Rocketeer Attire

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues...

After spending time in this hobby, one gets the feeling that they could dress smarter for the day in the launch field.  That is, somewhat more suitable clothes, but then also, make a fashion statement.

Honestly, I can't think of anyone who gives this more than two seconds thought ("What's clean today?"), but maybe we should.

First of all, you dress for the weather.  That means if it's cold out, you dress in layers, being able to peel off or remove excess layers if it gets warmer.  Likewise, if it's hot out, you'll want to be in light weight, light colored clothes with the option of adding something more if warranted.  (I'll never understand the world of Rock Music where they sold fans BLACK Tee-shirts that soak up the summer sun and make you sweat.)

But here's a couple of other things that I sometimes see at launches that make sense.  Some of our members have served overseas in the middle east, and came back with wide-brim hats and a draw string.  You see these in Australian movies, like "Crocodile Dundee", or the old west.  Some even have back flaps to protect your neck.  In addition to sunscreen and sunblock, this makes a lot of sense.

Second, and if you launch in the Fall or during hunting season, how about a bright hunter orange cap or blaze orange jacket.  
Now, I know what you're going to say... "I don't have to worry, cause hunting season is short," or "I don't have to worry because I have permission to launch on that land, and there's no hunting going on around."  

Gee, I hope you're right. Can you guarantee that when your rocket comes down in an adjacent field that another hunter hasn't wandered into that field also?  Wouldn't you like to be visible in any case? Deer may be color blind, but most humans will spot blaze orange moving around in dead or tan brush and know not to shoot.  Help them out.  Wear a bright cap.

Now as for making a fashion statement, I can tell you the first piece of rocketry clothing that I bought was a brilliant blue tee-shirt from a Big Sky Montana rocketry club that said, "Even our failures are exciting!"  It was a fundraiser for the club, and I scored one for $25 that fit well and helped them out.

The second piece was a gift from a family member that said "Rocket Dad", and I wear it proudly, even if my kids don't come out to launch with me.  It also invites questions at fast food restaurants on the way to or from launches.  Plus, after a long sweaty day launching, it's always nice to walk into an a/c cooled restaurant for a break, and have the locals recognize that "It's those rocket guys again..."  It helps to build awareness and goodwill when they can see us walk in the door with cash to spend locally.

(Plus, here's a promotional tip.  Buy a self-inking rubber stamp that says "Rocketry Club" or "Rocket Launch" or something similar.  Pay in cash, but only use bills that you have pre-stamped ahead of time.  It's NOT against the law to do so, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. (Defacing money for the purpose of FRAUD is, but there is no law against defacing money...especially if it is yours.)  The point is this...even if the clerk doesn't notice the stamp in red or blue ink along the margin of the bill, someone else down the line will. As that bill circulates and recirculates again and again, you'll be spreading awareness and goodwill for our hobby.)

And finally, when think about clothing appropriate for club launches, you will of course want hiking boots and long pants for those days that you have to walk through tall grasses to retrieve that rocket.  But what about that other recovery from the pond?  My good friend Ben learned the hard way to pack a pair of trunks...

This has been another entry in the Thrifty Rocketeer blog...  Don't forget to save your balsa scraps and re-cap your glue!