The Very Best Thread

[erover82]

Here's a follow-up with the solution I arrived at. I wanted something high quality, made with skill, and which reflected Defender qualities. After looking at dozens of options, I stumbled upon this product: https://www.etsy.com/listing/808420951/waxed-canvas-duffel-bag-100-american

It's 100% made in USA (here in Oregon actually), relatively simple and utilitarian compared to other high-quality but luxury oriented options, well designed, available in a few color options, and is priced very reasonably. My only question was the canvas weight. The bag is normally built with two layers of 10oz canvas with the outer layer waxed. This is quite durable for many uses, but I wanted something on-par with the most durable options available.

After inquiring, they built a bag with the same two-layer construction, but with 18oz outer waxed canvas in two-tone brown and olive. Matching brown Strapworks nylon hand and shoulder straps (also made in Oregon) were selected. Here is the end result:

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They seemed to indicate this design would become a standard option. Until then, if anyone is interested in purchasing one, inquire with the seller. I believe the current price to have one made to these specs is $150 shipped. It's a bargain for what you'll receive.

I've actually began the process of ordering another with the same 18oz outer, but with 15oz inner, double thick straps, and oversized zipper. This one will be used for the heaviest of gear.

Loaded up with some recovery gear. Heavy, but feels good. Just the right size.

 

[Roverman2010]

Who has good things to say about work gloves? I have got loads of good right hand gloves but left all have holes in the fingers. Why not sell separate hands?

 

[chris snell]

Love my PMI lightweight rappel gloves. They're definitely Very Best worthy.

 

[evilfij]

I use maxiflex. Not sure they are the best, but they are good and thin and cheap enough to be considered disposable.

 

[jymmiejamz]

Who has good things to say about work gloves? I have got loads of good right hand gloves but left all have holes in the fingers. Why not sell separate hands?

I like Hestra work gloves. They’re cheap but seem to hold up well. I keep a set in each car as winch gloves. I also love their winter gloves

 

[chris snell]

Yet another use for Ballistol: lubricating zippers. The zippers on my ex-MODs soft top were nearly inoperable after almost seven years of dust and grime buildup. I hit them with a little Ballistol and they operate better now than they did brand new. Amazing stuff.

 

[teledan]

Red Wing Boots. These are the 875, I had a pair of cheap knockoffs before these and have been blown away at how much better the real thing is.

 

[evilfij]

Red Wing Boots. These are the 875, I had a pair of cheap knockoffs before these and have been blown away at how much better the real thing is.

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Absolutely, (although nicks might be better — have my eye on some of theirs). I picked up a pair of 875 and some one with the vibram sole the roughneck I think. Only thing is they run big so go at least a 1/2 size down. BTW neither look anywhere near this clean anymore.

 

[teledan]

Absolutely, (although nicks might be better — have my eye on some of theirs). I picked up a pair of 875 and some one with the vibram sole the roughneck I think. Only thing is they run big so go at least a 1/2 size down. BTW neither look anywhere near this clean anymore.


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Yeah you are correct on the size. I think I got mine in size 9 but I normally wear a 10-1/2. I have a red wing outlet near me so I went in and they fitted me with their fancy machine and told me exactly what size to get. Mine fit so well, super comfy!

 

[evilfij]

Yup, I am an 11 wide and I got a 10 1/2 E in the roughneck (which is why I fit the false tongues) and a 10 E in the 875. There is a redwing store near me. Highly recommend going in person if one is remotely close by.

 

[rocky]

On footwear, as a kid I hated “Wellington Boots” as we called them. Ill fitting etc. Muck boots are just fantastic in comparison. Become my pack every time I go wheeling footwear from WR onwards. As well as anytime I go into the woods around our house..

 

[rover4x4]

Muckboots, specifically the "Wetland" model are my go to. I use Superfeet insoles in lieu of the factory offering.

 

[javelinadave]

I love Palladium boots. Durable, comfortable and reasonably priced. They are running a nice sale this week too.

The Official US Palladium Boots Online Shop

For almost a century, Palladium Boots has been about adventure and discovery. Discover the Palladium shoes collection. Join us. Put your boots on and go exploring.

palladiumboots.com

 

[teledan]

I recently bought one of these and I absolutely love it. I don’t hunt but I fish a lot and it has been great on these hot sunny days we have been having recently.

Gila LS Hoodie | Valo

Keeping you cool in the hottest conditions, this hoodie is built with breathable, odor-resistant, and cooling fabric. Shop summer hunting clothes at KUIU.

www.kuiu.com

Kuiu makes some great stuff. I also have one of their down jackets and it is great for fishing during the winter.

 

[mgreenspan]

Titan 51535 3/16-Inch Double Flaring Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPRVCP...abc_HDHX7JMS4KCNA85WX78V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This thing makes quick, painless, and flawless work of making brake lines. Had the pleasure of upgrading the series brakes and redid all the lines. Copper tubing is substantially easier to work with and the flarings were perfect every time. I would not mess with any other tools when it comes to fabbing lines.

 

[nosivad_bor]

I couldn’t find decent edgeing shovel at the big box stores, so I checked out a local landscape specialty store and found these very well made shovels. This is the kind of quality that lets you get some work done.

12-Gauge Edging / Planting Spade - Bully Tools, Inc.

The double-duty 12-Gauge Edging/Planting Spade by Bully Tools is made to cut through sod, but also trenching, digging, weeding, or other landscaping uses.

bullytools.com

 

[Napalm00]

I had a pair of redwings for about 8? years and went through two sets of soles until they finally told me that the welt can no longer be repaired. Ends up going with a set of nicks boots and got them tailored for me to ride my motorcycle with and they are fucking amazing. But holy shit expensive

 

[mitherial]

I've used Klein Tools 11-bit screwdriver for years and years; keep one in all of my vehicles, and in my office at work. I regularly break the bits off of cheapo multi-bit tools, but these screwdrivers keep going and going:

https://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-Industrial-Strength-Klein-Tools/dp/B0015SBILG/

 

[mitherial]

I used Vasque "Sundowners" leather hiking boots for over twenty years (two pairs), but they changed the foot mold ("last") about 5 years ago, and the sizing no longer fits my feet well. I now hike with a more modern Vasque that's half-nylon or something; very comfortable and functional, but not nearly as "permanent" as full leather.

Sundowner GTX | Vasque

The Sundowner in brown is an iconic waterproof, leather hiking boot. Beloved for its timeless style and durability, the Sundowner is in a class of its own. Shop now at Vasque!

www.vasque.com

 

[mitherial]

Other things that should be on this list:

• Multitools--Leatherman, of course. I use the "Wave" model (included pliers are crucial), and bought a clip on holster from Amazon. Much better than the Swiss Army knife that my 80 something year old father-in-law still carries everywhere.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The quintessential British jacket: Barbour Waxed Cotton Jackets. (Actually haven't tried this one yet; will get one eventually).
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I know that many of you will be knife snobs, but my go-to EDC pocket knife is the Kershaw Tension 1490X. Super sharp, the weight and grip is "just right" for me, and the blade is thick enough that I don't worry about it breaking off, and now at under $17 on Amazon (was much more expensive when I first bought one)--I don't worry at all about losing one:
  
  
  
  

  Amazon.com: Kershaw Tension 1490X Folding Knife : Tools & Home Improvement

  Amazon.com: Kershaw Tension 1490X Folding Knife : Tools & Home Improvement

  www.amazon.com
  
  
  
• And for a heavier "camp" knife, the Gerber Infantry Knife. It is damn near indestructible (there's a review on youtube of a guy cutting through sheet metal trash cans with one of these, and has lashing holes so that you can use it to make a spear. I also keep one of these in the back of all of my vehicles.:
  
  
  
  
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Infantry-Knife-Coyote-22-01463/dp/B0009JVOCA/