Mesa
Member
Somebody recommend a good brand and source for BDU's. It seems everytime I buy some they fit differently or fall apart in the washer. Thanks.
Mesa
Mesa
Good BDU recommendations
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MessedUpMike
Member
Thift stores. You can usually find them for about five bucks a pair in good condition. the closer you get to a military base the better your chances get.
Lennyjoe
Member
Depends on the pattern your looking for. Most thrift stores around bases have the jungle camo patterns and maybe a desert pattern at times.
The local Surplus store here has BDU's in all flavors (jungle, desert, tiger stripe, black, tan ect.) and even the new Marine digital camo pattern. Thinking about getting a pair of them for myself just for the heck of it.
Cost at the Surplus store is $25 for each. (Tops & Bottoms are $25 each)
Can get them online as well.
The local Surplus store here has BDU's in all flavors (jungle, desert, tiger stripe, black, tan ect.) and even the new Marine digital camo pattern. Thinking about getting a pair of them for myself just for the heck of it.
Cost at the Surplus store is $25 for each. (Tops & Bottoms are $25 each)
Can get them online as well.
VaughnT
Member
I wear them all day and put them through a rough life. For name brands, you can't go wrong with Samco (a cheaper version but very good quality) or Propper (the supplier to our military). Both are durable and well made.
I prefer the 60-40 cotton/poly blend Ripstop or BattleRip fabric, but the twill weave is also nice, esp for winter wear.
Personally, I'd go with the Samco if it's available at your local police supply house, but I wouldn't hesitate to grab up some Propper if that's all they had. The price difference is negligible.
The are also available online if you do a search.
I prefer the 60-40 cotton/poly blend Ripstop or BattleRip fabric, but the twill weave is also nice, esp for winter wear.
Personally, I'd go with the Samco if it's available at your local police supply house, but I wouldn't hesitate to grab up some Propper if that's all they had. The price difference is negligible.
The are also available online if you do a search.
BluesBear
member
Has anyone ordered any BDUs from Bradleys?
www.bradleys-military.com
Looks like they have a good assortment at decent prices.
Although I would lke to see a size chart.
www.bradleys-military.com
Looks like they have a good assortment at decent prices.
Although I would lke to see a size chart.
I have used both Propper and Tru-spec. I like the Propper better as far as durabilty goes.
I sell the Propper brand.
Trousers $24.95 for Poly or Ripstop
$29.95 for Battlerip
Jackets 4 pocket $24.95 for Poly or Ripstop
Shirts 2 pocket $29.95 for Batllerip
Elite Firearms was having a closeout sale on a limited selection of there BDU's. All Tru-Spec I believe. $10 fro pants and $12 for jackets.
I sell the Propper brand.
Trousers $24.95 for Poly or Ripstop
$29.95 for Battlerip
Jackets 4 pocket $24.95 for Poly or Ripstop
Shirts 2 pocket $29.95 for Batllerip
Elite Firearms was having a closeout sale on a limited selection of there BDU's. All Tru-Spec I believe. $10 fro pants and $12 for jackets.
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I was wearing the some imitation MARPAT BDUs a while ago, and was told by a Marine that some might take offense to wearing "their" BDUs if you yourself aren't a leatherneck. Basically what it comes down to is that the MARPAT fabric has little EGA (eagle, globe, anchor) embeded in it, and some may question you wearing their beloved insignia without earning it.
Personally, I see where they're coming from, but it's still a heckuva cool pattern to wear, and I don't want to be a Marine just to wear it.
Personally, I see where they're coming from, but it's still a heckuva cool pattern to wear, and I don't want to be a Marine just to wear it.
I haven't seen any of the new Marine cammies for sale locally.
I'm one that does take offense to anyone wearing the EG&A that hasn't earned it. Even though I'm in the Army Guard now I'm still Marine through and through. I just wear a different uniform now (and roll my sleeves in a goofy manner. I'll never tuck my cuffs in my boots though).
I wear what they issue me and haven't had any problems with it wearing out too quickly. I'm not sure what brand it is.
I'm one that does take offense to anyone wearing the EG&A that hasn't earned it. Even though I'm in the Army Guard now I'm still Marine through and through. I just wear a different uniform now (and roll my sleeves in a goofy manner. I'll never tuck my cuffs in my boots though).
I wear what they issue me and haven't had any problems with it wearing out too quickly. I'm not sure what brand it is.
So only Lakers can wear Lakers jerseys? 
No offense, but MARPATS bandied about are more of a plus to the USMC. Free advertisement for new recruits. Unless they're worn in some dishonorable fashion, I don't see the problem.
All sorts of insignia are worn everyday by tons of people that are not part of the organization it represents. Mostly, it's a sign of support. And that's a good thing, no?
No offense, but MARPATS bandied about are more of a plus to the USMC. Free advertisement for new recruits. Unless they're worn in some dishonorable fashion, I don't see the problem.
All sorts of insignia are worn everyday by tons of people that are not part of the organization it represents. Mostly, it's a sign of support. And that's a good thing, no?
BluesBear
member
BIG BIG BIG Difference
The Lakers are a FOR PROFIT orginazation. They sell licenses for companies to sell merchandise with their logo and team name on it.
The Marines are not selling BDUs.
I doubt that any member of the Lakers have ever DIED while playing for the championship. Many Marines have given their lives becoming champions.
To even compare a bunch of overpaid primadonna basketball players with the United States Marine Corp is insulting.
When the Lakers start playng while wearing boots, in a muddy field with barbed wire across the middle, while carrying a 30 pound pack and using exploding basketballs then MAYBE you can compare the two.
The Lakers are a FOR PROFIT orginazation. They sell licenses for companies to sell merchandise with their logo and team name on it.
The Marines are not selling BDUs.
I doubt that any member of the Lakers have ever DIED while playing for the championship. Many Marines have given their lives becoming champions.
To even compare a bunch of overpaid primadonna basketball players with the United States Marine Corp is insulting.
When the Lakers start playng while wearing boots, in a muddy field with barbed wire across the middle, while carrying a 30 pound pack and using exploding basketballs then MAYBE you can compare the two.
FPrice
Member
The Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has good quality BDUs at reasonable prices. And they are the real thing!
The only downwside is, you have to be in the military or retired to get them.
The only downwside is, you have to be in the military or retired to get them.
jthuang
Member
Another happy Bradley's Military customer here. If you want a specific brand (e.g. Propper) make sure to specify such in your order. All my BDUs are Propper and Bradley's did not charge extra.
Regarding wearing of camo or BDUs in general, my view is that general clothing or equipment is ok for anyone to wear. As a taxpayer, you already paid for them once, so who's to stop you from paying for them (again)?
I draw the line at insignia (e.g. Ranger tabs), medals, patches and other accoutrements that must be earned. This includes the "US Army" tape that could easily be procured and worn above the BDU shirt pocket. I wasn't in the Army so I don't wear something that says I was in the Army. The only real exception I can see is if you're wearing dad's (or other close relative's) old M65 jacket or similar item with unit patch, tabs, etc.
Knowing nothing about MARPAT, I don't know what to say about it. I wouldn't know what MARPAT was if I saw it on the street.
Regarding wearing of camo or BDUs in general, my view is that general clothing or equipment is ok for anyone to wear. As a taxpayer, you already paid for them once, so who's to stop you from paying for them (again)?
I draw the line at insignia (e.g. Ranger tabs), medals, patches and other accoutrements that must be earned. This includes the "US Army" tape that could easily be procured and worn above the BDU shirt pocket. I wasn't in the Army so I don't wear something that says I was in the Army. The only real exception I can see is if you're wearing dad's (or other close relative's) old M65 jacket or similar item with unit patch, tabs, etc.
Knowing nothing about MARPAT, I don't know what to say about it. I wouldn't know what MARPAT was if I saw it on the street.
Carlos Cabeza
Member
I have bought many BDU's that have old indentifying patches, insignia etc. and out of respect I will cut them off using a seam ripper. Now the items I have that belonged to my Grandfather and Dad I refuse to deface in any way. They earned them and I wear them as a tribute to my heritage and history. I never see any company logos on the tags of BDU's I buy, only the little green tag...........
Lennyjoe
Member
I never wear anything on my bdu's when out hunting.
Even the old ones get sanitized prior to wear for anything other than official duty.
Even the old ones get sanitized prior to wear for anything other than official duty.
Big, big, big over-reaction.
Re-read my post, then re-read yours. I'm not comaring the Lakers to the Marines. I'm comparing the wearing of their uniforms by non-members of their organizations. Again, it's a show of support, much more a positive in the bigger picture than the negative some people perceive it to be.
Re-read my post, then re-read yours. I'm not comaring the Lakers to the Marines. I'm comparing the wearing of their uniforms by non-members of their organizations. Again, it's a show of support, much more a positive in the bigger picture than the negative some people perceive it to be.
Beetle Bailey
Member
The MARPAT is the new USMC camoflage that just came out. If you want to know what it looks like, go to a gun show and check out the most expensive BDU they have for sale. That is the new and cool MARPAT. It has the Marine Corp insignia (eagle/globe/anchor) designed into the pattern so it's not like you can remove it (well, I guess you could cut the fabric out everywhere you see it, but I'm going to assume you aren't an idiot). Now you see where the uh, disagreement comes in? Medals, patches, and stripes can be taken off regular BDUs comparatively easily, but not the eagle/globe/anchor. While I feel both sides have good arguments, I would personally look for something from a foreign country (not trying to be unpatriotic here) because I actively don't want to be mistaken for a member of the armed forces because I'm not. Don't get me wrong, I support the armed forces, after all, I pay taxes
.BluesBear
member
MARPAT stands for Marine Pattern. The USMC e/a/g is cleverly incorporated into the computer generated camo.
A "sophisticated" computer program was used to design the best camoflague pattern for multiple enviroments. While they were about it somebody got the idea to sneak in the e/a/g.
To just see someone wearing it indoors, at first it looks a little strange. But outdoors it really works well.
A "sophisticated"
computer program was used to design the best camoflague pattern for multiple enviroments. While they were about it somebody got the idea to sneak in the e/a/g.To just see someone wearing it indoors, at first it looks a little strange. But outdoors it really works well.
After reading the discussion about wearing Marine's clothing, I'd like to interject my $.02 (or less) that I feel there's a difference between wearing a shirt with a big bright EG&A on it and wearing MARPAT. The big bright shirt is akin to the lakers jersey, showing support. Wearing MARPAT seems to me to be along the lines of being a wanna-be. Having said that, I'd like to think that if MARPAT is the most effective cammo we can come up with, that it would be universally shared between the services.
Anyway, sorry about the thread hijack...
Mesa, what type of BDUs were you looking for? What environment (weather, geography, etc.)? Are you stuck on BDUs? I personally have found better types of clothing for different outdoor activities. Just because Uncle Sam uses it, doesn't mean it's the best. It simply means it was either the cheapest, the most available, or someone owns stock in the company that makes it.
Anyway, sorry about the thread hijack...
Mesa, what type of BDUs were you looking for? What environment (weather, geography, etc.)? Are you stuck on BDUs? I personally have found better types of clothing for different outdoor activities. Just because Uncle Sam uses it, doesn't mean it's the best. It simply means it was either the cheapest, the most available, or someone owns stock in the company that makes it.
Schuey2002
Member
That is exactly why I'm debating whether or not to pick up some Canadian CADPAT cammo..
Anyone got a problem with dem Canadians, Aye?
That's the problem I have with MARPAT and people's subsequent perception of it. It's exclusivity perpetuates a false sense of elitism for the Marines. The whole EG&A song and dance is baloney, as evidenced by the acceptability of t-shirts with EG&A's. Would MARPAT sanitized of all EG&A's be kosher, then? Doubtful. ONLY Marines can wear the MARPAT pattern. No Army, no Navy (except the Marines), no Air Force, and heaven forbid a civillian wears it.
If it is the best pattern, then all branches should be allowed to wear it. Amen, brother. So common sense, it hurts. If all branches wear it, then what's the difference between a civillian wearing MARPAT and one wearing plain old woodland? Answer: None. Wanna-be? Maybe, but no more than the guy in woodland or desert camos.
It's just a freaking camo pattern, people. If you're a Marine, be proud that you're a Marine. Be proud of what you've accomplished. Be proud of what those that have come before you have accomplished. Why you'd need an exclusive camo pattern to bolster your pride is beyond me. Why you'd be offended if someone wore MARPAT is also beyond me.
And, no, the t-shirt analogy doesn't fly because I didn't say Lakers t-shirt, I said Lakers jersey. As in, the Lakers uniform. Just as MARPAT is the Marines' uniform. People wearing Lakers jerseys can be called wanna-be's (depends on the person). I see it as showing support. I see it as free advertisement. Same with MARPAT.
But that's just my opinion, folks, and I know I'm in the minority. It's just frustrating to me that so many beliefs surrounding MARPAT stem from unfinished thought processes. It's just a freaking camo pattern.
And Mesa, sorry for the threadjack. I'm repeating myself anyways, so I'll shut up now.
In its current iteration, it has an EG&A every few inches or so. Take the EG&A off, and give it to everyone. I think the style of the uniform should be different between branches. IE the new USMC BDUs with the diagonal chest pockets that maintain some (albeit minimal) usefulness underneath a vest and the pocket on the arm, etc. I think the USAF's new BDUs have a tucked in shirt (but I could be wrong), and they could sure use a nice digital pattern over that stupid looking urban-commando-wannabe pattern that they just came up with.
fix
Member
As a Marine, I don't see any problem with civilians wearing the MARPAT. As others have mentioned, it's not like you can take the EGA off. Anyone diddybopping around WalMart wearing MARPAT is unlikely to be mistaken for a Marine anyway. That being said, If I caught someone wearing an EGA device (read: deliberately affixed to an article of clothing), my response could range from a subtle hint to a vicious beating depending on the circumstances.
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