What we have done without Army surplus? My first big pack was a molded plywood packboard - heavy, but actually fairly comfortable, and you could lash anything on it. Down-feathers mountain sleeping bag (warm but heavy). Army angle pitons (complete with the ring of death). Army mountain tent (heavy). I scored big with a pair of military bearpaw snowshoes - cost $7.50. I wish I had them still.

I still have my mountain cookset - two two liter pans and a stainless steel lid/frying pan with a manufacturer's date of 1951. Still a very capable bit of gear.

When I got out of the Army, I blew two paychecks on a Kelty pack and a Gerry down bag, beginning my use of decent civilian lightweight gear. I swallowed hard at the price for the Kelty - $35, a king's ransom at the time.