Preparing for the Right Conditions with Survival Clothing
When preparing for any survival situation, clothing is an important consideration. In order to properly care for your survival clothing and ensure you are prepared for whatever conditions you may face, it’s important to choose materials and construction which offer durability, lightweight design, and low profile.
Natural fibers like cotton are strong and breathable, making them ideal for outerwear, but they absorb too much moisture and are not suitable as a base layer. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and abrasion resistance, but can be hard or impossible to repair in the field. Natural/synthetic blends are a good balance of both worlds, depending on the blend.
When shopping for prepper clothing, pay more attention to materials, construction, and styling than brands and stores. Look for reinforced seams, extra stitching, extra or tougher material at abrasion points, etc. Choose clothing that is easy to wash and repair with limited resources. When layering, focus on insulating and protecting the core from the elements, such as wool. Consider the environment you’ll be in when choosing clothing – thin silk shirts won’t work in arctic winter. Use layering to maximize insulation – base layers should be worn directly against the skin, mid-layers in between, and outer layers should be wind and rain proof. Choose specific types of clothing to include in your bag, such as wool pants, scarves, gloves, underwear, jackets, and hats. Look into natural insulation options (dead leaves, etc.) or waterproof shoes to help keep you warm and dry. Invest in quality survival clothing and footwear. Consider synthetic fabrics for shirts such as Merino wool and synthetics, avoid cotton. Get socks from Darn Tough Vermont and Injinji. For undergarments, look for materials that breathe well, prevent chafing, dry quickly, and don’t move around or bunch up. For technical hiking shoes, look for lightweight and breathable shoes with a snug fit and good grip, even in wet conditions. Shemaghs are useful for protection from the elements.
Types of Survival Clothing
When preparing for survival situations, it’s important to choose the right clothing that will offer protection and comfort in any environmental condition. The three-layer system of clothing is one way to ensure you are prepared for whatever nature throws your way. The base layer should wick away moisture from the skin, the insulation layer should retain body heat, and the outer shell should block wind and rain.
Natural fibers like cotton can be used in warm weather but should not be used in cold as they will not insulate when wet. Wool is the best natural animal fiber for cold weather and provides insulation, wrinkle resistance, odor resistance, quick drying ability, small packing size, and breathability. Synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene offer strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and abrasion resistance but can be hard or impossible to repair in the field. Natural/synthetic blends offer a good balance of both worlds, depending on the blend. Fleece offers warmth, quick drying, and wicking properties, but can be bulky. Microfleece provides warmth and wicking, but ventilation depends on the outer shell material.
When shopping for prepper clothing, pay more attention to materials, construction, and styling than brands and stores. Look for reinforced seams, extra stitching, extra or tougher material at abrasion points, etc. Choose clothing that is easy to wash and repair with limited resources. Consider additional resources such as natural insulation (dead leaves, etc.) or waterproof shoes to help keep you warm and dry. Invest in quality survival clothing and footwear. Avoid tunnel vision when considering a specific garment and think about how it might layer with other clothing, mix and match, etc.
When selecting survival clothing, consider the environment you’ll be in and the conditions you may face. Make sure to include headgear, two t-shirts, two long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket or poncho, wool sweater, topcoat, a silk weight base layer, two pairs of pants, hiking boots, leather work gloves, a rigger’s belt, and a watch cap. Avoid bright colors, camouflage, and synthetic blends as they can be flammable and attract attention. Consider regional weather patterns when choosing clothing, and be sure to pack appropriate clothing for any season. Shemaghs are useful for protection from the elements.
Cleaning and Washing
Proper care of survival clothing can extend its life significantly. To properly care for your clothing, choose materials such as wool that will insulate and protect you from the elements, and consider the environment you’ll be in when choosing clothing. Use layering to maximize insulation and choose specific types of clothing to include in your bag, such as wool pants, scarves, gloves, underwear, jackets, and hats.
When cleaning your clothing, avoid using regular detergents or bleach. Instead, use mild soaps specifically designed for technical fabrics and air dry whenever possible. To wash, set the water temperature to cold or warm, never hot. If you must use a washing machine, set it to a gentle cycle with cold water.
Once dry, inspect your clothing for any fraying, holes, or tears, and mend them while they’re still small. For larger tears, items like Tenacious Tape or Seam Grip can be used to extend the life of your clothing. Additionally, look for sun fading, insect damage, fume fading, dye sublimation, oxidation stains, and mildew. Sun exposure can cause fading of certain dyes on fabrics, while insects can damage the fibers of clothing. Fume fading occurs when airborne contaminants react with dye, causing discoloration. Dye sublimation may occur when dark colored fabric comes in contact with other fabric, leading to staining. Oxidation of juices, beer, and other liquids can cause yellow stains over time. Mildew is caused by dampness and can discolor, weaken, and deteriorate fabrics.
To store clothing, keep it folded and avoid hanging as this can stretch the fabric. Avoid storing near chemicals or anything that could produce fumes, and if possible, add moth deterrents like lavender packets or cedar shavings. Additionally, avoid packing too tightly or stuffing into tight places, as this can increase the chance of mildew or mold. Finally, add waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry and warm.
Repairing
When it comes to repairing your survival clothing, there are three main options: fabric repair kits, sewing repairs, and spot treatments. Fabric repair kits can be used for quick fixes, stitching holes, or patching tears, however they are not always the most effective method of repairs. Sewing repairs require a sewing machine or needle and thread and can be done by hand or using a machine. This is the most durable and secure way to fix up your clothing, but it is also the most time-consuming. Spot treatments are a good option when dealing with smaller stains or discolorations and can be done with a damp cloth, soap, and a bit of elbow grease.
When it comes to fabric repair kits, look for items like Tenacious Tape or Seam Grip which can be used to extend the life of your clothing. Additionally, packs of patches can be purchased for covering larger rips or tears. When sewing repairs, focus on reinforcing seams, extra stitching, or tougher material at abrasion points. A needle and thread is sufficient for smaller projects, but for larger repairs, a sewing machine may be necessary. For spot treatments, use mild soaps specifically designed for technical fabrics and work in a circular motion to rub away stains. If you have access to a pressure washer, this can be used to get rid of tough stains.
Finally, to keep your clothing in good condition, purchase quality items that are easy to repair and store properly. Avoid storing in tight spaces where mildew or mold can form, and use moth deterrents such as lavender packets or cedar shavings. Additionally, avoid sun fading by choosing light-colored fabrics, or use UV-protective sprays or coatings to preserve vibrant colors. With proper care, your survival clothing will last for many seasons.
Additional Care Tips
When it comes to caring for your survival clothing, there are several additional tips to keep in mind. It is important to invest in quality clothing that is durable and comfortable, as well as versatile and inconspicuous. Consider regional weather patterns when choosing clothing and make sure to include multiple pairs of socks, headgear, two t-shirts, two long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket or poncho, wool sweater, topcoat, a silk weight base layer, two pairs of pants, hiking boots, leather work gloves, a rigger’s belt, and a watch cap in your kit.
It is important to avoid bright colors, camouflage, and synthetic blends as they can be flammable and attract attention. Additionally, try to choose fabrics such as wool, polyester, rayon, and nylon that offer superior performance in wicking and sweat dissipation.
When selecting items for your survival kit, focus on materials, construction, and styling more than brands and stores. Look for reinforced seams, extra stitching, extra or tougher material at abrasion points, etc. Avoid tunnel vision when considering a specific garment and think about how it might layer with other clothing, mix and match, etc. For additional protection, consider Shemaghs which are useful for protection from the elements.
To prevent fading, use UV-protective sprays or coatings to preserve vibrant colors. To prevent mildew or mold, avoid storing in tight spaces and use moth deterrents such as lavender packets or cedar shavings. Finally, to get rid of tough stains, use a damp cloth, soap, and a bit of elbow grease or access to a pressure washer. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your survival clothing will last for many seasons.
Conclusion
Survival clothing is an important part of any prepper’s kit, offering protection and insulation from the elements. When choosing items for your survival kit, focus on materials, construction, and styling more than brands and stores. Look for reinforced seams, extra stitching, extra or tougher material at abrasion points, etc. Avoid bright colors, camouflage, and synthetic blends as they can be flammable and attract attention. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool are great for outerwear, while synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are better suited for base layers. Consider regional weather patterns when selecting clothing and make sure to include multiple pairs of socks, headgear, two t-shirts, two long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket or poncho, wool sweater, topcoat, a silk weight base layer, two pairs of pants, hiking boots, leather work gloves, a rigger’s belt, and a watch cap in your kit. To protect against fading, use UV-protective sprays or coatings, and to prevent mildew or mold, avoid storing in tight spaces and use moth deterrents such as lavender packets or cedar shavings. Finally, to get rid of tough stains, use a damp cloth, soap, and a bit of elbow grease or access to a pressure washer. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your survival clothing will last for many seasons.