Zombie Fashion
While many have described to the point of excess what they would carry as weapons few have brought forth what they would wear during the zombie apocalypse.
While we cater to few women one must give thought to what one’s attire would be during the zombie apocalypse. Since clothes are one of the few things that a man, or woman, is rarely without. The correct clothes may help one escape and evade the undead till you are able to fight back or are rescues. So what would you wear combat fatigues, a leather duster, or nothing at all? Would you choose your clothes for speed or would you be a single minded behemoth in full battle armor?
Comments (60)
3ID on 12 Feb 2009 at 9:58 pm #
Fashion is a a subject we don’t touch so this is going to be good. I would probably wear my ACUs since I have a couple pairs but they’re not my first choice since they tear easy and offer little bite protection but hey we can’t all be winners. A good set of boots would be a big issue because I am flat footed so that kind of sucks but I would have a least one piece of armor and that is my plates. They’re mostly for some insane survivor that take a shot at me with his 308 or so idiot on my side with a shot gun who doesn’t know which way the bang comes out or he has no trigger discipline. Just go to your local yokel shooting range to see what I am talking about. I would also have my chest rig which hold 20 30rd mag for my ar and my Sig 45 I would also have a nice base ball cap to keep out the sun plus my Oakleys for some nice flair. I also would have a helmet with a rhino mount, for you non-millitary people that is a place for my NVGs and when your riding on a armored vehicle, you mus have safety first.
Marius on 12 Feb 2009 at 11:04 pm #
Thats a good one. I’d probably go with fatigues, and a leather duster with titanium chainmaille on the sleaves, shoulder, and neck area. And yes I know how much work that would be, and how heavy regular chain maille is, I make it, which is why I said titanium, its lighter and stronger than steel
Slater on 12 Feb 2009 at 11:58 pm #
I would wear my combat boots because they offer good foot protection and they are VERY durable. I would have an assortment of bandannas for wounds or whatever. I don’t know about the duster, I think that could get really hot. Then my pants would be dark tactical pants so they would wear out slowly too. I would keep most of my t-shirts dark so that they stay looking clean longer. I want to stay clean looking so that I can better communicate with survivors. No one would want to listen to a crazy dirty man.
killr7 on 13 Feb 2009 at 12:30 am #
Titanium chainmail? You wouldn’t happen to be the guy with the knife that makes heads explode would you? Just kidding
For the ultimate in protection a shark suit would be ideal, unfortunately it would be too heavy, and hot to allow effective movement for any real length of time.
A fairly safe bet that can be bought for much less, more available, would be lighter, and cooler would be a motorcycle jacket and pants (ie: http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Mens-Armored-Black-and-Grey-Cordura-With-Leather-Trim-Jackets/42543.html )
Miguel Sanchez on 13 Feb 2009 at 5:43 am #
chainmail is gonna be too heavy even if its titanium.. on top of that titanium is stupid expensive…
honestly you’ll wanna wear some underarmour (nike dri-fit) under everything that’ll keep you warm..
then you’ll wanna make sure your warm enough to last the night and layer your clothing…
having chainmail will do you nothing if it cant out the a horde of zombies.. sure it’ll help you survive that single one-to-one encounter… but a horde of them is just gonna tear you a appart.. chainmail or not…
on the other hand, clothing made of kevlar.. single layer would come in handy being that it is way lighter than chainmail and its ultra cut resistant.. a pair of kevlar pants and shirt w/ a turtle neck will be much more usefull that chainmail…
you could wear hockey gear.. but it wont do you shit… having a pair of good running shoes or hiking boots will be much much better…
Dsurion on 13 Feb 2009 at 7:16 pm #
I love correcting people on armor weight…despite popular belief, even steel chainmaille isn’t very heavy once you put it on simply because the weight is distributed evenly over your frame; Titanium would be like wearing a t-shirt. There is a reason it was the armor of choice for almost 2000 years. Plate, while heavier than chain or scale, weighed about the same as the combat pack used by todays soldiers and, unlike the pack, used a well-designed coterie of attachment points to distribute weight evenly; men-at-arms could and did run, jump, and get up when knocked down. After all, thinking logically (gasp), what good is armor if you can be rendered helpless by it?
That being said, chainmaille is probably the best overall protection against zombies; all they can do is bite, claw, and/or overwhelm, of which the last is the only thing it cannot protect against. 1/4″ 16ga 4-in-1 is easy and more than adequate even against melee armed humans, but a 5/8″ 6-in-1 is just fun; both patterns are almost ungrippable. Chain is easy to make (time consuming, but still easy), a cinch to repair, breathable, and unlike most other kinds or armor requires little specialized care to maintain.
Under Armor is a solid choice for clothing, although you’ll want to have a backup plan once they disintegrate from use…
Cargo pants would be *the* choice I believe. Pockets are great and the well-made trousers are sturdy enough to allow integration of armor; simply sew on your favorite chainmaille or rivet on your favorite sheet metal and you’re good to go. Same caveat as the under armor though.
Military grade boots are a must obviously; sneakers or anything that isn’t waterproof would most likely lead to you getting Trench Rot. Go ahead, look it up, I’ll wait. Currently 511tactical sells the ATAC Storm boot which, among other useful things, is impervious to various blood-borne pathogens. Great for slogging through god-knows-what and not catching Marburg (virus, not city), Yellow Fever, or something equally nasty. Look those up too, I’ll be here when you get back.
Other stuff that would be useful…gloves, half-respirator, some type of helmet, goggles, a tactical vest, backpacking pack, a large camo poncho, and a set of clothing for the off-season of whatever climate you’re in.
Realistically, anything you use should be simple simple SIMPLE. No fancy attachments or mounting points, no hard to find materials, nothing dry clean only; everything should be easy to repair and maintain. Most of all, and this is REALLY IMPORTANT, keep it hidden around other people! Especially the desperate variety such as: men with families, tough guys/gals, poorly equipped people with many weapons, and mobs/gangs. Cover your armor, hide your food, stash your weapon, do whatever it takes to disguise the fact that you are fully prepared, because God help you if they find out you’ve got all that stuff on you.
Surviving the zombie apocalypse won’t just be about keeping the zombies at bay. People will want what you have, and desperate people do desperate things, so be well prepared for them as well.
McLuvin on 13 Feb 2009 at 10:24 pm #
My personal choice would be relatively light breathable layers.
Polypropylene long johns- wick moisture away from skin, great for warmth and cooling.
Chamois long sleeve shirt- strong and long wearing
During summer these layers would be comfortable yet difficult to bite through.
In the Spring and Fall a kevlar motorcycle jacket would be perfect.
Winter would just be more layers.
Good comfy boots would offer protection as well as head stomping heft.
While I agree that chain mail would work it’s lack of availability makes it a non-starter
Marius on 14 Feb 2009 at 12:17 am #
Dsurion thats exactly right, and titanium while admittly hard to find is about half the weigth of steel and about twice as strong.
Killr7 nope thats not me, I’m the one with the cryoforged katana at home, and the mallninja katana in the trunk. :D
Personally, just as an aside, I’d try to get a spot as armorer in a comunitiy just making the maille armor for scouts and rovers.
And yes a sharksuit would be good, but far to hot and difficult to move with on land.
Kevlar won’t stop bites, leather can, and layering it with maille is a good defensive armor.
Besides if you just get sleeves, and a neck and shoulder yoke, thats not a lot of weight anyway.
HeavenlySword on 14 Feb 2009 at 6:11 am #
Kevlar is not that strong, and degrades with moisture and exposure to the sun.
Use SPECTRA based armor instead which is even stronger, and resistant to environmental damage as well.
If you train for around 6 months with chain mail (like 12 hours a week or more) you will be able to run like you didn’t have it on. Old style chain mail is around 20-30 pounds.
Modern shark suits are half or less the weight.
However, a bite could conceivably break bones through flexible armor, which while you aren’t infected, can be incredibly painful, crippling, and perhaps fatal.
Die Angel on 14 Feb 2009 at 10:06 am #
I don’t know if you guys realize it but…
Are you going to have access to all those overpriced brands when the shit hit the fan?
Personally i would go with what’s decently available and reliable, i would go for at least a sturdy motorcycle jacket, if it protect you from getting sandpapered by the road in case of crashs, it’s probably good to lessen a zombie bite too.
Keep in mind zombie teeths are… human teeths, it’s not shark teeths or large predator teeths it’s straight or blunt and the real danger would be to get bitten to the blood, wich is very unlikely under a good padded leather.
Chainmail DOES sound like a little overkill to me, it’s noisy, shiny, and it is highly unavailable in most cases.
And lets not even talk about tactical body armors, HELLO? the outbreak isn’t going to warn you so you can go shopping at your local army surplus!
Platinum on 14 Feb 2009 at 4:27 pm #
Make me a set of that Ti Chain, too. I’ll throw it over something lightly padded and breathable. My buffalo hide motorcycle jacket and chaps will go on, too, in the colder weather. I’ve done plenty of fighting in chainmail and, if you take proper precautions (no holes in your underclothes near the joints, etc…) it should be just fine.
My first choice of footwear would be my steel-toed cycle boots. They are not, however the best thing to run in. I have steel-toed work “sneakers” for that.
Gloves? You betcha! Preferably sapper style leather gloves, full finger. I can cut a slit for my trigger finger.
Kevlar neck protection (such as for paintball) would be better than nothing, when I’m not wearing the mail.
And come to think of it, I might wear the jacket and chaps most of the time.
It’s better to sweat than bleed………or turn into the undead.
Griff on 14 Feb 2009 at 11:19 pm #
Personally, Fashion isn’t too hard to think about in a zombie emergency. If its sudden, you may have only a few hours or less to prepare. You need something quick to get into and out of, that is comfortable, durable and can withstand some cold zombie paws and teeth. Lets look to the coverall, and for the material? Denim with a double-thick cotton liner. The outside color wouldn’t really matter, as long as it could retain warmth and expel heat in certain situations.
Looking toward the neck for protection, You could always make or buy a leather throat protector that covers from the collarbone to an inch just above the adams apple, with cotton replacing the cover in the adams apple region.
for the hands, look for neoprene tactical shooter gloves, or comfortable but durable rawhide. Anything that keeps your hands dry and warm is good.
For footwear, Try using a sneaker-boot combo, like Danners or Converse. They currently are making boots for the ACU that falls within regulation 670-1. They are boot-formed, do not have a zipper on the side, steel-toe boots. As a servicemember, I reccomend either the BDU Combat boot, or the ACU Service Boot. Both provede excellence in both categories.
Headgear must fit with the situation. Warm when it needs to be and dry when it needs to be, when the situation provides. In military clothing and sales stores, they sell a recon wrap that can be molded into balaclavas, open hoods, closed hoods, turbans and bandannas, all in one piece of fabric. Its cheap and durable too.
Angryvikingman on 15 Feb 2009 at 7:57 am #
Personally, I think that a welder’s jacket would be great protection.
It’s made of medium thickness leather, it covers your neck, and arms and there are lots of different styles to fit
your needs. If 1500 degree slag can’t burn through it, then I’m sure that zombies
can’t bite through it. A pair of leather pants or chaps would also cover your legs.
I’d personally just wear a pair of my BDUs and maybe the welders jacket. Try and bite
through that bdu material sometime. Its pretty tough (If you get the good BDUs) and
would result in very little actual bite damage. A pair of compression pants under them
and you wouldnt really suffer much more than a minor abrasion. Of course if the
zombie’s saliva gets into the wound, then you’re a goner anyway. Seriously, if you get
pinned down, its not going to matter what you’re wearing. You’re going to be torn to pieces.
Get yourself some nice pig skin leather work gloves to cover your hands or wear latex
gloves under some tactical or mechanics gloves. As for anything esle, I’d wear a chest
rig and my web belt full of gear. Along with that and my Alice pack MZPK, I’d be ready
to rock and roll.
gabrielle on 15 Feb 2009 at 3:15 pm #
I would probably have a lot of issues with the chain vs Kevlar vs leather. Leather would lead me to heatstroke, and Kevlar and workable chain mail aren’t exactly very available were I am. I’d probably stick to leather when the weather permits, and always always have a decent pair of boots. The last thing I need is to impair my ability to move. Dry feet are a must. I’m definitely gonna wear relatively light clothes, I can layer up when need be. The area I’m probably gonna be most worried about is my hands and arms. zombies are gonna bite the things on my that are hitting them first.
Ryan on 15 Feb 2009 at 8:47 pm #
I would go with something thats skin on the innermost layer. (layers are important and serve several purposes)
My next layer would be a pair of cargo pants, not the kind that all the kids in highscool wear to look cool but the kind that has around pockets at the hips thighs and ankles (I had a pair with the ankle pockets for years) as well as having sturdy belt loops. You put on a belt then rig yourself with knives around your waist in the belt sheaths and as many knives as you can fit (assuming 1-2 per gap everywhere except the 2 in front so that you can still bend freely. Also keep a pocketknife cliped into the corner of each pocket.
Over the skin tight you would have 2 pairs of suspenders that you can use to keep your pants up slightly better but they serve yet another purpose which is to put knives in (strongly) magnetized sheaths on the straps (so you dont accidentally hurt yourself). Given the size of the straps you could easily rig 2-3 of them per strap if you dont use oversized knives (and if you are flexible enough you can keep them in your lower back as well). Over this you wear a very baggy shirt that can be slipped out of in case a zed grabs onto it and won’t go.
I would get ahold of the chainmail head/neck thing (don’t know what its called but you know what I’m talking about). Above that wear a cowboy hat or a sombrero so that it keeps the sun out of your face during the day.
Rain boots or combat boots… but keep the tops of them under the bottoms of your pants so that they will provide the foot protection that you need in muddy/semi flooded areas but won’t interfere with the ankle pockets on those cargo pants I mentioned. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD KEEP THEM AIRED OUT AND AS DRY AS POSSIBLE ON THE INSIDE foot fungus is hell.
Find a way to wear a pistol or 2 in case it becomes a need.
Over the top of everything wear a duster thats had the treatment that repells water. It will have the normal pockets outside and you can sew in breast pockets if you can’t find one with them just use old shorts for materials if you are unable to get to a Wal-mart/crafts store. Just like the suspenders rig yourself some of those magnetized sheaths into the sleaves and it is possible to put them under the collar as well. (I actually had that last thought while looking at my duster).
But of this whole suit there are several drawbacks. 1. The knives are going to weigh quite a bit with that many of them. 2. The duster is bulky and that treatment makes them incredibly hot if you are doing alot of moving, and while this is bearable it will affect your stamina as well as it being somewhat bulky and movement limiting if you aren’t accustomed to wearing one. 3. Those magnetized sheaths are hard to come by if you dont know a number of knife dealers. 4. That chainmail is going to limit how far you can turn your head. 5. Guns run out of bullets and theres noone to make more. 6. If you need to remove something in order to save your life you probably won’t be able to go back and get it. 7. Getting it all together is the hard part. Most of these are able to be fixed with a little practice and luck.
As for the rest of whats needed to complete it. Get a crossbow so that you can kill animals.
KrisenDead on 16 Feb 2009 at 2:08 am #
Tight-clothes, comfy shoes, layers, and short hair.
You need to be able to maneuver, but be impervious to the, although uncoordinated, grab of the zombie.
No armor of any kind because that slows you down, and you certainly should avoid those Biohazard jumpsuits because they’re slow.
Keep all your skin covered, and IMHO, don’t use bags that hang off your shoulder. I’d stick with a backpack and cut the tassles and handle off it.
Chainmail, if you could get your hand on it, would be a good armor because it’s fairly light-weight and a zombie won’t be able to bite into that.
I’d also wear a gas-mask or some protective face gear because if the zombie epidemic happens to be airborn, you’re covered AND then you don’t have to worry as much for your face becoming lunch.
Leviathen on 16 Feb 2009 at 7:26 am #
Damascus FX-1 Shell Suit.
‘Nuff said.
Angryvikingman on 16 Feb 2009 at 9:07 am #
The reason I suggested a welder’s jacket is that they come in many styles that can
suit just about any need. There are some that just cover the arms, neck, and the front
of the torso, then there are some that are full jackets. Welder’s jackets can be found
in some hardware stores, Tractor Supply Company has them for sure, and they’re
much more available than crazy looking police riot suits. They’re made to take a beating
and stay intact. They’re also more breathable than you’d think. Yes they’re a little warm,
but you’ll get used to that after you wear it for a bit. Putting 2 tshirts under it will help
with sweating and heat reduction. Drinking the proper amount water during the day will
also help your body stay cool.
Dsurion on 16 Feb 2009 at 5:02 pm #
I like the welders jacket idea, quite clever actually. I’m around these things occasionally and never would have thought of it.
As per chainmaille and availability…got a Home Depot near you? Or even better, a farm supply store? For the basic stuff, grab a spool of 16ga wire, a rod and some 2x4s to make a jig, some nippers, and two pairs of pliars and you could start making chain today. As long as you know how to make it, availability is a non-issue.
If you’re like Die Angel and have never worn/made a suit of maille, here are some good things to know:
1. Yes, it does in fact make noise. However, it does not clink, jingle, or make any sort of metallic-type noises. It rustles, or “swishes” if you will. This is due not only to the fact that metal wire is not created in the same manner as most other metal implements and therefore does not produce the same types of noise, but also because of the density of the weave, which leaves maybe 1/16″ or less between rings. Not nearly far enough to produce noise patterns that are distinctive over a long distance.
In fact, the white noise generated by your suit of maille might save your life if you have to cross an area where noise from walking is inevitable and unavoidable, such as a highway covered in broken glass.
2. Visibility. Back in the Middle Ages there were men known as ‘knights errant’ who, for the sake of brevity, were landless knights without squires. Now, if you’re a knight without a squire that means you have to undertake the long and frustrating task of maintaining your armor all by your lonesome, but these fellows got around that problem very easily: start a smoky, oily, fire and suspend your armor over it, creating instant blacking which protects the armor from the elements. These days you can buy tins of bluing which does basically the same thing, but you just can’t beat a fire for simplicity.
Or you could use galvanized, which is a matte gray, or wear your clothes over the armor. Tada, noise and visibility concerns solved.
killr7 on 16 Feb 2009 at 7:58 pm #
I would advise against BDUs, and polypro. Whoever said polypro could be worn comfortable in the summer is on crack. That stuff is almost too hot to wear when its only slightly cold, during the summer it is a guaranteed heat stroke. BDUs aren’t as durable as some people seem to think (hence their Army listed life expectancy of 4-6 months duty wear) but that isn’t the real problem. BDUs send out a survivalist image that could make you a target.
3ID on 16 Feb 2009 at 8:51 pm #
killr7 is right about the polypro it is hot even in winter time I would suggest some nice 5.11 tac pants the ones with good durablity, they’re alot better than the BDUs and the swat team uses them I think. But they are kind of pricey and they also look nice enough to wear to church.
Donnie_J on 17 Feb 2009 at 9:59 am #
I don’t have the time to respond to this now, but I might later. All I have to say… is Chainmail is idiotic.
It wont work as well as you think unless it covers all of your arms and legs. It is better to just stay out of bitting distance, and keep to light clothing. Dress for ease of movement, keep tactics and camo in mind– this is not for the undead, mind you, but for the possible human enemies.
phantom-edge on 17 Feb 2009 at 10:50 am #
hmmm…to be honest I don’t even know what the heck most of you guys are talking about(must’ve missed fabric 101 err something).If shit hit the fans it would be quick and furious,unlesss you have said armour
or clothes they’ll be pretty much useless to suggest.I would just go with something breatheable and hopefully can hide my scent(because who here honestly can say they’ll be able to afford to take a shower everyday)I just hate being smelly,it might come back to haunt me..yup nothing out of the ordinary,just something quick,light,basic,and maybe something that’s not TOO loose.In and out.just like that
Sharpshooter on 17 Feb 2009 at 7:34 pm #
this is why i like my leather jacket. it was like 80 or 90 bucks but dude ive had it forever. i also have a fullbody version of it which you can get at a walmart if you live in a snowy climate such as colorado or maine or something. a good pair of thick hiking boots would do in a pinch but id prefer to beat the pavement over to the army-surplus store and get some of those kickass lookin combat boots.
Dsurion on 18 Feb 2009 at 8:13 pm #
Hate to break it to you Donnie_J, but not only was chainmaille designed to cover the head, torso, arms, and legs, it was also (less frequently) made into mitten gauntlets and bootlets. You should do some research before assuming we don’t know what we’re talking about; try the Bayeux Tapestry and pre-13th century knights’ sarcophagi for good historical examples.
Even so, modern boots and gloves are much better for what a survivor would need them. Obviously walking long distances and running would be frequent activities, and reaching your hands into potentially dangerous places would be fairly common as well.
Myself and the others that advocate chainmaille do so because we have firsthand experience with it, and as such it makes an obvious first choice for our own protection. Granted, it isn’t the perfect armor, but then what is? It’s pretty damn good, but in the end, it all boils down to what you’ve got on hand, not what you might potentially buy someday maybe.
Marius on 19 Feb 2009 at 12:19 am #
Dsurion, very true.
For me Maille is fairly easy to come by, as I make the stuff, mostly for jewelry, but the method is the same for armor (depending on the pattern of course). And my plan for that is to layer the maile with Leather, so I’ve got both the ‘heavy’ coverage of Maille and the fluid protection (spit, blood, goo) of the leather. Plus the maille can help as armor against impact weapons from rouge survivors.
Oh and Platinum, not a problem, get me the wire, I’ll make you the armor :D You can catch up with me on my way to Alcatraz, as that should be a nice safe place to hole up.
Notice I’m not saying just the maille, thats silly, but light weight maille with leather and cloth, is a good all around protection.
James on 20 Feb 2009 at 7:15 pm #
Am I the only one anyone would see running around naked?
Jokes, I would be wearing skinny clothing, due to the nice factor of next to no grip, and when I’ve finished with a tin of baked beans, I would pop the top and bottom off and cut a line down vertically, then I can strap it to any limb I want. I’d start by strapping up my forearms, then the rest of my arms, I would leave joints un-bean canned, for obvious reasons, I’ve then got my paintballgear: neck protector, plastic gloves, low profile arm and knee pads and full shin pads.
thinsulation buff for extra next protection, one hole balaclava, non shatter snowboarding goggles and a skate hat (replacable for my ten gallon hat).
another mike on 21 Feb 2009 at 6:34 pm #
If you want to make your own mail armor, read The Art of Mail Armor How to Make Your Own by Mary Brewer. Mail is great stuff to make yourself because it’s so easy to add to it as materials become available. Build your gauntlets early; Matt Richards’ Deerskins into Buckskins will be a big help with the leather. Then move onto a coif with bishop’s collar then make a vest. Add sleeves and some length to the vest to make it a hauberk. Then uparmor with plate pauldrons and a shield.
another mike on 21 Feb 2009 at 7:15 pm #
I wouldn’t be wearing mail early on because I don’t already have it. I do have my Scouting and Indian Lore/ Mountain Man gear. So here’s what I’d wear from head to toe:
A fedora; kinda cliche on the specific style, but a wide-brimmed hat is necessary for protection from the elements. Don’t fight this war on more fronts than you have to. You’ve already got the zombies and other survivors, don’t go up against Nature too.
Swap out the fedora for a wool cap or hardhat as the situation dictates. No ear protection because I don’t have guns but eye protection is a must.
Polycotton or Athletic Works shirts, short and long sleeved, much cheaper than Under Armor or Driweave. Polarfleece vests and jackets for the weather. Maybe a heavy coat in winter. A poncho for the outer layer to stop wind and rain, add insulation, and break up my human silhouette. These can be swapped out with leather and other materials as the end of the world drags on.
A kilt. Easy to make and maintain, versatile, and highly mobile. I have a Utilikilt Original in dark green. Breechcloths are also good. Leather chaps and leggings can be added for the environment. Wrap up with several good leather or woven belts.
Finally, sturdy hiking boots with wool socks. I’d probably be on my feet a lot so keeping the doggies in good shape is a must.
All this backed up with my knife, bow, a full quiver, and my MZPK.
/be prepared
Tambay on 22 Feb 2009 at 2:04 pm #
Newbie here.
From bottom to head:
Sneakers or any shoe that’s designed for running. Some may argue the lack of protection but I believe zeds are more likely to bite you in the leg than your foot.
2 layers of (a bit)thick jeans. 3 if it will not hinder my movement. Jeans are easy to acquire, made for comfort, and offers protection from bites when worn in layers. Preferably in long sizes, so that the bottom will cover the ankles to compensate for the lack of protection from the sneakers.
As for the top… don’t have any ideas yet.
A baseball helmet is best for head protection. Tough enough to deflect bites but gives little (if any) hindrance to vision. I’m not sure about hearing though. A football helmet can be a good option if it weren’t for the fact that the faceguard can block your vision partially.
Oh, and almost forgot. If you really want protection from bites, put inch-thick foam/sponge as padding beneath your clothes. Sure it’ll make you look fat and can be a bit cumbersome, bit if it’s dense enough , even if you get bitten by a zed, it’ll have to chew through the foam (very difficult even with strength from rigor mortis) before it sinks its teeth into the flesh, buying you enough time to get away or take it out.
Leor on 22 Feb 2009 at 5:21 pm #
I think 1-in-4 weave aluminium wire chainmaile would be good enough against zombie bites and claws. hope to have it finished before they come.
I’d either wrap some fabric around it to avoid noise and shinyness or wear clothes over it.
Diving goggles or safety goggles to avoid being infected by splatter.
Black thick pants, leather boots and a sledgehammer. not because it’s the best weapon but it is the only weapon I have at hand that is sure to kill zack.
I’d keep my bag tightened to my back with straps/belts to keep it from jingling and make it less easy to grab.(with the straps going around me and the bag…)
bythwy somwhere up there I saw someone talk about being literally covered in knives… I think one good ordinary hammer is worth all that number of knives specially since you have to get real close to kill zack with a knife.
Marius on 23 Feb 2009 at 9:10 pm #
Leor, if you go with Aluminium, I’d say use standard, not bright, and do kingsmaille (double every ring) that should give it the strength to handle the Zack Attack, but it’s got two downsides. The first is that you double the weight since you’re doubleing the number of rings, and the second, is that you lose some flexablity. I’d say either stick with galvanized steel (metal hangers are an excellent source) or Ti if you can get it.
Decree on 26 Feb 2009 at 9:49 pm #
I would have to say if there was a real zombie invasion i’d go hit up that guy that made the bear suit. If a bear can’t rip through it, a truck can’t plow through it, and you can survive getting hit with a friggin truck i think youd be pretty safe in one of those. Even in a friggin hoard youd be able to just walk on through. Hes got a new one with lethal sprays and firearms built in. Id say thats the way to go.
Leor on 28 Feb 2009 at 11:04 am #
Sounds cool.
Mg on 02 Mar 2009 at 3:44 pm #
First I would use clothing under the armor.
I would make a “scrap armor” of stuff like trashcan metal lids that I bend so it fits my torso.
Upper arms, legs and shoulders/neck would be made form spare car tiers that I saw up into pieces that fits their purpose. They would be strapped to a welders jacket, (I have easy access to at the mechanic school a few blocs down the road and there they have a lot of them) I would strap them to my “armor” with metal wire, military belts, and possibly gaffa(only temporary).
I would have a good pair of running shoes, and that is easy since I run on a frequent basis. to protect the lower arms and hands I would use a pair of old hockey gloves in leather that I bought at a flee market. For those that don’t know what I mean. This is not my pair of gloves; my gloves are in better condition.
http://www.pamferrazzuttiantiques.com/sporting_antiques/images/hockey_gloves_2.jpg
They are really strong and flexible, (except for a bit slower finger movement) from the wrists and down there are pen sized metal strips sewn into the leather, that offers good protection against bites.
This have been tested I might add, I wrestled with the neighbors German shepherd, and I felt almost nothing at all, and the best of all, it made minimal amount of scraps to the leather.
The gloves are weak in the palm area, but it is unlikely to be bitten in the palm.
A downside is that you would have to take the glove off to use a firearm of any type since the glove has to “fat” fingers.
But since the armor has a low weight and is agile it is easy to move around in (the weight can be modified by removing stuff and replacing them with armoring of less weigh) but this type of armor is best for close combat.
As for weapons, I would use 2 katana swords, 2 daggers and a Wakizashi (a sword similar to the katana, between 30 and 60 cm (12 and 24 inches), with an average of 50 cm (20 inches) since the katana is to long to use in hallways and narrow spaces (I have all of these blades since I am a bit of a sword “fan”. and a few hand guns and grenades or pipe-bombs, but knives primarily.
Miguel Sanchez on 02 Mar 2009 at 5:04 pm #
even though the weight of chainmail will be spread out throughout your entire body it’s still heavy… and putting on an extra 10-20 lbs or weight would slow you down regardless… try running a 50 yard sprint with and without a 20lbs backpack… you’ll find that you are faster and over the long run will be able to do the more that w/ the 20 lbs backpack… and come on now titanium mail?? are you serious? it’ll cost you 3-4x what a normal steel chianmail would cost you.. it will be light, but the cost of titanium and working w/ titanium is ridiculous.
trust me your best bet it a full kevlar turtleneck and pants that can zip together.. very light and ultra breathable..
Django on 03 Mar 2009 at 12:28 am #
You know what? Chainmail is entirely supported by the shoulders. It ISN’T equally distributed over your whole body. If that logic pertained then we would have historical examples of chainmail PANTS.
And anyway, it isn’t like theres going to be a “Holy Moely theres suddenly zombies, we’re suddenly stocking chainmail sale”. That stuff is homemade custom made, and if you don’t make it, you don’t got it. Because although the construction is simple. During the zack attack, even the simple nessesities of a forge will be far flung. C’mon how many amongst you even HAVE access to coal? Let alone iron wire. and steel wire?.. and substantial heat to work that?.. Fuggetaboutit.
Last and least of all: Chainmail is actually pretty uncomfortable. A chainmail glove is like sticking your hand in a lamprey’s mouth. You have to wear nice resilient, substantial clothing under it.
So I’m saying leather jacket. A modern style race jacket that actually has resilience and some stiffness to it. I think fabric, of any kind, needs to be limited to “lining” because we have to remember that fabric is thin and snags and is easy to bite. Yeah that zombie might not be able to do more than pinch you when you got the Kevlar on, but he’ll get a good goddamn hold of you in the process. Hope to hell his buddies aren’t there…
sean on 03 Mar 2009 at 2:20 am #
i would wear whatever was comfortable to me and suplemnet it with protective kevlar or similar coverings when i would be able to attain them
Etienne on 03 Mar 2009 at 8:43 pm #
I was thinking, what about d3O plus chain mail? Would offer good protection against zombies and human aggressors with melee weapons, also if you are using a motorcycle it would serve as double purpose if you were to crash.
Etienne on 03 Mar 2009 at 8:47 pm #
Also; Miguel Sanchez, you would probably have to carry more than 30 lbs in food and other supplies only, so it really wouldn’t matter that much, plus if you distribute the weight of the chain mail equally you’re running ability is only reduced a very small amount.
Foxtongue Childe on 04 Mar 2009 at 2:28 pm #
I’m thinkin’ a nice little black dress, you know, classic and a little slutty, some ultra-high heel stilettos, a simple string of pearls…. oh, and of course, a tiny black thong. Not much protection, but dang, I’ll be the sexiest undead out there in no time!
P.S…. calm down, kevlar-boys, I’m a guy.
Miguel Sanchez on 06 Mar 2009 at 3:12 pm #
yah 20 lbs plus another 30 lbs or supplies/weapons.. i rather travel light.. i’ll throw aways stuff if i’m being chased and they are gaining on me… but i mean if your fine carrying around an extra 20 lbs in armour when and kevlar vest would be able to protect you from scratches and the occassional bite be my guest..
a leather jacket would actually more than good enough to protect you.. but if can and will get damaged which will require more repairs.. kevlar is much more resilient than its natural counterpart.. and can be woven very thinly for additional weight savings… either way your gonna want something light and durable..
to me chainmail is out of the question…
EvAngel on 07 Mar 2009 at 1:40 pm #
I’d totally go with anything that would protect me from bites and such, like armor, chain mail or kevlar but does the average person have all these things? And it would be hard to dress in thick, heavy coats, neck wraps and long pants in the middle of summer. My question is: How strong is a zombie bite? How much can it penetrate before it reaches the skin?
But, anyway, I guess its completely up to me what I’d wear.
Starting from top to bottom (things I own):
First off, since I don’t own a football helmet, I’d go a ski mask. Just for the fact that it’ll keep my hair back and it’ll protect my face from any ‘zombie liquids’.
For my neck, anything along the lines of if a zombie bites it, it’ll get a nice piece of fabric instead of my flesh. Maybe something that can be removed easy if a zombie latches on.
For torso and down, I would dress in layers, for the torso, probably 4 shirts and a leather jacket. For my legs, long johns and 2 pairs of jeans. Also, as a bonus to protect my ankles and shins, I have shin guards from my martial arts practice gear. They have about 3/4 in foam in each one so that would be awesome.
And now for my feet, I’d wear a pair of knee-highs and another pair of regular socks over them (just to protect from blisters) And finally my pair of waterproof hunting boots :)
Hopefully I’ll live
leon s. kenady on 10 Mar 2009 at 11:09 am #
i would ware tipless lether gloves,trip pants whith the chains taken off so i cant get
grabed by an unded and still have a lot of poket room, a thick black shirt, lether coat
with paded elbows,gun and clip belts, 3 pairs of socks fore wormth, gun holsters,
millatary combat boots, knife holster, head band to keep my hair out of my face, and face paint fore camaflodge.
Suki on 21 Mar 2009 at 1:13 pm #
Boots, definitely. Leather ones that go at least knee-high. Offers a bit more protection from ankle-biters. I’d wear my New Rock boots, but they only go calf-high and they are HEAVY, not easy to run in. I’d probably take those along, anyway, for when I get away from the immediate danger zone. Long pants, preferably thick, tough fabric, but even jeans will do in a pinch. Anything to reduce the appearance and smell of flesh. We don’t know what attracts zombies, so better safe than sorry. Definitely a leather jacket, though denim will do in hot weather to prevent heat stroke. But don the cow-hide when you know you’re going head-to-head with biters. Leather’s harder to bite through and can offer more protection than plain skin.
Beyond that, a backpack or messenger back, long as it’s easy to carry. Keep supplies in it. Carry your first-choice weapon at your side and keep a backup in easy reach, even on a belt. A piece of wood or pipe can be carried like a sword. Just make sure it won’t trip you.
Hair should be worn out of the face. Ponytails are not recommended, as Zed heads can grab onto them. Shorter hair would be better. Might be a good idea to snag some scissors or a knife and give yourself a haircut.
A helmet of some king would be handy. I have a fencing mask that covers my whole head and neck. A full-face motorcycle helmet would help in protecting the head, but shouldn’t be worn constantly. Just for battle.
Add some sunglasses for those sunny days, and you’re set.
death31313 on 22 Mar 2009 at 12:45 am #
ahh now this is a subject i can realy sink my teeth into. Iv prepared extensivly for the upcoming outbreak so that means iv got a special set of clothes set aside for the situation. this includes my russian Spetznaz shadow tiger BDU’s for the sumer and my old WWII Russin padded set for winter. Iv got a soviet belt and suspender set with 4 romanian 2 cell ak mag pouches and 1 ak 3 cell mag pouch all packed full of mags. it also has an east german insulated canteen, a small acccesories pouch filed with little tools aswell as a military flashlight and AK bayonet incase the fighting gets close (which it probibly will). on my feet iv got my best pair of steel toe combat boots and cotton socks in the sumer and nice warm wool socks in the winter. in the winter i will be wearing black leather military gloves and my soviet winter Ushanka and a black balaklava ( it gets alittle frosty up here in south Dakota in the winter). Iv got a few army bandoleers for carying extra boxes of 7.62-39 amo and some army pouches for carying molotov coctales and other little things I pick up. ill also be wearing my soviet ruck sack and soon ill probibly have a soviet spetsnaz shovel to ad to my belt.
Jason on 22 Mar 2009 at 10:01 pm #
I would wear my black combat fatigues and a pair of steal toed black boots. The weather is the factor of what I wear next. You don’t want to freeze, and you don’t want to get heat stroke, if you die from either of those, what your wearing won’t matter.
HOT- lower half is the same, as for the top, under armor long sleeve shirt, and a black short sleeve shirt.
COLD- (bottom same) top, under armor long sleeve shirt, black t-shirt, light jacket, then a heavier jacket.
Random Dude on 28 Mar 2009 at 10:45 pm #
reinforced leather coat, jeans, and some spikey bracelets. maybie a skarf too.
Cid on 29 Mar 2009 at 12:38 pm #
If the apocalypse happened at this moment, I’d have to make do with jeans, a random t-shirt, a fleece jacket, my hat, some fingerless gloves and my Nike shoes.
Maybe it’s time I paid that army surplus store a visit.
Chance on 31 Mar 2009 at 2:01 pm #
Yeah well we don’t want to be too blended in or survivors might think we really are a zombie.
BIGBULLDOG on 01 Apr 2009 at 1:42 am #
I personally wouldn’t be too worried about other survivors, even if they thought that I was a zombie. If they run away that’s their deal, if they shoot, they better hope they make a direct hit because I have never missed a target. I live in a semi-rural area, I would wear my black BDU’s, digital woodland green BDU’s, or digital urban BDU’s along with my blackhawk cross draw vest(bullet proof). I’ve had alot of time to take care of alot of this due to no matter where you are civil unrest can be a problem.
Clauwitz on 01 Apr 2009 at 10:20 pm #
I disagree with the “Titanium is twice as strong as steel” comment for two reasons. First, you have to specify what alloy/treatment for both in order to compare strength. Second, you have to determine a measure of strength. I’ll assume ultimate tensile strength is what we’re after.
That said, pure titanium is weaker than almost all steels. A titanium/aluminum/tin alloy is stronger than a good portion of common steels, but there are quite a few specially treated steels that are stronger. A titanium/aluminum/vanadium alloy is stonger than most steels, but there are still some quenched and tempered steels that are stronger.
It is true that titanium is more than twice as light as steel. It is also more corrosion and heat resistant and more compatible for human implantation (replacement knees/hips). Those are the real “strengths” of titanium.
jediwannabe1 on 13 May 2009 at 3:44 pm #
I Would simply wear a Carhartt jumpsuit, bots, good gloves, safety goggles with the rubber
foam around the edges to keep bood out of the eyes. and a face-mask like doctors wear. I’ts
siple, Easy to get, and very protective. u aint gonna bite thru carhartt… I think all this stuff about titanium an steel is BS. if zeds ever come, ur porlly not going to be able to get any of that stuff, and if u do, there really isnt a point. u dont need metal to stop someone frombiting u.
GSP on 28 May 2009 at 12:31 pm #
Clauwitz is right.. the only reason for titanium is its weight saving properties… I gotta say a kevlar shirt is probably the best, as it will also wick away sweat when mix w/ other materials…
JORDAN on 31 May 2009 at 7:06 pm #
I THINK THE BEST THING WOULD BE SKINNY JEANS WITH KNEE AND THIGH PADS SHORT HAIR WITH A COMBAT HELMET KEVLAR VEST DESERT CAMO COMBAT BOOTS SMITH SNOWBOARDING GOGLES AND DITRTBIKE GLOVES WITH A TURTLE NECK WITH TITANIUM IN IT LITTLE KNIFES THAT GO IN YOU R BOOTS FOR KICKING A BACK PACK WITHE KNIFES EMERGENCEY KIT FLARES SMOKE GRENADES FRAG GRENADES A KATANA A GLOCK 9 A SMG A M4A1 AND 3 KNIFES OH LAST BUT NOT LEAST A FLASHLIGHT
cheese on 03 Jun 2009 at 12:59 pm #
i would wear my prom queen tiara, fish net stockings, and a piano
neck tie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronin666 on 01 Jul 2009 at 7:30 am #
I’ll be wearing my bike riding leathers. Comfortable, semi waterproof, and bite proof. 511 Storm boots, cause I wear them everyday anyway.
Adam on 07 Aug 2009 at 4:53 pm #
That’s interesting.
I’d have to take at least two outfits.
If it’s sunny, I’ll be wearing thick jeans, my trusty hiking boots, a plain old t-shirt, my thick leather jacket, and a very nifty pair of gloves with chainmail on the back and thick leather underneath.
All that should provide protection against a stray bite.
I’d also take an outfit based more on manouverability.
Probably my normal everyday trainers, because they have very quiet footsteps. My hiking trousers, which really are great. I once walked through this torrential downpour, and looked like i’d jumped in a swimming pool, but 5 minutes later they were bone dry. The rest of me wasn’t though :L The t-shirt would probably stay the same, and i’d wear a thin, light jacket with plenty of pockets, but only secured with the poppers, not the zip. That way, if a zombie gets a good hold on it, i can easily pull free leaving the jacket behind. Oh, and a standard pair of gloves for warmth, grip, and protection.
Semper Cogitant on 27 Jan 2010 at 6:56 pm #
Was just looking at some unrelated stuff and found this:
http://www.simunition.com/upload/doc_51.pdf
An effective, if overly expensive, option for anti zombie armor. You’d still need to protect your lower legs, but this should work great.
CorrodedGear on 22 Feb 2010 at 3:21 am #
I live in texas, so for me armor is a little bit of a heat problem. But what you need to keep in mind is that the human jaw, while strong, is not the jaw of a predator. Sturdy boots are a must, and even though it would be hot, I would wear skinny jeans layered over long-johns, with some loose cargo pants over that. (three layers of cloth with weaves going in different directions could withstand a lot of piercing pressure) Since I own a chain mail shirt I would actually scavange it to make sleeves to put over a different jacket. This is because getting bitten in the torso is physically rather hard, while the arms are relatively easy.