Clothing is an essential part of outdoor survival, and many seasoned and expert survivalists will agree that wearing the right clothes and accessories will boost the chances of survival. An article featured on the Survival Frog blog stressed that choosing the right clothes help protect against the elements including the wind, rain or snow. Clothing also helps keep the body dry, warm and well-insulated, the blog read.

The entry added that choosing the right fabric and dressing up depending on specific conditions are necessary for survival. The article noted that it is important to remember the following clothing tips:

• Be mindful of the fabric – Certain fabrics such as cotton and bamboo are undesirable during survival mode, the article revealed. According to the article, cotton tends to absorb moisture rather than repel it. The article added that cotton does not warm the body once it gets wet, and may even take away body heat that may result in hypothermia. Likewise, the entry cautioned that most bamboo fabric products are combined with rayon that may absorb moisture.
• Opt for layered clothing – The blog entry also highlighted the importance of dressing up in layers as doing so may bolster survival against the elements. According to the article, survivalists may opt for a three-layer dress-up where the first layer would repel sweat, while the second layer would insulate the body and the third layer would fend off outside moisture. It may also prove helpful to try the clothing layers ahead of time to identify which ones actually work.
• Other clothing options – Another blog entry published on the Survivopedia website highlighted the need to carry quick-drying clothing articles in order to prevent heat loss. Likewise, the article stated that reversible clothes might be another useful apparel as they help ease the transition between terrain types. The entry also stressed that field-washable and repairable clothes offer utmost convenience, while fire-resistant clothes may prove useful as survivalists work with fire most of the time.
• Clothing accessories – Clothing accessories may help bolster survival, according to the blog entry. The article noted that accessories such as zippered vents provide ventilation in armpits and crotch to prevent overheating and sweating, while crotch and shoulder gussets create less resistance and offer a wider range of motion. In addition, pockets may help survivalists carry miscellaneous objects with minimal effort. Likewise, it is also ideal to carry extra socks and versatile clothing items.

Footwear, accessories and equipment pointers for better survival

Aside from the clothing articles, choosing the right accessories and equipment to go with them prove just as important in survival. Below is a list of outdoor essentials that may increase the chances of survival. (Related: How To Make Your Own Bug Out Bag (BOB) For Emergency Preparation.)

• Footwear – A SASIOnline.com entry stressed that using the appropriate footwear may help increase the chances of survival as the body could rapidly lose heat through the feet. According to the entry, reliable footwear features soles with reliable thickness and slip resistance. Good footwear also provides adequate insulation and protects against both oil and electric shock.
• Head wear, belt and handkerchief – Head wear such as hats may help protect against the sun, rain or even a fire. Likewise, a brim with a dark-colored underside helps reduce glare. Belts may do more than just hold the pants up, as they can also be used as holsters and knife sheaths. Handkerchiefs may also prove essential in survival as they can be used as cordage, first aid treatment and signalling equipment.
• Personal protective equipment – Other important survival must-haves include personal protective equipment such as elbow and knee pads, gloves, goggles and gas masks.

For more stories on prepping and survival tips, visit Preparedness.news today.

Sources include:

Blog.SurvivalFrog.com

Survivopedia.com

SASIOnline.org