The Gear Guru

Featured Product: Carhartt Duck Work Dungaree - Double Knee

2007-05-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Double Knee Forever!

5 out of 5 (Overall Rating)
Submitted by Tanicala Rogelio from Honolulu, HI, January 20, 2007

"I am UNION IBEW 1186 electrician who owns 5 pairs of double knee dungerees and I wear one each day. They last on average about 2 years each. Besides they are made in the USA by union hands. WIN, WIN. Try one on for size.. They start of oversized but after a few washes they shrink to the right size. I would suggest just order your normal pants size, unless you're gonna wear them over something else. As far as I'm concerned these are the only pants worth buying and wearing to work."

Tags: mens clothing, workwear, clothing, Carhartt

Featured Product: Carhartt Double Knee Logger Dugarees

2007-05-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Carhartt Double Front Logger Jeans

5 out of 5 (Overall Rating)
Submitted by Paula Gee from Fairfield, CA, January 19, 2007

"My husband is a bridge builder/carpenter and will only wear these jeans at work (at home, too, actually). They are heavier and last much longer then any other work pants he has worn in over 20 years in this field."

Tags: mens clothing, workwear, clothing, Carhartt

Timberland Pro Titan Work Boots the Toughest Available?

2007-05-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, I get a lot of questions from customers asking me to recommend the “most comfortable” or the “toughest” work boots available.

That’s a real tough question, and the answer is, well, it depends.

Much of it is subjective, and has to be. Feet are like clouds, coming in different shapes and sizes, and not all work boots will fit everyone the same. Equally, much of it depends on the work boot being a good match for the work conditions for which it’s being used.

I, myself, have always been a huge fan of work boots that are made from full grain leather featuring a Goodyear welt (stitchdown) construction. Aside from comfort, my feeling is that these are the most durable and provide the best value. However, after watching a recent video from Timberland that shows their new Ever-Guard leather work boots being abused in a sandblasting booth, I’ve come away rather impressed.

My first mental image of Timberland Pro work boots prior to adding them to our line was all fluff, no substance. I thought they would rest on the success of their urban line, targeting comfort and style. Man, was I wrong.

Timberland seems to offer the most complete package of any brand I’ve seen; comfort, style, durability and price. At the very least, they have been the most innovative work boot manufacturer out there.

Here’s a real life example:

I’ve been selling Timberland’s Ever-Guard metatarsal work boots to a local foundry in Amherst, Ohio for almost a year now. The foundry has one of the harshest work environments. The black acidic sand they use for the molding process destroys boots in a matter of weeks. The Ever-Guards, although not impervious, have held up fantastically well for the tortures of the foundry.

Tags: workwear, boots, footwear, work boots,
Timberland

Featured Product: Arborwear Original Tree Climbers Pants

2006-05-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

a great item 5 out of 5 (Overall Rating)
Submitted by chris burkey by from Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2006
"I bought two pairs of these, comfortable, durable, and cut perfect for movement. truly, my favorite pair of pants. also the best cell-phone pocket design yet."

Tags: mens clothing, workwear, clothing

Carhartt for Women Available Fall ‘07

2007-01-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

Carhartt announced plans to roll out its new women’s workwear line nationally for Fall 2007. The long anticipated line, designed specifically for the female figure, features a full line up of pants, shirts, jackets, bib overalls and accessories.

In 2006, Carhartt placed the women’s workwear line in several test locations across the country. And, according to their initial sales figures, results exceeded expectations.

Carhartt has been careful with new releases and lines in recent years, therefore we expect their women’s clothing to be well thought out and representative of the quality one expects.

Over the past two years, ConstructionGear.com has been receiving a growing number of requests for women’s workwear, especially items from the Carhartt brand. In response, we’ve ordered the full line of
Carhartt for women, which should be available from our web site sometime in May of 2007. We expect heavy demand and foresee quantities to be limited throughout all of 2007.

Looking For New Work Boot Lines...

2006-05-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

ConstructionGear.com is looking to add a couple new work boot lines to it's lineup, and we'd like your thoughts.

Currently, we offer CAT, Danner Georgia LaCrosse, Carhartt and Wolverine.

So, do you have a favorite that you'd like to see us carry? If so, email us with the name of the brand, and we'll be happy to consider it!

Tags: workwear, boots, footwear, work boots

Featured Product: Georgia Giant Romeo with Crepe Wedge Sole

2006-04-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Best work slipper ever!!!

5 out of 5 (Overall Rating)

Submitted by tombuerk@comcast.net from Pennsylvania, April 11, 2006

"I forget how many pairs of these I've worn out. They are the best romeo on the market, and the best price!"

Tags: workwear, boots, footwear, work boots

Denim Versus Duck: Which One's Toughest?

2006-04-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

You’re looking for a rugged work pant and have narrowed your choice down to the Carhartt Double Knee Duck Dungaree and the Carhartt Double Knee Denim Dungaree. Both pants are identical except for the fabric they’re made from. So, which one is tougher?

Good question.

How about we begin answering this question with a little product knowledge?

Okay then, the denim dungarees are made from 14.75 oz pre-washed ring spun denim. Ring spun is a specific weaving process that adds to the durability of the denim.

The duck dungarees are made from 11 oz unwashed cotton duck. Cotton duck is an extremely tightly wove, durable fabric, more so than denim. Because Carhartt wants to get the same relative durability out of both pants, the denim dungarees are 3.75 ounces heavier than the cotton duck dungarees.

So, technically speaking, both pants should have roughly the same wear and durability. But, for my money, I still give the cotton duck dungarees the nod in a close race. Even while giving up some weight to the denim dungarees, the cotton duck is still more durable.

Tags: carhartt, mens clothing, workwear, clothing

Newsletter: New Carhartt and Work Boots

2006-04-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

(Click image below to see full newsletter)

Dress tough-as-nails by adding these new items to your wardrobe:

Carhartt Colored Denim Vest - Fleece Lined
Bet you hate being restricted by bulky clothing that the cool weather requires.
Price: $44.97
View Details

Danner 453 GTX Work Hiker
Lightweight and stylish. Not your Dad's clunky work boot!
Price: $ 139.97
View Details

Carhartt Washed Denim Work Dungaree
A soft finish blue jean that's rugged and comfortable.
Price: $ 32.97
View Details

CAT Tradesman 6" - Soft Toe Work Boot
A soft, cushiony sole that won't track mud or dirt.
Price: $89.97
View Details

Carhartt Relaxed Fit Jean-Straight Leg
This rugged 15-ounce jean has a wide leg opening that fits over work boots.
Price: $ 32.97
View Details

CAT Second Shift - Safety Steel Toe Work Boot
A classic favorite with steel-toed protection.
Price: $ 74.97
View Details

Carhartt Double Front Washed Duck Work Dungaree
Rugged enough for work, this 12-ounce, 100% cotton duck dungaree is a fantastic choice for casual wear too.
Price: $ 42.97
View Details

Danner Tinner 6" Waterproof Work Boot – Soft Toe
These are the “It doesn’t get any better than this” work boots.
Price: $ 149.97
View Details

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Expert Advice
Do Your Work Boots Got Sole?
Or, maybe a better question is do you work boots have the right outsole for your job?
Read more

Always remember, real men don’t dress wimpy.
Your buddies at ConstructionGear.com

ConstructionGear.com
1155 E. Sunset Dr., Suite 115
Bellingham, WA 98226
http://www.ConstructionGear.com

Tags: carhartt, mens clothing, workwear, clothing, boots, footwear, work boots

Danner Quarry Work Boots

2006-04-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

34 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio you’ll find the largest and oldest sandstone quarries in existence. Vast and astounding, it spans an area of 1000 acres and holds 300 million cubic feet of deposits.

Since 1868, Cleveland Quarries has been excavating their legendary Berea Sandstone from this exact spot. Known for its strength and durability, Berea Sandstone serves as the backbone to countless buildings and infrastructures throughout the world.

Quarrying Berea Sandstone is backbreaking and unforgiving work. It takes a fearless man to work the Quarry, and only the toughest endure.

Well, this is the boot that was named after the Quarry and the men that conquered it. Danner Quarry work boots, heavy-duty leather and stitching, rugged outsole, waterproof, amazing comfort from the start.

Featured Product: Carhartt Unlined Duck Bib Overall

2006-03-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Good to see military support
5 out of 5 (Overall Rating)
Submitted by jnrbigler@yahoo.com from Arizona, March 21, 2006

“I love the Carhartt duck overalls. I have never owned a pair better than these. Not many companies will ship to APO addresses. Even though I just bought overalls it is nice to know that i can have them shipped to me through the APO system. Not many companies ship to APO's it is nice. Thank you.”

Rugged Attraction?

2006-03-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

It’s Official! Women are attracted more to rugged, blue-collar men.

So tell us something new, right?

Yeah, we already knew chicks prefer the brawny type to those white-collared weasels (no offense to you weekend warriors out there reading this, we know you’re trying!). We’ll, now there’s proof.

A recent segment on the Today Show discussed this hot trend. You can view the segment on MSN.com. It seems, nowadays, women are earning more than ever, and they’re looking for other qualities in men other than financial security, such as a rugged demeanor.

So, for all the real men out there who wear Carhartt and leather boots, step forward with confidence, it seems that you’ve got a leg up on the competition. But, you already knew that, right?

Tags: carhartt, mens clothing, workwear, clothing

Carhartt Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt: My Best Friend

2006-03-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Carhartt Sweatshirt Birth Date: December 26th 2001

And after four long years of heavy use, my Carhartt Sweatshirt looks almost new. The only noticeable wear is the color is fading slightly.

In fact, the greatest threat to the long-term health of my sweatshirt seems to be my wife. No, its not that she’s a terror in the laundry room, she just threatens to burn it if I wear it “just one more time!”

Yeah, over my dead body!

Meanwhile, I just threw away a Nike sweatshirt that wasn’t nearly as old. It developed several holes, and the bottom band stretched out badly. I don’t think it lasted more than a couple years, and it cost nearly $10 more than the Carhartt sweatshirt! I couldn’t ask for a better bang for my buck.

Wanna take bets on how long my sweatshirt will last? Well, at this pace I’d say it’s got several more years.

Tags: carhartt, mens clothing, workwear, clothing

New Danner Boots: Breakin’ the Mold

2006-03-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

During the Industrial Revolution, U.S. business moguls like Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller built their empires on the back of hard-nosed, blue-collar Americans. You know the type. In fact, you probably stare at him every morning when you look in the mirror.

These weathered individuals broke their backs and pounded their feet to make a respectable living. There’s little doubt that those grinding workdays would have been a bit easier had the new Danner Tinner work boots been on hand.

Well, it’s too late for the heroes of the Industrial Revolution, but not for you. These are the “It doesn’t get any better than this” work boots. Heavy-duty leather and stitching, rugged outsoles, waterproof, feather light, pillow comfort. The Danner Tinner proves you don’t have to lace up a pair of clodhoppers anymore. There’s nothin’ these babies can’t handle.

So, the next time you need an all-terrain vehicle for your feet with the comfort of a Lexus, check out the new Danner Tinner work boots. The only “requirement” is that you don’t hold back.

Danner Tinner work boots are available in a 6 inch and 8 inch styles.

Tags: workwear, boots, footwear, work boots

Carhartt, Levi’s or Wal-Mart Brand…Does It Really Matter?

2006-03-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

You know, every so often, you need to give yourself a gut check. Sometimes, it’s to make sure you’re making right decisions, other times it’s to stop you from walking down a jagged trail. There’s no rule in life stating that you have to keep walking down the path you’re currently on. You can always make a U-turn, and choose a different road.

Okay, where am I going with this, right?

We’ll, the other day, I started thinking about what I’m selling and I began wondering if it’s really as good as advertised, or do I believe my own hype? Are the wimp-proof products I promote that much more rugged than any other? Is this the mountain I want to own? Hey, some guys are getting decent wear from the cheap stuff, why pay more, right?

Well, the answer to my questions came from a good friend of mine who stopped by the other day. He reminded me about the first time we met. He came in my store looking for a pair of durable work pants. At the time, he was mowing lawns for a living. Frustrated by the fact that he was on his 21st pair of Levis that season, he demanded to see the most rugged pair of pants I sold. He simply couldn’t stand to see his all his profits go to buying more pants.

I sold him two pairs of 15 ounce, Carhartt Double Knee Denim Dungarees. Those two pairs of Carhartt jeans lasted him the rest of the season, and most of the following season as well. He went from 21 pairs of work jeans down to two!

To this day, that is my greatest testimonial to the durability of the products I sell.

So, is there a difference in quality? Obviously, yes, but sometimes you just need a healthy reminder.

Tags: carhartt, mens clothing, workwear, clothing

Do Your Work Boots Got Sole?

2006-03-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Or, maybe a better question is do you work boots have the right outsole for your job?

Searching through all the different styles of work boots out there can overwhelm you like a sea of options with not much to go on but looks.

But what about function? After all, you need these puppies to perform on the job too.

Well, finding the right outsole for your work environment is usually the first step in selecting the right work boot for you, and helps narrow the field. For example, a mechanic needs a slip & oil resistant outsole, while a guy working outdoors digging ditches needs an aggressive outsole with a lot of tread depth.

Outsoles are commonly made from rubber, polyurethane or some combination of both. This makeup does affect wear and cushion, but is not the determining factor for slip & oil resistance.

The shape of the tread and amount of surface contact also play key roles in determining whether or not you’ll slip and end up on your rear end. To help you, just look for the words “Slip & Oil Resistant” printed on the bottom or outsole of the boot. Just because an outsole has a lot of surface areas and looks like it’s slip & oil resistant doesn’t mean that it’s actually so.

Now, what do you do if your job requires times where you need both slip & oil resistance, and aggressive tread depth?

The answer is not simple because, to my knowledge, no boot can offer both extremes. My advice is to ask yourself what type of surface you work on the most, and buy your boots according to that. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy two different styles of work boots, which is not wallet-friendly.

Once, you’ve determined the best outsole for your work environment, you can move onto other features such as safety toe, waterproof and height.

Is That Carhartt Really a Carhartt?

2006-02-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just a little FYI for all you Carhartt enthusiasts out there, Carhartt doesn’t manufacture their footwear. Sorry to disappoint you but Carhartt boots are actually manufactured by the Red Wing Shoe Company.

Carhartt licenses their name and identity to Redwing for a fee, and in turn, Red Wing designs and manufacturers boots under the prestigious Carhartt name. This is a familiar practice exercised by many well-known brands. Another example is Caterpillar boots, which are licensed and manufactured by Wolverine.

So, why not manufacture the work boots themselves? Well, how about expertise, cost, and high risk to name a few.

I’m betting Carhartt know very little about manufacturing work boots, or even the work boot market. It’s easier for them to license their name to a well-established shoe manufacturer. That way, if the deal goes sour, Carhartt can just break ties and forget the whole work boot idea altogether, or they can hook up with another manufacturer and start over.

Sweet deal, huh? Hey, they did spend over a century building up their brand name and image. They certainly deserve to reap the rewards.

Do you feel hoodwinked in any way?

Well, rest assured die-hard Carhartt fans. Carhartt does have some say in their work boot designs, and I’m sure their quite finicky.

Is Carhartt Fabric Really Waterproof?

2006-03-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

There appears to be some confusion regarding Carhartt original duck fabric and whether or not it’s waterproof. Well, let me set the record straight.

No, Carhartt jackets and coats are not waterproof. Actually, they are somewhat water-repellant though.

What’s the difference, you ask?

Well, waterproof means that no water or moisture will penetrate the material, while water-resistant or repellant suggests that the material will repel or resist moisture, however with enough rain the garment will eventually soak through.

The Carhartt duck fabric is coated with a water-resistant chemical spray, similar to ScotchGuard, before leaving the factory. This coating provides Carhartt jackets and coats with a temporary water-resistant sheen. However, this coating fades over time, especially after washing. So, if you want to maintain the water-resistance of your Carhartt clothing, you’ll need to retreat them.

Later, I’ll review a great new product to waterproof any item of clothing.

Protection For Your Work Boots!

2006-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Are you thrashing your work boots? Wearing holes through the toes? If so, I’ve got a inexpensive, creative solution for you!

Take a gander at the Boot Saver toe guards for work boots. These tiny little rubber toe guards glue onto the tips of your work boots adding an extra layer of protection, preventing toe wear. Yes, I know, they aren’t the prettiest things in the world, but hey, work isn’t a fashion show and they do come in three colors to help blend in with the color of your work boots.

If you do pick up a pair of these toe guards, please keep in mind a couple things:

Each package includes two (2) boot guards, enough for one pair of work boots.

Everything you need to attach the Boot Saver toe guards is included. You’ll get a small piece of sand paper to rough the surface of your work boots, and glue to make the stick!

Be sure to clean your boots thoroughly before attaching the toe guards. Also, don’t apply any boot grease or conditioner before attaching these suckers. I found that these are two key ingredients to making a lasting bond.

The Incredible Shrinking Carhartt

2006-02-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

No, this isn’t some cheesy Disney movie that you’ve see a hundred times before. Actually it’s a nightmare for guys out there who spend their hard-earned money on Carhartt clothing only to find that their new work armor has shrunk to an uncomfortable, unbearable size that they haven’t seen since high school.

The predicament is so bad I feel the need to issue the following:

WARNING: Please be aware when buying Carhartt clothing made from the firm-hand (unwashed) 100% cotton duck that these items will shrink 1 – 1 ½” overall. Also, it may take up to three washings for the shrinking to complete.

Yes indeed, the Carhartt original cotton duck fabric shrinks considerably. Be sure to buy these items a size or two larger depending on style and personal preference. For example, if you’re wearing your bib overalls over your pants, it’s probably a good idea to buy them two sizes larger.

Carhartt does make the same clothing in a pre-washed version (at least for most items and styles). Nearly all of the shrinking is taken out, so buy the size you normally would wear. This “safe route” removes all of the guesswork and headaches. The only downside is price. Pre-washed Carhartt items usually cost a few bucks more than their unwashed counterparts, but for my money it’s worth every penny.

Whichever way you choose to go is obviously up to you, but just keep heed my warning, friend.

Wolverine Durashocks and a Smooth Ride

2006-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Automotive shock absorbers reduce bounce by pushing a piston through fluid (oil), which creates cushiony resistance and a smooth ride. Shock absorbers are a necessary ingredient for a smooth ride, standard equipment you wouldn’t drive without.

Applying this same technology and theory, Wolverine created the Durashocks outsole. Durashocks outsoles feature strategically placed cushioned pads that compress under the weight of each footstep, absorbing and softening every blow just like automotive shocks.

Switch Gears: Over 80% of the footwear customers we measure suffer from excessive elongation and overpronation.

Okay, so what the heck does that mean?

Well, that’s fancy schmancy babble for their feet are collapsing as a result of the daily stress, pounding and abuse. This “collapsing” can cause pain in your ankles, knees, back and neck.

Ouch!

So you see, your feet are extremely important to your overall health, and the work boots you buy play a key role in your foot health. The next time your feet start to bark or your work boots wear out, take a closer glance at Wolverine boots featuring the Durashocks and think shock absorbers for your feet.

So, how about going for a smooth ride?

Sock Selection: Your First Layer of Comfort

2006-01-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Select the right sock and you’re on your way to comfortable feet.

Admittedly however, choosing the right sock can be confusing and complex undertaking. Read any of the product packaging and you’ll find yourself ambushed by a slew of technical names, sounding like a bunch of mambo-jambo. X-static, Coolmax, Ultimax, Lycra, Thermolite…ugh, enough already!

Let’s make this simple. It’s all about your physiology, or in other words, are your feet hot or cold, sweaty or dry?

The two things you want to keep in mind are temperature and dryness.

If you have cold feet, wool would be a great, all-year-round choice for you. Wool absorbs moisture away from your feet, while keeping you warm in the winter and cool during summer. Merino wool in particular offers a soft and comfy feel. Wool socks can also take up some of the slack when your boots are fitting a little big.

However, if your feet are warm and sweaty, go with a moisture control sock. In this instance, wool would be too warm of a choice for those of you with warm feet. Moisture control socks typically use heat as a driving force to move the moisture away from your foot.

A word of caution regarding our old time favorite fabric: Cotton. Sure cotton is soft, comfy, and cheap, but it sucks like a Hoover when it gets wet. Cotton transfers heat and cold 23 times faster when it’s wet, making your feet even hotter or colder.

One last thing, keep in mind that what works for you may not work for the next guy.

Take a peak at more in depth information about choosing the right sock.

A Cut Above: Danner Boots

2006-01-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, I get this question all the time. “What’s the most comfortable, rugged brand of boots you guys got?”

The answer is Danner boots. That’s easy, but no one ever asks me why they’re the most comfortable and rugged work boots. So, here’s my run down as to why Danner reins as the “Work Boot King”:

Leathers: Danner is picky, picky, picky. They stress test the hides religiously, and, like a surgeon, are careful to make their cuts from all the right places.

Stitching: Heavy duty, and triple stitched where it counts.

Gore-Tex® Waterproof Liners: Wet feet are miserable feet, so Danner equips most of their boots with Gore-Tex® waterproof liners to keep your feet dry.

Vibram® Outsoles: Ahh, the Cadillac of outsoles. Just like Gore-Tex®, Danner uses Vibram® outsoles in many of their boots.

Comfort Design: Typically lightweight and comfortable from the start. Danner boots tend to hug your feet, wrapping them in a durable comfort.

So, there you have it, all the reasons why Danner stands at head of the work boot class.

Doubling Up Carhartt for a Major Cost Savings

2006-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

No, I’m not suggesting you purchase twice as many Carhartt jeans. We’re talking about a “cost savings”. Remember?

What I’m suggesting to you is making a wardrobe switch to double knee pants.

“What exactly are double knee pants?” you ask.

Quite simply, double knee pants or jeans are work pants with an extra piece of fabric sewn onto the knee area. The knee area is the part of the pant that typically wears out first, and takes a greatest amount of abuse from grueling work conditions. Adding this extra “patch”, therefore, lengthens wear and durability.

Okay, why does this matter to you? Because it saves you money!

Carhartt double knee pants or jeans cost, on average, a few dollars more than their traditional single knee counterparts, but can significantly add to the lifespan of the pant.

So, double up, kick butt and salt away your savings!

New Carhartt Clothing for Fall ‘06!

2006-01-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

I just got a sneak peek at the all new Carhartt clothing available for Fall ’06, and I gotta tell you, these guys just seem to get better and better. Now don’t get me wrong, a little competition’s healthy and I would love to see other competing brands do more, but Carhartt gives ‘em little chance.

The hottest new gear for Fall ’06 is Carhartt's waterproof / breathable line (think Gore-Tex® on steroids). Slated to be available in a jacket, coat, waist overall and gloves. These new Carhartt jackets and coats feature a waterproof breathable membrane, a mesh lining (great for layering), storm cuffs, snap-on removable hood, and plenty of pockets for all your stuff.

In my experience, there are certain items you come across that you just know are going to be home runs. Well, this is line’s a grand slam!