In praise of backpacker style clothing

[EX121]

One of the prejudices I see on some "survivalist" pages is a tendency that if it's military or tactical them it has to be good. Everthing from packs to clothing. I'm sorry this wasn't my experience although that was nearly 20 years ago. There is a lot of good stuff but a lot of junk also.

When I hike even in cold weather I sweat like a pig, so I need clothing that will wick away the moisture as much as it can and also dry quickly. That's why I like good quality outdoor/backpacking style clothing. I find that this type of clothing is lightweight, durable and best of all easy to find in local thrift shops in good condition.
I really like some of the quick dry fishing shirts by Sage & others.
Favorite pants are by Columbia one of their now discontinuted models (GRT dry weave contivertable) although they make newer versions.

I use this type of clothing during Search & Rescue missions and I have found it to be durable & comfortable.
Remember all clothing should be worn loosely and be able to be 'layered'.

I can't see myself every wearing cotton clothing except for casual in-town wear.

[protus]

i wear columdia style shirts when backpacking, outdoor products boonie, and columbia pants ( non convertiables) ...for the same reaons my comfort. I wont buy 100% cotton BDU's anymore...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I have found joy in them stupid looking bycicle shorts. I dont wear as outer wear them in public strutting my stuff like them weekend pointy helmeted bikers do (probably some here so dont get a wedgie cause I'm making fun). I can admit they cut way down on the moisture and chaff and the jungle rot that can occur when in training/hunting sludging around in the muck. I woulda killed to have some of these back in the day when I was in basic training on them road marches and swamp treks. Cotton no more for me down there and love them fancy long johns too!
Now help a guy out with some socks wearable in the summer. I got my winter wear which is merino wool, mmm love that stuff, but need something for summer because for some reason as i get older the foot funk, atheltes foot or whatever the proper term is called is beating me up more.
Some "tactical" ninja wear black ones with a redjacket logo or something would be good too so if'n some indian zombies catch me and make me run without my boots on before they catch and eat my brains trying to prove my bravery I can escape LOL

[Rmplstlskn]

I agree, some of the best clothing & gear made is private sector, backpacking & camping. But it can also be the most expensive... Some of it, just stupid expensive. I always keep an eye out for big sales, clearance and web sites that focus on clearance stuff, like Sierra... Plus, it is never hard to find earth tone gear...

[protus]

MIO
smartwool or similar socks.
cabot and sons are good as well.

as for down there.
I use mesh boxer briefs by jockey and their micro fiber ones.
world of difference vs old style cotton briefs/boxers.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

MIO
smartwool or similar socks.
cabot and sons are good as well.

as for down there.
I use mesh boxer briefs by jockey and their micro fiber ones.
world of difference vs old style cotton briefs/boxers.

Thanks, gonna look into that

[EX121]

Yeah for the smart wool socks. I really like their liner sock it works well by itself in hot weather in lite weight shoes. Unfornationally I need to wear the liners & merino in my boots for the fit. So I just change my sock 2 a day.
Down there I wear underarmor heat gear boxers, I'm not 100%sold on them. I used to wear bycycle shorts when I was stationed in the Phillippines, they helped keep the jungle fungus away.

[Grand58742]

I sincerely love Patagonia Capilene base layer thermals. I got lucky as the Alpha green can be worn with the uniform, but also own a couple of black #2 and #3 shirts for my backpacking.

Fox River Socks and Bridgedale are also great socks to look into.

[WiseOwl]

Craighoppers is great stuff......they have clothes with insect repellant built into the fabric...

[kilowhiskey]

I keep the synthetic backpacking-type clothing for bugging out and inclement weather. But, my philosophy is that much of our time after the SHTF will be spent in basic hard physical labor. For that, I've acquired work clothes such as Dickies & Carhart. Ruggedness will be a desireable quality, especially when it won't be as easy as cruising down to the local store to replace a torn pair of pants after the SHTF.

If I'm breaking brush when bugging out, I want my clothing to be able to deal with varying activities and weather, but for day-in/day-out use, I want ruggedness.

-KW

[EX121]

I see your point about ruggedness but I think the moisture wicking property of the synthetic clothing is still benificial when doing heavy work. While I used to have carharts they were too hot. As far as the torn pants, now is the time to learn to sew.

[Jeep]

For underwear I like wicking polypro, very comfortable and easy to maintain. For outerwear, I buy either Columbia or LL Bean. They stand up to rough use and actually look nice. I like to blend in with the Yuppies (the gray man look).

[jmsneorrcom]

only problem I have is it is usually more pricey than military surplus stuff