survival-clothing

Survival Clothing During A Hypothetical Time Of Collapse

survival-clothing

One potentially overlooked preparedness category is that of heavy duty clothing. If (when) the worst happens (e.g. major economic collapse) and we’re plunged into a way-of-life which includes hard work and manual labor to provide or sustain one’s needs, your clothing will be put to the test for wear and tear.

Given how much of today’s ‘typical’ clothing is fairly ‘cheap’ (most not designed for heavy duty rigors), it would be a (very) good idea to acquire those (clothes) which will withstand the test of rugged use.

Having the right clothing is a big deal and will be a big deal while working a harder and more active physical life during a hypothetical time of collapse.

Not only will it be important to have the right seasonal clothes, but more importantly having HEAVY DUTY work clothes – and plenty of them…


 
Imagine a post-SHTF lifestyle whereby you will be spending much more time doing things in a more laborious way. Your previous career (pre-SHTF) will likely be (forcibly) changed to a new one – survival. You will probably be enduring and living a harsher life – and the clothes you’re wearing will need to be up to the task.

How will your existing clothes hold up to harsh tasks?

-working a garden
-harvesting
-hunting, fishing, foraging
-security, tactical
-building and repairing things
-procuring water
-processing firewood
-out in the rain and other elements

-use your imagination to visualize your life during a post-collapse world and the things you will be doing as a result.

The fashionable clothes that you’ve been wearing to the office (for example) will not hold up to the rigors of a SHTF world. You will need heavy duty everything. Pants, shirts, shoes, coats, etc.

While procuring these clothes, buy the best quality heavy-duty that you can afford. Remember, you get what you pay for. You want something that will hold up to the demands and wear-and-tear of a hypothetically rough and tough lifestyle. Something that will last. Unfortunately so many clothes today are thin, cheap, and won’t last under heavy use.

When choosing your clothes, you might consider selecting plain neutral colors. Nothing bright. So as not to stand out. Blend in with your environment for the sake of security in a world that may have become dangerous.

Many of us who are reading this may already live a lifestyle of outdoor and/or heavy-duty activity, or a degree thereof. Let’s share our experiences with all aspects of clothing in this regard. Suggestions, Do’s Don’ts, Recommendations, etc…

 
Example: This is one of the pants that I regularly wear and have a stack of:
(Mostly Khaki, and Olive)

‘Propper’ Men’s Canvas Tactical Pant

What about you?

77 Comments

  1. I think it is a good suggestion to have mostly plain/neutral coloured clothes, for another reason. Eventually you will have to make repair/patching efforts, and this way worn out clothes will more easily blend in on the patches.

    I couldn’t really tell from the link you suggested, but another thing I thought it would be good to look for on any clothing (shirts/pants/even underwear), was at least one “secret” pocket. Never know when that could come in handy/save grief.

    1. Convenience stores often have old “uniform” pants and shirts on the cheap. These will last for years! The black or grey ones are best.
      When I was a mechanic, I had plenty. They are cold in the winter (longjohns) but comfortable in the summer. They will out last jeans by years.

  2. Best pants that I have come across are Dickies carpenter jeans. Right around $20 a pair, various colors and in my opinion very comfortable. I have some 5.11 and True-Spec pants and they are great, I just think I will blend in better wearing a pair of Dickies. Also for the price I can get two pairs for the same price I would pay for the other brands.

    1. Agree for sure. The tan canvas duck type is my regular work pants as a heavy construction carpenter (think climbing rebar, concrete wall forms, sharp and rough edges everywhere). I can typically go a year with a rotation of 6 or 7 pairs of dickies, accounting for the occasional sudden death from major tears. They wear great, and small cuts and tears don’t seem to run much.

  3. Don’t forget consignment and other second hand shops. Some of them also carry new merchandise that was the end of a season at a major store. Been a long time since I paid $20 for a pair of work pants pr jeans.

  4. Good thoughts Ken.
    I have a pair of leather MERRELL boots, for instance, that are now 20 years old. I keep them covered in beeswax every other year, and this year I changed out the laces and added some gel-cell in soles. Still going strong. They were expensive when I bought them, but obviously well worth the money!

    We ranch….so carharts, heavy boots, heavy jeans (not walmart specials) and all stays pretty strong with proper cleaning and repair when the tears first happen. I keep an item called “fray check” in my sewing kit so that any torn edges get checked and put back together right away. You know the saying “the cobblers kids are barefoot”? well, I learned a long time ago to NOT delay in repair to shoes, clothes or tools.
    We also competition shoot, so have 911’s and vests etc, but I can tell you I would NOT wear those for our daily ranching activities. Just not quite strong enough.

    Keeping all the gear checked for wear and tear is a MUST. Thanks for the article.

    1. Agreed. I got some Danners like fifteen years ago, cried at the price then but they are still going strong.

  5. Don’t forget the Utilikilt. Those things last forever! :D
    Good socks and shoes/boots are another good investment that are useful even if nothing happens.

  6. Being in the construction trades for oohhh around 40+ years I could not agree more, “tough” clothing is a must, and honestly it’s fairly cheap. A Suit is what $5-$6 hundred+? a set of work cloths will run ya a C-Note at most. Don’t forget light boots/shoes for working the Garden and stuff, yes combat boots are great, but not for working the soil.
    And for Crying out loud, buy socks and underwear…. LOTS of them.
    NRP

  7. one more thought. Rarely does the back side of any pair of jeans (with the pockets) wear out. So, I use those to make utility aprons for the kids for seeds, seed collection, helping with carpentry or other construction projects. These work great and hold up to most efforts the kids put them through. I save other parts of the jeans (lower leg) for patching. These work great for making cuffs and elbows in work shirts too.

    1. pioneer woman

      you are obviously a “sewer”…

      My Mom used to make “belts” from the waist bands and “seams” of worn out pants…

      1. @ Anon & pioneer woman

        HAHAHA, I’m betting that’s the FIRST time anyone has called pioneer woman a “sewer” hehehehe; maybe a Tailor or a seamstress, but never a sewer. :-)

        NRP

        1. @ Anon
          HAHAHA, we all need to have a little fun at times, but that was too good of a setup on your part for me not to …. ROFLMAO. Sorry…. :-) :-)
          NRP

        2. NRP

          it is good to laugh…

          something we SHOULD remember if SHTF…

          if SHTF we MUST make time to find laughter…for sure.

        3. Think about a sewing awl or something similar to repair heavy fabric.

        4. Along with the sewing awl for heavy fabric, get lots of large ‘upholstery needles'(available at any Mega-Lo-Mart in the sewing section) along with a leather ‘palm pad’ for pushing through the heavy fabrics (works like a thimble for your hand, available at Tandy Leathers.) Also replacements needles for the awl (around $5 a 10pk, usually at the same place you buy your awl).
          I also see that a popular online surplus store(SG)is selling heavy duty (surplus) nylon thread for $10 in two 1 lb spools (OD & white)(that’s a whole lot of heavy duty thread!)
          (I have no affiliation with any stores listed above, just a customer myself)

      2. I do that. String the pockets on the waistband, or use the belt loops to hang tools on. Works fine.

  8. Being the Grayman with regard to the rugged clothing is essential. Matching the clothing to the environment, camo for daytime wilderness tactical, dark for night tactical. The normal neutral colors with blue jeans for everyday.

    An assortment of accessories can be used to change your appearances: assorted BB caps, hats worn for sun protection, work gloves, winter gloves, sunglasses.

    Example: I have an insulated Carhart work coat with zippered Kevlar body armor vest on the inside, but on the outside when worn it just looks like a work coat.

    If find yourself within a populated area when SHTF:
    The ability to change your appearance should not be limited to clothing:
    Get a hair cutting kit, they’re sold at Walmart, so changing hair length, color, facial hair changes, different ways you walk and talk to match your environment must be practiced. This just might be what can get you thru a check point to freedom. Get prepared for the unexpected by thinking outside the BOX (the NORM)!! Stay away from clothing with exterior labels that could be used to distinguish your description from others in a crowd, like sporting team emblems, or a store brand that someone could use to help authorities identify you if you are being hunted due to being on a list!! Also a must are the shoes and socks, foot care products, because if it is ignored you could find yourself laid up and unable to escape a dangerous situation. These items, just like food and other supplies, may not be available for any price in the near future!!

  9. ‘Afternoon, Everyone,

    Just two quick items to definitely have on hand and extras for back up:
    work gloves various depending on current or potential tasks.

    My DD and I have good ones from Tractor Supply Co. They are flexible, lined, and outer hand/fingers except for wrist are nitrile dipped.
    Have survived 2 years so far of fence and sheep work. Forget what brand DH has but I hen peck him to wear his gloves sometimes ;)

    You know what HAND injuries are the most common accident here usually b/c someone was not wearing appropriate gloves.

    Also on my list is to get another pair of my prescrip glasses, nothing fancy just a “beater pair”. My everyday glasses are practically my beater pair already.

    Remember eyeglasses and googles for eye protection.
    I just bought some goggles on Amazon today for each person in our household
    DEWALT safety goggles

    Peace and Out~

  10. Here’s a real TEOTWAWKI suggestion. Buckskin! I have 2 skins ready to smoke and 2 ready to soften. Brain tanning and bark tanning are hard and messy but not hard to learn. Check out Matt Richards’s book “Deerskins into Buckskins” and anything by Steven Edholm. Besides, leather is just cool stuff ?

  11. I used to wear Carhartt. In fact, I still have a pair of pants that are about 13 years old (they’re finally wearing through in the knees). I’ve since moved to Duluth Trading Co. work pants. The DuluthFlex Fire Hose will set you back $70/each, but you will get more than your money’s worth. I have several “tactical” style pants from Propper, 5.11, etc. and the Fire Hose pants actually are designed much better. Plenty of pockets in all the right places and a heavier material weight than the “tactical” options. As far as boots; I have never experienced issues with Danner…and my boots get used and abused in snow, desert, and the concrete jungle.

    1. @Tex couldn’t agree more about Duluth. Wore them through all the seasons when I was working as a construction manager shortly after I got out of the Army, and they held up well through everything I threw at them. I still have several pairs around that I use for hiking, shooting, hunting, fishing, etc. etc. Their shoes are well-designed too!

    2. Tex…
      How does the Danner waterproof hold up, been wanting to try a pair but hate to spend money on boots that really don’t stay waterproof,,,
      So far only ones that stay dry for their life are the Cabelas Perfect Hunters

      1. I’m a firm believer in Danner products. I’ve tried one-too-many pairs of “budget” boots sold as “tactical” online or in outdoor/surplus stores. When you’re paying in the $100 range for something made overseas that falls apart with minimal use, you learn real fast it’s actually more expensive to keep replacing the cheap boots. The Danner “East Ridge” hunting boot is great and includes GORE-TEX (waterproof/breathable), a rebuild-able sole (which is handy), and you can purchase it with or without Thinsulate. It will set you back a good $250 though. My warmer-weather training boot is the Danner Flight Assault or DFA, no insulation but is made with GORE-TEX. I’ve abused that pair of boots for several years now.

        I haven’t tried the Cabela’s Perfekt 10, but I do know they are sourced from a German boot company. That boot is actually the Glockner MFS by Meindl. Might have to pick up a pair one of these days.

        1. All I got is Danner’s, Hanwag and RedWing steel toes and a few pairs of my jungle boots…lots of down coats and parkas ( none of the short, hip length stuff ) and RedRam base layers…I am more ready for deep freeze, arctic climates then a 100 degrees or above ( okay, at a 100 I wont really go commando on anyone if it were that hot…)

        2. Thanks for the info…

          Been buying the Perfect 10s for years now because I did just what you said and went through dozens of pairs of bargain boots.

          Now, bad boots = sore Me. So spend the money for the quality, huge difference.
          Being able to re-sole sounds enticing, the Meindel can’t do that, but then again the upper is usually shot after a year of the abuse I dish out so usually better to spring for the new boots.

          I was mostly curious because a nice lady runs a shoe shop in our county seat and has several different types of Danners for 190 on up, so am thinking about it, especially if they stay water proof,
          Thanks!

        3. I got all my boots from Sierratradingpost.com If you sign up with them, you get coupons per e-mail. I use those coupons when something I want is on sale. I got my Hanwags and Danners from them for no more then 120 a piece and these models run at above 300 to 400 a pair.

        4. For people who cannot stock all the extra’s, concentrate on top notch footwear that can be repaired. Clothing can be fixed, patched, etc. Most footwear today cannot be repaired as they are made from cheap materials in most cases. A big plus if the footwear can be resoled, etc. Chances are in a real SHTF situation we will all be walking a lot more than we do today, so keep that in mind.

        5. True, I had to save money up first, and when I had it together, I bought it just in the right time. Also, all my boots are actually manufactured in Germany, so no cheap third world stuff and that is why I waited to get them. I have regular Timberlands ( used to go hiking a lot ) and they have lasted me a very very long time already. Yes, they are expensive the Danners and Hanwags, but well worth the money.
          Being a veteran, I can tell you out of experience, like many vets on this blog, your feet are the most precious commodity when you have to run and walk. I have never had blisters with any of my boots, and take care of my feet as good as I can ( okay, I have fractured my ankles more then once-but that is the reason I also don’t buy cheap footwear :).

    3. I agree Tex, the Duluth are amazing for actual hard, everyday wear. Pockets aplenty and the belt hoops in the right place. Seams are reinforced….they wear like iron. And if they don’t stand up, they stand behind their product. That won’t mean anything down the road, but they have done the best in our household. We buy the firehouse flex when they are on sale.

  12. Ha! Great topic. Learned my lesson the hard way TWICE! (Perhaps because one is none!) LOL!

    On two occasions (because I didn’t learn the 1st time) I busted my foot because I failed to put my steel toed boots on while working outside!

    The metal door of the composter fell down like a guillotine directly on the little bones on the top of my foot! Then on another day I dropped a very long heavy piece of wood on my ankle!!

    I wear my steel toed boots all the time now! :)

    I also got some for my daughter! My husband has a good pair too.

    We all have good sturdy overalls as well, and wool socks, leather working gloves etc.

  13. Bathing suits, Sun-shirts, Sandals, Hat, Sun Glasses, Sun Block, ….

  14. Actually, when it comes down to it, I really don’t need any of that!
    Those before me never did.

  15. Heavens, I have enough clothes for 6 people year around. Not all in style, but many that are a bit smaller and some a bit larger. Even have mosquito net hats to garbage bag raincoats since my other rain gear is bright yellow or orange. I also made a mosquito net jacket out of sheer curtains when they get bad in June hot weather–allows the breeze to cool the skin with a tank top underneath since using commercial bug repellent is not good to use much on the skin. Anyway, I have clothes that adapts to my environment and if I can’t buy them, I make them.

  16. someone up above, commented not to wear any labels showing, as it can be used to identify you…

    good advice..

    also, good advice in general, from article and above to wear neutral colors and blend in.

    on a more simple basis, but makes the point,
    in the school yard, any time there was a ruckus, the school yard monitor would often “name” the kid with the most easily identifiable jacket/outfit as the instigator or culprit. Often “heard” this admitted. “why did you mention so and so?” “oh, well I recognized the jacket” etc Also, heard this type of “identifier” in other situations.

    so, for sure, it is better to have nothing “easy to pick out”…

  17. Have two sets of clothing- 1 of set BDU’s, I prefer the old Woodland pattern for the eastern US and a set of regular clothes- blue jeans, flannel shirt, comfortable shoes. If one has to go into a town or deal with civilization, one wants to blend in. Stash your BDU’s and back pack when you go into town. Remember, always be the “grey man”, don’t stand out.

    1. The velcro on the new ACUs is annoying. I still have my pairs of the woodland ones…

  18. I live in the northern climes and good, warm serviceable clothes are a necessity. I have worked in the building trades on and off part-time to learn the “tricks” of the trade and give me the know how to do most any job, electrical, plumbing and carpentry. I know first hand quality work clothes last and are worth the money. Don’t forget long underwear and heavy socks for those outside jobs in frigid weather. I recently traveled to a Cabela’s to acquire some good hunting and work boots to add to my preps. Get a supply of work gloves, lined and unlined, plus warm hats.

    1. Polypropylene long underwear, socks. The PP wicks the moisture away from your body. Light weight, more flexible, warmer. Also buy the long PP bike pants without the pads. Polar Fleece top. You will be very warm. I wear the above when cross country skiing and I am usually hot….. I also use to work outside on a construction job, no one could figure out why I wasn’t cold with this stuff on.
      Come in to the 21st century…..

  19. If you are buying blue jeans, pay the extra for rolled denim. It is much more rugged than most blue jean material. Have good rain gear. A good poncho is the difference between getting the job done and being miserable/getting sick.

  20. I don’t wear anything but heavy duty clothing…
    Levis, long sleeve LLBean Ts and cabelas Perfect Hunter boots. If that’s not what I’m wearing I’m either asleep in my jammies or covered in camo

  21. Overalls, hands down choice for me. Of course I’m a seasoned citizen, retired, live in a very secluded area where such attire is common. I have never felt the need to be a fashion statement, wear camo to imitate “Rambo”, or impress folks with my wardrobe. I wear them everywhere I go with few exceptions.

    Why overalls? Pockets galore. My all the time, never leave the bedroom without it, pocket pistol fits easily in any of these pockets. The extra mags fit perfectly in the leg pockets, plus bill-fold, leatherman, keys, edc flashlight, ballpoint, pencil, etc., all without gouging me or binding when sitting or kneeling.

    With the hammer loops there are almost endless places to carry/hang stuff, all without a belt binding my waist. They fit loosely enough that I can dress in layers in cold weather (I usually wear a jogging suit as a first layer that can be easily removed as activity or temperature rise dictates). Nobody sees an older man in overalls as a threat or a target (old farmers usually viewed as tough enough to put up a fight in the eyes of opportunistic thugs).

    My choice of overalls? I tend toward Dickeys brand as the best compromise of comfort and ruggedness. I like the Big Smith’s found at Wal-Mart, but they don’t wear as long. I have one pair of Carhart’s that will likely last forever as I can’t stand to wear them (too stiff and binding).

    Just my thoughts.

  22. Lots of good comments. I have had good luck with leather gloves from harbor freight, about 6 bucks. On the other hand, I find mechanics gloves wear out very fast cutting fire wood, for that its leather.

  23. +1 on Duluth Trading
    Their Ballroom jeans are roomy, comfortable and rugged.
    They have big pockets, (could carry a 1911 in the front pocket), reinforced waistband, and cuffs.
    Their Firehose pants are rugged as hell.

  24. Having owned and operated a machine shop for 26 years now I have had the chance to try lots of different clothes, boots, belts, and jackets. As far as everyday work clothes, it’s hard to beat Dickies. They are priced right and hold up to the grime, abrasives, and sharp metals in a machine shop.

    Boots, nothing can beat Red Wings. Most boots I’ll wear out in just a few months, Red Wings will last me years.

    Belts, Crossbreed Holsters makes a really heavy duty belt that stand up to having tool pouches, phones, and concealed weapons attached all day long.

    Jackets, a flannel lined Carhart is hard to beat. Not only are they warm and comfortable, they last damn near forever. As far as color, I prefer black. It doesn’t show the grease and oil stains so common in shop clothing.

  25. How many here stock pile a few extra packages of socks, underwear and spare t-shirts. Also, I always get my t-shirts in black or olive drab.
    If the economy collapses these won’t be available.

    1. 21B, I have enough of undies, socks and briefs for two months straight of daily changes, a months of t-shirts and for my daughter and me we actually have at least two dozen sports bras for easy care and support (yes, we ladies have to think about these too when SHTF :))

        1. lol, yep, they are very very important too :) I also have these little silk snap on pockets for the bras to keep money, rad sticker, ID in them when I go places I don’t know. I don’t carry a wallet most of the time…too many pick pockets in the stores or some other places. Or if I carry a wallet, its usually empty so I can give it to a idiot who wants to rob me…toss it away as far as you can and run in the opposite direction…

        2. Texas

          never seen snap on pockets for bras. Like that idea.

          did you make them?

          if purchased, what is the brand name?

          thanks

        3. Purchased them from Amazon. They come from Enchanted Hills and Eagle Creek, if you input in the search “bra safe” it will show up. I like these a lot.

      1. Sports bras are a ‘must’ for activities.. Lol :) I keep one in each of my kits/bags with a change of clothes, so if shtf and I’m not properly attired for bugging out in any direction, I can change ALL the useless clothing out and be good to go..
        And really, on a more somber note..I think that a lot of women don’t really think through the safety factor, that should the shtf and things are NOT ‘safe & ok’, you do not want to look ‘pretty’ or even stand out as female or vulnerable.
        I haven’t gotten a firearm yet, it’s on my ‘list’ of things to get done ASAP… So part of my preps involve going gray-MAN as much as possible. If I change into unisex/men’s clothes and downplay any feminine distinguishing characteristics, it’s at least something I can do.. If that all makes sense?! :)
        Hence, sports bra! Lol

        1. I do the same thing, at least I am practical to a fault…But I have spoken to many women who “think” about dipping their toes in prepping and yet can not get away from the “pretty” factor ( no offense to the ladies here ) but with SHTF, survival is critical to me and not if I have a jar of make up or some powder or fancy undergarments. And you are right, you don’t want to give marauders an incentive for anything. ( still have fancy stuff left from eons ago lol )

    2. 21Bravo, I agree on the socks. I bought twenty 10 packs of socks on sale. Buy one get half off on second pack. I have fairly big feet(12 eee) so I get the 12-15 shoe size socks. I have Red Wing boots, Jungle/desert boots. You have to take good care of your feet. I have a good supply of Gold Bond body and foot powder too. If you can’t walk you will be screwed. I have a lot of t shirts too.

  26. Buying well made work clothes is a must prep for sure. It’s worth the few extra bucks you spend. I have had good luck with Dickies and Duluth. Levis used to be good but they have dropped quality wise. Wranglers just don’t fit right in the crotch area. Socks and good shoes are a given.

    One thing I have done is buy second hand clothes that are 2-3 sizes too big.(wife didn’t like me insisting she get some too.LOL!)

    I figure when the bad news hits and food is scarce the sheep’s clothes will be loose due to weight loss. When I have to go in public I’m going to look like I have lost weight too. Hence the bigger clothes. Maybe a rope belt to hold them up. Old worn out pair of sneakers too. A touch of the wife’s makeup on the eyelids for that sunken tired look. Nothing will stand out more than you looking fit and healthy when the rest look like “The Walking Dead”.

    I will be THE GRAY SKINNY MAN when I’m around others.

    1. Bill Jenkins Horse

      Don’t forget to ask folks to save/give you cardboard to cut up into inner soles for your worn out shoes. That should convince them..Back in the depression this was common.

  27. One should avoid brain tanning dear skin at all costs. Dear carry scrappy in the nervous system tissue. In cows the same disease is called BSE or mad cow disease. In humans cruzefeld jacobs. Highly likely that a human could be infected from handling infected deer brain matter.

    1. Sadly you’re right about deer brains and spinal fluids. I used hog brains on my deer skins. And I wore rubber gloves while working on the skins. But I believe the skill of leather working will be very valuable after a crash. Including oak or vegetable tanning cow hides. I’ve researched this and am aware of the risks.

  28. Any suggestions for storing said clothes for long term (5-10) years? Thinking vac seal bags but not sure. And either direct burial or hidden space in a bug out temp location. Just don’t want to open up a bag when I need it and find my socks have turned to dust. Or the much needed new underwear is mold.

    1. Hey FM, I vacuum seal socks,shirts,underwear,gloves for our BOB’s and for long term storage.Actually, I vacuum seal just about everything!Pants are an issue because they are bulky but it’s doable.
      On my PVC food caches I used wide mouth pint jars that I vacuumed packed(dry food only)bean mixes,rice,salt,sugar,oats,vitamins,milk,raisins. The trick I used so they didn’t get stuck was I took a leg from women’s nylons and put the jars in one by one as I lowered them into the PVC that I had standing vertical.( I fit 7 in a 36″ long 4″ piece of PVC) I would then tie the nylon in a knot so I had a handle to pull them out.(Works great!)
      On my PVC caches I used the flat cap for the bottom and the domed style for the top.Just have to make sure you cement them well so they don’t leak.I then take a greased 6″ sawzall blade that I vacuum sealed and wire it to the PVC with #14 insulated single strand copper wire so I had a way to cut the PVC right there when I dug it up. I have done clothes the same way.I just threw in some oxygen packs right before I sealed it up.
      I dug up my oldest cache (6years) to see how it did. Every thing was good. Just make SURE you make an ACCURATE MAP to your caches. Things looked real different after 6 years.

      1. Never thought I would speak to a Horse but thank you, thats exactly the info I was looking for!!!!!

        If we ever cross paths, I certainly owe you and will gladly pay.

        I love the fact we can talk here, but I wish you were my neighbor.

  29. I have been using rabbit wool socks for about 3 years now, they are like heaven for your feet, do not itch, as warm as any wool socks I have used in the past very durable (wash in cold water) I buy them on EBAY for about 2 to 3 bucks each. Everyone I referred them to also are very satisfied with the socks/

  30. If you are a “sewer” :)

    Be sure to get bolts of denim for storage as well as heavy duty thread. We have a Sirs Fabrics close by and I have bought by the bolt for shirts and pants.

    Home made underwear. Need patterns for this stuff too.

    Flannels for babies too, or old sheets to cut up. Goodwill and yd sales!

  31. Everyone, please learn to sew, even if it’s limited. You will never be sorry. You can make clothes, curtains, repair things, it’s so important. Plus it will also be a great bartering skill.

  32. Just had to clear two large tree limbs from the roadway while wearing cheap store brand jeans. This article is giving me ideas on getting some hard work pants that won’t load up with sweat and ride down and chafe. I need a better belt for concealed carry, too.

  33. Farmers in the UK commonly wear overalls on top of their everyday workwear. If you are dealing with livestock, mechanics or just sticky mud, overalls can save a lot of wear and tear and laborious washing and drying.
    Standard footwear for muddy agricultural work are rubber wellington boots which are cheap, durable and easy to maintain. Using high-end leather boots routinely in sticky clay mud does no-one any favours.

  34. I live in the desert SW. It gets hot, I know, I have lived her all my life and worked days outside wearing body armor.
    Now, air travel aside, most people walk around in NBA shorts, flip flops, and a t-top/T shirt. NO wallet,pocket knife, multi tool, NOTHING. Just their head buried in their smart phone.
    They are not prepared for the slightest emergency. its 911 or AAA for everything.
    It amuses and entertains me to imagine them in ANY situation(practically everything) outside their comfort zone.
    I can guarantee they don’t have any bib overalls, coveralls or even heavy duty shorts ( I have several pairs of Sorels).
    After being fortunate to live at my retreat full time, I found out quickly the Made in China brands last. Good thing I brought a couple of overall/coveralls with me. I will just be laughing.

  35. +1 on Duluth

    For warmer weather I’m a big fan of the Duluth ‘Dry-on-the-fly’ cargo pants.

    They’re cool and comfortable in hot weather, tough and durable, knees are double thickness and, even in new England winters, with just a pair of snug fitting full length thermals underneath, their tight weave makes them pretty wind resistant and plenty warm enough for most activities.

    Expensive?… yes, worth it?… definitely.

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