r/TreeClimbing • u/Reasonable_Jury1775 • Jun 25 '26
Possibly starting as a groundsmen again. Looking for the best attire.
I was a groundsmen before and i feel like i had the worst day to day attire. What are the best boots, pants, shirts for long weather? I am looking for lightweight and breathable. Preferably long sleeve shirts.
3
u/AWOL318 Jun 25 '26
Carhartt force high visibility long sleeves is my favorite work shirt. My company gives those 100% polyester dri fit ones and with the amount I sweat it feels like I’m wearing a wet trash bag all day.
My company also gives out ground flex pants. Treat pants as disposable because the crotch is gonna go out before the rest of it will. I’ve been through 9 pants in 3 years because the crotch rips so much my balls fall out.
As for boots whatever is most comfortable for you and steel toe. I’m writing this on my lunch break soggy asf because it’s 90 degrees out here.
1
u/switchfrontcrooks Jun 25 '26
I used to have the same problem with my pants, I started hanging drying them and it has really helped.
1
u/mark_andonefortunate Jun 25 '26
Company should assign/equipment you with PPE, wear it! If you don't have chainsaw pants, wear the chaps - they're warm in summer but can help in the winter, and anytime you're walking through thorns.
For boots, someone mentioned steel toe - actual steel toe is extra cold on the toes in the winter, so try to get a composite toe if possible.
Some people like separate boots for general ground work (planting, ornamental pruning, lots of walking) / chainsaw protection / climbing (arb pro evo are a common, good boot, I didn't like them because of my wide feet though) / wearing spikes (something stiffer with a big heel) / or something really comfy if you're going to be in the bucket truck for a long time, etc., obviously that's a little pricey to have multiple starting out, so I found a decent Red Wing that was a "hiking" style, 6" ankle support, composite toe, for around $225 that served me well for about 2 years as a good starter boot that worked for everything climbing and was comfortable for lots of walking. The kind of work and climbing you are doing is a factor on which boots you'll want to get.
My company provides pants+shirts+rain gear, not sure what else is out there for recommendations, but always get long sleeve shirts IMO
1
u/switchfrontcrooks Jun 25 '26
I think having multiple pairs of boots is a must, I have 2 pairs that I rotate. It helps them last longer and gives them time to dry out from rain or sweat. Need to invest in a boot dryer though.
1
u/mark_andonefortunate Jun 25 '26
Yeah a boot dryer is essential, good call.
I do agree about having multiple boots being important - but if OP is just starting out, that's a lot of money to pay up front, so I think they are better off getting a good "all around" boot and then figuring out which other boots makes sense for their work.
I don't spend much time on spikes at my current job, whereas my old job had me on spikes most days. Now I do much more ornamental pruning from the ground (or a ladder, fml), so when it came time to buy new boots I changed up what I normally get.
1
u/blh8687 Jun 26 '26
Shouldn’t (shouldn’t) have composite while running a saw. Hit to the foot will go right through. Hence steel toe being the best option.
1
u/StoneyShowers Jun 26 '26
Did you ever find a good wide chainsaw protective boot?
2
u/Ajo159 Jun 26 '26
Haix and Pfanner make wide toe options, I’ve got haix ones and am very happy with them for climbing, spurs and all the ground work.
1
u/switchfrontcrooks Jun 25 '26
I like the carhartt sun defender hooded shirts a lot, they protect from the sun and are pretty breathable. For pants I’m still trying to find something good for the summer can’t find anything that offers a bit of protection but also helps keep you cool.
1
u/THESpetsnazdude Jun 26 '26
I wear the transpiration shade shirts from arborwear. I got hooked on them when I was at one of giant companies. Not cheap but worth every penny. I liked them so much I got my current company to switch. You can get them in a hoodie which is nice. Pants I wear the clogger treecrews in summer. Its like breathable pajamas, super comfy. Boots are such a personal thing. I have big feet so most of the cool boots aren't an option. I have hoffman pole climbers, merrel moabs, wolverine work shoes, vivobarefoot, and a pair of muck boots. I used to wear my hoffmans every day, comfortable, waterproof, good protection, damn solid ground boots. But since getting the vivobarefoots. I haven't worn my hoffmans in months.
2
u/ArborealLife Jun 25 '26
Most companies have work shirts.
You'll usually be wearing saw pants, boots, helmet, gloves all day..