I have a Silca apron which I bought back in 2017. It is still functioning perfectly well but looking quite rough around the edges now, and the colour is fading.
I’m looking to purchase a new one but Silca don’t sell them anymore. So I’m asking for recommendations for an alternative.
The features I love most on the Silca apron are the cross shoulder straps, the molle webbing tool storage, and the split leg which allows me to quickly test ride bikes after servicing.
Any ideas on what I should buy?
Thanks for the links. The Randi Jo apron looks like some real thought has gone into it for tool storage.
I moved from an apron to carhartt overalls and I like them a lot better. Looking at the split leg aprons you’re almost at overalls already. The apron was getting in the way in some positions and I had to take it off for test rides but the overalls don’t have those problems. They’re quite warm in the summer though but the suspenders let you have them fitting loosely which helps.
I don’t use one, they are not aero and start to chafe on my hips on long rides
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The Park Tool one has poppers so you can fold up the bottom half to test ride.
It’s too warm to bother with an apron for 3 seasons of the year here - I like the idea of them, but they’re just not practical.
When I was a full time tech I didn’t wear an apron. Too hot and always seemed to get in the way. But I was a shop rat and basically didn’t care about my clothes. Now as a hobby tech I use a Park apron to try to minimize the damage to my diminishing work clothes pile. I still find it somewhat annoying to wear..
I used to use the Silca apron until it fell apart. Sad they don’t make it anymore. I have tried the BTI deluxe shop apron. And now use the Skingrowsback Tactical Workshop Apron - skingrowsback Apron. Its close to Silca one but the tools sometimes fall out when I bend over.
Carhartt. Can be found for ~40USD, good pockets. I’m a slob and need the coverage.
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Aprons are great for keeping your clothes underneath clean. I have an old cotton apron with a Giant logo on it from working at a shop 15 years ago and it sees almost daily use without any signs of slowing down.
The only thing I like to keep on the apron are a fine tip and regular tip sharpie in the little pen pocket. I’d be worried about scratching the paint on a frame if my whole apron was loaded down with tools.
If I were to start fresh I’d probably grab something simple like this . It’s lightweight and easy to throw in the wash if it gets dirty.
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I appreciate all the suggestions and comments. Reading these has made me realize that perhaps I don’t need an apron after all! I don’t wear it for clothing protection but only really because of the tool storage. I’m in Japan and like most places here, the shop I work at is quite small and odd shaped, making it awkward to move about the workshop space. The most convenient solution is to have my commonly used tools on my apron. I agree with some of the comments about it being too hot, too uncomfortable and I’m thinking a tool pouch or belt may be an alternative to an apron or coveralls.
Interesting that I never considered this before. I just assumed that an apron was the answer.
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My wife gave this to me as a gift. I’m an owner/operator of a shop in NC, USA. Best apron I’ve ever had and only gets better with use and abuse. Perfect! Savage Industries Apron (ASA ONE) – Savage Industries Shop
Never liked aprons, and never used them. Extra heat and bulk, no sdvantage IMO. I had workshop clothes which I didn’t mind getting a bit dirty - much more comfortable. They got washed, problem solved. (I actually won a Swix waxing apron at an XC skiing event and have never worn it; wax is much less messy than grease.)
After the silica ,I’ve adopted the ben Davis teamster split leg apron. Holding up well and only $40