Flatbeds: what’s your winter clothing?
Posted by FaithNoMoar@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 23 comments
I'm starting training with an OTR flatbed company in a couple weeks and want to know what type of clothing/gear I need for winter weather.
Things like:
- Gloves
- Not worried about warmth, more waterproofness and durability
- I've used quality leather work-gloves coated in Sno-Seal with decent success in the past.
- I've also seen decent reviews for some partial leather "water resistant" Mechanix Gloves. https://a.co/d/0ZpLNk4 They don't seem super durable, but would they be well suited for rigging/securement, eg. for six months at a time?
- Boots/shoes
- Non-slip!
- Steeltoe or no?
- I have a pair of white sole Redwings currently. I doubt they're grippy in rain, snow, or ice, but I won't know until I know. I also have a pair of medium duty Gortex hiking boots that are probably decently grippy. Will either of these work? Or should I buy something new?
- Winter pants
- Waterproof and/or quick drying.
- Again, I'm not worried about warmth per se; I've got long Johns if I really need it. I think I have a pair of medium weigh snow pants. Anyone wear light hiking style pants (or synthetic 5.11 type pants) and just let them dry in their bunk?
- I mostly wear jeans now. Should I just tough it out?
- Any other clothing/gear recommendations?
I'll be doing week long securement training so obviously I'm going to ask questions there but I want to be as prepared as possible while I have plenty of time to order things at home.
Thanks. 🙏
Vegetable_Living_415@reddit
Go with a composite toe instead of steel toe. Just as strong but it doesn't get as cold as steel.
You need to know where you'll be running. Nationwide, northern states, or down south. Big differences in temperature and humidity makes the cold hit differently. 15°F out west isn't the same as 15°F back east or up north where is more humid. Or -30°F in Wisconsin with the wind blowing.
When your wet and freezing your nuts off, trust me you'll be worried about warmth. Frozen tarps take a lot longer to throw.
Free-Big-8709@reddit
Insulated gloves I use Wells Lamont Men’s Heavy Duty Leather Winter Work Gloves with Thinsulate Insulation, lined pants I use lined carhart pants, reflective jacket also carhart but any will work
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
You talking about something like one of these?
Free-Big-8709@reddit
https://a.co/d/eGvcCkI Really warm can barely feel the cold with these also
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
They any good in the rain?
Free-Big-8709@reddit
No I’d only recommend these gloves for cold weather conditions and snow when they get to wet I just put the on the dash to dry out so not very waterproof I’d say
Free-Big-8709@reddit
https://a.co/d/d1uxbSa
IndexFingerTypist@reddit
Your hands will get numb in cold weather and you'll be damn near useless tarping. Get insulated gloves. 2 at least in case the first gets wet in snowy weather. Or at least get those fabric jersey gloves and use them as underlayer. You really need to consider warmth more if you're going otr. You will be in harsh environments for a few hours at a time.
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
Awesome, thanks. Got any recommendations for warm gloves that won’t disintegrate in two weeks?
IndexFingerTypist@reddit
I rawdogged training with just simple gloves, but it was not worth it. I was in pain driving. I eventually did just double layer of fabric glove and some harbor freight leather gloves with the red detail on the wrist. Get thick socks too and mittens for just being outside. Glove heaters are also very nice for extreme weather.
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
You talking about these?
https://www.harborfreight.com/safety/gloves/leather-industrial-work-gloves-5-pairs-66287.html
Or these?
https://www.harborfreight.com/full-grain-cowhide-leather-work-gloves-large-61459.html
IndexFingerTypist@reddit
The white ones without any stripes are the ones I use. Last a good 2-3 months. You can easily patch the holes with a thick needle and thread.
My51stThrowaway@reddit
Wool socks my guy. I wear them year round. They keep your feet dry. In the winter that is crucial. In the summer your feet will not be hot, promise.
CannibalAnus@reddit
When i worked fedex (clothes and experience played a part) insulated gloves, hot hands (or battery) at least a good set of thermals/coveralls/jacket. I use a ballcap instead of muffs etc. i bought a set of rain jacket/coveralls that are insulated. I have carolina waterproof boots. Rain X/guard etc some form of spray that is silicon based are hydrophobic (repel) easily.
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
Awesome, thanks. I've never had a need for coveralls or bibs, so I never would have thought of them.
__The-1__@reddit
I usually go with bibs and a carhart jacket, steel toes and gloves. always keep some extreme weather clothes in the cab, You're on your own out there and frostbite happens faster than you'd think.
CrookByTheBook@reddit
Mesh tank top cut just above my belly button. A clear green sun visor. Leopard print spandex and some knock off white boots WITH spurs and leg warmers because it winter after all and it gets chilly
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
New boot goofin'!
halfcow@reddit
For extremely cold weather, I carry a pair of coveralls, like hunters wear. As for gloves, I just consider those a loss, if there is rain. I mean, you use them to protect your hands. If you can only use them once, then they did their job.
FaithNoMoar@reddit (OP)
Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Visibility-Weather-Resistant-Ergodyne-8928/dp/B07K8M42Q5
halfcow@reddit
Yes, and that seems like a good price. However, be aware that you've got to fit this over your clothes. So if you wear an XL, then you might need a 2XL. Honestly, I went and bought mine at a Bass Pro Shop, so I could try it on first.
JonnySnowin@reddit
Saw your comment on the conservative sub. How could you be upset about waiting one day for vote totals when Trump never conceded, and in fact tried to overturn the results?
CannibalAnus@reddit
Stalking a user is a crime of the highest order. Fuck off thot