Working outside a lot on various projects I tend to get through a lot of certain types of clothing each year, notably socks and work gloves. So I have stocked up on these items and some other clothing like work shirts and jeans. Has anyone else added clothing to their preps?
I'm constantly updating my clothing in my preps. For each season I always re-evaluate what I have and how I can improve on it. It would be my guess that a lot of military and ex-military preppers do the same. After all the time I've spent shivering in a snow bank or sloshing through the mud with rainwater trickling down my neck, I like to be warm and dry these days. In a SHTF scenario, it can be the difference between life and death.
Those who are unwilling to defend freedom, will become unfree.
Yes but concentrate on the kids stuff. We buy winter stuff at end of season, enough for the following winter or two (feet are a tough thing to gage on a kid). Summer are usually hand me downs and we have enough for the next three years. As an adult bought extra shoes/work boots and 5 dozen socks. Feet feet feet!
Kinda-sorta. I've got 3 pairs of combat boots, and a pair of olive drabs. I find them very warm. I've also got some coats and sweaters, mostly what we use for barn work. In the winter, they've got to be pretty warm when the wind whips across the fields.
I go through work gloves like crazy too, so I buy them up on sale when I can. I used to get them in a bale of 100 pairs at a time, but that dried up on me.
Socks I really don't go through as much as I used to. I've started using 100% wool though, so it may have something to do with it. Maybe it's more durable then cotton.
I've found myself going through work pants more then usual. I'm not really wearing them out, just ripping them and patching them and ripping them again and patching them again and then they just die. I've been spending most of my year now clearing land by hand - like a fool...machines were invented for a reason - so the close brush and old rusted grape wires I'm cleaning out are beating on me more I guess.
Boots I go through pretty fast now too. I usually buy decent work boots, but they are always wet and covered in dirt or mud and all that. This farm-noob stuff is harder on my clothing then my years in the auto shop 🙁
Definitely looking to put up more gloves and boots. I'm starting to think of getting decent coveralls, like Carhartts or something, now that it's getting cooler. I probably won't though. I'm kinda cheap and putting what money I can into doing this farm thing I'm doing. I have been thinking more on this very topic lately though.
Runs With Scissors
I have always prepped in layers. To many people are buying their ninth carbine yet don't have enough proper clothing socked away. Three pairs of old ratty jeans in a 5 gallon bucket with socks that don't work right ( why you threw them in the bucket..cause you couldn't stand to throw them out) just is not good planning. After many years of prepping I have now diciplined myself to prep everything in layers. As money permits I buy more meds, ammo, food, clothing equipment etc and then cach it away. Lots of caches that have everything you need in them. Defense in layers, preps in layers.
Enough warm, dry, durable and comfortable to keep me going for a couple of years.
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.
I do include clothing preps in my survival pack (BOB) but it is minimal and is meant to complement whatever I may be wearing on a given day. That includes things for warmth like a light jacket, hat and mitts; things for layering like bandanas and leggings; as well as necessary clothing items for changing such as socks. I also am sure to keep a pair of runners and hikers close to the bag (or on my feet) and a sewing kit with some fabric for patching.
Those rainy days you were saving for...may not be quelled by cash.
I don''t do as well as I should, it is a new season so I purchase some new items (I am a fairly plain dresser so just preparing to be warm and dry...I am learning how to knit socks (with 4 needles at a time) so that I won't have to buy them anymore (why buy it if you can make it!) and wool does last longer. I am learning how to sew our clothes & knit some clothes so as long as there is wool, crochet cotton and fabrics I might be better prepared than I have been
I only have my one pair of boots! Its one of those things that I know better but im glad you guys reminded me to get a couple extra pairs!
An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it.
Yep, definitely!
Especially given our climate... Thermal underwear of various degrees of protection, high quality socks, good footwear. Fleece. Cargo pants (summer/winter). Balaclava. scarf, gloves.
Work gloves, separately.
BOB content reviewed twice a year, to adjust to the season.
Also have a minimal set in my GHB.
The problem, of course, is with the kids' clothes: they grow out of it so fast... We still manage to keep some spares for them, but it's a constant pain in the neck 😉
Part of my clothing prep is always in the car. A warm hat, wool socks and gloves, an old pair of running shoes and a light jacket. This as well as the car blanket, is the essentials of keeping warm. Hands feet and head, these three can make the difference of being comfortable or miserable. The blanket can also be used as a poncho or lining in your jacket or pants. 
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
I spend half the year working in either wet, rainy and cold, or snowing, windy, and cold, so I have had lots of first hand experience on the importance of clothing in hard conditions.
I will start by saying what most people know, is that buying clothes that can be layered is easily the most important consideration.
When I do find something I like, and that works for me, I tend to buy multiples of the item, sometimes waiting until it goes on clearance.
There are certain levels of clothing that are more important than others when layering, where it isn't worth it to cheap out, and others that are filler layers.
Your base layer, and outer shell are the most critical, as they are your first and last defence against the elements.
A wicking base layer, that isn't cotton, and isn't too loose will help keep moisture away from your skin and reduce the likelihood of chaffing.
An outer shell should be exactly that, just a shell, breathable, and waterproof. A trench coat, poncho, or 2 piece rain suit all work well.
Boots and socks are more gear than clothing as far as I am concerned, wool socks of course, and I recommend looking into liner socks. Liner socks save your feet and prolong the life of your socks.
The rest is a mix of long sleeves, fleeces, t-shirts, fast drying pants, etc...
Summer vs winter conditions will have a big bearing on your clothing needs, but many layers can be interchanged or modified to fit different needs.
While storing up clothes is certainly not a bad idea, investing time in the learning to make or at least basic repair of clothing is going to serve you much better long-term than an extra of anything.
Clothing is a huge part of my preps. Having 2 teen boys, we have plenty of good, sturdy clothing to hand down if needed to the two toddlers. Winterwear seems to be a popular gift item at Christmas, so we have lots of hats, mits, scarves, etc.
Also, we buy plenty of adult clothing when we find good deals, so there is a good supply of everything in storage.
Absolutely. I have an assortment of clothing and footwear for all weather conditions, as well as bedding and hot water bottles. Also invested in an old hand operated sewing machine to repair and/or make clothing.