Thunderhead Outfitters: Military Surplus

Thunderhead Outfitters started over a decade ago as a source for affordable military surplus and tactical equipment. What began as a passion project has grown into a full operation with a physical showroom in Dayton, Ohio and a robust online catalog serving customers across North America.

Their inventory spans four main categories:

• •Military Surplus - Authentic US, German, Italian, Polish, Israeli, Swiss, Austrian, Czech, Belgian, French, Dutch, and Romanian military gear. Sleeping systems (patrol bags, intermediate cold weather bags, modular sleep systems), field tarps, ponchos, pack liners, helmets, hydration systems, gas masks, and specialized field equipment.

• •Tactical Gear - MOLLE-compatible bags and packs (add-on packs, chest rigs, sling packs, utility bags, waist packs), plate carriers, tactical vests, ammunition and magazine pouches, medical kits and pouches, holsters, rifle slings, and modular components.

• •Camping & Outdoor - Backpacks (day packs, duffels, dry bags), sleeping bags and ground pads, cots and hammocks, camp cookware, water hydration systems (bladders, canteens, bottles, water purification), tents, navigation tools, and field tools (axes, knives, saws, shovels).

• •Clothing & Apparel - Military-style outerwear (jackets, parkas, fleece, rain gear), pants and shorts, tactical boots and shoes, hats (beanies, berets, boonie hats), gloves, and accessories. Brands include Rothco, Fox Outdoor Products, MIL-TEC, Brandit, and High Speed Gear.

They carry authentic military surplus from multiple countries, not just US gear. This means customers can find everything from German Flecktarn parkas to Polish gas masks to Italian rucksacks. Prices are competitive—a Wet Weather Poncho Liner runs $19.95-$36.95, and MOLLE pouches start at $2.95. For serious gear seekers, they offer wholesale purchasing and a military/responder discount program.

The showroom is appointment-friendly for Monday evenings, and they actively buy surplus inventory, so inventory turns over regularly.

Best sellers include ILBE waterproof pack liners, Modular Sleep Systems, MOLLE canteen pouches, duffel bags, and tactical waist packs. They also stock MRE rations, repair kits, and hard-to-find items like Paulson face shields and NAR medical litters.

Rothco (tactical gear), US Military Surplus (authentic gear), High Speed Gear (medical and tactical), North American Rescue (medical equipment), Fox Outdoor Products, MIL-TEC, Brandit, ALPS Mountaineering, and Carinthia (premium jackets).

"We've been providing quality military surplus, camping, and tactical gear at affordable prices since 2013." - Thunderhead Outfitters