Prepping: Clothing

Clothing

It seems bizarre to write an article about clothing. But the local situation definitely bewildered my girlfriend and I enough to get me thinking about it. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for quite a while and in California for a long time as well. No one ever looked at you twice unless you were wearing something outrageous.

However, in the Boise area people consistenly under-dress and look at you like you're crazy if you don't do the same. It will be 30 degrees (F) out and you'll see people in swim shorts and a t-shirt. Go on a hike, in the snow? Without fail, you will see women in yoga leggings on the trail.

Go on a hike in 100 degree (F) weather? You will, without fail, see families with children, and college age guys without any water.

There are definitely just some clueless people out there, but apparently, there is a social stigma around being prepared for even the most basic of things. I think once a thinking person reaches the "mental age" of adulthood you stop caring about "looking cool." I'd much rather look uncool and not die of heat exhaustion or hypothermia.

As I was pondering this to myself, I thought, "what if something unexpected happens to one of those ladies in yoga pants? Did they think of that?" Literally the same week, our neighbor knocks on our door, in her yoga leggings, in the freezing cold winter, to ask if she can borrow my phone because she locked herself out of her car and had to walk 30 minutes back home. Not only did one unexpected event occur, but her boyfriend didn't answer his phone either, so she had to walk another 30 minutes back to her car.

People act foolishly and then look at you like you're crazy if you're wearing a coat in the winter. At least that's the mentality in Boise, Idaho.

Belts & suspenders

sunwizardcreations.com has some of the most unique, hand-made, leather belts. You won't be able to find these elsewhere. The creator is getting old so I'd imagine these won't be around that many more years.

loggersuspenders.com has some of the most durable suspenders you can find. Particularly, the tan X-back ones have a very stiff elastic compared to the red or black ones, which are also great. I would expect them all to last a long time and I highly recommend them.

It is impossible to carry anything of significant weight on your belt without having to sinch it down to the point where your abdomen hurts. And if your pants pockets are also weighed down with EDC items, then you pretty much need to wear a belt and suspenders. Apparently, it's a look that was frowned upon 75 years ago.

However, no one under the age of 50 probably even knows or cares about that anymore. Isn't it interesting that "looking cool" is in fact just another form of herd mentality? Who determines what looks cool? Greed fueled corporations, out of touch narcissistic/satanic celebrities, and barely literate high school students? I think I'll pass on that. Besides, as a licensed ham radio operator I am legally required to look like I'm ready for a 1970's sitcom.

Pants

While I don't personally own a pair yet, Iron Heart jeans are very popular now. Most brands that used to be good, like Levis or Diesel, now produce cheap elasticized jeans passed off as denim that are designed to wear out within 1 to 3 years.

Fjall Raven's Vidda Pro Ventilated Trs M pants are a nice change from denim. They offer a lot of pocket space (6 plus an inner pocket), ventilated zipper sides, a stretchy inner thigh/crotch, and space for padded knee inserts if you need that. They are expensive, however. On the plus side, the G-1000 material is not coated in water-proofing teflon chemicals like many Cordura products are. On the downside, G-1000 material is 65% polyester, so these pants will feel like just a shell in freezing temperatures. So you must wear long johns to stay warm in them.

Durable water repellent (DWR)

DWR is a "chemical compound that's been impregnated into the fabric of the product." It is used in jackets, pants, backpacks, and more. You know, pretty much anything that you will sweat on when outside. Many Cordura products use it. The product will be advertised as "water proof" or "water repellent." The issue is that most DWR treatments contain toxic PFAs and PFCs.

Microplastics

If possible, you should start to move away from polyester clothing. It is really bad for the enviornment because when it is washed it releases plastic micro-fibers. And when you sweat, your body can absorb the microplastics.

Branding

The term "branding" comes from marking/cauterizing both criminals and cattle (property). So it seems a thinking person would prefer the least amount of corporate branding possible. Are you their property? Of course, we don't really think in this way about clothing, but maybe we should.

And you may want to think twice about wearing your favorite brands. Apparently, prosecutors will paint you as a crazed maniac if you wear something like Odin works apparel or a Gadsden flag, which has been deemed a radical terrorist symbol by your own government.

Expensive new tech & wild claims

Companies like Vollebak claim their ceramic material clothing will last 100 years. They offer copper, and even graphene, lined jackets. Graphene is extremely toxic to humans. Their copper jacket costs $1,900! And if you're not laughing yet, they also offer a eiderdown (duck feather) jacket for the low price of only $6,000. They also have aerogel jackets. Aerogel is an amazing material, but it is incredibly dangerous if broken down and inhaled. Remember, someone is always trying to sell you something. The point here is to stick to what you know works.

Holsters

There are hundreds of holsters and holster companies out there. So you'll have to do your research and find out what works for you. I will suggest Tenicor holsters though as they are science and performance driven and did not share your data with third parties.