(Part 2) Best sports & outdoors clothing according to redditors

For those of us who are still waiting for capitalism to crumble, there's always...

Super Z Outlet $7

Compass 360 $35

Beechfield $7

Columbia $50

SturdiGuns $33

Bumming a bunch of suggestions from this dude's blog post, and some other gear-queer items I've seen before:

1. [TAG Combat Sustainment Day Pack] (https://www.tacticalassaultgearstore.com/combat-sustainment-pack.html)
   
2. Source Kangaroo 1LT Hydration Kit. I actually have one of these and its neat but hard to find a good spot to put it on my rig
   
3. Safariland QLS with a compatible holster
   
4. Some kind of headlamp that is MOLLE compatible so you can put it on your body armor and then probably destroy it the moment you take cover
   
5. I've started seeing more of these QB style arm band things being worn although it's usually the legit QB arm bands and not the tacticool version of them
   
6. Can't recommend Darn Tough socks enough; I wore them comfortably in weather ranging from pouring rain and mud to 140 degree heat in the Levant and -15 degree cold in South America
   
7. EDIT: Facebook keeps trying to sell me a Battle Board - not sure if its worth the extravagant cost

They've been around that price on amazon for a while http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y9QBYW/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

I picked up a pack in Dec for $19.50. I run around a size 12.5 and they're a little bit small, but still very comfy.

I got 2 of these
https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Ultra-Light-Athletic-Charcoal/dp/B008N4G3TC

and 1 of these for colder weather
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010Y26NY

They all have a good thick heel, so more than enough cushion.

*They do run a little small.

I played this past weekend and the temp was close to 0 before windchill was factored in.

I wore these pants, which /u/afropirg recommended, with a pair of longjohns underneath. It was the perfect amount of warmth and very nonrestrictive. On top I wore a few long sleeve layers (underarmor cold gear, thermal, thin cotton hoodie) under a wool softshell. Again, I had full range of motion and wasn't bulky. The only thing I'd potentially add would be a wind resistant layer, but I wouldn't say it's necessary.

The only parts of me that got cold were my feet, I had only worn a single pair of wool socks in my waterproof boots. And my face when playing into the wind.

The takeaway here is, warm socks x2 and a face shield if its windy.

Also, one thing I learned is that when you take your hand out of your gloves to putt, if your hand is warm it will stick to the cold soft plastic of putters. Causing some awkward releases. I remedied this by taking my hand out early to give it a chance to 'cool off' for a clean release.

[Straps](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QKWSAY/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00EVMH8MG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BTHNJVCQ6994H51EAYR
)
for when he rides his bike, I guess, preventing his pants from getting caught in the chain.

Can't recommend People Socks enough. Wish I could find them (or something similarly thick) in Argyle though

Essential for winter for me, but I wouldn't pay $95 for them. I have these and like them a lot.

Darn Tough's are the only socks I wear.

Summer is Darn Tough Men's No Show Ultralight (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DWVS1S)

Winter is Darn Tough Vermont Men's Merino Wool Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010Y26NY)

I know a lot of people like Smart Wool but I've personally found them to wear out fairly quickly. Also you just can't beat the Darn Tough life time warranty.

I own three pairs of each. When traveling / one bagging I just bring two pairs and it works out perfect. I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest to give them a go.

Good luck!

I like Wigwam socks.

I've used these for a few years. They are significantly warmer than they look and are wind and waterproof. They are some random brand but are priced much cheaper than name brand bike stuff and better than a lot of other things I've tried.

To about 20 deg I am fine with just regular compression shorts underneath and as it gets colder I add leggings and eventually smart wool pants.

They are "asian sized" which for me means I need a large. I normally wear size 29 x 30 jeans and small under amour leggings.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQDTTC6/

First things first: Disclaimer.

I used to work at an outdoor retailer and got ridiculous savings on quality gear. Basically, something like up to 75% off. This may seem like a Merrell, Patagonia, and North Face fan-rant but it's not. Those were great deals or given to us for free from the supplier to demo. At the end of the day though, I was looking for the same thing I do now, as a broke, cycling bum hitting up good will. I still want decent construction, durability, and key materials.

So here we go.

Base I'm most unfamiliar with my base layers because I've been in warm weather since February. Sorry this one is kind of scrambled.

Feet: Fits or Smartwool hiking sock (Smartwool PhD series fit the best for me and are super comfy). In the winter I use some Remington socks I got on sale at Cabela's. Work great.

Leggings: icebreaker.

Long-sleeve: Patagonia Capilene Thermal or Smartwool long-sleeved.

Make sure your base layers in the winter are tight to your body. Next to skin is what they're typically called.

Mid

Pants: On a coldish day (40-50F) I don't have a base layer on and usually just wear my cheap knock-off cycling pants. Cycling or hiking or even just wandering around town. (Link) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iNBZzbC9W9AZQ] I have some Carhartts I wear for pretty much any work I do outside around the house or if I'm camping deep in the woods in the cold. They're flannel lined!

Top: Usually the Patagonia Better Sweater. This thing is an absolute animal. It's classy and is usually seen as a staple in the frat boy look but there's a reason why. It's awesome. It's very comfy and extremely warm. I've also used it in rough situations and it has come out fine. It's surprisingly durable. I also have a tattered up Moosejaw zip-up stretch fleece sweater. Stays really warm, even when wet! I've also heard great things about the North Face Denali.

Shell/Outer

Pants: Carhartt fleece—lined pants I mentioned above. If I'm out ice fishing and it's really windy, then I'll splash water on them and freeze them to make them more wind resistant.

Jacket: On windy, chilly days (low 40s to high 30s) I have a Moosejaw Harper Hooded Jacket. It's got a jersey cut so I'm covered when bent over. On cold days when I'm doing a lot of moving I have a North Face Morph Jacket that I got from the vendor. Anything from high 40s and up I usually just stick with my mid-layer. If I have a rainy day and I have to be outside then I just throw a Torrentshell on. If I'm in a pinch then a trash bag works too. I'm not picky on waterproof shells. I don't try to stay dry, I just try to stay warm when wet.

Apologies about how unorganized and formatted this is. I'm on mobile currently. I do better answering directed questions about gear then I do just telling about gear. I hope this helped though!

Cool

Warm

Goddamn Cozy

Also, yes I do expect them to last a long long time, and if they do wear out, I'll have them replaced.

FWIW, I'm in the Pacific Northwest and commute all year.

I've been using this gear with great success and good relative comfort:

http://amzn.com/B00DQZ0S3K

https://www.showerspass.com/products/club-shoe-covers

http://www.columbia.com/mens-evapouration-jacket-RM2023.html

http://amzn.com/B00435IPFK

http://amzn.com/B008KUXRAW

Wear your helmet over your hood, and a pair of regular safety glasses. When it is really cold I add a balaclava and a fleece jacket. Fenders are a must to keep the dirt down, and I use this lube in the winter:

http://amzn.com/B000WYCD5O

I have an old pair of windproof campmor gloves that are no longer made. If you get cold just pedal harder. It almost never happens, I'm usually too hot.

Your bike depends on your distance, speed and budget. Make sure you get disc brakes, mandatory in my opinion for the higher speeds. This is my ride: http://i.imgur.com/bXXJkjS.jpg, just passed 1400 miles. It is BBS02 on a Kona Dew, I've since switched to Schwalbe Marathon tires. Cost about $1100 and has already paid for itself in gas and parking. 35mph for ~10 miles, 25 mph for 30-40 miles.

Oh, and fuck the snow and ice. Those are the days I drive or work from home.

Reversible shirts! http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Highgate-Reversible-Shirt/dp/B00DPJGRFA

https://www.socksaddict.com/darn-tough-mens-no-show-ultralight-sock

https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Mens-Light-Style/dp/B00ZCYU324/ref=sr_1_15?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1503869602&sr=1-15&keywords=darn+tough+no+show+mens

I wear these winter bike pants over whatever else I'm wearing. They're SUPER warm and comfy.

Hello fellow Minnesotan. I'm in St. Paul.

Fleeces - Melanzana or an R1 are definitely gonna be packable. Traditional Climaplus 100 stuff also works great (https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2306438). I picked up an on sale R1 (of course bright yellow was the only color left) which should arrive tomorrow, but I opted for an R1 over a Melanzana, because I liked the idea of a big zipper (which is something you could DEFINITELY install on a Melanzana with even the littlest bit of sewing know how: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/added-zipper-to-melanzana-hoodie/ Some good info about comparing fleeces: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/5qs49r/mec_t3_vs_patagonia_r1_vs_patagonia_thermal/

Rain jacket/Pants - you're looking in the right direction here. As others mentioned, maybe a kilt would interest you. I prefer to have rain pants right now in my kit as the temp drops enough almost every night out of the year where I prefer to have pants on for a little extra warmth, which isn't there with a kilt. The extra airflow of a kilt helps when hiking, but not when sitting still.

I would avoid a poncho, unless you get one for really cheap. Our rain very often comes with wind here, and a poncho isn't ideal for that, I feel. Wind jackets have their place, especially considering they add VERY little weight, but I don't know if it's a priority if you're just beginning to assemble appropriate clothing. A wind jacket could be something for later, knowing what I know about weather in the Midwest.

Gloves - there's plenty of decent liner gloves out. Are you anywhere near the twin cities? Midwest Mountaineering is in Minneapolis, they have a whole wall of gloves, approximately arranged by warmth. Also if you haven't had the chance to check out Midwest Mountaineering just in general - it's worth a trip for any outdoors-y person. Not all their stuff is boutique-y ultralight, but some of it is. I'm not an employee/affiliated with that store, just generally impressed with it.

Socks - go with whatever feels good. A good shoulder season starting point sock: https://www.amazon.com/Wigwam-Mens-Hiking-Outdoor-Length/dp/B000TFBO8S
There's other solid options, but I've had success with these. During summer, they might feel a little more warm than I'd like. Socks are gonna eventually die, but try your best to get your money's worth out of them.

The reality is that Minnesota weather is really, really hard to prepare for. Especially if you're looking at 3-3.5 season outdoor activites. We have something like the second greatest variation between average highs during summer and average highs during winter, after some place in Siberia. It's really hard to dress appropriately here. As much as it sucks to say, having different options is going to be a big asset here. So if you're gonna prioritize, I'd say start focusing on dressing for Spring/Fall, and just bring less gear during Summer.

Last thought: have you considered a down jacket? Staying warm while on the move is very different then staying warm while sitting still. It might not come in all that handy for summertime use, but during fall/spring is a must for me, in addition to a fleece and rain coat.

http://www.amazon.com/Green-Guru-Narrow-Ankle-Strap/dp/B005QKWSAY/ref=br_lf_m_2wsqfu7rndob7yn_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods

So... these, or even these, perhaps?

D'awww! 'Tweren't nuthin ((kicks dirt)) :]

((hugs))

>I think the next thing up is all this merino wool talk

I think that these three articles will provide most of the information you would want to know about Merino wool.

General overall knowledge: https://www.smartwool.com/discover/why-merino-wool/merino-wool-101.html

The "best" weights for different climates: https://www.newzealandmerinoandfabrics.com/blogs/news/which-merino-wool-fabric-weight-do-i-need-for-each-season but of course everyones body is different. I'm the kind of person who is always cold so I'll never buy a lightweight merino shirt.

Maybe a half to whole step up from general knowledge: https://woolandprince.com/pages/about-merino-wool

The only other thing I think you should know that I don't have an article for is merino wool blends. You'll undoubtedly come across a product with something like "61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra® Spandex " like in Darn Tough's socks. That's done because 100% merino wool has downsides that other fabrics can cover when they are blended together.

But if you have any questions this is a great subreddit full of knowledgeable people :)

Female hiker here! These are what I use:

My favorite pants are these cabelas brand womens trail pants. They are not waterproof but will wick off a light rain. They are lightweight and super comfy. Big deep pockets which I love. They are also UPF30 and have a button so you can roll them up to shorts.

For socks I wear a mens sock also from Cabelas. I find them way thicker and comfier than most womens brands..plus I didn't want pink or bright green frilly socks. Here is a link. I own the mini crew as well and LOVE them.

For colder hikes I wear a thicker sock by Wigwam. I find myself wearing these around the house in winter. They are super comfy.

For a base underlayer of pants I wear these. They are super soft and very comfy. I find them very warm on chilly outdoor activities.

I am personally working on a jacket still so I don't have any good info on that.

I know you said you tried a bunch of socks but I want to suggest these. The key is finding socks that don't contain cotton because cotton absorbs and holds moisture and is what gets stinky. These mostly wool socks are very plushy and comfortable and they wick moisture like high performance sports gear so they keep your feet almost totally dry. I can even wear the same pair of socks two or three days in a row with no smell.

[not really relevant but useful] (http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00FPHXRO4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2ZTD57MU2PPCC&coliid=I3W2KZE44GXTJV&psc=1)



[relevant] (http://smile.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Merino-Micro-Cushion/dp/B000XFW6OU/ref=sr_1_83?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1418442513&sr=1-83)

One of these days I might upgrade but spending 15 on one pair of socks is still outside of my range, haha. I buy these which seem to not be anywhere on amazon right now so hopefully they come back soon but they are awesome and usually run 16-19 bucks for a set of two.

I use these tucked into my hoodie. Fits perfect, keeps my hands warm, especially with a hot hands inside and is out of the way when throwing.

I have Nike Hyperwarm winter running gear base layer to wear under my 4ucycling pants. My legs never get cold. Feet I have a pair of winter hiking socks.

No option for bulk packs http://www.amazon.com/Wigwam-Mens-Hiking-Outdoor-Length/dp/B000TFBO8S

Get your brother (and/or your dad) these darn tough socks. I think they make good gifts because they are relatively cheap as far as gifts go but they are awesome socks that people wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves.

I just got some Darn Tough socks for myself and I've been digging them.

Trying to decide which color of these santa fe ones I like. Also want to try to get this cool blue and oragne warlocks or some silly dead pool ones.

My lists keep removing the stuff I add, so I'm not sure if they'll show up or not.

Thanks for the contest!

Looks like Amazon still has them. Here's a 6 pack of them

Darn Tough Men's No Show Light ( Style 1437 ) - 6 PackCharcoal, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCYU324/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C4oPzbGVVH2P4

And here's a single pack

Darn Tough Men's No Show light,Charcoal,Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DWVS1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J6oPzbG6JH8VW

I use the Hiker crew cushion

This one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PE14VFA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0paSDbD9J1R9M

if you only keep a single credit card, some cash, and maybe a passport it's very comfortable. I bought these and found them to be a little too large - so I cut to fit, sewed them back into a pocket, then sewed it to the inside of a pants pocket all by hand.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FSOVM0U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the ucycling. Looks good so far.

I've been wearing the same four pairs of people socks for a year now.

They definitely increase the size of my foot by almost a half size. I remember trying my vibergs on with no socks for a sec and my feet were swimming around in em

They are also durable as hell, odor resistant and any stretch shrinks back beautifully when you wash em, even a year in.

Socks can matter quite a bit for running, especially running long distances or if your feet get wet.

Running in normal cotton socks is a no-no. Once cotton gets wet it doesn't dry easily and can cause blisters. For moderate distances (say 5 miles or less), any merino wool or synthetic athletic sock should be fine, although I tend to avoid getting socks that are really thin because they arn't as good at preventing blisters. I pretty much always run in Darn Tough 1/4 Socks. They are about as thick as you'd ever want to go for a running sock, but they are super durable and prevent blisters pretty well. I have over 1000 miles on one of my pairs and I can still wear them.

Because there is nothing better than bacon, Sock It To Me Breakfast Food Women's Crew Socks. Curse your inevitable betrayal!!!

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Dont do plain black or white socks with these. These can easily be paired with some cool looking stance socks:

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Mens-Ramos-Large-X-Large/dp/B009ZHCVHY/ref=sr_1_20?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744518&sr=1-20

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Mens-Calexico-Large-X-Large/dp/B009LLKOX2/ref=sr_1_24?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744518&sr=1-24

http://www.amazon.com/Stance-Ganado-Crew-Socks-Black/dp/B00HUVQF9W/ref=sr_1_76?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1404744533&sr=1-76




And of course wool socks always go with J's:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Y9QBYW/ref=twister_B009CCS0HC