For early game, and even beyond, the hooded hard hat is quite nice. Thanks to the hood, increased coverage on the head, and can be repaired with sewing. It can also be reinforced with a tailor’s kit giving it respectable bash and cut protection. It doesn’t encumber the head and mouth as well.
In general, if I’m going with power armors I’d prefer the RM13 combat armor. Plutonium is relatively easy to find by mid-game, from disassembling power storages for one plutonium each. Even when activated, the bash and protection isn’t high, but you can wear other clothes on it so it’s not too bad. When activated, the lessened encumbrance also gives you the opportunity to wear another helmet over it as well.
Current gear is this, minus not really needed jewelry;
Thermal electric outfit. For full body coverage to protect my albino from the sun. Not a lot of warmth when not active, perfect for summer weather, and gives enough warmth when active for at least two ice lab levels.
Elbow pads, for extra arm protection.
Heavy survivor helmet, not padded with leather/kevlar. Needed as survivor is frail with a glass jaw.
Survivor mask. Light survivor mask is probably better, but I prefer the Chesthole sprite of the normal mask.
Wool socks, due to the season being winter at the moment.
Survivor wetsuit. Doesn’t have as much protection as a normal survivor suit, or the light survivor suit, but offers far better acid/environmental protection than either.
Survivor wetsuit boots. Combine that with the survivor wetsuit and your legs won’t get hurt by corrosive zombie acid. You can butcher a hulk corpse in the pool and you won’t get any damage (though the game will keep telling you that you got hurt).
Survivor backpack and belt, for a little extra storage.
Kevlar vest, for protection in the torso.
Light survivor gloves during spring until autumn, winter survivor gloves during winter.
Sleeveless survivor trenchcoat… this was mostly used to cover up the wetsuit, as that armor is pretty read and I didn’t like how it looked. Come to think of it, a normal sleeveless trenchcoat could be better…
Survivor cargo pants. Same reason as the trenchcoat.
Long fur scarf, and wool cloak - extra winter gear.
