated with this style of camping, from full-size mattresses and bedframes to couches and lounge chairs. Military surplus tents check all these boxes and more, offering the perfect spaces to build the glamping setup of your dreams. Go for a bell tent-style surplus shelter if aesthetics are just as important to you as functionality.
Hunting or Fishing Basecamp
Sticking to the realm of camping, a military surplus tent is a fantastic choice for a hunting or fishing basecamp. Pitch one of these bad boys wherever your expedition leads and enjoy the ample space to store your gear, rest your head, and perform the tasks associated with your sport. Plus, a military surplus tent’s superior weather resistance allows you to venture into the wilderness during any season, increasing your chances of scoring top game.
Backyard Parties and Events
Have a big birthday or special occasion to celebrate soon? Pitch a military surplus tent in your backyard to serve as a temporary shelter for any outdoor celebration! From backyard slumber parties for kids to outdoor dinner parties and wedding showers, this style of tent is easy to set up for a single night or weekend of hosting. Plus, the high quality and durability of military tents allow these shelters to easily accommodate party decor to make your vision come to life.
Festival Accommodation
Attending weekend-long festivals can get pricey, and accommodations are often the largest expense. For festivals that offer camping, pitching a military surplus tent can give you the best of both worlds. Not only will this route save you money, but it also provides you with a comfortable and stylish shelter to come back to after a long day of festivities. Whether you’re braving Burning Man or can’t miss out on Coachella, military tents are the perfect alternative to a pricey hotel without sacrificing functionality and comfort.
Vendor Booth at Outdoor Markets and Fairs
For artists, craftsmen, small business owners, and the like, military surplus canvas tents make for awesome vendor booths at outdoor markets and fairs. Not only do they provide plenty of space to display your goods for shopping, but they also provide a stylish and inviting atmosphere to draw customers in. Not to mention, their resistance to weather will keep you and your products safe, no matter the weather outdoors!
Upcycle the Materials
Since military surplus tents are often pre-used and well-loved, there’s always a chance you’ll come across one that’s no longer fit for the outdoors. Alternatively, you may simply not need an outdoor shelter. If you find yourself in either of these scenarios, consider upcycling the materials to give them a useful second life! The options for upcycling are endless, but here are a few creative ideas on how to repurpose a military tent:
- Upholstery fabric for a DIY couch, chair, or other piece of furniture
- Canvas tote bags
- Fabric pouches for a variety of uses, including stationery, makeup, and coin purses
- An outdoor tarp for protecting equipment, gear, and other important items stored outside
Final Thoughts
Tents once used in military operations often end up at second-hand and surplus stores, giving everyday consumers access to high-quality gear ready for a second life. Because of their use in unique and intense environments, military surplus tents offer several notable benefits, including durability, 4-season weather resistance, and spaciousness. While they come in a range of styles, from wall tents to bell tents, they all share these core qualities that once allowed them to succeed in military environments and now provide consumers with high-quality, versatile shelters. Whether you’re looking for a spacious and durable tent for your next family camping trip or you need a reliable shelter for your backyard dinner party, you’re sure to find the perfect use for a military surplus tent!
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