RANGER Products
We've been doing business in Surbiton for over 20 years now, selling an extensive range of quality outdoor clothing and expedition equipment at sensible prices. Our selection of military surplus is all top grade, and all hand sorted – by us. At RANGER you'll always find real value for money.
We're open 7 days a week. Our 'Contact Us' page will show you how to find us.
So – come and visit! You won't be disappointed. The Trading Post is always bursting at the seams with great kit. Our staff is knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. You'll be most welcome.
(Prefer to order online? See our catalogue overview below, or click the red On-line Shop link above. Either way, enjoy your RANGER experience!)
RANGER Dispatches:
Dispatch 24th December 2008
From Andy, Niall and Tom at the TradingPost, wishing all of our customers a very Happy Christmas! And lots of great adventures for 2009. Take it easy this holiday and dream of all those places yet to be seen, and all those things yet to be done.Dispatch 1st December 2008
Thanks to Mr Darling you now only pay 15% VAT on all our products and we have a lot of very strange looking prices on our site! Don't be confused - our software simply deducts the difference in the VAT rate but it does make many of our prices end in odd amounts.
Today we supplied clothing for a new feature film currently being shot, starring Ray Winstone and Danny Dyer. Called "The Rapture", it is due to be released next year.
Dispatch 21st November 2008
Christmas is coming! Far too quickly in our opinion; feels like it was Summer only the other week! But the weather has definitely turned and we are, once again, in the big annual “run up”.
All change at the Trading Post recently. Rowan departed to do charity work in Uganda for 6 months, and we welcomed on board his replacement Dan. In 2 weeks time Jo is venturing out to South East Asia for a solo trip through Thailand and Laos: we wish him well in his travels. And finally Tom took a week out last month to successfully completed an ITC course, and is now officially a sergeant.
With all the rain we’ve been banging out hundreds of Regatta Packaway waterproofs – a bargain at less than £20 for a breathable waterproof jacket, and only £12.99 for the leggings.
Also recommended is the Snugpak Elite Vest at £49.99. This sleeveless thermal body warmer can be worn under a combat jacket for those really chilly days. It’s available in either Black or Olive Green.
We have had delivery of more night vision monoculars from the quality Yukon range. Come into the Trading Post to check them out. The compact Patrol model is our best-seller at only £149. We hope to have these available online very soon. Finally both versions of the superb new Magnum Stealth Force boot have arrived in. The leather/nylon model is only £59.99, the all leather version, £69.99.
And remember, if you are a cadet, in the TA or a regular; if you are a Scout, a D of E’er, or if you are a member of the Emergency Services, you automatically qualify for 10% discount off all your purchases at the Trading Post.
Dispatch 26th September 2008
Niall has returned from Nepal having spent an amazing 2 weeks trekking around the Annurpurna region. He has just invested in Teach Yourself Nepali so I guess he's intending to go back some time.
Tom was out for nearly 3 weeks on jury service at the Old Bailey on a murder trial. Very challenging at times, nevertheless a great learning experience for him. We are glad to have him back. In October he will be away for a week on an Instructor Training Course which should give him his promotion to Sergeant.
The first of Hi Tec's Ion Mask technology boots came in last week - The Altitude Ultra WP. They are a full leather walking boot, incredibly lightweight, and of course they incorporate the plasma technology we previewed in an earlier dispatch. These boots are the first of a new generation of hydrophobic footwear. Water will not stick to them and, since most dirt is water borne, they are almost self cleaning. Check them out at the Trading Post.
We've had new batch of knives and tools in from Gerber. The Flick multitool in particular is a fantastic multitool taking on the Leatherman Wave for functionality but only £59.99. There is a really tasty all-black tactical version for £64.99. We will try to get them up on the website catalogue as soon as possible.
Dispatch 31st July 2008
This month has been the busiest ever at the Trading Post, the shop so packed out at times we have struggled to give people the attention they deserve. Our sincere apologies if you have been unfortunate enough to have had to wait to be served.
I think we have all been gagging for these holidays this year, and some fine weather to go with them, and here they are at last. We’ve kitted out people for festivals, from Glastonbury to Benicassim; for journeys to the farthest ends of the earth – one lot literally driving to Mongolia in a Cinquecento!; for Scout camps, Cadet camps and yes, for more serious operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; for walking, hostelling and camping in all parts of British Isles.
Niall is off to Nepal in September. Tom is away on army camp the last 2 weeks of August, and I am going to France in August and Italy in October for a stroll or two. Whatever your adventure this summer, we wish you all the best. We would love any good pics you can send us, with or without our kit, and we will do our best to put them on the site. Have FUN!!!
Dispatch 12th June 2008
Busy days at the Trading Post this month! Our new range of Highlander Camo shorts are selling really well – we will try to make these available over the next few days. Also extremely popular is an excellent personal woodland camouflage net, also by Highlander. Very lightweight and compact, it comes with its own stuff sack and is ideal for nature watching, hunting etc. It measures a full 2 metres by 2 metres and has plenty of attachment loops. It is a very reasonable £19.99.
Don’t forget our range of Ice Nano technology clothing which continues to sell very strongly. This innovative technology produces genuinely hydrophobic fibres which simply repel all fluids. We have a complete Ice travel range of zip-off trousers, shirt, jacket and gilet perfect for the summer months ahead. 3 new items of footwear came in last week from Hi Tec. First up is the Jamaica Sport, a great hybrid trainer designed for water sports. It has large open panels at the side for ventilation and looks great. £24.99.
We also have a new multi-activity trainer, the Alta, at £24.99.
And a fantastic lightweight, stylish sports sandal, the V-Lite Scirocco available in both a ladies and a mens model, which is £29.99.
Dispatch 3rd April 2008
Just to let you all about the changes we've made to the website in the last few days. You will notice that the words 'Bushcraft' 'Military' 'Travel' 'Walking' are now portals into different feature sections of the site. There are only a few pieces in each section right now, but this will be an ongoing development. We would really appreciate your ideas and even your contributions for these areas. So just contact us at Ranger if you have topics that you would like us to cover. If you can suggest any worthwhile links to other outdoor and adventure sites we'd certainly like to consider them for inclusion. Just mail us at customerservices@ranger.uk.com
The other change we've made is to charge £5 postage for orders under £25. Some of the smaller orders we were getting were losing us money! There are not many businesses in our field offering free delivery and we know that it is appreciated. We will do our best to continue to provide this service.
Dispatch 27th March 2008
An exciting new range of Nano technology travel wear by Ice has arrived at the Trading Post this week. Nano technology is set to take the outdoor market by storm, and this is the first wave of this breakthrough technology.
Coating every fibre of a fabric with particles so small (they are 80,000 times tinier than the width of a human hair!) means that the fabric becomes completely hydrophobic; water simply cannot stick to the material. This means that the fabric, whilst being completely breathable, is also totally water repellent. If you immerse a treated garment in a bucket of water, it will come out dry and light as the water immediately falls out of it!
This has big implications for all kinds of clothing. Hi Tec, for example, have invested a great deal in their new Ion Mask boots which we will probably see coming on sale in July of this year. Because there is no need for waterproof membranes the boots are lighter in weight, and the proofing will not be compromised by scratches or scuffing. Moreover, because most dirt is water-borne, Nano products stay much cleaner than their conventional counterparts. The dirt doesn't stick.
Come into the Trading Post to have a peak at our new Ice range of clothing. For backpacking and travel generally they make a great choice. And they not expensive. The trousers, for example, are only £27 a pair.
Log 21st February 2008.
The latest Leatherman, the first of their lightweight Skeletool range, has just arrived at the Trading Post. Including pliers, blade and screwdriver, the Skeletool weighs in at only 142 gms and has a useful, fast-action carabiner belt clip. Very stylish and only £59.99.
Other new lines include the Jack Pyke Hunters Jacket in English Oak camouflage pattern. Low noise, waterproof, breathable, this is proving very popular and is a steal at £59.99. It even comes with a zip out flap which can be used as a dry seat.
There is a new version of the famous grey German Parka now available in black at £39.99. New mountain sun protection creams developed in Norway and the Arctic from Lifesystems from £7.99 have also just arrived.
Hi Tec are introducing a new ion mask waterproof technology for their boots as well as new models in the Magnum range for this year. Watch this space for new developments.
Log 13th November 2007.
A busy few weeks at the Trading Post with the onset of some cold weather and several cadet groups out on camp. New lines this month include a terrific range of adventure watches from Timex. Ranging from around £20 to £100, the top models have barometers and accurate electronic compasses built into them. They are selling very well.
New Alpha Industries lines are in including a Puffa Vest for £49.99 and a superb A11 Fur hooded Parka for £110. This is a beautiful coat and is attracting a lot of interest.
We now have the Craghoppers Corey Microfleece as a full zip jacket. Lightweight, warm and comfortable and great value at £29.99.
If you want a new fully waterproof, breathable walking jacket then check out the Regatta Waxbill which is on special offer at £20 off this month, a real bargain at only £49.99.
Our US Navy type P Coats continue to be popular and are only £44.99. Stylish, warm and constructed from 100% wool they will keep off the winter chill!
Log 3rd October 2007.
The last few weeks we have been occupied with obtaining a Restricted Firearms Dealers Licence to comply with the new rules outlined in the Violent Crimes Reduction Act which came into force 2 days ago on the first of this month. Those of you who have visited the Trading Post will know that we only sell a small selection of air weapons, mostly used for vermin control and target shooting. Nevertheless, we have had to obtain this new licence.
Without going into too much detail here, the main difference now is that low powered BB guns will only be able to be sold to serious airsofters who are part of their gaming association. Blank firing guns will virtually disappear. They can be sold legitimately for use as stage props etc, but in practice it will not be worthwhile to import them into the country. To buy an air weapon, CO2 guns included, you will need proof of age and address and you will need to be at least 18 years old. (This has been a requirement at the Trading Post for some years anyway). Only face to face transactions are allowed which means that it will not be possible any more to buy air guns by mail order.
We are going to be up at the Outdoor Trade Show at Stoneleigh this week looking for the latest outdoor products and we'll bring you news of these in the following weeks.
The core Alpha Industries range is currently selling very strongly including the US M65 jacket, the MA1 flyers jacket and the CWU 45P flyers jacket. The genuine US Fishtail Parka is going fast as well. These will run out, so don't delay if you are interested in one!
Finally in September Ritchie worked his last days with us. We wish him well in his new gardening business. On Monday 8th October Tom will be returning to work full time with us focussing his energies on the web site, the shooting section and on TA and cadet supplies. Tom is an instructor for a local cadet group and is very knowledgeable in these areas.
Log 21st August 2007.
It feels like the end of summer as I write this. The weather has got cooler, the daylight shorter. But in true Ranger spirit we are determined to squeeze every last drop out of the days.
As you would expect, our staff have travelled far and wide this season. Niall ended up in the tropical paradise of Bali. Andrew went exploring the Burren in Ireland. Rowan embarked on a World Challenge expedition to Peru, while Digs got wet and wild kayaking in Wales. Adventures and fun were had. Kit was tested. Lessons learned - such as, it is well worth having a Lifeventure waterproof money wallet in a rain forest. Rowan's documents and passport fell into a river - the wallet kept everything clean and dry and thus averted a sure disaster!
Although we do not advertise airguns on the site, visitors to the Trading Post will know that we offer a good range of air rifles, CO2 pistols and BB guns. On October 1st the new provisions of the Violent Crimes Reduction Bill come into force and, in anticipation of this, we have applied to the police to become Restricted Firearms Dealers. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the details of the new legislation and no one seems to know exactly what we will and won't be allowed to sell from October onwards. We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information.
We'll keep you up to date with new lines for Autumn in the next log. Enjoy the remains of Summer!
Log 23rd July 2007.
Things have been crazy here at the Trading Post ever since Glastonbury week when we sold every pair of wellies we had. With the summer we're having you can't get away with a pair of shorts and a t shirt - you have to be prepared.
Wind up eco lanterns which start at £19.99 are selling really well. You save on all those batteries and these lanterns really do belt out some light. Highly recommended. Remember we don't just do the Wayfarer meals at the Trading Post, we also sell the British Army 1 man 24 hour ration packs which give you everything you need in 1 tidy box.
We are having a break now ourselves. The Trading Post stays open 7 days a week of course but we won't be processing any web orders until the Monday 6th August. Have a great hols!!!
Log 4th June 2007.
Festival season begins; Isle of Wight last week, and Download this week, and tents are flying off the shelves. You can get a quality Vango 2 person tent, you won't want to throw away, for only £29.99. Check out the great deals this month on our more advanced technical tents as well.
We've just begun a new line in top quality full grain leather belts from Argentinian company Estribos. We've been hunting for a product like this for years and you really have to see the quality to believe it. Beautiful designs selling for around £30; a real snip for a product like this which will last a lifetime, and beyond!
Barmah hats, genuine Aussie digger hats, are a real favourite right now, with the Foldaway Bronco being the most popular model. Worth checking out.
Our links pages will be going live this week and hopefully you will find them very useful. If you have a site relevant to ours which you think will link successfully to ours please e mail us for consideration.
Our new shop sign has at last been installed and we will be posting a picture of the new-look store front in the next few days. Painting begins tomorrow and things will look quite different, hopefully much better!
Log 25th April 2007.
A busy build up to the Easter holidays at the Trading Post. Now we can't wait for the Summer break especially since the good weather is here already!
New lines in this month include quality adventure tents from VANGO, the Spectre, The Spirit and the Ultralite, prices starting from £89.99 for the Spectre 200.
Tremendous value is the VANGO Sigma tent range with prices starting for the 2 man tent at only £49.95.
Brilliant new shoes from MERRELL: the MERRELL Moab Ventilator at £59.99 is an extremely comfortable approach shoe designed to keep your feet cool in the hottest of climes. If you need waterproofness and breathability then check out the Chameleon Wrap Goretex at £89.99; they look great and they perform.
We are continuing to sell our very popular special offer BLOC sunglasses this season; full UV protection and style for only £9.99!
After supply difficulties for many weeks SORBOTHANE insoles are finally back in stock. The best, anti-shock insoles available Sorbothanes offer vital protection for many activities. If you have any joint and feet problems then these could well be the answer.
CRAGHOPPERs Atoll performance T-Shirts have arrived. For £19.99 these performance T-Shirts wick away moisture from the body and help maintain a steady body temperature.
Also in are some top quality expedition kit bags from RAB; an 80 litre for £39.99 and a 100 litre for £49.99. Just chuck in your stuff and get going!
Log 21 March 2007.
Weird weather and sickness all about. A strange March we're having! But it's the Spring equinox today and our eyes are firmly on the new season and the promise of longer and sunnier days.
Our first wave of new season sleeping bags and rucksacks have just hit the shop floor. Look out for the ever-excellent Vango Ultralite range sleeping bags - affordable, compact and lightweight - and the great Vango Venom range of small-pack, down sleeping bags. These will be available to buy online in just a few days time.
New Rucksacks from Vango, also just arrived, include an excellent entry level sack, the Contour, in smart, lightweight diamond-ripstop nylon. The 65 litre sack is only £44.99. There is a great new Sherpa rucksack as well as top value convertible sacks, the Globetrotter and Traveller. The Globetrotter is particularly good value with the 80 + 20 litre version at only £69.99!
Today we've just had a sneak preview of a fabulous new Magnum boot, the Spider. Available in 3", 5" and 8" versions, this boot is very much a technical 21st century Magnum designed with a tough, carbon-fibre outer structure and with tactical, virtually silent, Vibram sole units. It is extremely lightweight, extremely comfortable and looks stunning. We are looking forward to receiving stocks in July with the 8" boot version selling for around £65. Don't miss out.
Finally, this week we're giving a bit of a makeover to the shop front with a new fascia board showing the website address and our new logo. The first change to our fascia since we moved into Surbiton in 1988. And, if the weather brightens up, you never know, we'll probably be getting the old paintbrushes out as well!
Log 29 January 2007.
New lines this week include the fantastic Petzl E Lite. Described as the perfect back-up light, which it undoubtedly is, the E Lite is simply a beautifully designed micro headtorch crammed with useful features.
Made to Petzl's exacting standards the headlamp is stored in an attractive waterproof case when not in use. RRP £24.99. See our lighting section for more details on this product.
Also coming in this week, a new stock of supergrade German Para Boots £34.99. Also the very popular Austrian Army combat jacket in Grade 1 condition at £24.99. Virtually identical to the olive US M65 Combat Jacket, this is a much less expensive option.
Look out for the narrow 30 CAL ammo box at £6.99 which we have been unable to obtain for over a year now. They are coming in any day. Also German Army Goretex overtrousers in Olive or Flecktarn £29.99.
Finally we have in stock a limited supply of German Army desert Flektarn combats and shirts. They look really good. The trousers are £19.99 and the shirts £7.99
Log 5 January 2007.
Happy New Year to all our customers! We've had a really busy Christmas and it's been a load of fun. Thank you for all your support and custom over the year.
For 2007 we're looking at lots of exciting new products so watch this space and we'll let you know the latest developments in the the outdoor world.
Log 24 November 2006.
We took delivery of the new LED Maglite this week. It's a sleek and powerful beast with a 3 watt focussed LED, slightly longer than an AA mini maglite but otherwise very similar. At £39.95, it's not cheap, but it is a quality torch and will probably sell well. But how does it compete and compare with a Surefire? That's the question. We'll get feedback from our customers, many of whom are in the security forces, and let you know. If you have any opinions we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Also in this week, a new leather watch strap and integrated cover for £8.99. Also a new woodland camouflage M65 style combat trouser from Highlander at £24.99. These trousers look good and tough, and the cut is good.
Log. 15th November 2006.
The Trading Post is as busy as ever. New lines arrive all the time. This week already we have taken delivery of a wind up torch and a wind up lantern. Incorporating state of the art LEDs these are very bright and very kind to the environment - your elbow power provides all the energy. Because they are LEDs, only a small amount of energy is needed to provide hours of illumination. Made by Ring the build quality is exceptionally good. The torch is £12.99 and the lantern £29.99.
We have a complete range of the very popular Helle bushcraft knives back in stock, plus 2 knife kits - one carbon steel and one stainless steel. They provide everything you need to make your own personal quality knife. You carve the handle yourself and even sew the leather to make the sheath! Something to while away those long winter evenings.
And, as modelled below by our own Ritchie, we have a limited supply of ex-issue Swiss Army goggles. Only £7.99 and great for protecting you from the glare of all that snow we're about to get. Well, you never know!
