I create an armory and I keep all of the particular bits (headgear, vest, pants, powerarmor, jacket) sorted and organized and then run my people in to get equipped when a fight begins. However, I'm really not sure I can keep doing this for very long since people are on my defenses so quick and the equip time is so long that by the time they get all geared up, there is a pretty decent chance they already made it through the walls. Have you guys just kept them perma equipped? I don't want that move speed decrease all the time...
I always keep them perma-equipped. I hardly ever notice the slowdown. It's better than not having your pawns in position when you're attacked.
Just accept that you're forced to put bionic legs in 1.0.
The slowdown from armor is quite noticeable, but equip delay makes on-demand equipping unreliable, especially with surprise attacks like infestations or drop pod raids.
Only melee pawns get proper armor. Everyone else gets thrumbofur B. T-shirts, flak vests, and Dstrand or high tier leather clothes. Maybe flak pants. And a Power Helm if possible, of course
Early game - anything I can get my hands on.
Mid game - Flak gear/devil duster for shooters, plasteel plate for melee fighters and shield belt.
Late game - Power armor/shield belt for melee fighters, flak stuff for shooters with maybe a power helmet.
Pacificsts - shield belt, maybe a devil/bear duster
I also use an armory, not because of slower movment, but because clothing suffers from wear and tear when equipped. I want my armor I'm good condition when I need it.
Once 1.0 is fully out I'll either get a mod to reduce/remove equip time or change it my self. As fast as a rimworld hour is, the equip times are too slow imo.
Same is true for eating and other stuff too but w/e.