BushCraft Clothing

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T

Trekker

Guest
What are you wearing for bushcrafting? I am mainly interested in shirts. Are you wearing Cotton, Synthetics, Wool ? Long sleeve or short sleeve?
I live in a warm climate ( Florida ) What should I be wearing, during my trekks.

Thanks
 

Gary

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Apr 17, 2003
2,603
2
57
from Essex
In florida I'd be wearing a cotton t-shirt and a pair of shorts!

In damp old blighty its Ventile, wool or poly/cotton (65/35) mixes that work best.
 

C_Claycomb

Moderator staff
Mod
Oct 6, 2003
7,355
2,366
Bedfordshire
With bushcraft clothing you want it to be fast drying, not weigh you down, and to be tough 'cause you do a lot of sitting, kneeling and hauling wood around.

In colder climates wool is good because it stays warm when damp, doesn't melt with campfire sparks and smells better in the long term if you have to keep wearing it without washing.

They type of fiber is only part of the deal, the weight of the cloth and how it is woven makes a huge difference.

In Florida I would seriously think of wearing long trousers for bush walking. They give better protection from ticks, other biting bugs, and poison ivy than shorts do. The same can go for the shirt, depends on where you are.

Cotton is good in hot weather, but some types of synthetic are designed for hot, humid weather too.

For local knowledge, have a search around on the net for articles about Florida hunting, fishing, hiking and such. They are all different from bushcraft, but not that different, and it can be useful to have the different points of view. Dry season makes the everglades look a lot like a desert, don't know if that is normal or not.
 

Gary

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Apr 17, 2003
2,603
2
57
from Essex
Of course if you wear the Mickey mouse outfit in the everglades you should be safe enough as no self respecting Gator will go near you!

Seriously though Long sleeves and Legs are good protection as pointed out and I'd also suggest high leg boots and a brimmed hat too.

Be wary of synthetic materials if your working around camp fires a lot - or at least test them first as some react to flame worst than others (all of them being in some way petro/chemical spin offs) - natural fibres should see you right in your climate.
 

Fallow Way

Nomad
Nov 28, 2003
471
0
Staffordshire, Cannock Chase
I was going to post a request for opinion/advice on shirts (long sleeve) and trousers that are hardwearing but not overtly specialist. Army surplus etc Anyone know any particularly good makes/sources?

nomad
 

Jack

Full Member
Oct 1, 2003
1,264
6
Dorset
I always wear the German ex army moleskin type trousers, hard wearing and this time of year, warm!

Jack.
 

sargey

Mod
Mod
Member of Bushcraft UK Academy
Sep 11, 2003
2,695
8
cheltenham, glos
the good old brit army lightweights are very popular, but they're very long in the body. i just can't stand having the waist halfway up to me pits :oops: :lol:

cheers, and.
 

bigjackbrass

Nomad
Sep 1, 2003
497
34
Leeds
My favourite multi-purpose hot weather shirt is the Eco-Mesh from www.railriders.com although it is a synthetic, and a very light one at that. No zips or buttons, a vented back and wonderful mesh venting under the arms and down the body. When it's a little cooler then Tilley Endurables' Bush Shirt is superb, made from a sturdy polycotton mix.

Alternatively, in all but really humid conditions, a Ventile smock can be worn quite comfortably as a shirt.
 
Dec 2, 2003
7
0
North West
Trekker-

I've got family in Florida and have been there a number of times, spending much of my holidays walking and canoeing. Cotton is the best bet, IMO. Long, loose cotton trousers and long-sleeved shirt. As for socks, you might want to try something synthetic that wicks the moisture away from your feet, just because your boots are wet doesn't mean your feet need to be.

The better question is, what are you wearing for bushcraft at the moment? And how do you feel it's working out?

Matt
 

Fallow Way

Nomad
Nov 28, 2003
471
0
Staffordshire, Cannock Chase
Currently i`m using army surplus combats, quite happy with them, had a few reasons to question teh stitching and the material is a little thin for my liking, would prefer something a little more solid.

Top half I cant praise the Swanndri Ranger shirts enough. Thin and light but very touch and extremely war,, i`ve just been wearing this and a t shirt underneath for the winter so far.
 

ditchfield

Nomad
Nov 1, 2003
305
0
36
Somerset
I also wear surplus lightweights. I've now got a nice new upper layer, a Westwinds Ventile that Gary sent me :-D. I have been just wearing a T-shirt or cotton shirt under it at the moment although I'm also looking for an alternative. On my feet I currently wear Brit army combat boots and 1000 mile socks but for Christmas i'm getting some Brasher Hillmaster Classic's.
 

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