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The best used and new military gear stores near JBLM

Tactical Tailor, a military gear store in Lakewood, is known among the military community for designing and manufacturing high-quality field gear that easily surpasses standard-issue military field gear. Photo credit: Christina Butcher

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Are you as tired of donning uncomfortable, standard-issue military field gear as we are? How about going to Clothing & Sales on post only to find a few expensive and "not-quite-what-I'm-looking-for" options? We figured you would be, so we're giving you a short list of the best used and new military gear stores near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM):

First on our list is 92 Yankee Military, Tactical & Outdoor. Located in Lakewood, 92 Yankee is just outside of the JBLM main gates. The store opened in 2009 with the intent of helping military, police, EMT, corrections officers, and hardcore sportsmen find reasonably priced gear they need to get their jobs done right. It has some of the highest customer ratings in the area, as well as a huge selection of used and new gear. If you're looking for something specific for let's say, PCS or ETS'ing, or maybe you've got a range day coming up and you need range supplies, you'll probably find it here. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 14818 Union Ave. SW, Lakewood, 253.301.3816, 92yankee.net

The Foxhole is another used and new military gear store in Lakewood, conveniently located just down the street from 92 Yankee and near JBLM's Madigan Army Medical Center gate. The Foxhole has been in business for over 25 years, meaning you'll probably come across gear "gems" from times long past as you peruse long aisles crammed floor-to-ceiling with gear. We're talking buckles and latches still made of metal, canvas roll pouches for maps and "Booby Trap Field Guides." The Foxhole's inventory isn't limited to just military products, either; you can also find paintball supplies, knives,  camping and hunting gear.  9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily, 15022 Union Ave. SW, Lakewood, 253.584.0626, stores.thefoxhole.org

For those of you on the hunt for high-speed gear made with the newest technology or customized products, Tactical Tailor is where you need to be. Tactical Tailor is also located in Lakewood, but it's a bit hard to find because it's tucked away at the end of a side road amidst factory buildings and precariously leaning chain-link fences. But don't let Tactical Tailor's troublesome location deter you, especially since once you're close, you'll see a full-sized Army tank parked right in front of the building, drawing you towards highly coveted, customizable gear.  

Tactical Tailor was founded by former Army infantryman Logan Coffey, who made and tested the gear himself while serving in the U.S. Army in the 1990s. During his time as a soldier, Coffey gained a strong reputation for modifying and improving military-issued gear for himself and his battle buddies. He opened Tactical Tailor in 1998, after leaving the military to pursue designing and manufacturing military gear full-time. Although Coffey passed away in 2008, Tactical Tailor continues to expand its product line and is still known for designing and manufacturing high-quality field gear. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, 10203 Lakeview Ave. SW, Lakewood, 253.984.7854, tacticaltailor.com

Once you've exhausted all your options in Lakewood, head north to Quantico Tactical in Tacoma. Here, military servicemembers and first responders enjoy special pricing on weapons and accessories. Quantico Tactical has a large selection on weapons, accessories and tactical gear at each of its five locations across the U.S. The number of products in stock may seem overwhelming, but trust us, it's worth your time to peruse the abundance of apparel, field bags and cases, weapons, optics, holsters, eye wear and other products if you're in search of gear that'll take you to the next level. Similar to 92 Yankee, Quantico Tactical has high customer ratings online. It should definitely make your short list of gear stores to visit. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Suite F101, Tacoma, 253.582.8222, quanticotactical.com

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