Coleman's is the Utah-based Coleman's Military Surplus, selling army surplus clothing and equipment, camping gear, tactical packs, emergency preparedness supplies and outdoor odds and ends online. It is not the Coleman camping brand, although you may find similar products. An order at Coleman's goes well when you know whether an item is genuine issue, what condition it is in, and how its size is labelled.
Genuine surplus versus new commercial gear
Coleman's sells two kinds of stock side by side. Genuine surplus is equipment made for a military and later sold off: jackets, packs, ammo cans, sleeping bag systems, field gear. Commercial gear is new, made for the civilian market, often in military styles.
Genuine surplus is often tougher than civilian equivalents at a lower price, but it may be older, used, or sold in whatever condition it arrives in. Commercial reproductions are consistent and new but can be lighter in build.
Read the Coleman's product description for words like "genuine issue", "government surplus" or "commercial". They tell you which you are buying.
Condition grades on used surplus
Used surplus is graded. Coleman's describes condition on each listing, with terms such as new, like new, good or used. Graded items can show fading, repairs, stencilling, or names written inside.
For items that simply have to work, such as ammo cans, tarps, canteens and duffel bags, a used grade is a real bargain. For clothing worn close to the skin, or anything with a zip or seam under stress, a better grade is worth the extra.
Because surplus comes in lots, the item you receive may differ in shade or small details from the photo. That is normal for surplus at Coleman's and not a reason to expect an exact match.
Military sizing explained
Military clothing uses its own sizing, usually a chest or waist size combined with a length, such as Medium-Regular or Large-Long. The second part refers to height, not girth.
Measure your chest and waist, know your height, and read the Coleman's size chart for each item. Military trousers are often cut with a higher rise and adjustable waist tabs, and field jackets are made to fit over layers, so many buyers who plan to wear a jacket over a T-shirt size down.
Foreign surplus follows that country's size system. Check which army the item came from; German, Swiss and British surplus each label sizes differently.
Camping, packs and preparedness
The camping and preparedness side of Coleman's covers tents, sleeping bags, cooking kit, water containers, food storage and first aid supplies. Check weight on anything you will carry; military sleeping systems and canvas tents are durable but heavy for backpacking.
For food storage and emergency kits, read the shelf life printed on each product and plan to rotate supplies. Store in a cool, dry place.
Military ration packs and freeze-dried meals sold at Coleman's vary a lot in calories, portion size and taste. Buy a small mixed selection first and try them at home before stocking a cupboard. Water storage containers should be food-grade and rinsed before first use; Coleman's lists the material on each listing.
Packs are a strong Coleman's category. Check capacity in litres, frame type and compatibility with belts or pouches, since some military attachment systems do not suit civilian accessories.
Shipping and returns
Heavy items such as ammo cans, canvas tents and water cans cost more to ship. Put a large Coleman's order together in one basket rather than several small ones, and check the shipping total before paying.
Returns at Coleman's are typically accepted on unused items within a stated window. Surplus sold in used condition may have different terms. Read the current policy before ordering graded goods.
Where the Coleman's savings are
The 30% Coleman's code is the strongest. Use it on a big basket of packs, jackets or camping kit, where the saving is largest. Seasonal codes like this can expire quickly, so try it first.
The 25% code is the fallback if the 30% has lapsed. Its name suggests a clearance event, so it may only cover certain lines.
The free shipping code is worth more than either percentage on a heavy, low-priced order. Work it out: if shipping on a basket of water cans costs more than 30% of the basket value, free shipping wins.
Coleman's codes do not usually stack. Check whether surplus lots and sale items are excluded, since heavily discounted stock is often left out.
Common questions
Is Coleman's related to the Coleman camping brand?
No. Coleman's Military Surplus is a separate retailer that sells surplus and outdoor gear.
Will my Coleman's surplus look like the photo?
Close, but surplus comes in lots, so shade and small details can vary.
What does "Medium-Regular" mean at Coleman's?
Medium is the chest or waist size; Regular is the length for average height.
Is used surplus from Coleman's worth buying?
For containers, bags and tarps, yes. For clothing, pay for a better grade.
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