Clothing/Gear/Appearance

**TacticalSledgehammer** · 08-26-12, 15:29

I value opinions on this site over most, which is why I bring this question to the table for discussion.

In a SHTF type of situation (I hate that overused term btw) what would you wear out in the general public in the suburbs/city? I've read numerous posts about how you should blend in so you don't attract attention. In a senerio where there is chaos or highly possible chaos would you dress in normal daily clothes and carry your ccw piece or go more extreme? Keep in mind I'm a civilian.
I feel like this site has a higher percentage of military, LEOs and professional shooters than most. With that being said, would you dress like it (mil/leo) and expect civilians to dress like civilians (which you know a lot would be dressed like Rambo)

Hopefully this isn't too confusing being posted from my iPhone. I look forward to the replies.

**Dirk Williams** · 08-26-12, 15:50

Way low key. People are perceptive, in THAT situation anybody who looks turned on is going to be viewed or scrutinized much more.

On the other hand low key can be construed as easy. Fine line.

In any circumstances I'm looking at each individual for weapons vests, are they wearing boots , any detectable kit.

There's an old saying that goes something like this.

"Proffessionals are predictable, Amaturs are not".

Have to categorize myself honestly as an advanced amatur. Could get the job done not as pretty as the Pros here.

DW

**NoveskeFan** · 08-26-12, 15:55

Wolf in Sheeps clothing. I think the "Rambos" will be fighting each other or be looking for "less prepared" persons. I'd rather someone underestimate me and find out the hard way than have them come at me with guns blazing because they see me decked out head to toe in combat gear.

Also add that mission dictates gear. There might be a time to be loaded out.

**Shabazz** · 08-26-12, 16:05

First of all, what are you doing outside walking around during SHTF??

Only go out if you absolutely have to, such as if you run out of food or water, or desparately need some type of medicine (and you might not be able to get it anyway). Then wear whatever would be appropriate to get what you need and survive.

One issue is if there are LEOs or .mil in the area. They may have free fire on anyone with a weapon or .mil kit. So what do you do? Snipe your way through them? Go home and hide in the basement a while longer?

There are no easy answers. But I think that trying to be casual in SHTF is just ridiculous. Wear whatever will maximize your chances of survival. Since it is only SHTF if people are killing each other, I think you may want to be armed, with vest, with trauma kit, etc.

**Dirk Williams** · 08-26-12, 16:14

Been concerned about this a long time. Nothing we own looks new or trick. If it was new we purposely put it on the cloths line and left it out in the weather for weeks, in some instances months to get that new brightness out of the product.

Most weapons are rattle can painted mags optics, boots are blacked but not polished. Packs and web gear look really really ratty. Not the case just the perception is what we hope to sell.

All rain gear looks old in fact it is old, however we have taken the time to Seam Seal every sewed joint. Our packs are older British rucks, some newer stuff but it's just heavy and stiff.

We have also settled on British LBEs again all have been left outside to weather and soften.

Virtually every thing we carry on the outside is Teathered with cord.

DW

**Dirk Williams** · 08-26-12, 16:16

, life goes on. Wood needs split, gardens need tended. Scouting needs to be accomplished. Intel needs to be addressed. Hard to accomplish inside the crib.

DW

**PA PATRIOT** · 08-26-12, 16:39

I personally only buy neutral earth tones for any clothing I wear, nothing flashy or bright but will blend in if I have to make haste thur a wooded area or blend into the shadows. My shirt is always slightly over sized to conceal my weapon or any other gear I carry.

I also deploy packs to mimic everyday collage students in dark colors as to not stand out and as we all are saying to "BLEND" with the other sheep until I decide different.

**TacticalSledgehammer** · 08-26-12, 16:41

I guess it would be well advised to have everything you need and blend in with people. If they're all Rambo dressed match them, if they're casually dressed, do that?

I think I'd leave the house for things I'd need that I ran out to buy/trade for.

There have been a lot of good points made so far.