#modern outdoorsmen

[horns-sheds-claws]

Short story 1 - part 1 Taylor in the Peace

Disclaimer-I’ve never wrote jack shit so bare with me

Taylor grew up in the Peace country. For those who don’t know the peace country is a section of North west Alberta and North East British Columbia. It borders on the northern Rockies and is mostly dense forest and muskeg with a little bit of grasslands. As Taylor grew up he found himself but not just enjoying the natural world around him, but yearning for it. His best days were spent in the bush or working on his grandparents ranch. Every moment away from either of these fueled a burning desire to escape life in the small oil patch city in which he lived. He was always a bit different. Not anti social but he never was attracted to a lot of the modern day creature comforts and luxuries we have today. He didn’t understand the point in owning a huge house or a truck much bigger then required. He never wanted more then a flip phone despite everyone around him having smart phones. He didn’t care about owning a quad or a dirt bike. He always thought horses made more sense. The appeal of these luxuries escaped him. He could not understand it. Maybe partly out of spite for it. He thought highly of ranchers, trappers, outfitters, and people like that. People who could make their living off the land while leaving most of it in its natural state.

Taylor had a unique talent that he didn’t realize (at first) were unique to him. He spent a lot of time hunting the bush and he rarely came home empty handed. If he did it was because he passed up on a kill that he decided wasn’t worth it. He had an amazing sense of smell. He could smell a herd of elk, or a black bear, or even a school of fish from miles away. It saved his ass at least once when he could smell the cougar that was stalking him. His sense of smell was so strong if his parents were cooking supper he didn’t smell chili for example. He smelt every individual ingredient separately. When he was 16 he started to realize that he was a bit different. He always thought he just had a good sense of smell but it was so much more then that. He realized people couldn’t smell a deer 15 feet away let alone a couple kms away, and they definitely couldn’t smell the rainbow trout swimming underneath the water. No he was different in that regard. He elected to keep this to himself for now as he didn’t know why this was.

As he turned 18 he didn’t know what to do for a career. He wanted to just go out in the bush and live off the land but in todays society they had laws to make that difficult for a young man. His parents kept telling him to pick a trade, get certified and then he would always have that. He resented this idea. He felt like there had to be some other way but when it was presented as an avenue to live the life he wanted down the road he decided to take it.

He took a job apprenticing as a field mechanic. If nothing else this would let him work in the bush most of the time. He would always brighten up whenever he’d see wildlife and on his lunch breaks would usually trudge off to the trees to just take it in. Despite these perks to the job he grew more and more spiteful of it every day. He could see what this machinery was being used for. It was being used to take the resources from the lands he grew to love. He could see his co workers didn’t care nearly as much about the conservation of this beautiful land with its dense brush, and winding rivers. It always puzzled him because many of them were outdoorsmen/women as well. There came a cold winter day when he was 20 years old that Taylor would see something that would set him on an entirely different path.

The thing he saw that changed his trajectory was so simple. It was a small of herd of about 10 caribou. I’m this area they were critically endangered. Taylor had never seen one in person despite all his time in the bush and the mountains. He stopped and admired them for as long as he could and with his old flip phone went to take some pictures of them when someone stopped him.

“You can’t take pictures of those. If anyone finds out those caribou are here, then this job site has to get shut down.” The supervisor told him

Taylor was instantly filled with blind rage. His blood boiled at the statement. He was ready to rip this supervisors head off. His admiration for the beast had turned into more of a protective instinct. Taylor did everything he could to hold down his temper but couldn’t bare it.

“To hell with your fuckin job site then!” He shouted. As he did the caribou ran away before he could get the picture. Blaine stormed off and packed up his tools knowing full well that was the end of this job for him. For the first time in his working career he felt good about what he was doing. He made a promise to himself to not compromise on what he wanted to do with his life. And in that moment he wanted to shut down this job site.

Taylor knew better then to chase after the caribou right away. He knew they needed time to settle before tracking them down. He went back to the work camp and started making calls trying to report what he had saw. Game wardens would make it out there when they could they told him, but that wasn’t enough. Taylor still felt that more needed to be done.

He knew they were just going to try and find some way to skirt around the rules and that did not sit well. Taylor knew there was one other thing he could do.

See despite not enjoying being a mechanic he learned some valuable skills. One of them being was how to make something work. And if you know how to make it work… you know how to make sure it’ll never work again.

At this point he knew the company wasn’t going to pay for him to stay in a work camp while he pulled off his plan but that suited him fine. Taylor was more then confident to live in a shelter from pine and spruce. As night fell onto the land Taylor made his move. He put sugar in the fuel tanks of all the diesel powered equipment. He cut random wires in tightly packed in harnesses, he filled hydraulic tanks with water after draining down some of the oil. and he put rocks down the full tubes off all the engines and transmissions. And to top it off he cleaned up after all of it so that nobody would know he had been there until they went to start it.

Taylor didn’t stick around to see the chaos unfold but he did later get questioned. They could not prove it was him since he had checked out of the work camp and his truck was gone while everyone else was still working. He did go back to find the caribou however. He just wanted to see them one more time, unsure if he would ever get a chance to see this herd again.

He went on to be a hunting and trail guide for most of the year in a place called Pink Mountain. This type of work suited him so much better. He woke up every day feeling energized and ready to go. Making a living the same way many of the people he looked up to did before him. He quickly learned he had to be careful as to how much to use his sense of smell when guiding other hunters. He didn’t want to make it to easy and saved the best animals for those he thought would appreciate it the most. During the off season however he would always find time to covertly sabotage companies he felt weren’t doing their duty to the land, water, and air they made their living off of.

Around age 21 the world started to take notice of people like Taylor. People who had abilities that no other humans had, and that these people seemed to be immune to the needless marketing and propaganda of the modern world. Taylor felt a great sigh of relief when he heard this. Knowing he wasn’t alone. That many other people had some unique abilities, that also were driven into revolt against the destruction of the natural world. He felt as though this was a correction by Mother Nature. Her way of fixing a mistake she made some time ago. He knew some of the world would perceive him as a threat, or something to experiment on. But he was prepared for that. And he would be ready if the day ever came when they came for him

[houseofgerrard]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Paige Jeans transcend federal slim straight jean black shadow size 34.

[friendlyneighborhoodwizard]

I just reblogged that post about east coast vs west coast US hiking and almost added a long-ass addition to explain, but I figured I'd make it short there and write my spiel on my own post to not be obnoxious.

So, as someone who has been on trail crews both in the west and the east and is very interested in the history of trails, I can kind of explain why east coast trails are Like That.

Before the 19th century, recreational hiking wasn't really a thing. Most trails were made just to get from one place to another as quickly as possible and, as a result, often took pretty steep routes, especially if they weren't meant for horses. For most people living in rural areas, the general philosophy was that the wilderness* wasn't necessarily something to appreciate for what it is, but rather something either to fear or to conquer.

In the 1800s, however, as industrialization brought more people into cities to live and work, rich city folk on the east coast who wanted to get away from the smog and pollution and crowds of the urban sprawl would often catch a train up to the white mountains in New Hampshire for some fresh air. Mt. Washington in particular was (and still is) a hotspot for tourism. All these tourists needed something to do and they found it in hiking trails.

It makes sense. Hiking is a great way to get outside, be active, and enjoy the natural beauty of your location, which is especially important if you're usually stuck in the city. Thanks to the likes of Thoreau and Muir, American thought on wilderness was also changing from the wilderness being a desolate wasteland to it being a place to enjoy nature's beauty uninterrupted by civilization. Thus, the concept of hiking for recreation became more popular creating a demand for trails to be built across the mountains, usually by private entities such as hotels, mountain clubs, and even business-savvy individuals like the Crawfords (who I could also talk about for a long time but alas. I want to keep this as streamlined as possible).

When it came to what hiking was supposed to be, however, there were two primary camps. One of those camps proposed that hiking trails should be easy, leisurely walks up the mountains that were meticulously constructed to avoid scrambles. There are some trails in the white mountains that were built this way and they hold up really well.

As anyone who has hiked the white mountains or in most of the northeast can guess, though, this was not the camp that won the great debate. The camp that won was a group of rugged victorian outdoorsmen who believed that hiking should be an adventure through the wilderness and that those adventures should be hard. They believed that trails should preserve these wild places the best they could and that over-engineering the paths would just take away from the experience. Their trails proliferated across the white mountains and the rest of the northeast.

All of these trails were also built before we really knew (or cared) about the effects of erosion on hiking trails and the environment. To a modern trail-builder, these trails suck. Water flows right down them, just widening and deepening the paths which creates a greater impact on the surrounding environment. When the trails are difficult, people tend to walk off the trail, again, impacting the surrounding environment. They're just generally not sustainable. They erode way faster than a switchback.

But it also costs a LOT of money and takes a lot of time and energy to reroute these trails, so we're kind of stuck with just managing erosion on the trails we already have: crotchety old trails built by 150-year old outdoorsmen who wanted to make life harder for everyone. And you know what? They succeeded.

*I have a lot of thoughts about the concept of wilderness that I won't get into here, but I just want to say that when I talk about wilderness in this I'm mainly talking about historical USAmerican conceptions of wilderness.

[fatiguesarmynavy]

Where Does Tiger Stripe Camo Actually Make Sense?

Tiger stripe camo, a camo pattern heavily associated with the Vietnam War, is a pattern that predominantly uses broad, horizontal macros - stripes, not unlike those of a tiger, hence the name - in shades of green, black and brown.

It is said that this was a refinement on an earlier French pattern, the Lizard pattern, which was used in Indochina during the colonial period, to some success.

For many, tiger stripe camo is for reenactors, collectors and general history buffs, especially those with an interest in the Vietnam era. For others, it may still prove an effective pattern, especially in the scenarios described here.

The Bigger Sense of Viability

One of the most attractive aspects of the original tiger stripe camo patterns is the predominant color scheme. With macros in browns, black and greens, it’s capable of accommodating thickly vegetated areas, especially those with a dark backdrop.

This makes it suitable for use in areas that are forested so thickly that the sun is effectively blocked out. It makes sense why and how this was used in the jungles of southeast Asia.

With that said, this is only one element of tiger stripe patterns that make them suitable for use in the woods.

It’s Not Just About the Color, but the Pattern

As with any camo pattern, color is only half of the picture. The shape and arrangement of the macros and micros all increase the noise to signal ratio, making it hard for a viewer to truly discern what he or she is looking at.

In the case of tiger stripe, as was the case of its predecessor Lizard pattern, the macros are big, broad slashes. These slashes do not look unlike the broad leaves of thick foliage. In fact, the surface of tiger stripe camo is slashed and mottled very much in the way that dense jungle cover is.

Naturally this is well-suited to use in thickly forested areas, but specifically those with dense ground cover and mostly deciduous trees with large, broad leaves. In areas where there is sparse ground cover, even if there is a thick canopy, there are probably better patterns.

In fact, it is probably not the best pattern in any area in which there is not a lot of ground cover, if the main shades of the earth are light tan, or if the main species of trees are coniferous rather than deciduous.

But, all the same, in the summer months, tiger stripe camo can still be valuable for outdoorsmen that pursue their craft in areas where there is a lot of thick foliage near the ground.

Then, of course, it still has value for collectors and reenactors, as well as marginal utility for fashion purposes. There are plenty of modern tiger stripe camo patterns in colors other than the originals, with blue, black, gray and even pink coloration. These can be used for fashion and form rather than function, as they will offer little in the way of concealment.

Where to Get Tiger Stripe Camo Gear

There are still some manufacturers and retailers that sell historically relevant camouflage patterns, like tiger stripe. You just need to know where to look.

One of the best of these is Fatigues Army Navy, which sells a wide range of tiger stripe camo clothing and other gear, as well as tiger stripe in modern color schemes. To learn more about this unique camo pattern or to see what they have in stock, visit their website. You can also contact them directly at 877-612-1253 if you have any questions before you buy.

For more information about Concealed Carry Jacket and Army Jacket please visit:- Fatigues Army Navy & Surplus Gear Co

[battlingbladessposts]

The Legacy of the Bowie Knife: From Frontier Symbol to Modern-Day Icon

The Bowie knife, with its iconic clip-point blade, has evolved from a rugged frontier tool to a symbol of American resilience and craftsmanship. Originally designed in the early 19th century by James Bowie for hunting and survival, the knife became a staple of the Wild West. 

Today, the Bowie knife remains popular, appreciated by collectors, outdoorsmen, and knife enthusiasts for its enduring functionality and historical significance. This legendary knife continues to represent strength and adventure, bridging the past and present as both a practical tool and cultural icon.

For more details, Click the link below-

[vumaker]

The History of Hunting Knives: From Primitive Tools to Modern Designs

Hunting knives have been an essential tool for human survival since prehistoric times. From simple stone blades to today’s high-tech designs, these knives have evolved alongside human innovation, always serving as a key instrument for hunting, field dressing, and survival.

Primitive Beginnings

The first hunting knives date back to the Stone Age, where early humans used sharpened stones to hunt animals and process game. These rudimentary tools were primarily made from flint and obsidian, known for their sharpness and ability to hold an edge, even though they were brittle and wore down quickly. These early tools were essential for survival, aiding in everything from skinning animals to cutting meat.

Bronze and Iron Ages

As metallurgy advanced, so did the materials used for hunting knives. During the Bronze Age (around 3300-1200 BCE), people began to forge knives from bronze, creating stronger and more durable blades. This shift marked a significant improvement in knife technology, enabling better hunting practices. Later, during the Iron Age (around 1200 BCE), the use of iron for blades made hunting knives tougher and more reliable. Iron knives were less prone to breakage and could be sharpened with more precision.

Medieval Europe and the Rise of the Modern Knife

In medieval Europe, hunting knives evolved further with the rise of specialized tools. By this time, knives had become common tools for both hunting and combat. Hunters used long, pointed blades for killing and skinning game. These knives were often intricately designed and served as status symbols for the elite. The Bowie knife, which became popular in the 19th century, played a significant role in American hunting culture due to its large blade and versatility.

The Swiss Army Knife Revolution

The 19th century saw the development of the Swiss Army Knife, a multi-functional tool designed for soldiers but quickly adopted by hunters for its versatility. This knife included not only a blade but also various tools like a screwdriver and bottle opener, marking a significant shift towards the multi-tool knives we see today.

Modern Hunting Knives

Today’s hunting knives, like those available at Vumaker, are designed with advanced materials such as stainless steel and carbon fiber. These modern knives focus on durability, sharpness, and comfort. High-end knives feature ergonomic designs, corrosion-resistant blades, and specialized shapes for field dressing game.

Conclusion

The evolution of hunting knives reflects humanity’s progress from primitive survival to sophisticated craftsmanship. From simple stone tools to highly specialized modern designs, hunting knives remain an essential tool for outdoorsmen and hunters alike. For a range of high-performance knives, check out the selection at Vumaker and enhance your hunting experience with the latest in knife technology.

[attackcopterblog]

Mission First Tactical ACHRO Chest Pack & Harness | Multi-Functional Gear for Outdoorsmen

Mission First Tactical has released their latest in gear with the ACHRO Chest Pack & Harness. Mission First Tactical states ” Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, holsters, firearm accessories and EDC bags is proud to announce the new MFT ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness. Designed for the modern outdoorsman, the ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness is a multi-functional pack built…

[battlingblades24532]

Unveiling the Craftsmanship: Saber Swords and Bowie Knives by Battling Blades

In finely crafted weaponry, this online store stands as a beacon of excellence, specializing in designing and selling high-quality swords, axes, machetes, knives, chess sets, armor, and costumes. With a commitment to using the finest metals and materials, including bone, the products are crafted to be visually stunning and functional.

Quality Meets Craftsmanship

This establishment takes immense pride in its dedication to quality. Each saber sword and Bowie knife is meticulously designed, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with modern precision. The result? A collection of blades that are not just weapons but works of art. The marriage of form and function is evident in every curve and edge, making these blades perfect for collectors and enthusiasts.

 

The Saber Sword Experience

The Saber sword offered here is a testament to the dedication to detail. These elegant weapons harken back to when chivalry and honor ruled the battlefield. Precious craftsmanship and attention to historical accuracy make these saber sword a must-have for collectors or enthusiasts. The blade's balance, grip, and razor-sharp edge are unparalleled, offering an immersive experience for those who wield them.

The Bowie Knife Mastery

Bowie knives, on the other hand, embody ruggedness and versatility. Designed for survival, these knives are trusted companions for adventurers and outdoorsmen. The Bowie knife available here is no exception, with blades forged from the finest steel and handles crafted for ergonomic comfort. Whether you're in the wilderness or simply appreciating the artistry behind these blades, these knives deliver exceptional performance.

A Word of Caution

While this establishment strives for excellence, exercising caution when considering a purchase is wise. As with any investment, research is critical. Explore alternative sources for high-quality swords and related products. Read reviews, compare prices, and assess your specific needs. A well-informed decision is the path to acquiring the perfect blade for your collection or purpose.

Online Reputation

In today's digital age, a company's reputation often reflects its products and services. While some customers have reported concerns about product quality and communication, it's important to note that these issues represent a minority of experiences.

Conclusion:

Offering a stunning array of high-quality swords, axes, machetes, knives, chess sets, armor, and costumes, battlingblades.com is a destination for discerning enthusiasts. With saber sword and Bowie knife that exemplify craftsmanship and precision, their offerings are a testament to their commitment to quality. As you embark on your quest for exceptional blades, remember to tread carefully, explore your options, and make an informed choice. Your journey into the world of finely crafted weaponry awaits.

[mangled-by-disuse]

ADDITIONAL FUN FACT which I learned relatively recently and which the last bit of this post shook loose:

Fisherman's jumpers were (and sometimes still are) unique to the fisherman. That means that in a fishing village or town, at least in Scotland, each fisherman has his own pattern which he (or more likely his wife, mother, or sister) knits into every jumper he wears. This is why Arran jumpers are so complex in their cabling - it's not just showing off your knitting skills, it's personalising the garment.

Why? Bluntly, because a body in the sea doesn't stay identifiable for long, so having a unique jumper pattern - especially one that's cabled, so it won't fade in the sun or wash out in the brine - means that if a fisherman dies at sea (as many do), it's more likely that he'll be identified. But it's also a fun design aspect which could fit into a historical narrative in SO many fun ways.

(not so well in a modern narrative, because most fishermen these days wear mass-produced garments like everyone else and rely on DNA for corpse ID. But In almost any time between, say, 1670 and 1970, you can play with it.)

Another specifically Scottish note: tweed (as in thick semi-felted wool weave, regardless of pattern) was VERY common in a lot of the 19th century - it's warm, waterproof, hard-wearing, and reasonably easy to work (compared to oilskin or rubber), and this is the century of English fashion being OBSESSED with Scotland (see also: the invention of modern tartan and the fashion for Highland shooting). This does also come into womenswear, especially for coats and sportswear, but it's mainly menswear.

What I like about the history of tweed is that it's cut right down the middle of the class divide. Now, real tweed is expensive - it can't be effectively mass-produced even today, it has to be waulked and woven just right - but it's also an incredibly valuable cold-weather material, which means that it's not just the preserve of the deer-hunter and the fashionable explorer. Cheaper versions will also be worn by (reasonably flush) tenant farmers, builders, cabbies, and basically anyone working outside who can afford it. This is likely to be just one item (probably a coat or cape) rather than the whole suits which richer outdoorsmen went for, and it probably won't be good Harris tweed. It'll probably have elbow patches (as I found out with my own tweed jacket, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to mending tweed), and is likely to be second hand. But I think that's another fun bit of environment storytelling!

I didn't intend to just toss in a bunch of Scottish stuff, but since we're here - tartan is HUGE in the 19th century. Like, massive, for both genders and also for accessories and horse traces and curtains and upholstery and anywhere you can possibly slap it. Every family with a fraction of an ounce of a joint of a claim of Scottish ancestry is trying to get their own tartan (which have only recently become a clan thing in the first place - real traditional tartans aren't nearly so formal, they're just cross-weave with whatever colours are lovely available; the clan tartan is a 19th century invention), and pretty much throughout the century you find tartan knick-knacks popping up - again, cross-class, although a well-heeled family is likely to use a specific tartan, either the one they claim as their family's or a regimental tartan if they're a military family.

A BASIC GUIDE TO VICTORIAN CLOTHING, FOR FANDOMS

wherein VICTORIAN CLOTHING is understood to mean "common clothing from the 1830s to the end of the century, in fashion as set by London and followed to a greater or lesser extent in the rest of the British empire"

This is very much meant as a starting point or a cheat sheet, not a comprehensive historical essay, for people who want to know what the Fuck is happening under that morning coat and/or dress the size of a kitchen table. I've also included a little bit on likely materials and colors so you can add some texture to your fics.

Here's the rule of thumb: Victorians loved LAYERS, BUTTONS, and DECORATIVE SHIT. When in doubt, slap several layers of clothing on your guy, button 'em all together, and flourish the hell out of the top layer. Congrats, you have dressed a Victorian.

Read on for details! And check my reblogs for a note on trans characters. A Part 2 on Mending/Laundry is in the works, because it had a much bigger impact on Victorian dress at all levels of society than it does on modern fashion and I think it's worth talking about.

UNDERWEAR FOR MEN:

a warm and comfortable and easily washable undershirt (typically called a vest) with sleeves that went down to the wrist

drawers, also warm and comfortable and easily washable and covering the whole legs, fastened with buttons or ties at the waist and ankles

pair of socks

If you cover your whole body in this base layer made of undyed, unfashionable, who-cares-if-it's-stained fabric, the sweat and dirt of your body stays on this easily-washable layer and spares the outer layers of clothing that would be damaged by hot water and soaps, or at least that was the philosophy.

The most common fabric for this underwear was flannel, as it was cheap and fairly soft. Bands of cotton could be stitched to the inside of the wrists, ankles, waists, and collar if you found the wool itchy. Socks were almost always knitted wool, holes or thin spots mended with darning whether you were poor or rich.

UNDERWEAR FOR WOMEN:

the chemise / shift: a simple, short-sleeved cotton tube that fell to the mid-thigh

other underwear requires a bit of a history lesson, sorry. At the beginning of the century, you wore like 85 petticoats and no bloomers. Then crinolines--a sort of metal cage skirt that held your dress away from your body to obtain the fashionable wide silhouette--were invented in the 1850s. It was great, because they replaced 30lbs of underskirts, but also inconvenient, in that hoops of steel are inherently bouncy. To preserve modesty (and also warmth) women began wearing bloomers, open in the middle and buttoning at the waist and either at or below the knee. These were also made of plain cotton and only occasionally decorated with a bit of lace-- for all your underthings, male or female, you wanted to be able to 1) make a bunch of sets quickly and cheaply so you could change every day without needing to launder as often and 2) use cloth that could be laundered easily.

stockings were longer and more decorative than men's socks, made of wool, cotton, or silk. White was popular at the beginning of the century, but bright colors and patterns became fashionable in the middle, and conservative black stockings dominated the end of the era. Wool fabrics were the most common, warmest, and cheapest; silk stockings were for very wealthy and fashionable women as they required the most care. Near the end of the century stockings were suspended from the corset, but up til that point stockings were held up by garters tied above the knee.

MIDDLE LAYERS FOR MEN:

shirts, with much longer tails than the button-up shirts we're used to, with a buttoned slit that only went about halfway down the chest rather than all the way down the front of the garment. Lots of volume in the sleeve around the armpit, buttoned up at the cuff. At the beginning of the period, rich men's shirts were checked or patterned while working men's shirts were white(ish), but this swapped over the course of the century as colored fabric became cheaper. (It hides stains better.) The gentleman's shirt from midcentury onward was a crisp, bright white.

As a middle layer, parts of it (like the cuffs and front) could be seen in public, but you absolutely could not go out without a waistcoat and jacket. You only removed your jacket and showed your shirtsleeves at the end of the day, amongst your family.

Trousers were held up by braces / suspenders that went over the shoulders, not belts that fastened around the waist, and you did NOT let them show. They were meant to be covered entirely by waistcoats.

MIDDLE LAYERS FOR WOMEN:

As a very carefully tailored and shaped garment that couldn't really be washed, corsets went over the shift. All women wore them, even laborers, even prisoners and people in workhouses as part of their (institution-provided and deliberately demeaning) uniform. They were viewed as necessary armor to support your weak internal organs, and the physically upright posture they created went hand in hand with moral uprightness in the Victorian mind. They could lace up in the front or back, and the boning could be made of steel (cheap and sturdy) or whalebone (springier and therefore a bit more comfortable) or wood (if you are truly broke AF) or even just stiff cord (mostly for young girls, in which they were called stays).

camisoles (also called vests or corset covers) were tailored shirts worn over the corset, and could be either extremely decorative with embroidery and lace or plainer and made for warmth.

then you've got the crinoline, tied at the waist, a skirt made of steel hoops as already described.

then a couple of petticoats, decorated at the hem for fashion, layered for warmth and to hide the crinoline's hoops.

OUTERWEAR FOR MEN:

trousers, made of cotton or wool. The big differences between Victorian trousers and today's are 1) zippers hadn't been invented yet, the flies were buttoned and 2) the modern waist sits around the hipbones, while the Victorian waist was at the bottom of the ribcage.

jackets, made of thick heavily felted wool that was decently wind- and rain-proof. Darker colors in jackets and trousers lasted longer, so light-colored cloth was mostly worn by the young and rich (or those who wanted to look rich) and flashy.

waistcoats were where the fashion REALLY was. As the back was always made of plain cotton not meant to be seen, even poor men could often afford the cost of the fabric needed to make a neat waistcoat. The front could be made of embroidered silk for luxury, wool for added warmth, or printed cotton making full use of the brilliantly-colored (and relatively cheap) dyes that had just been invented. It's a little bit like people today wearing simple suits and shirts paired with wild socks.

OUTERWEAR FOR WOMEN:

and here you finally get to the f*cking dress. I couldn't possibly go into all the variations on dresses in this era, but I can say that bright colors and patterns were common for women of all classes (but were also part of the ever-present anxiety about people acting "above their station", if a maid dressed too fashionably). The design of the sleeves and the decoration of the hems changed regularly with fashion, as did the precise shape of the feminine silhouette, but the bodice was always tight and the skirts were always full. The average woman would spend more money on flourishes--ribbons, lace, other trimmings--than the dress itself, largely because the average level of skill in sewing was so high that they mostly bought the fabric for the dress and cut & sewed it themselves.

ACCESSORIES FOR MEN:

the collar was not an integral part of the shirt! It was detachable and had to be washed, starched, and ironed separately. Laborers didn't wear them, just a loosely-tied cloth around their neck, but a stand-up collar was necessary for anyone working in a business setting whether you're rich or making really terrible clerk's wages. Turned-down collars like the ones on most of our shirts today were informal and for wealthy men at leisure.

a stock or necktie, ideally black silk. Modern neckties weren't around yet, but the century moved slowly towards that and away from cravats.

gloves. Especially when status was a concern, so, men outside the home not engaged in business and servants waiting on their masters. These were tight-fitting, pale in color, and damn near impossible to launder and mend.

ACCESSORIES FOR WOMEN:

a shawl, often. Your lower half would be covered in stockings and plentiful skirts, while your upper half would only have a few layers that were usually made of cotton, so freezing your tits off was unfortunately common.

gloves. Like men's gloves, these were also status symbols worn when visiting your acquaintances or waiting on your masters. The vast vast majority of servants were women, and the rough labor of washing and cleaning fell to them, so these gloves also covered the evidence of that rough work.

HATS/BONNETS:

Everybody wore a hat when out in public. It's just what you did. The type of hat varied based on fashion, occupation, and social standing, but you had SOME kind of thing on your head when you left the house.

SOME SPECIFIC CLOTHES:

Fishermen wore knitted jumpers instead of jackets. Laborers out in the country (muddy when it rained, dusty when it didn't) wore gaiters, which were basically just rectangles or tubes of cheap-ass sacking that tied around the ankle and below the knee to keep the mud / dust off their trousers. Surgeons and people who worked a lot with ink (clerks, stationers) had sleeves, which were tubes of canvas that tied around the wrist and elbow to protect their shirtsleeves. The advantage of sleeves and gaiters is that you can remove them, toss them in a bucket of water, and beat the shit out of them to wash them without worrying about rips or tears OR getting the stains (mud, ink, blood, etc) onto your other clothes.

Maids and other laborers didn't wear crinolines, but they did wear a corset and a couple of petticoats under their dress.

More prosperous laborers might still own a collar / crinoline, but only wear it to church on Sundays or other occasions that called for nice dress.

When at home and not working or entertaining visitors, both men and women would wear slippers that could be super fancy or very simple or your kid's first sewing project, etc etc. Depends on your preference.

Men would sleep in long, loose nightshirts and women would sleep in long, loose nightdresses. Practically speaking there wasn't much difference between these garments; both might be decorated a bit with embroidery or lace. Rich people would have finer fabrics, fashionable people would have more decoration, poor people might just sleep in whatever combination of day clothes is the most comfortable. Fairly straightforward.

TO RECAP

MEN: vest + drawers + socks > shirt > trousers + braces + collar > waistcoat + stock or necktie > jacket + shoes or boots > hat

WOMEN: shift + bloomers (optional) + stockings > corset > camisole > crinoline > petticoats (minimum 2) > dress > shawl > shoes + bonnet

===

SOURCES

How to Be a Victorian, by Ruth Goodman

Inside the Victorian Home, by Judith Flanders

Episode 342 of Antiques Freaks, Historical Costuming for The Terror (2018)-- the first ~8 minutes talk about men's clothes in general, then they go into naval uniforms until minute 15ish.

[malakasaroobie]

Unlocking Nature's Mysteries_ How To Pick The Best Deer Cam For Your Needs

This article will give us an insight into deer cam.

Unlocking Nature's Mysteries: How To Pick The Best Deer Cam For Your Needs

Deer hunting has become a popular sport and hobby for many outdoorsmen. With the help of deer cams, wildlife enthusiasts can observe and monitor the behavior of deer and other wildlife species in their natural habitats. But how do you know which camera is the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you choose the best deer cam for your needs.

Consider the Type of Camera

When selecting a deer cam, the first thing to consider is the type of camera. Different cameras offer different features and capabilities. Trail cameras are the most popular type of deer cam, and they are designed to capture images when triggered by an animal’s movement. Trail cameras are typically used in remote locations and are powered by a battery or solar energy. Game cameras are usually used to monitor a specific plot of land and are often connected to a power source.

Check the Camera's Resolution

The resolution of a deer cam is an important factor to consider, as this will determine the quality of the images. Generally, the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. Most modern deer cams have a resolution of at least 8 megapixels, but some offer up to 20 megapixels. In addition, some cameras allow you to adjust the resolution, which can be beneficial if you need to conserve battery power.

Look for Additional Features

When selecting a deer cam, you should also look for additional features that may be beneficial. Some cameras offer infrared technology, which allows you to take images in low-light conditions. Other features to look for include a wide-angle lens, time-lapse mode, and a weatherproof housing. Some cameras even include a built-in microphone, which can be useful for recording audio.

Set a Budget

Finally, you should set a budget for your deer cam. Cameras range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and compare prices. You should also consider the cost of accessories such as mounting brackets, additional batteries, and memory cards.

By taking the time to consider the type of camera, its resolution, additional features, and your budget, you should be able to find the perfect deer cam for your needs. With the right camera, you can unlock the mysteries of nature and enjoy the beauty of wildlife from the comfort of your home.

[houseofgerrard]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Levi’s dark blue straight leg Jeans Size 36.

[pureamericanism]

This isn't intended as a piece of rhetoric or a figure of speech. I mean it precisely literally. Most Americans see a relatively narrow cross-section of the country: the urban and suburban areas they, their friends, and families live in and visit, a handful of major national/state parks & forests, and the thin ribbons of major roads that connect these places. Maybe, if they're fortunate, they've a cabin somewhere, a mile or two of country lane off the state highway. This is true even of quite a few of people who fancy themselves outdoorsmen, and even some who have a better claim to that title than me.

But this leaves out just huge patched of the country, vast areas of farmland, private forest, small towns, and the less well-advertised sorts of state and federal land. These collectively makes up the majority of America's actual surface area and most people just...don't go there.

What's made me think of this was two recent experiences. One was driving down a series of ever so slightly windy dirt roads out between patches of small fields and woodlands in the country this week, seeing the little pendant flowers on the oaks and the cheery violets on the roadside berm, watching an Amish get ready to plow another row with his horse while half a mile over someone else has a massive, modern dairying operation just off a state route, and then seeing a pair of wood ducks blast off from a pond as my truck sprayed dirt behind me, and wondering how many people from [Nearby Urban Conglomeration Where I Love] have even thought about this area as something other than "oh, farmland". The other was, over the winter, ending up trekking about in the old coal country, areas that were mined out decades ago and, having been "restored", are now state land. A strange landscape, where dense, young hardwood forests rise from steep, half-moon valleys with stagnant tarns with no outlet at their bottoms. Sudden, dynamite-blasted cliffs crowned with planted pines alternate with the gentle but barren slopes of an old tailings pile only just developing plant growth. Dense patches of multiflora rose and the unpredictably winding nature of the artificial ridges and valleys made wayfinding a challenge, like a forest in a fairy tale. Then, too, I wondered how many people had ever been out here, and why no one ever talked about this exotic, half-natural, half-man-made landscape.

By inclination, profession, and sheer happenstance, I've been out to a lot more of these unfrequented corners of the country than most people, and everywhere there are surprises like the ones above. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly, sometimes simply surprising. I highly, highly recommend going out there and taking a look. Just drive out to where the roads become unpaved and peter around for a while, or take a long walk along a railroad line far outside of the city, or go off trail in a minor state forest, or even just bushwack down to the river where the floodplain's overgrown with cottonwoods and box elders, and see the rest of the country you live in.

Again, this isn't intended to convey a political or social message, or to be in any way didactic about this, that, or t'other hot button cultural or ecological topic. Maybe you'll come to some sort of conclusions about those things, sure, about pollution or rural poverty or the Resilience of Nature or who the hell knows what. But that is not what I care about. I care about the fact that you live in a *place*, a *land*, not just a series of road-linked buildings and preserves.

This country looks very different from along a dirt road.

[buffalojacksontradingco]

Set off and claim the summit

[pokebiologist]

Wild Wyrdeer are almost impossible to track, even for the most experienced outdoorsmen. They rarely leave hoofprints behind them, even in snow, as their large hooves disperse their body weight and they are already incredibly light relative to body size. Traditional knowledge passed down from the age of Hisui emphasizes tracking weather patterns that Wyrdeer are known to find favorable, and following the growth of young trees whose bark Wyrdeer eat in vertical stripes. Some old growth forests in modern Sinnoh bear these stripes some five or six meters off the ground, indicating the presence of Wyrdeer herds in ancient times.

-Thea

[pitviperofdoom]

It’s been two days and I’m 14 episodes deep in Hello from the Hallowoods.

 I came for the "what if I was nonbinary and made of corpse parts and you were a ghost I freed from a piano and cut the stitches sealing your lips" and stayed for the "what if we were middle-aged outdoorsmen huddled together in a tent with one regular dog and one zombie dog after fleeing from a horde of monster frog people and we were both gay" and "what if we were teenage renegades and I rescued you and your ghost dog guardian from your parents who turned into monsters and we were separated in the dark and now we fight with all our might to find each other again (and we were both girls)" and "What if we were survivalist lesbian grandmas and I had a crossbow".

This show is so good you guys it’s like Over the Garden Wall but modern and with more trans people.