Alright, I may have a bit of a problem. Sometimes I’ll buy something with one specific purpose, and if it’s actually good, it’ll start slowly replacing everything else I own. When it comes to clothing, my wife lovingly reminds me I can be like a cartoon character – wearing the same thing day after day. That’s exactly what happened when I was given the opportunity to test out the BRUNT bundle box with the Ohman Soft Toe boots and the Costello Tech Pant.
Neither was supposed to become my everyday choice. I just figured I would wear them while I worked outside a bit, write a review, clean them up and move on to other products. Like any good cartoon character, I now reach for them daily and on most weekends. And don’t get all grossed out, yes, they get washed/cleaned up frequently.
It all started with a simple garage clean out (which inevitably turned into a trip to the local landfill). I thought I had a pretty good game plan ready to go. Pull everything off shelves, reorganize my scattered tools, and get rid of the junk piling up from household projects. Weather wise we were sitting at 90 and ridiculously humid.
About three hours later, I was still out there, and it just kind of hit me. I didn’t think about what I was wearing – not even once. It was a sticky and frankly nasty day, and the Costello Tech pants kept me overall comfortable with no sweaty cling. Were my feet hot? Well, yes, but overall, the Ohmans basically disappeared on my feet. I can only assume this is due to BRUNT’s CUSH’N insole and midsole. It’s incredibly comfortable and feels so natural on my feet. I gotta give credit where it’s due.
I also had a branch drop off my oak tree overnight. My chainsaw makes quick work of these types of situations, but I’ve ruined some decent tennis shoes doing the work. The Ohmans held up and felt like the right thing to wear for the job. They definitely offer a heck of a lot more armor than my worn to the nub running shoes. Brunt’s Farmguard leather handles the dust, dirt and mud, and wet grass handily. This surprises me a bit, and I even do a double take. Aren’t these things leather? Won’t water jack them up? Nope. Not a problem.
The key thing I’m realizing and what I love about this BRUNT gear is that I don’t have to be in the garage or out in the yard etc. to wear them. I work my day job in an office, and I’ve no problem wearing the Costello Tech Pant or the Ohman boots. Both fit spot on and actually drew several compliments throughout my days. I could do without the orange tag on the back of the pants that feels a bit like a heavy-duty sticker, but that is about my only complaint.
Additionally, I will have no problem taking them with me on my road trip to Glacier National Park. I will use them as a better hiking pant as well. The lightweight ripstop fabric with a four-way stretch means I never feel the pants fighting me when I squat or stretch in any direction. They move naturally. They move with me. My phone has its own spot, my utility knife does too. I don’t have to constantly dig through pockets looking for something. After wearing these, it’s hard to fathom that I used to do any work at all wearing jeans.
During lunch I accidentally drip avocado oil in several places and panic thinking the pants will permanently stain. I put cold water on and watched it bead up and run off the pant like nothing. The water-repellant finish is a site to behold – like Rain X on a windshield. This was a case where I wanted water. It didn’t matter though. Washing them took the spots right off. I love these things.
Now, I’ll throw the hard working and stylish boots for my office job, when I’m out with my fam, or even just to make a quick run to the hardware store. They don’t shout out “construction site”. They just look like clothes that happen to be built tough – certainly tougher than anything else in my closet. That versatility didn’t necessarily catch me off guard, but it’s def an added bonus.
The Ohman boots pick up a few scuffs along the way now, which is exactly what work boots do. The leather has softened up nicely allowing for an even better fit. The stitching is still solid and they clean up with almost zero effort. The Costello Tech pants hold up just as well. There isn’t a loose stitch or stretched out areas. Basically, no signs the lightweight fabric has any intention of giving up.
I’ve now tested enough products over the years to know when something is genuine. I know when something is earning a place in my routine. Many review items end up right back in the box or are given away. Not this BRUNT gear. The Ohman boot live right by my garage door – the first thing I can easily slip on when I’m heading outside. The pants are my default weekend garb for that reason as well. I’m sold. Well done Brunt – well done.
