Anti-Zombie clothing & Armor...
I'm going to assume that leather is held in rather high esteem by the Zombie-Hunting community for it's ability to deflect and defeat the bite force of a human being turned undead. It's a good start, but I'm curious if there's any way to improve a leather jacket or any armor some of us have in mind.
What would your armor set be and how could you possibly improve it?
Any little advantage you can get might just go a long way to saving your ass from eternal undeadliness.
Personally, I'd be wearing my normal steel toed boots I wear on a daily basis. They've good support, sturdy, hold up to all kinds of abuse and can deliver a punishing kick if used correctly. I haven't come up with a good way to improve upon this design as of yet...
Next, cargo-pants if only for the added storage space. I've been hearing that duct-tape might be a good idea to wrap around your extremities to keep nosy undead hands off of you. are there any ideas on how to improve pants?
Now I know zombies don't fire guns *most of the time* but a ballistics vest, if one can be acquired, would be useful against Raiders and possibly the Military. If at all possible, finding one with a built-in neck guard would always be a plus.
Over the vest I'd have my army-style canvas jacket. It has a lot of pockets for storage of ammunition, cigarettes, lighters, etc. and so far my canvas jacket has stood up to a lot of abuse without tearing.
Any possible way to improve the jacket?
I'd throw in some elbow and knee pads for good measure, a sturdy pair of gloves for hand protection and though it might sound strange, a painter's mask/gas mask in the event you stumble across some noxious chems/dead bodies.
Toss in a pair of goggles and I'm set.
So, now that you know my general armor layout, what are some of yours and how could you improve upon current designs with readily available and easily accessible materials?
What would your armor set be and how could you possibly improve it?
Any little advantage you can get might just go a long way to saving your ass from eternal undeadliness.
Personally, I'd be wearing my normal steel toed boots I wear on a daily basis. They've good support, sturdy, hold up to all kinds of abuse and can deliver a punishing kick if used correctly. I haven't come up with a good way to improve upon this design as of yet...
Next, cargo-pants if only for the added storage space. I've been hearing that duct-tape might be a good idea to wrap around your extremities to keep nosy undead hands off of you. are there any ideas on how to improve pants?
Now I know zombies don't fire guns *most of the time* but a ballistics vest, if one can be acquired, would be useful against Raiders and possibly the Military. If at all possible, finding one with a built-in neck guard would always be a plus.
Over the vest I'd have my army-style canvas jacket. It has a lot of pockets for storage of ammunition, cigarettes, lighters, etc. and so far my canvas jacket has stood up to a lot of abuse without tearing.
Any possible way to improve the jacket?
I'd throw in some elbow and knee pads for good measure, a sturdy pair of gloves for hand protection and though it might sound strange, a painter's mask/gas mask in the event you stumble across some noxious chems/dead bodies.
Toss in a pair of goggles and I'm set.
So, now that you know my general armor layout, what are some of yours and how could you improve upon current designs with readily available and easily accessible materials?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by The Bruin on
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Leather is good but very heavy. You'll be trading mobility for protection.I think that Laz has the right idea. Modern Biker equipment provideds more mobility without sacrificing protection. My advice would be a combination. Biker Kevlar for on the move, Leather for the safehouse where mobility is less important since you'll be on the defense. Of course, I'm actually thinking that having a completely enclosed set of plate steel armor would be nice but a bitch to get into...maybe I'll steal a tank instead. I have a friend that suggested we steal one after Z-day and weld a tractor trailer mount to it, then haul a tank behind itwith a pump like an external gas tank...but what does that have to do with armor?
As far as facemasks go, I again agree with Laz...the only reason you would need armor is if you are "close in" fighting with zeds...If you are so close that it becomes an issue, than you are too close...you are better off using a melee weapon that will cause less mess. If the blood is congealed, there will be less likelihood of blood spatter or body fluid transfer but why take the chance?
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Permalink Reply by Valodrakan on -
Leather isn't that heavy compared to a lot of armor out there...
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I agree. I would posit though that the men that wore steel plate, chain mail and any combination of both, were far stronger and far tougher than we are today. It should also be added that such protection was not designed for defending against this type of enemy and that the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages in this scenario...The times they saw were much harsher than ours by comparison. Given that fact, it is best that we remember that our ability to move and remain agile so that we can clear the area more quickly (As in putting distance between you and the zombies) is key to survival. Lightweight, durable clothing is your best bet. Leather is a close second IMHO.
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Permalink Reply by stone black rider on -
uhmm i would just like to point out that that is during the medival ages at the very latest the RenaissanceFaire and they didnt really have much of a concept of nutrition and stuff of the likes and most people includidng nights and soldiers were mal-nourished not only less stronger and tougher but most likley smaller too but i agree thing else you had to say
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Permalink Reply by ZombieHunter on -
Well im in good shape since I live on an army base I can just run to the armory grab what I need.
So a modle 5 kevlar helmet with a neck guard.
A light combat vest with arm guards and a pair of leg guards
And I would have my BDU's on over it all for pocket space
So an overall light and flexable outfit perfect for me
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Permalink Reply by JB on -
First off, that helmet is just going to get in the way, unless you find yourself in the land of the giants and they are all zombies. Secondly, your going to need alot more than a combat vest with arm and leg guards. how much does each guard cover? Does a leg guard cover front, back inside and outside of the entire length of the leg? What about the shoulders? what about the hands and feet? and BDU's suck.
Really, what you need is full kevlar swat type gear. Also, I don't know if ya'll have seen the new kevlar neck protector hockey gear, but that is exactly what you need for neck protection. Anything thats made of any kind of metal is significantly over weight. The human mouth cannot bite through things such as leather without knawing on it for a few minutes. By that time they have a round in their skull and are being pushed off your arm.
Honestly people, this is your survival at stake here. Your not here to look bad ass, your here to survive. The way I see it, I need to be around people like you, so the zeds get distracted by incompetent you while I make the quick get away.
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I would have to disagree with you here Joseph on a few minor points. Having worn SWAT gear I can tell you that it provides no better protection than what ZombieHunter suggested. If you want to go all the way with it, Riot Gear is far more acceptable as it is designed to protect you from more angles than either SWAT or MIL-Spec gear. The drawback here is that the more complete your protection, the more you must sacrifice speed and agility.
As I have stated above, you are better off with lightweight durable clothing, like non-leather road rash prevention gear, than you are with any set of Law Enforcement of Military gear that is designed only to keep you from dying long enough that the government can say they gave you a chance at surviving a bullet wound.
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Permalink Reply by Alpha-17 on -
Not bad. I'd go with normal combat kit (meaning body armor, with plates and soft armor, helmet (for falls, shrapnel, or just a Z swinging something around), face wrap, full BDU/ACU-style uniform, boots,eye pro, and kevlar-reinforced gloves with the carbon fiber knuckles). With your full body covered, it will be harder for Zach's blood to find its way in, and even if they do get a hold of ya, they'll have to chew a while before they can get through. You're arms and legs being the weakest place, but even then, still covered by rip-stop BDU/ACU material. Shin and wrist guards would also make a good addition.
If you have no experience with military-issue/grade equipment, IE, you've had it, used it, tested it, etc, don't bash people for suggesting it.
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Permalink Reply by Joe on -
my armor would be shin gards over my jeans and knee pads, my gray combat jacket two Knifes with thigh holsters. Also i would make a holster for my bat, to go on my back. Then find some body armor maybe military. I usually have Chucks, not for kicking but because i can run faster in them, a good thing when your weapons are gone
Elbow pads would be good along with gloves or wrist gards.
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Permalink Reply by Nugget on -
first layer would be a set of under armor, long and turtle neck, wool socks, and latex gloves depending
next shin guards, replace the plastic plate with aluminum, and a paint ball chest protector
followed a heavy set of jeans, and a long sleeved shirt
next a small camel back, elbow pads, and knee pads, steel toes, pair of work gloves, i have a pair with a metal stip across the knuckle, but they're pretty clumsy, so i'd have a second set that allow much more dexterity, a belt, ski goggles, and a breathing mask.
a back pack, but that might not be considered armor...
and finally my favorite trusty canvas jacket with the hood pulled up.
all of this I have at home. I'd look for something to improve the lower body
oh and for neck protection, im thinking something like a modified neck brace
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Permalink Reply by Hunter P. on -
Thank you, somebody sensible. I know we all want the Kevlar, but facts are facts; we won't all be able to have it. The CamelBack is a great idea that I considered myself, and the backpack is helpful, too.
For me:
My running tights on bottom, with my hard shin guards on my shins. Shoes would be my jumping spikes; they are actually more durable than the shoes and are water resistant, too. (Topsiders are equally water proof and durable, but their lack of grip leaves me unimpressed) Over the leggings would be my football girdle. It has built in thigh, kidney, and tailbone padding. Again, this is all skin tight. Also, I’d put on my ankle braces from back when I broke them.
Upper-body would start with my dry-wick top. For my forearms, I would have my soft shin guards attached the old football gloves. While something sharp may get through the material, no human tooth will penetrate. And since I was a DB, the gloves still allow for tons of mobility.
Next level: it is important for people to remember the denim works just as well as leather for keeping off bites, so long as it isn’t the super-worn stuff from A&F. I’d have a pair of my jeans over my leggings, A close, snug fit is imperative. Also, never underestimate the usefulness of a leather belt: makeshift tourniquet, simple holster, or securing a door. I’d also put my hip-holster on it.
On top would be either my denim jacket (I know it’s tacky, but still….) or my leather jacket. Either way, I’d pop to collar for safety. Elbow pads are great, but I don’t own any. I’d settle with adding additional duct tape around my elbows. The duct tape can also make extra loops for holding whatever you like.
Should infection become a close worry, I own several surgical masks (part of a crazy senior prank). Sun glasses may offer protection from frontal splatter and some even protect from the side, but they aren’t made to protect from water. If I had goggles of any sort, they’d be my first choice. Second would be sunglasses. Lastly, a simple bike helmet gives MORE THAN ENOUGH protection from the force supplied by a zombie.
The last thing I’d have with me is my laptop bag, and no, I wouldn’t bring the laptop with me unless I knew there was sufficient electricity where we were headed. First off, the bag is made from ballistics material (don’t believe me? Look up Timbuk2 bags). This could later on be cut up to ass protective strips of even something to protect from crazed survivors. Secondly, the bag is just that: a bag. It is built to hold stuff. I’d prefer a Timbuk2 backpack because it is easier to bring along, but alas I do not own one.
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Permalink Reply by Tevin on -
an impractical, but effective armor (and very creepily) a leather bdsm suit with goggles and a medical grade mask, the suit is tight fitting, its also tear/bite proof, also its pretty common(in sex shops), and you cant become infected from splatter plus it get scare factor point (if a guy dressed as that ran at you with a gun lets see you stand your ground!) but the downside is the heat of a one piece leather suit and accesories covering 100% of your body and the total creepy factor of it to other survivers (personally i would stick with a heavy fiber like kevlar) but it would be an overlooked choice in a pinch.
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