I stopped in and talked with Russell the owner of the store. He is a good guy, knows a lot about the surplus business and has done a great job of stocking his store with of the stuff you like to see in a surplus store.

Desert Surplus has the same low prices as the catalogs because Russell buys from the same suppliers. But unlike a catalog at Desert Surplus you are able to hold and look at the item before you buy. You are even able to compare items with other versions or brands at the store.

Unlike the big box stores, Desert Surplus keeps many colors, types and patterns of cammo in stock. Blend in perfectly with any background. T-shirts, coats, rainwear, pants and even sheets of cammo on a roll.

It seems like a small place from the outside, but once you walk inside you see there is a lot of cool stuff in stock. Pouches, packs, webgear, boots, BDUs, Camping supplies, hiking gear. Then there's the knives, tools and other survival and outdoor gear.