Cal Surplus

This store is exactly what you would expect going into it, it has all the basics at a fairly reasonable price. Nothing too fancy yet there’s definitely things there that you didn’t go in for but will walk out with. They definitely cater to the «trustafarians» with all the patches and pins and grunge stuff in the front, but there are some gems hidden within, and of every color. You just have to make sure you’re getting what you want because all sales are final. They have recently upgraded to using square so that has helped out with payment. The dude behind the counter was so nice and helpful, he talked my ear off with stories On how he got to the US and started workin at this place in the late 70s– sounds weird, but it was entertaining… This sounds like it wouldn’t be that cool, but I wasn’t in a hurry and it helped my experience.
I went in to buy a duffle bag for my brother and walked out with a couple other trinkets for him, the next day he was asking for the address because he wanted to go get more…

Fun little shop on Haight street.
My kid wanted me to buy him a Russian gas mask «What the heck are you going to do with that?» I asked. «Uh…wear it?!» He responded.
Very friendly staff, cool gear and decent prices.
4 stars.
No, I didn’t buy him the gas mask.

Great store, great customer service. The employees are always super friendly, and although the store isn’t huge, it has a well-​curated selection. I can always find something (or a few things!) to buy when I stop in here!

I’m adding my review again as Unilocal HQ has removed it. these people are great and I have shopped here. The staff is friendly and the products is
Great. I’m sorry Unilocal HQ removed my review. I would recommend burners to def check this place out, or if you just want to look like tuff stuff

Cal Surplus is a little military surplus shop in the Haight, with clothes, hats, personal safety weaponry and accessories, flags, patches, pins and collectible posters. We loved the wall of assorted military and sporting hats (and, OK, I admit I loved the ladies hiphugger panties with «BOOTY CAMP» across the bum, haha!)
We purchased some thick wool gloves– which was sorely needed as it was FA-​reezing outside– and a couple of Air Force pins. Friendly, knowledgable staff and reasonable prices. It’s not a huge store but they do have plenty of inventory to browse through. Cal Surplus is a good place to duck into and buy a warm wool sweater or a big jacket before venturing back into the frozen tundra.

I seem to be drawn to this store every time I visit Haight. There are so many cool hats here! The jackets don’t seem to fit me but I like them! The folks here are also friendly and always greet you when you walk in. If you are looking for anything military especially for a costume I think this place might have it!

The army surplus store will be able to load you up with army boots, camo gear and items to help you on your way. Seriously the best deal on boots in the City. ALSO! When my last pair of boots got worn out and died a premature death, I told them and they kindly offered a discount on my new ones. Can’t promise this will happen every time, but the staff are cool and understanding. ACES!!!

I was in the store today and, while I didn’t end up buying anything, I had a fantastic conversation with the older gentleman that works there. He was quite friendly and funny and attentive to what I was looking for.
That said, I was in there for some costume props for a confederate civil war soldier costume. I was told they don’t stock anything from the confederate army — only the union army. To me, that feels like a pretty narrow-​minded way to run a business. While they’re certainly entitled to run their business as they please, I still gotta knock off a star for that.
That minor quibble aside, I’d definitely go back there. The selection of items was great and competitively priced and the older gentleman working there left quite a good impression on me.

Super fun store with overall good prices and nice selection of military inspired apparel, hats, accessories, pins, medals, patches and other useful gadgets and clothing, this is a great place and their prices are good. I bought 2 high quality Rothco black tank tops for the gym and 2 green desert digital camouflage tanks. My friend bought some awesome patches and pins and toy medals for her jacket to spice it up. Fun place for costume shopping too!

Excellent store. Needs to be added to Unilocal’s search database as an army surplus store; currently it’s under costumes only. This would help as «army surplus haight street» does not yet pick up California Surplus as a hit…

when I was a teen I loved going to army navy stores to hear the old timers tell war stories on how «charlie» got a hold of them in the jungle and put bamboo shoots under there finger nails until they talked.
Today’s war story at a surplus store is hearing Johnny cry about how mommy and daddy are cutting him off and he wont get his trust fund until he gets a job.
The store is OK if you are a hipster looking for a wool hat to wear in July. If you are looking for parts for your M1 carbine, look else where.

Excellent service, and on the Saturday before Halloween! I needed to find insignia to complete an army general costume for a production I’m working on. I was lucky enough to ask the older African-​American gentleman that works behind the counter. He made sure that I got exactly what I needed, and I was getting expert advice — he did 2 tours in Vietnam. Reasonable prices, ultra-​kind and dedicated customer service — I’ll invent reasons to shop here again.

Ever since I got into airsoft a few months ago I’ve been hitting up pretty much every military surplus store in the Bay Area, looking to fill out my kit. I decided to check it out when I was in the area, and found it to be a nice little store.
This place is definitely the smallest store I’ve been to while searching for gear for my new hobby, but I was pleased to find they managed to fit a good variety of different products into their store.
While their selection of items wasn’t quite what I was looking for in particular, the items they do carry are all sold at a good price, and guy who helped me (who seemed to be the guy running the place) was really nice, engaging, and helpful. I ended up picking up a skull bandana and a California state flag patch for my kit.
I came into this store the same day I made my disappointing stop at Kaplan’s (which earned a 1 star Unilocal review from me) and the difference was night and day. While neither establishment is a dedicated surplus store, the friendly, helpful, and welcoming environment at Cal Surplus was a welcome change for the better, and earned them an extra star just on service alone.

The lack of items here, and prices leave allot to be desired. China made milspec clothes are $ 10 – 15 more then Kaplans or any other retailer in the area…2x prices of online.
This is not a surplus store, but rather a typical Haight Street tourist trap.
If your looking for surplus or new BDU’s go elsewhere and save the $ 15 markup.

If you’re looking for some long lasting clothes basics for guy (or even yourself) — then hit up California Surplus. Their staff are always excited and willing to help and they have a vast array of plain T-​shirts, warm socks, cozy natural color sweaters, comfortable sweats, army hats, Dickies pants and pretty much anything else you can think of — that one may need for a camping or even just a leisurely «walk down Haight» excursion. I rarely walk out of here with at least buying one item.
Trust.

Great service. Crazy Marine was fun to talk to.

When you need that USA patch, those Dickie pants or a wool hat Cali Surplus can’t be beat. Super friendly service and prices that won’t drain your wallet this is my go to place for all my surplus needs. Make love not war!

I love this place!
Need some fingerless gloves real quick? They got you!
Need a duffel bag? Here you go!
Pepper spray! A must-​have for a little girl in a big city.
My only complaint is their prices for bandannas/​handkerchiefs are outrageous. It’s like $ 2.99 or $ 3.99 or something like that! Which is insane! Anywhere else they are .99 cents or less.
I haven’t noticed too much price gouging on other items though, so go for it! Just don’t get your bandannas here.

I went here recently for a present for my Dad. I was looking for an warm hat he could wear around the house, I found a perfect pilot looking hat here and a wool beanie. The owners were extremely helpful and nice. They give you good recommendations and answer all your questions. They sell jackets, gloves, scarves, boots, belts, etc. Prices are reasonable too. Thank you California surplus for the great service, awesome gift and for not emptying out my wallet.

Friendly service and top shelf merchandise!
Took a stroll into this small little shop to find the missing pieces to my B2B costume. A friend found his Captain Stubbing hat and I found my jacket. Great looking canvas bags were hanging on the wall with regulation boots as well. Flags from almost every war could be found adorning the walls and retro posters were at a good price.
I’ll be back. Yes sir!