Survival

What is a Yurt?

Posted on November 16, 2020

Now that the hot summer is behind us, people are starting to adventure into the outdoors more and more. No matter if you camp or not, you have probably heard of a tent, but have you ever heard of a yurt? Do you know how a yurt and a tent are different from one another? Perhaps you are wondering where this item originated from. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of yurts and what they mean for the modern camper. What Is a Yurt? Unlike a tent or even a teepee, a yurt is a circular, dome-shaped shelter that can be easily assembled. The collapsible, foldable frame is made from flexible poles that create lattice walls, making it easy to reassemble. The outside of the yurt is often made of...

The Best Masks for Coronavirus

Posted on September 14, 2020

With Coronavirus still affecting the country, hundreds of thousands of people are looking for face masks. Whether it is a cloth one, a bandana or a medical mask, everyone is on the hunt for the best masks for Coronavirus. If you are still looking for that perfect mask, don’t worry. Here is a list of the best masks to fight against COVID-19. The Best Masks for Coronavirus In March, several U.S. states and numerous countries around the world went into lockdown over the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the CDC recommended that all U.S. citizens wear a mask or cloth face covering while in public, along with social distancing a minimum of six feet. This is especially relevant for people on public transportation; in a crowded space, such as a grocery store or...

What Level of SPF Do I Need?

Posted on July 13, 2020

Summer is here, and that means tons of activities outdoors. This also means coming into contact with the sun. Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is vital to your health. The most popular way of doing this is with sunscreen. But once you go to the store to buy some sunscreen, all the different SPF levels overwhelm you. You might be asking yourself: What level of SPF do I need? What is the difference between all these levels? Which one is best for me? SPF 101 First, let’s go over what SPF means. SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” The SPF level measures the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. There is some math involved to figure out which SPF...

What to Consider When Choosing a Flashlight

Posted on March 15, 2020

Having a good flashlight is essential. Whether you are camping in dark woods, reading a book under your covers or hiding out during a storm, you want to make sure your flashlight can illuminate your area. With this goal, here are some qualities you should consider when choosing a flashlight. Battery There are several battery options: rechargeable, non-rechargeable and renewable. Non-rechargeable flashlights require batteries, usually AAA or AA. For those who are constantly moving or using their flashlight, rechargeable might be a better option. Renewable refers to flashlights with a hand crank or solar panel, making them idealistic for emergency kits or surviving storms. No matter the battery choice, you want to think about how long the flashlight will last. It is also important to consider if it will fade gradually over time or...

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Backpack

Posted on November 15, 2019

Whether you are carrying textbooks, all your camping gear or your laptop and charged, having a sturdy backpack is essential. You want to make sure your backpack doesn’t drag you down and instead helps you with your load, whatever it may be. There are four questions you should consider before going out and buying a backpack. What Kind of Backpack Should I Get? There are literally backpacks for anyone and any purpose. You could get a hiking one for those outdoor trips to help alleviate carrying all your equipment. You might be considering a versatile rolling backpack or a lightweight and portable laptop bag. Another idea is a stylish canvas bag. Ask yourself how often you will use the bag and for what purpose. For example, you should probably avoid a high-end designer backpack...

https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/i-spent-a-week-using-body-wipes-instead-of-showering

How to Survive and Enjoy Burning Man 2019

Posted on August 16, 2019

Easily one of The Surplus Store’s favorite times of the year is upon us once again — Burning Man 2019. In the past, we talked to you about the festival’s history and various past themes, along with apparel essentials to best prepare you for this year’s bizarre festival located in Black Rock City, Nevada. But this year, we want to help you survive Burning Man 2019. Yes, survive. As much of a fun and surreal experience it can be, it is a physically and mentally exhausting sensory overload, filled with challenging art installations and of course, sand—and lots of it. With Burning Man 2019 just two weeks away, peep these tips to ensure you survive your first ever encounter with the mythical Burning Man festival. Hydration This one is a given and yet...

The Survival Supplies You Need to Start the New Year

Posted on January 8, 2019

With the New Year comes new ambitions, and with your upcoming adventures, it’s a good time to invest in some survival supplies. Hiking, camping, excursions to new places – these all involve you being exposed to the elements for a given amount of time. In doing any of the previous options, it’s good to have the supplies you need to keep you safe, nourished and ready for anything nature may throw your way. Here are a few essential survival supplies to have on hand going into the rest of 2019! Something to Start a Fire Utilizing a fire for warmth and food is something that humans have been doing for a LONG time, so proper tools for starting one safely are essential for survival situations. You have a few options when starting...

Coachella Survival Guide 2018

Posted on April 9, 2018

In case you haven't heard, Coachella is coming! Of course, you've heard. Arguably the most well-renowned music and arts festival kicks off in just a few days on April 13th! Festival-goers, music fanatics and all-around fun people are gearing up for an exciting time in sunny Indio, California. With a lineup of top acts from a variety of genres, talented artists, beautiful weather and your closest crew of friends, this festival is sure to be the highlight of your year! Making it a successful, exciting and safe experience requires some planning and preparation, though, and we've got you covered in that aspect. Prepare for the Coachella Valley Sun Any event that takes place outdoors in California will likely feature heavy dosages of sun rays. Coachella is no exception, and that's okay! It's...

Camping Paradise: Big Sur

Posted on February 21, 2018

There are few places more beautiful than California’s own Big Sur. With beaches and campgrounds, Big Sur has just about everything you’d need to enjoy a weekend outdoors. Are you into eating unique foods, hiking, swimming, lounging on the beach or just relaxing and having a peaceful time reading a book under the stars? A camping trip at Big Sur will help you achieve all of those things. Preparation is key, however, and we’ve got your Big Sur Camp Guide right here! Save Your Money – Go Authentic! Big Sur is one of the most popular destinations for anybody looking for a beautiful, relaxing and exciting adventure (which is just about everyone). Lodging, as you can imagine, is quite expensive in such a highly demanded destination. There are cabins for rent, but...

The Last-Minute Christmas Gifts That Will Be Perfect For Your Loved One

The Perfect Last-Minute Christmas Gift for Your Loved One

Posted on December 10, 2016

Something for Everybody: Last-Minute Christmas Gift The perfect last-minute Christmas gift can be found just around the corner on Venice blvd. in Southern California. The Surplus Store is a low cost, affordable, family-owned and operated, camping and military surplus store that may be the exact place you need when looking for a meaningful gift this year. According to our calendars, that special holiday of giving is near; shoppers are scrambling to pick up the best gifts for their friends and family. We may be busy with work and planning events and trips that could pit us with a limited time to shop for gifts. Many shoppers panic on what to get for their loved ones, if you're one of them, don't worry. We’re a large surplus store in the West LA region...