Defensive firearm course clothing

[Javi]

I'm looking to go do my first defensive handgun class early next year through "Civilians Arms Training" so I'm already looking for important gear such as holster, belt and mag holsters. All I own are jeans but I realized that even though I don't wear tight pants, they are still pretty restrictive plus since it's 8-9 hours, I'd want a pant that may "breathe" more. Tried checking out Midway but they didn't have a lot of options at all. I'm looking at "Triple Aught Design"'s gear, which is usually super expensive, and their pants seem decently priced for me:

Should I just go to REI and get some hiking cargos? I know nothing about any shooting specific clothing, what brands do you recommend?

[Ricky-Ray]

I've gone thru several courses at CAT's (Level I & II, Shotgun). For clothing wise I don't wear anything really special. Light colored T-shirt, bonnie hat or baseball cap, cargo pants and a good pair of shoes.

For weapons gear any strong belt will do, 2 mag pouch and a holster with some sort of retention is all that's required. Even the cheap nylon holster with the button closure is good enough. Thigh rigs are allowed if you wanna go that route.

If you can make it to one of the gun show's CAT's is usually there and they sell class vouchers. Buy one of the vouchers and you can save almost half off the cost of the class.

If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me. Most of all be safe and have fun out there.

[Javi]

I've gone thru several courses at CAT's (Level I & II, Shotgun). For clothing wise I don't wear anything really special. Light colored T-shirt, bonnie hat or baseball cap, cargo pants and a good pair of shoes.

For weapons gear any strong belt will do, 2 mag pouch and a holster with some sort of retention is all that's required. Even the cheap nylon holster with the button closure is good enough. Thigh rigs are allowed if you wanna go that route.

If you can make it to one of the gun show's CAT's is usually there and they sell class vouchers. Buy one of the vouchers and you can save almost half off the cost of the class.

If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me. Most of all be safe and have fun out there.

I first heard of these guys a few months ago but I JUST recently read about the vouchers, I'll have to get one! Is it buy one and it never expires? Holster & mag pouch I'm leaning heavily to Raven concealment systems. Belt: Wilderness tactical from Midway(http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=154894) or a cheaper Uncle Mikes. If I don't own hiking boots, I'll just use my running shoes. No clue on a shirt, might not buy one specifically for the class. The class looks fun! Different from just standing at an indoor range, of course.

[medicdude]

I wear 5.11 Ripstop TDU pants at work, home and range/classes. I have them in Navy and Tan. Don't fade, durable, comfy.

[operator13]

+1 for 5.11's.

[voiceofreason]

My 5.11s shrank quite a bit. Durable with great pockets, but stiff and shrinky for me.

I'd go with a long sleeve button down on top of a sweat wicking undershirt regardless of the temp. Jacket over if necessary.

Bring a towel to dry your face and hands if hot weather.

and BRING A LARGE COOLER with lots of water, electrolyte drinks, and cold fresh fruit if it's hot

I'd go with Columbia Silverridge pants with kneepads, but they are pretty thin. Never had an issue with them used in conjunction with kneepads. Breathe and dry very well.

[Quiet]

5.11 gear and LAPG branded "knock-off" gear, is what I mostly wear.

https://lapolicegear.com

[FourLoko]

5.11 gear and LAPG branded "knock-off" gear, is what I mostly wear.

lapolicegear.com

werd

check out the LAPG Operator Pants, light, comfy and cheap

order today before their Labor Day sale ends and get 11% off

[Javi]

5.11 looks good. How's "Blackhawk" apparel?

[Ricky-Ray]

The vouchers do not have an expiration date. for gear wise I picked up sturdy nylon belt somewhere for like 10 bucks. Fobus molded mag pouch and a blackhawk serpa thigh rig.

I'd say go with what you have already, you'll see lot's of people take the class with jeans or cargo pants or something else and they are just fine.

[NorCal Einstein]

Did my first class in a pair of jeans that I didn't care about getting messed up, and a polo shirt. A t-shirt would have been a fine alternative as well.

All that said, I'll pick up some 5.11 pants for my next class in December though.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

If you want the most value out of your course, wear what you usually wear. The gunfight won't wait while you change into your 5.11's.

Seriously, it's a good idea to make sure whatever you do wear doesn't foul your pistol when you draw or get in the way when you holster, or get in the way of your mag pouches. I've had students who were constantly distracted by having to pull clothing out of their holsters before holstering to the point that they were sweeping themselves in the process. Not safe. Otherwise, if your clothes allow free movement and won't get ripped if you have to take a knee or go prone, they're good to go.

If you're looking at holsters, consider something simple, such as Uncle Mike's or similar Kydex holsters. You want retention, but don't want to have to continually snap and unsnap a holster strap or thumb break. Your draws and holstering will flow much smoother, one less thing to get in the way of learning what the course has to offer. Same for mag pouches.

[tyrist]

+1 for use whatever you normally wear.

[Tripper]

I would do BDU's
any surplus store of course
but Goodwill/Salvation army stores usually have something available at reasonable prices.

in addition to any mag pouches, get a gear pouch, or random stuff pouch, otherwise a pouch that closes, just to drop stuff in including loose ammo, extra mag, gum, bandaid, whatever.

[john.t.singh]

I recently got some 5.11 pants for 20 bucks at la police gear. Good deal those pants are way awesome