The most over looked piece of kit

Kit, Clothing, Tools, etc
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xplosiv1
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Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2012 2:12 pm
Location: Scotland

The most over looked piece of kit

Post by xplosiv1 »

Right I've been going through this forum for a while now and have noticed that there is one piece of kit that is often overlooked by most.

everyone remembers, extra socks, a good bag , some food, water, tools etc but in a SHTF scenario you may end up doing a lot of walking !!

there is only so long you can stay "bugged in"

So how many here have a few pairs of good hard wearing boots ??

It's great having 6 million pairs of socks to keep your feet dry and healthy but really you need a good pair of boots that will last a long time to put those nice clean socks in, unfortunately really good boots are expensive but if you look at paying say £200 on a pair of boots you could wear everyday for 10 to 20 years then that's not a bad investment at all.

depending on the time of the year, how far I plan to walk, the terrain I will choose accordingly ...... work boots will come in handy in urban areas, you don't want to be walking about town in high end hiking boots in a SHTF scenario ...... your just painting a target on your back same goes for the rest of your clothes in different scenarios .... always try to blend in if you have to break cover and cant go unnoticed.

I'll just detail my main two below I haven't got all evening to go through everything ..... I'd say I have about 15 pairs of boots ranging from Snow boots, hiking boots , steel toe work boots, steel toe wellies, just normal leather CAT / Timberland boots for about town.

1. North Face boots - comfort rating -20°C, 100% waterproof , a good winter snow boot and I can walk for hours in these never need to worry about cold feet.
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2. I've had these for about 10 years (in black couldn't find a pic online) but they are still available for purchase ..... that just shows how good they are that they still sell the same boot 10 years on. Really hard wearing boot, very comfortable, come about half way up my calf and waterproof to the top of the boot (so I can stand in about 12 inches depth of water without getting wet). they'll last forever and offer great leg and ankle protection. Generally wore these when I was out hunting.

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Please by all means add your boot choices to this thread.
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nickdutch
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by nickdutch »

I got a great set of boots, but I need more in the way of boot socks to complete the picture. You know, the proper double lined things that allow movement and are fluid permeable. And I need to get those boots waterproofed again as I will be using them in november. Thanks for reminding me.
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Spiderwebb

Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by Spiderwebb »

A good thread and yes, something often overlooked. I bought these last winter. Went for Berghaus as my wife has a similar pair and loves them - no complex research for me! Really pleased with them.

http://www.berghaus.com/mens-explorer-r ... 80020.html
Curious George
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by Curious George »

You only need the Meindl boots! I have been buying these for@ ten years, my work pays for a new pair every year. I still wear the original ones I bought ten years ago for hiking and my current daily work boots are two years old and still cut it in the office or out on site! A weekly wax and they look great! Comfortable too if out hoofing it all day, may sound sad but they are also my first choice of out of work hours to!
cpslashm
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by cpslashm »

Despite having an office job, I live in steel toe-capped boots.

Reasons:

1. They are designed to be hard wearing and practical (worn all day).

2. The uppers are usually stitched to the soles - not just glued - so the soles don't pull away from the uppers at the heels if I squat down.

3. They are black, so I can slap black shoe polish on them and no-one notices when I wear them with a suit.

4. They are not fashionable so are a lot cheaper and VAT free - soles don't last forever so I bought several pairs for the price of a high-end boot.

5. If I drop something on my toe, it offers some protection!
SHTF around 2017.
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Decaff
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by Decaff »

I have a pair of good quality waterproof walking boots, plenty of pairs of proper walking socks which are toasty and so comfy, gaitors that go up to my knees, waterproof trousers, jacket, plenty of hats, gloves and a ton of scarfs, snoods and padded ear muffs that grip round the head not over so easier to clip over hats for extra warmth.
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Devonian
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Location: Devon

Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by Devonian »

To be honest, I'm not convinced that its one of the most overlooked items.

As the responses have already indicated, most preppers are prepared to spend on having decent boots and it is certainly one of the areas that shouldn't be skimped on........

Even with my work shoes, I always ensure that they are GoreTex lined.

As for boots I have a decent pair of Merrell Walking boots, plus a pair of Jack Pyke hunting boots which I find better than any walking boots I have ever tried.

I also have several pairs of waterproof walking shoes/trainers.

Probably the reason its not covered on the forums that much, though it is discussed (see the recent Lowa Mountain boot Thread), is that boots are a very personal item, what fits me, may be awful for you and vice versa.
ForgeCorvus
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by ForgeCorvus »

264 L BCH, all day every day
Inexpensive (£40 for unissued, I buy the lightly worn ones 'coz I'm cheap like that :oops: )
Can be nearly waterproof (survived a muddy Glastonbury and my feet stayed dry....Unlike the rest of me :shock: )
I don't think I own any other footwear any more (apart from selfmade moccasins).... Not even wellies
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FEISTY
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Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by FEISTY »

Sigh - I can only dream! If you google, say, Tiso and look for boots size 33 (1 1/2) it will come up with an extensive list of one - Kids All Terrain Texapore Boot. I can cope with the grey (don't even worry about whether or not it's actually waterproof or even comfortable), but I draw the line at yellow detail on a hiking boot and I definitely don't want natty little yellow pawprints! There's no "crying in frustration" "smiley" or I would add one here. :(
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xplosiv1
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Location: Scotland

Re: The most over looked piece of kit

Post by xplosiv1 »

FEISTY wrote:Sigh - I can only dream! If you google, say, Tiso and look for boots size 33 (1 1/2) it will come up with an extensive list of one - Kids All Terrain Texapore Boot. I can cope with the grey (don't even worry about whether or not it's actually waterproof or even comfortable), but I draw the line at yellow detail on a hiking boot and I definitely don't want natty little yellow pawprints! There's no "crying in frustration" "smiley" or I would add one here. :(
Wow you have small feet, you must be tiny ...... I take 11 1/2 ..... I used to find it hard getting the boots I wanted years ago but no problem these days (most of the time)

Couldn't even start to imagine the difficulties you have getting footwear ....... well the stuff you want.

Don't mean to pry too much but are you really young ?
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