This is my first post here; however, this subject has interested me for some time. I am under the belief that anyone prepared for a zombie apocalypse is prepared for nearly any major disaster that displaces populations (assuming you survive the initial onslaught).
Based on this, I have ideas for safety apparel in a post-apocalypse world.
Since we are typically not dealing with something shooting at us (excluding land raiders), I will focus on relatively cheap equipment that will be easy to create or acquire before an actual apocalypse. Some of it will seem really simple and common sense, but it may benefit those that haven't thought through all the factors attributing to their success in a post apocalypse world.
To begin, we need to keep in mind we need equipment that is designed to take a beating but not necessarily to stop bullets. This leaves us with the high supply and availability of tough and durable sports safety equipment. This type of equipment is very strong on its own and would protect certain areas from bites or impact injuries that would hinder an individual that tripped while running from the undead horde. It can also be easily modified in a workshop to increase the strength or blunt weapon application of this industrious creation of the sports franchises.
I will start with item #1, and what I consider the most important thing you can wear... Motocross boots. They are highly durable, heavy (blunt impact from kicks) and go all the way up to your knees. They can easily be waterproofed or modified with steel plates on the toes for protection and defense. They will be difficult for an individual to become accustomed to them, but will be invaluable as a means of lower leg protection and last resort, heavy, blunt defense. (http://www.mxmegastore.com/Gaerne-Motocross-Boots-s/607.htm)
Item #2: Knee and elbow pads. These merely add an extension of the benefits of Item 1 and can be modified just as easily. I suggest using military grade pads since they are designed for extra durability and comfort of long-term wear. Even the military grade ones are relatively cheap. (http://www.lapolicegear.com/blheadtaknpa.html)
Item #3: Some very good gloves. You will be dealing with varying weather conditions (assuming you survive) and dangerous terrain. Preventing injury to the hands also greatly reduces the chances of any kind of infection (not only do you have to worry about becoming a zed, we need to worry about MRSA, also). For this I suggest any number of the military grade tactical gloves. They have varying kinds. Some are called 'sappers' and have added knuckle weight for punching the hell out of some baddies. I recommend either Blackhawk or Hatch gloves (I prefer blackhawk). They generally come with reinforced section for the back of the hand and contouring in the cut for improved dexterity and performance. Most of the time they also have an option to order a kevlar or nomex version of a glove that is bloth cut and puncture resistant and flame resistant. This is essentially the second most important piece of safety equipment you will need to survive. (http://www.reactgear.com/Blackhawk-S-O-L-A-G-HD-w-Kevlar-p/8151-p.htm)
Item #4: Watch your head and neck! Get a Nomex hood! This is the same type of hood that a firefighter uses because of its burn, radiation, and chemical resistance. This along with some ballistic safety goggles will not only make you look like a badass post-apocalypse ninja, but they will also protect you from the environment, fires, low velocity shrapnel, and zombie germs once the blood starts flying. Your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth are the easiest location for pathogens to find their way into your system; so, it goes without saying that we have to have a good means of protecting them. (http://www.copsplus.com/pgi_KC-3038185.html) (http://www.esseyepro.com/Profile-TurboFan-Desert-Tan_189_detail.html)
Item #5 Children's shin guards. "WTF!?" you ask? Children's shin guards come in varying sizes and happen to be a very industrious way of protecting adult fore-arms and upper arms. If you're dealing with zombies, then it would be to your benefit to get these. We could often get distracted facing one opponent when, all of a sudden, you are bitten on the arm from behind. Lucky for you, the zombie just bit into a half inch chunk of reinforced plastic. Our appendages are the easiest thing for an opponent to manipulate (whether it's Steven Segal or a zombie) and the easiest thing for them to get their nasty teeth around (whether it's Steven Segal or a zombie). Your best bet would be to go to a sports store and be that creepy guy or gal in the corner putting children's shin guards on your arms to see if they fit. The wonderful thing about these is that they are so cheap! (http://www.kidsshinguards.com/store-kids-shin-guards-youth-shin-guards/)
I could list more, but I'll save that for a later date. This list is not meant to be comprehensive; it is meant to be explanatory and informative of 'why' we need to do certain things. I focused on specific factors: Price of the item, how easy it would be to clean zombie goo off of it, Vectors of infection in humans, environment, durability, and dexterity. We could put every survivor in a red man suit (http://www.chiefsupply.com/2526-Redman-WDS-Student-Suit-Black.aspx?sku=S...) but those are bulky and prohibitively expensive. Also, who would want to look like a giant beacon of red dork in the zombie apocalypse? As a last note, never, ever forget the 'mad max' factor in a post-apocalyptic world. Do whatever is necessary to look like a strangely armored, scary badass!
