FAQs

Find answers to common questions about military surplus, sizing, stock, delivery and returns at SOS Outdoors.

Products and military surplus

What is genuine military surplus?

Genuine military surplus is equipment or clothing originally manufactured for military use. It may be unissued, stored for long periods or previously issued and used. When a product is described as genuine military surplus, it is an authentic surplus item rather than a fashion reproduction.

Are all your products used?

No. We sell a mixture of new outdoor equipment, unissued surplus and previously issued surplus. The condition will be stated on the individual product page.

What condition should I expect from military-surplus products?

Unless described as new, genuine surplus can show signs of storage or previous service. These may include minor marks, fading, repairs, writing, different labels, production dates or small variations in shade and design.

These differences are part of the nature of genuine surplus. We describe the expected condition as clearly as possible on each product page.

Will I receive the exact item shown in the photographs?

Product photographs are representative unless the listing specifically states that you will receive the exact item pictured. Genuine surplus can vary slightly in colour, markings, labels, manufacturer and production year.

Does military surplus arrive cleaned?

Surplus items are checked before dispatch, but previously issued products may have been stored for long periods. We recommend cleaning or washing suitable items before use, following the care label and product instructions.

Sizing and measurements

How do I choose the correct size?

Check the sizing information and measurements shown on the product page before ordering. Military sizing can differ from normal UK high-street sizing, so the stated measurements are usually more reliable than the size printed on the label.

If you are between sizes or need help interpreting military sizing, contact us before ordering.

Why do some products have unusual military sizes?

Military clothing is often labelled using height, chest, waist or leg measurements instead of standard small, medium and large sizes. Where possible, we convert these into clearer UK sizing and provide the original military size for reference.

Stock and availability

Will an out-of-stock product return?

Some products are restocked, but genuine surplus is often limited and availability cannot be guaranteed. If a product offers a restock notification, enter your email address to be alerted when it becomes available again.

Is an item reserved when I add it to my basket?

No. Adding a product to your basket does not reserve it. Stock is secured only after checkout has been completed successfully.

Orders and delivery

How quickly will my order be dispatched?

Orders are normally dispatched on the same or next working day. Orders placed during weekends or UK bank holidays will be processed when we reopen on the next working day.

Where do you deliver?

We currently deliver to UK mainland addresses only. We do not currently offer standard delivery to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or international addresses.

How much does delivery cost?

We offer free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £65. For orders of £65 or less, the delivery charge depends on the size and weight of the order and is displayed at checkout before payment.

Will I receive tracking information?

You will receive a dispatch confirmation email when your order has been sent. Tracking details will be included when they are available for the selected delivery service.

Can I change my delivery address after ordering?

Contact us immediately if you notice an error. We will try to update the address if the order has not been dispatched, but changes cannot be guaranteed after an order has entered processing.

Why has only part of my order arrived?

Larger orders may be dispatched in more than one parcel, and parcels can occasionally arrive separately. Check your dispatch confirmation for additional tracking details before contacting us.

What should I do if my order is delayed?

Check the tracking information first. If the estimated delivery period has passed without an update or delivery attempt, contact us with your order number and we will investigate with the carrier.

Returns and refunds

Can I return an unwanted item?

Yes. You must tell us that you wish to cancel within 14 days of receiving your order. After notifying us, you must return the goods within a further 14 days.

Contact us before sending anything back so we can provide the correct return instructions and identify your parcel when it arrives.

Who pays for an unwanted return?

You are responsible for the return postage when you have changed your mind or ordered the wrong product or size. We recommend using a tracked service and keeping your postage receipt.

Can I exchange an item?

We cannot guarantee direct exchanges because surplus stock and sizes can be limited. The quickest option is normally to return the unwanted item for a refund and place a new order for the required item.

What if my product is faulty, damaged or incorrect?

Contact us as soon as possible with your order number, a description of the problem and clear photographs where appropriate. Do not return the item until we have provided instructions. SOS Outdoors will cover the reasonable return cost for products confirmed as faulty or incorrect.

Contacting SOS Outdoors

How can I contact you?

Use the Contact Us page and include your order number if your question relates to an existing order. Providing the product name, size and photographs where relevant will help us answer more quickly.

Still need help?

If your question is not answered here, contact us and we will be happy to help.