Does anyone know how the fireproof fabric Nomex compares to cordura (balistic nylon) in terms of abrasion resistance?

-Blast

For what use? I have several pairs of Nomex pants that have worn extemely well to date. They do tend to pill just a lttle in areas of contact (between the thighs), so I would think they are not as abrasion resistant as cordura. Pete

Are these similar to the type that wildland firefigthers wear? I have thought of getting some of those but never knew how well they held up.

I was a wildland firefighter in Montana for a while and the nomex jeans that we wore held up really well. We spent a lot of time on all fours, in thick brush, and scrambling over rough terrain. We would wear one set of clothes for weeks on end, just to see who would cave in to the stench first. I literally wore out a couple of sets of leather work gloves but only wore one set of nomex all season.

I never saw new nomex issued. Replacement jeans and shirts were always used gear from the district's fire cache. There's no telling how many seasons it was issued.

Ed

Nomex is very sturdy stuff, even though the only color I've ever had it in is green. Depends what you're going to use it for - the one drawback to it for me was that it didn't breathe very well and could leave you feeling rather clammy/sweaty.

Thanks all for the advice.

I have a pair of Nomex pants and shirt from work and I was wondering if these pants+leather chaps would offer more protection than jeans+chaps when I'm on my motorcycle. I'm a rather unique size (34" waist, 38" inseam) and none of the off-the-rack motorcycle gear fits me. My job requires me to have the Nomex gear and my company pays for the custom tailoring. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've been saving up for custom made Cordura riding gear, but it'll probably be 3-4 more months of rice and beans before I have the needed $$$. The Nomex is in my closet right now. I'm hoping the normal road-breeze will help with the poor breathability of this stuff. On the other hand, the chaps will seal them off... Hmmm, this requires more thought.

-Blast

Yes, they are one and the same. I also have a few pairs of the US military and Canadian military pants. Pete

Thanks. I was thinking of getting a pair for my BOB. Not sure why, but I always figured fire resistant was good.

Check Ebay with the search word of nomex, you should find some good items. Be patient and do not jump on the first pair you see. Some of the smaller sizes of Fire Service pants have gone for as little as $9-10. Pete