Whether working outdoors or enjoying recreational activities, having the right gear isn't just about style—it's about safety, comfort, and performance. The right clothing protects you from the elements while letting you move freely, whether on a job site or hiking a trail.
Ultimately, when planning your gear, it’s important to match what you’re wearing to the task, environment, and weather conditions. A construction site demands protection different from a camping trip, just as summer equipment differs from winter wear. Quality gear is an investment that should withstand daily wear while keeping you comfortable and protected.
In this article, we’ll share tips on how to choose the right gear, what factors to consider, and what options may be best for your needs. At Armed American Supply, we offer outdoor gear that combines durability with personal style, ensuring you get the performance you need at an affordable price.
Key Factors to Consider: Weather, Durability, Comfort, and Layering
Consider your outdoor needs when choosing the right gear for outdoor work and recreation. Various factors, including the fabric, can influence your decision. If it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not the right gear for you.
- Weather resistance: Outdoor gear should be water-resistant or waterproof. Getting soaked in bad weather isn't just uncomfortable—it can lead to serious health risks. Jackets can be waterproofed with durable water-repellent treatments, either added during washing or sprayed on.
- Material durability: Your coat should be durable. If you’re on a job site, you don’t want one brush against materials to pierce it. Additionally, it should be able to withstand regular washing. Workwear can get dirty quickly, so it should not lose functionality after being worn and washed a few times.
- Comfort: Your clothes should allow a full range of motion without restriction. Modern workwear doesn't mean sacrificing mobility for warmth; even winter gear can be sleek and manageable. Today's market offers plenty of flexible options that adapt to your needs while keeping you comfortable on the job.
- UV protection: Thanks to the tight weaves, select fabrics have UV protection, but you can add additional UV treatment to any gear. This will help provide sun protection and prevent sunburns and damage from occurring outdoors.
- Breathable fabrics: Your outdoor gear should also be breathable. That may be counterintuitive, but it doesn’t mean it is drafty. Instead, it allows airflow throughout the shirt, preventing moisture from building up. Trapped moisture can cause a sweat buildup, which can be dangerous in severe weather conditions.
Another consideration for what to wear outside is layering and versatility. It should be adaptable to different climates by adding or removing layers or with additional treatments. Especially in a remote location, it's better to have more layers than you think you need.
- Moisture-wicking base layers: The bottom layer closest to your skin should be moisture-wicking. Like breathable fabrics, it takes the moisture from your skin and moves it to the shirt’s exterior, allowing for faster drying.
- Insulating mid-layers: You can add insulation to jackets, hoodies, and other outdoor gear. Sometimes, these can be removable liners or sew-in additional insulation. The mid-layers are where you add warmth. You can add sweaters, fleece, and other materials to keep you warm. You can also add multiple insulating layers, such as tops and pants.
- Weatherproofing outer layers: The outer layer should always be weather-resistant. You don’t want snow or rain to penetrate. The cool weather will prevent it from drying, and the trapped moisture can lead to hyperthermia in severe weather conditions. The more dry your outer layer can remain, the better.
Adhering to this layering order will ensure maximum comfort and flexibility regardless of the weather conditions. You can always remove more layers, but never add them if you’re out at work and get cold.
Choosing Footwear and Multi-Functional Gear for Outdoor Work
Multi-functional outdoor work gear is an investment that lasts longer and withstands tough conditions. This durability extends to your choice of footwear, which should be comfortable both at the work site and at home.
Consider the following factors when choosing the proper footwear for your working needs.
- Traction: The tread on the bottom of your boots and shoes provides traction. They grip onto surfaces, giving you a steady footing on all different types of ground. Great traction can help prevent slips and falls, a common cause of many workplace injuries.
- Support: Good work shoes provide arch and ankle support. They provide stability, which makes being on your feet for long periods more bearable. Additionally, it can prevent injuries if you fall.
- Waterproofing: Shoes can be waterproof or treated to be water resistant. If you are working outdoors, waterproof shoes are essential for your comfort.
Your multifunctional gear should outlast any conditions because of its standout features. They include:
- Functionality: Outdoor gear can look good and be built to last. You want to buy it for its function rather than its aesthetics. The right gear can last decades if you take care of it properly. You may not like the color, but you will continue to wear it if it performs.
- Comfort: Your work gear should be comfortable, especially if you plan to wear it for a long time. It should also perform in all conditions, whether hiking, hunting, fishing, or working.
- High-visibility: Many pieces of working gear come in high-visibility colors to help others see you. These reflective gears help avoid accidental injuries, especially when working in darker conditions.
- Ergonomic designs: The gear should be designed to move with you. It can support your body’s unique needs while providing lasting comfort.
When buying outdoor gear, choose items that are both comfortable and durable enough for long work hours. Check customer reviews first to ensure reliable performance.
Balancing Functionality and Comfort in Outdoor Gear
You want to balance functionality and comfort when you are looking to buy outdoor gear and accessories. Factors to consider include:
- Ergonomic design: You want material that moves with you. It should mold to your body to support your continued movement and prevent additional stress and potential injuries.
- Adjustable fits: While it can be tempting to get outdoor gear perfectly tailored to your body, adjustable fits provide flexibility. Hats can be adjusted if they are rubbing against your skin, and the lining of a hoodie can be removed if it’s getting too hot. A pair of gloves can be layered. The more flexibility you can have in your gear, the less you will worry.
- Lightweight materials: Protection from the elements doesn’t always have to mean thick, bulky coats. Many fabrics can pack a punch, even though it may feel like you’re wearing nothing.
- Breathability: You don’t want to feel trapped in your clothes working in extreme conditions. The more breathable your gear is, the more comfortable you will be. This will prevent your clothes from remaining wet after you sweat.
You want to ensure you remain comfortable during long hours of work or recreation. The same gear you wear to work can easily transition to hours in the woods, on the boat, and in other conditions.
Armed American Supply has versatile options to meet your varying needs. We offer gear for men and women, from sun-protective long sleeves to custom hats and apparel. Our offerings combine function, comfort, and style—perfect for yourself or as a gift.