GI Joe’s Army Navy Surplus

Some cool stuff and ok deals… consistently poor service. I was told you can no longer get green wool blankets buy the person working there, and when they do get them they are $ 40. I really wanted a second one and knew I paid $ 25 last time, at which I was told was no longer the circumstance… being the geek I am I went online right after leaving the store and found one exactly like I bought there a few years ago for $ 25! So, I’m not sure why he can’t still get them if other stores can. I still like the place and shop there for my camping needs… I just don’t go there for a friendly environment. I have gotten some really cool stuff over the years.

has some vintage stuff

This G.I. Joe’s Army Navy in El Cajon is cram-​packed with bargain-​priced genuine government-​issue military gear. The gigantic basement holds umpteen thousands of pairs of every manner of cool boots to shirts to pants to weird overcoats, sweaters, you-​name-​it. I bought the coolest pair of combat boots. When I went to try them on my foot encountered a GI pen, apparently left inside the boot by a soldier, stamped with a U.S. Marines logo. I was like, Whoa, what are the odds? I mean, that’s provenance for you (the clerk let me keep it).
Taking the boots on a test-​walk, there was so much sand in them, it seemed like half of Fallujah was in there! But I emptied the ‘desert’ out, gave ‘em a good whack and am the proud owner of a new (actually, very used, but with authentic wear) pair of Belleville, Gore Tex Marine lace-​up boots that feel and look amazing. I also picked up: a thick, black wool, mock-​turtleneck sweater; and a velcro BDU (shirt) in pixelated desert-​camo with the combat patches still in-​tact.
So many little odds-​and-​ends to dig through — a surplus-lover’s nirvana — with prices below any place I’ve ever encountered, whether bricks-​and-​mortar or online.

Its cool a little ovet priced in my opinion
But i didn’t have that much time to fully look around lots if cool stuff.
I will be back…

Got what I need

It’s so much fun to come in and just look through the selection of what appears to be actual army surplus. I bought some containers and a knife for camping. The staff was helpful but not on top of me all the time. The inventory changes frequently so I check back several times a year to what good deals can be had.

GI Joes in El Cajon actually has military real surplus, not a bunch of Chinese knockoff stuff. (Their brand new stuff is a mix of US made and overseas production), but their used gear is the real deal. Over the years I have picked up water jugs, USMC issue packs, ponchos, mag pouches, weapons cleaning gear, etc. from them. You have to hunt and peck a little, but you can usually find gently used items in good, serviceable condition. Good place to check out if you are a tactical shooter or into airsoft.

This place is awesome. Tons of stuff and great prices. Only place I could find white 550 chord. Definitely going back for more.

This is a great military surplus store. Every time I’m in San Diego I make it a point to drive out to El Cajon and stop at G. I. Joes. They have a lot of real surplus gear, ammo cans, pouches, packs, FSM’s, etc and their prices are reasonable. They also have a basement full of clothes. I don’t know what the deal is but the G. I. Joes in Oceanside sucks, this place is the real deal.

My credit card info got stolen right after I had made a purchase from here. Will not be returning.

If you are looking for a true army surplus store this THE place, everything is military. I wanted a duffel bag and found the perfect one to carry camping gear. Staff is friendly!

Great place with amazing staff, helped me find everything I needed and are very friendly. They also have anything you can imagine, I really can’t think of anything I would potentially need or want that they do not have in stock.
For sure check this place out.

Good service indeed. They literally have any and everything you could possibly need as far as military gear and supplies go. Im a happy customer lol.

Oh man, I need it and they have it. Even stuff I don’t need they have plenty of. Clothing, all weather all seaon, camping, fishing, RV’ing and what not. It’s worth it.
I bought flags for various reasons for my house and at a better price than Amazon.
I’ve spend time just looking around and it was fun. Bring the kids.

This is one of the best military surplus stores in San Diego. They have a wide range of selections from badges, belts, and the store is perhaps the same size as a Big 5. I came for some stirrup shirt stays and they had them for $ 7. If you ever need your dress shirts to stay in your pants, then get these! These things work amazing! I will see how long they last but so far so good.
Location is right on the corner of the block so it is easy to spot out. There is also a parking lot in the back so there’s plenty of parking available.

This is a good spot to pickup just about anything you need for camping or military gear. This is about my 3^rd or 4^th time coming here and I really think its a good place for military/​camping gear. Being here brings back a lot of memories of the marines and the navy for me some bad and some good. The prices are not the best but it is around the normal so it’s still pretty good to shop here. They have everything from camouflage t-​shirts to boots and bulletproof vests. I’m a big fan of this place because the prices are reasonable and for me its not a big deal that I can’t get my money back for something. Well actually I would say this GI Joe’s is a little less expensive versus some places in Oceanside, but in Oceanside you have a lot more choices. You really have to go downstairs if you are looking for any type of uniforms, boots and jackets. Okay so the employee’s aren’t that friendly but so what, I only need them for one thing, here’s my money now give me my receipt.

I accidentally found GI Joes on the way to P2K range and I am happy I did, One of the few surplus stores I have seen that have M249 links which look pretty awesome with the empty brass attached, Staff was friendly and they carried some interesting and unique military items. Definitely worth the visit.

Knowing where a good Military surplus store is paramount when you need gear/​supplies. GI Joe’s is one of those places. They have a huge selection of new and used clothing/​apparel, tools, survival equipment, ammo cans etc. and a lot of other neat stuff.
I needed another ammo can and didn’t feel like waiting for anything from the internet. GI Joe’s had one that looked like it was freshly painted for $ 10 which is better than what I could find online including the cost of shipping. Sold! That was easy! They also had some 40 mm ones for about $ 24.95 if I remember correctly.
They also have a downstairs with a bunch of used BDUs and clothing for pretty reasonable prices (BDU pants for $ 19.99) and most are in pretty good condition. There is also a bunch of other weird stuff down there too, it’s almost like stumbling upon a storage bunker somewhere.
The staff pretty much left me alone whole time but were friendly when I checked out so I can’t really complain. If I had a question I’m sure they would have helped me out.
GI Joe’s is now one of my go to surplus stores because. They have a great selection of gear and reasonable prices.
Now you know, and knowing if half the battle. GI Joe’s! Go Joe!

Seriously, I echo the sentiments of other Unilocalers before me when they exclaimed, «This place is great!» I found GI Joe’s Army Navy Surplus while trying to avoid Friday night traffic on the 8 Freeway hopping off where the signage directed me towards downtown El Cajon.
I’m a long time fan of military surplus. I don’t care for the drab green color so much as I do for the function and durability of the items you can find. Besides, it’s good for the environment to reduce/​reuse/​recycle.
Earlier this year, I purchased a collapsible shovel at my local surplus store store, but was still looking to gear up more for camping. GI Joe’s sells almost everything you can imagine would be surplus this side of an armored tank. Camping gear, survival gear, tarps, parachutes, ammo boxes of all sizes, hats, pins/​patches, boots, jackets and clothes, clothes, clothes! I bought my son an ammo box and myself a cover for my collapsible shovel. I plan on coming back for a durable propane camping stove.

I decided to stop in here because I wanted to pick up some pepper spray on my way home. With so many violent news stories lately I have been a little concerned about personal safety.
I picked up a few different styles for me an the BF. The lady was very friendly and helpful. I called ahead to be sure they carry pepper spray and the person on the phone was also friendly
The store is easily accessible off the 8 and it’s easy to hop right back on the freeway. They have plenty of parking in the back of the store so you don’t have to park on the street.
I didn’t look around the store really, but from what i could see they have a LOT of stuff.