Very curious about this.

Anyone have suggestions? What's good prepared clothing to wear in the seasons? I'm thinking longjohns in winter under all clothing, etc.

Some idea of where you'll be and what you'll be doing would help. Asking what kind of clothes I wear, without context, sounds like someone doing market research. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This domain is about being prepared. I'm asking what clothing people find useful/versatile/comfortable/ready to go in any situation.

What don't you understand?

Your original question was: What clothing styles/brands do you wear?

This is very general. I'm asking you to narrow the scope a little. You're likely to get more, and more useful, responses if you'll give us some idea of the sort of activities you'll be doing and where you'll be doing them. Office wear? Summer hiking? Mountain climbing? Day at the beach? Caving?

Maybe you have a specific purpose in mind. Like, what sort of long johns do people recommend? Or maybe, what's a good brand of hiking boot, or can you recommend a good back pack, or....

I can see what you are asking, but I agree with Groo that it is a little bit too gerneral.

I live on a different continent than you (I think) so brands etc wont be much help, but I go for pockets, more pockets, and I would have more if I could find them.

Other than that its just common sense with the conditions you live with, and some extra's to cover the extreme's for backup to cover what nature might throw at you.

I don't turst this person. I smell something wrong. There is no data in his registration, and he is too agressive.

I for one shall respond to nothing he sends.

I read through his previous posts, because this sounded fishy. Just like you said. I can't tell, so I'm erring on the "interested, but a little too enthusiastic" side.

Gear up with the gear the pros use? I'm getting the same feeling.

I think you guys are being paranoid and so do all the voices whispering in my head.

<img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's probably nothing. But this is the internet. If LIVESTRONG is seriously interested in the sort of things we discuss here, then welcome!

I do think it's interesting that, with the relatively high number of new people we've welcomed over the past few months, this is the only user that's triggered this kind of response and from multiple sources.

NODs, asking about vehicles, what kind of socks we wear....

I hate to say this, but we are survival's Olympic equivelent here, IMO. They get fan boys, so maybe we get some. Maybe we should even get endorsement contracts? I could shave my belly and rent it as billboard space- I can give a premium for those who rent by the square foot rather than square inch. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Really and truely, it isn't fat. It is a conformal carb and water reserve. Like the FAST Packs on the F-15.

Paranoid? There ARE people after me. Is it possible to be too carefull?

I like voices in your head line, BTW.

conformal carb and water reserve

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> That's sooooo much better than the way I usually describe mine.

I agree, but I find it interesting that I dont register the same response as others, perhaps some people are taking things too personally (Both ways) and some people dont know how to word the questions to get the answers they want.
I see this as happening all the time, not just this time, and not just here.

I see this thread as could Livestrong give us more details to make it easier to answer. Nothing more personal than that.

Would that make it BellyBoard space (tm)

I can see a new market opening up.

Backpacking clothes...no cotton.

Agreed. I can't tell, and it's easy to get a false positive. I'm so determined not to be scammed that I see danger everywhere. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

But hey... at least here, we're definitely not profiling. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

LIVESTRONG, if you're still reading this, just be a little more specific, and you'll get more opinions than you'll probably want. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm kinda partial to GrrAnimals - takes all the guesswork out of matching colors and whatnot.

Footwear:
Scarpa or Rocky boots, Northface gortex running sneakers

Socks:
Smart wool

Pants:
Cargo pants from GAP or Old Navy (repaired every few monts for holes in the pockets)

Tshirts:
White or gray tshirt bought in bulk. mointure wicking shirts

Top layer:
Very fond of EMS job shirts, TAD gear fleece hoodie, North face or Arcteryx fleece, windproof vests,

OUtter shell:
Nylon bomber jacket, or arcteryx gortext parka I also have waterproof pants.

oh yeah I'm a boxer man.

Whatever she buys me <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Camping/outdoor clothing is the way I go. Tilley underwear & socks

Brand name can be expensive, store equivalents are as good & cheaper : Mec.ca

I'm looking at labels more and more. Many top of the line brand name clothing is made in Vietnam or China. I look for Made in Canada or Made in the USA labels often found on store clothing lines ...

I took a quick look at the pants they look ok, but I would stay away from cotton and besides they are Imported <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Three products I have found especially useful and well made:

BDUs from either Propper or 511
Boots from Merrell
LLBean RiverDriver shirts

I've found http://www.cabelas.com to be a great supplier of outdoors clothing and, to some extent, gear.

Also check out http://www.campmor.com .

Every one says no cotton but I disagree. If there is fire cotton is more flame retardant, doesn?t feel like a trash bag, and is better for bandaging.

LIVESTRONG I think you are just new and really excited about getting prepared we all are. A lot of people don't notice you have to talk different online. People can't see you or hear you and can't pick up on you mannerisms or tone. Just be cool I was the same way.

When ever you have a new question try searching for your answer on the site first so you can refine and state your question better.

Hang in there you'll get better at it.
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Love those River Driver shirts from LL Bean. And why is it they are only available in Men's and Children's sizes? I mean, sure, I can wear men's shirts, but they are too long in the torso. I always have to hack off the bottoms of the shirts and hem them. Not difficult, but more work than I like to do on brand new clothing. Still, it doesn't stop me from buying the shirts.

I like Linen shirts as my base layer instead of cotton (and in the summer, Linen shorts or pants), because it wicks away sweat. I've never had any luck with man-made fibers like Coolmax. I work outdoors, in a very humid and hot climate (Austin, TX) and Linen is the best stuff. However, it tends to stretch when wet, so it's important to look for waistbands that are re-enforced with a different fiber.

Wool socks are a must when it's cold or wet, and Smartwool is my favorite commercially available wool sock. If you or a loved one can knit, consider some of the washable wool sock yarns. They are very comfie, and knitting them yourself gives you hours of entertainment. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Being a woman-shaped person makes it difficult to get dressed for the outdoors. When I go shopping for some specialty item, say a fishing west, I find ten times more man's sized vests than women's. Some companys, like Filson, apparently don't make any women's clothing at all, and even the smallest men's jacket is too big for me. Often my choice has less to do with "is this a well made, durable peice of clothing from a reputable company?" and more to do with, "does it stay on my body or slide off when I try to walk?" and sometimes I think about, "Do I look like this is my gear or do I look like a little girl playing dress up in big brother's closet?" Yes, that's me with the rolled up sleeves and cuffs and a belt cranked to the last notch.

Thank you for tolerating my little rant.

Its getting hard to find clothing that isn't these days.
I found dress cargo pants at the Express mens store, they were not cheap but have held up well over the last couple years of wearing them. I haven't seen anymore though.

Hey, I have the same issue, well I'm not a woman-shaped person but I have a small frame so most mens stuff I have touble fitting without being too bulky so I second your rant <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cabela's is a good place to start looking for stuff. Great catalogs, good Web site, excellent customer service.

L.L.. Bean also has excellent customer service.

Best place for savings: Sierra Trading Post. Their stock is what is it any given time, as they resale closeouts, overstocks, overruns, etc. ... but really good prices on some top flight stuff and really good people to deal with. (Quite a bit of women's stuff, too.).

Re cotton: I wear it a lot, but I avoid it for outdoor winter activities. It's a disaster as a base layer.

When I returned to upland hunting (lots of walking) at about age 30 after a long absence, I wore cotton longies, jeans, a flannel and a down vest on my first trip out, which was on a very cold day. I was an ice ball at the end of the day, whereas my two brothers -- who were more knowingly and modernly attired -- were dry and comfy.

I quickly learned about polypro, thermax, cool max, merino wool and the like. Sweat-wicking is important in outdoor winter activities the require any exertion.

Yeah Merino wool is interesting. It stays warm when wet and also breaks the wind a little bit and is flame retardant but also expensive. I tested it on a 61F pouring rain day when I wore a light merino wool shirt that I bought at MEC and cotton CK khaki. I felt warm on the top and cold on the bottom.

But what about organic cotton ? I see it more and more on outdoor stores shelves?

Frankie

As you read through the post so far you will see several trends as well as several things people disagree on. Some are very opinionated about things like cotton clothing without taking into account the climate of the others on this worldwide forum.
What you need to do is learn the principles of dressing to survive for your weather and time of year.
The obvious benefits of cotton during the summertime in hot climes are totally negated in cold climes. Yes cotton is much better around fire than the poly whatever flavor of the month fabric, but so is leather and wool for winter dress. Each like everything else in this world has its advantages played against its disadvantages.
You seem to be in an awful hurry to catch up with many of us gadget wise with out realizing it’s about life style and a way of thinking not gadgets. Many on this forum live this day-to-day and have for years. Many of us have lived though “interesting” times and know its just a matter of time before more “interesting” things happen to us so we do what needs to be done ahead of time to live to see the next set of “interesting” developments.
This is not something you can throw money at to make happen it is something you learn about over a lifetime.
I have no clue if you are doing research here or are just a little worried about what you see happening around you. Either way you need to slow down take a deep breath a feel the rhythm of this forum, learn some of its history by reading or at least scanning the old postings.
You may think people here are acting a little tribal but that is to be expected we are use to the ebb and flow of this forum and are not use to you yet. If you are a kindred spirit you will fit in it just take time!

It varies considerably depending on whether I am home or abroad. A lot of my home/casual clothing is also seasonal based. For instance, I own a lot of Costco Kirkland brand items, like their Merino Wool sweaters, or their jeans, or their cotton crew socks. I also have a good number of off brand print shirts, some Dickies from my previous job, Carhartts, Danner Boots, and a Raffinati Tux my wife said I had to have.

Here in the sandbox, I have wolverine boots, Nike boots, and New Balance tennis shoes. I use underarmor shirts and boxerbriefs, and also sometimes fruit of the loom. My wife sends me a lot of inexpensive synthetic tees because they wick perspiration and breath better than cotton. I have REI cargo pants, Columbia Sportswear pants, more Costco Kirkland jeans. I also have some Columbia sportswear synthetic button up shirts, some REI synthetic button up shirts, and some Ex Officio button up shirts. I have a Columbia Sportswear ventilated boonie hat, and a few different shemaghs from Pakistan. I wear issued safety glasses (tinted) or WileyX brand tinted safety glasses. I think the socks are Hanes, but I'm not sure. It's whatever the 10 pack they sold at the PX was at the time I bought them.

My absolute best coat is a Rivers West H2H fleece ATJ parka.

Merino wool is a great material to keep you warm & dry. I don’t mind the extra expense especially for socks. What’s the point in a top line boot if the socks don’t perform as well? Top line clothing, of course, is not for everyday wear. I can’t afford it. They are used for strenuous outdoor activities or standing around ice fishing…

As for organic cotton, I don’t think it has different properties from regular cotton. I believe it is an environmental choice.

Costco typically carries Merino wool sweaters in season for like $18 a piece. They look good, but they work real nice as an underlayer beneath my work jacket and such. I wore them daily doing remote radio work. Never worried much about damaging them.

Cotton is cotton. Hemp is better.

I think maybe I'm allergic to merino wool. I got these long underwear sets from the Post Exchange and they are great at keeping me warm. The only thing is, they itch a bit (not that big of a deal), and my face gets red and a bit blotchy.

I'm hoping that over time I'll develop a resistance to them (why get rid of them when I got them at a great price?), or maybe I'll try organic cotton as well.

Well said, Sheep.

Generally, if a wool thing is itchy just where it touches your skin, the reason is that the wool was poorly processed (for example, with lye--yuck!) or was of bad quality to start with. If you get red and blotchy on a part of your body that is not actually in contact with the wool, then that is an allergic reaction and you can't develop a resistance. Maybe silk is a better fiber for you.

I'm allergic to mohair and angora, but not wool. I actually start sneezing in a room with an angora sweater in it.

Well they will itch. Try wearing raw wool untreated and unbleached... Ouch. What a torture to put kid thru but that's what I get for growing up in sheep country.

ANd your face... Well if it is cold enough to wear merino wool long underwear I bet you the redish cheeks come from the cold not from the allergic reaction.

Not that specific brands make or break my attire but here it goes for myself
Boots-merrill, Vasque
Socks-depends, do like some fox river, coloumbia(specific ones)
Outer wear -mountain hardwear or Marmont parkas/fleece/pants
shirts-love columbia GRT tees-great wicking abilities/mountain hardwear & columbia button ups
Pants-again mountain hardwear are the top, also like rei and north face convertible pack pants
underwear-exofficio
belts-last chance belt or Black Diamond (nylon)