Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about our condition grades, military sizing, warehouse dispatch, international duties, and return terms.
Gear, Grading & Stock
Is your stock genuine military surplus?
Yes. Most of our inventory is authentic government-contract surplus sourced directly from military reserves and depots. Every surplus item is checked and assigned a clear condition grade.
Where vintage surplus is rare or unavailable, we also stock brand-new commercial reproductions (such as Mil-Tec) and sealed rations. These are always clearly labeled on the product page.
What do your condition grades mean?
Every piece is inspected and graded by hand in our UK warehouse:
- Supergrade: Genuine military issue. Unissued or barely worn, crisp, and clean.
- Grade 1: Genuine military issue. Light service use, fully functional, with all buttons and zippers working.
- Grade 2: Genuine military issue. Visible wear, fading, or period repairs, but completely operational.
- Commercial: Brand-new reproduction gear built to military specifications.
- Provisions: Brand-new, factory-sealed ration packs and energy rations.
Read our complete breakdown in our Grading Guide.
When will an out-of-stock item be restocked?
Authentic surplus is finite. We buy in batches from government auctions and arsenals worldwide. Once rare vintage items or specific sizes sell out, we may not be able to source them again. When it's gone, it's often gone.
Sizing & Garment Care
How does military sizing work?
Original military labels usually show metric sizing (height and chest or waist in centimetres). We measure items flat in our warehouse and provide converted UK chest sizes in inches alongside standard S–XXL equivalents.
If you plan to wear heavy layers underneath combat jackets or parkas, we recommend ordering one size up.
Has surplus kit been washed before shipping?
Kit is shipped in its authentic "as stored" depot condition. Items kept in government storage for years can carry a distinct military arsenal scent. We recommend washing garments according to their care instructions or hanging them to air out before first use.
How do I remove the surplus storage smell?
That distinctive surplus scent comes from long-term depot storage and protective preservation treatments. It is completely normal and easy to remove:
- Air It Out: Hang your gear outdoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 24 to 48 hours. Fresh air does wonders.
- Standard Machine Wash: Run the garment through a normal cycle using your regular laundry detergent, following the sewn-in care label.
- White Vinegar Rinse: For stubborn odors, add a cup of plain white vinegar to the rinse cycle (or pre-soak in cool water with a splash of vinegar). Vinegar naturally neutralizes deep storage scents without damaging vintage fabrics or wool blends.
Shipping & International Customs
Where do orders dispatch from and how fast is delivery?
All parcels are packed and shipped directly from our warehouse in Aberystwyth, Wales. Orders placed before 1:00 PM (Monday–Friday) ship the same day.
We offer Royal Mail Tracked 24 (1–2 days) and 48 (2–3 days), Parcelforce Next Day for the UK, and DHL Express or tracked airmail for global destinations. View full delivery details on our Delivery & Shipping page.
Do you ship internationally, and are taxes included?
Yes, we ship worldwide. For customers in the United States and European Union, all import duties, tariffs, and taxes are calculated and paid upfront at checkout. Your package clears customs automatically with zero surprise fees on delivery.
What currencies can I pay in?
You can browse and pay in GBP (£), USD ($), EUR (€), CAD ($), and AUD ($). You can switch currencies at any time using the selector in the site header.
Payments, Returns & Exchanges
What payment options and buy-now-pay-later services do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and PayPal.
We also support interest-free installment options via Klarna, Shop Pay Installments, and PayPal Pay in 3. See our Payment Methods page for details.
What is your returns and exchange policy?
We offer a straightforward 60-day returns window. Items must be in the same condition as received with depot tags intact. Direct size exchanges are available for UK orders, while international returns are refunded.
Refunds are typically processed within 5 working days of reaching our warehouse. Check full guidelines on our Returns & Exchanges page.