The Very Best Thread
- Thread starter chris snell
- Start date
vtlandrover
Well-known member
I'm on my second Barbour in 30+ years - not because the first wore out, but because I gave it to my best friend. The literal clothing equivalent of a RRC... knuckles deep in mud by day and wear it to a fancy dinner that night. Five stars for circa 1995 production. Can't speak to current quality.
I loved the Vasque until they stopped making them in Italy (I think) agree with mitherial, the fit changed. I am on my 3rd pair of Scarpa Terra GTX boots in 10 years for hiking. I still use the older two pairs as work boots and they are great. Also switched from Barbour to Filson Tin Cloth about 10 years ago. The tin cloth is really great for upland hunting that would shred a Barbour in a day. To be fair the Barbour is not meant for that kind of abuse though.
evilfij
Well-known member
I have found better boots. These are built like tanks. Make redwings looks like slippers (I still like my redwings). Currently have 10% off, I think maybe only on the ironically named “overlander” model with code 10OFF (first pic) Going to order a pair of those or similar (probably same leather but different arch/sole as I like the high arch), but I got the “hot shot” 10in NFPA rated boots in my size in stock. They are like 3.5lbs each and the leather is super thick. Break in is supposed to be a bear (80-100 hours lol), but I wore them for 6 hours, not working hard though, and they were not bad.
www.nicksboots.com
made in USA by hand in Spokane Washington good YouTube channel for info etc etc
www.nicksboots.com
made in USA by hand in Spokane Washington good YouTube channel for info etc etc
Invincible Athletic Socks
Thoughtful design and technical features come together in these Invincible Athletic Socks.www.orvis.com
Here's my first contribution: the Orvis Invincible Sock. These socks are so well-made that I'm actually a little hesitant in recommending them because it's been eight years since I last bought them. I have pairs of these that I bought before my oldest kid was born that are still going strong. They simply do not wear out. They are warm and don't get strong odors (I think that's a wool thing?).
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Damn it. Why does everything that is pure and great eventually have to go to shit? Is anything not timeless and sacred anymore? Look what Orvis did to the Invincible Sock. What used to be wool and colored appropriately for everyday wear is now this abomination:
Invincible Athletic Socks
Thoughtful design and technical features come together in these Invincible Athletic Socks.
"Athletic"
"COOLMAX"
Damn it. Why does everything that is pure and great eventually have to go to shit? Is anything not timeless and sacred anymore? Look what Orvis did to the Invincible Sock. What used to be wool and colored appropriately for everyday wear is now this abomination:
Invincible Athletic Socks
Thoughtful design and technical features come together in these Invincible Athletic Socks.
"Athletic"
"COOLMAX"
My bad. I called Orvis. They still exist; they just didn't show up in the search. The originals are still available here:
Invincible Extra Wool-Blend Crew Socks
Our Invincible Extra Wool-Blend Crew Socks are crafted from a special blend for rugged, soft, and long-lasting wear.
mitherial
Well-known member
Heavy duty socks are *almost* as personally of a decision as luxury watches. I've been using Thorlos Hiking socks for decades in all kinds of boots and conditions. They aren't quite as indestructible as 1/2" wool socks, but are the perfect mix of weight and comfort for me, and are relatively inexpensive to replace when they wear out after a decade or so.
For long trips overseas (where packing size matters), I now go with Smartwool PhD low rise socks. They roll into a very small ball, and yet keep me from getting blisters while walking miles and miles in Europe (or wherever). <Looks like my specific model may not be available>
For long trips overseas (where packing size matters), I now go with Smartwool PhD low rise socks. They roll into a very small ball, and yet keep me from getting blisters while walking miles and miles in Europe (or wherever). <Looks like my specific model may not be available>
vtlandrover
Well-known member
Darn Tough socks. Locally made in VT, USA and carry a lifetime warranty. Hiking, running, biking; ankle-height, 3/4, full. They're all I've worn for many years and have only had to send a couple in for replacement.
mgreenspan
Founding Member
Separatec super soft micromodal boxer briefs. https://separatec.com/collections/b...dal-separate-pouches-comfort-fit-boxer-briefs
I have been pretty unsatisfied with underwear most of my life. Boxers never felt good. Too much movement. At the same time, I found briefs and boxer briefs less than desirable for sweat and comfort. One thing I discovered flying the U-2 was that the briefs we had solved the problem by having a hole your Johnson went through to go into the latex urine collection device that separates it from the rest of your downstairs.
About a year and half ago I discovered Separatec boxer briefs that have the same hole design and a separate pouch for your bits. I’ve been very pleased with these underwear for the last year and a half. They have worn well from lots of washing. They’re great for sports use as it keeps your skin separated from all parts and your thighs. You stay fresher longer. Additionally the legs do not ride up when working out, wearing clothes, or wearing dress clothes moving around throughout the day. I thought I might end up having issues with them riding up while flying, but the legs stay in place. It took about a week to get used to the new feeling/layout, but I was sold on them after use.
I cannot recommend this product enough. The fabric feels great. The lack of skin contact between bits reduced sweating to practically none for most temperatures. And the design of the fly for flip up/out is genius. Everything stays in place. It’s like Kaizen 5S for your crotch. A place for everything and everything in its place.
I have been pretty unsatisfied with underwear most of my life. Boxers never felt good. Too much movement. At the same time, I found briefs and boxer briefs less than desirable for sweat and comfort. One thing I discovered flying the U-2 was that the briefs we had solved the problem by having a hole your Johnson went through to go into the latex urine collection device that separates it from the rest of your downstairs.
About a year and half ago I discovered Separatec boxer briefs that have the same hole design and a separate pouch for your bits. I’ve been very pleased with these underwear for the last year and a half. They have worn well from lots of washing. They’re great for sports use as it keeps your skin separated from all parts and your thighs. You stay fresher longer. Additionally the legs do not ride up when working out, wearing clothes, or wearing dress clothes moving around throughout the day. I thought I might end up having issues with them riding up while flying, but the legs stay in place. It took about a week to get used to the new feeling/layout, but I was sold on them after use.
I cannot recommend this product enough. The fabric feels great. The lack of skin contact between bits reduced sweating to practically none for most temperatures. And the design of the fly for flip up/out is genius. Everything stays in place. It’s like Kaizen 5S for your crotch. A place for everything and everything in its place.
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vtlandrover
Well-known member
@mgreenspan - THANK YOU!! In my post just above, I debated sharing that in addition to only wearing one maker of sock, I do the same with tee-shirts, button-down shirts, ties, suits, (for the most part, vehicles (specifically, Land Rovers)), and boxers. Except, Patagonia stopped making my preferred pairs a decade ago and in the last 6 months, they've started to disintegrate... I often look on ebay for the item number, without success. I haven't found anything yet that is a worthy replacement.
I'm going to check these out with, appreciation.
What a great thread.
I'm going to check these out with, appreciation.
What a great thread.
blueboy
Well-known member
Yep. My ski socks for a long time. Warranty is great - replaced a pair for me. Even with a few pairs skiing usually 100 days per season I’m tough on socks. ⛷
Z.G
Well-known member
Was going to say this. Chris, if you want quality wool socks, Darn Tough is pure gold. A good friend of mine moved from Burton to them last year actually
WreckITFrank
Technical Excellence Contributor
Who makes the very best value for rubber gloves for shop use? These 9mil nitriles from Harbor Fright are great but seem a little speedy.
vtlandrover
Well-known member
Occasionally, I can find the 14mm Thickster gloves for a little less than Harbor Freight's showing on the 9mm.
Thedudeabides
Active member
Many people will tell you these are the finest hiking boots made in this country, though sadly they do not make narrow sizes so I have been unable to buy a pair of custom Limmers.
Limmer Boots
At Peter Limmer & Sons and Limmer Boot Company, we create and provide hand crafted boots known to last for 20-40 years. Made from the highest quality materials and a true "single piece" leather upper, our Limmer Custom Boots, Limmer Boots, and Boot Repair service are the most sustainable leather...
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Thedudeabides
Active member
I made the switch to this stuff about 15 years ago and have never looked back
https://www.exofficio.com/men/underwear/boxers/mens-give-n-go-2.0-boxer-2-pack/AFS_613543140173.html
Super cool that you were a dragonlady pilot, you must have some great stories
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