When preparing for doomsday, what sort of clothes to bring along can be the last thing from your mind.
But out in the elements, whether you face extremes of heat or cold, the right, thoughtfully chosen clothing can mean the difference between life and death.
Cold And Damp: A Recipe For Misery
Let’s talk about being cold, particularly with wet clothes and a brisk wind. Even in warm months, being soaked with a decent wind blowing at you can cause chilling.
Hypothermia, or what is sometimes called exposure, is the number one killer of people living in the great outdoors. Aside from the body’s core being chilled, there is a cascade of rapid degeneration mentally and physically. Keep in mind that you may not have a chance to go someplace to warm up that often.
Video about What Hypothermia Does To Your Body And Brain
So How To Prepare?
It is always wise to keep several changes of underwear and socks on hand, so when one pair is drying over the fire, the next set is dry, warm and ready to go to work.
For socks, the first layer should be a moisture-wicking polypropylene, followed by a layer of warm, insulating wool. A set of good long-johns is vital in the colder weather months
. It’s important to dress in layers so that you can trap precious body heat. Waterproof, Goretex pants are ideal, repelling moisture, the one thing you do not want on your clothes. Be sure to wear a fleece hoodie for extra warmth, covered by a water-repellant coat or shell, ideal for layering when you get warm and sweaty from exercise.
Shoes should be top-quality hiking boots, or shoes with heavy soles with good grips. Be sure to break them in before using to avoid blisters. Water-repellant, good-quality ski gloves are a must to keep fingers from getting frostbitten.
Mittens are even better, allowing the fingers to touch and warm each other. Top it off with a ski mask to cover any exposed skin, and a wool and fleece hat, and you are ready for Old Man Winter! Consider camouflage, for those situations where you don’t want to attract notice.
Be sure to pre-pack your clothing, and have it packed as efficiently as possible. Practice carrying it around with the rest of your gear. It’s so much safer and smart than waiting until the last possible moment.
At Night: Be Prepared
Even in warmer months, nights can be unexpectedly cold. We are so used to sleeping in our temperate homes that we don’t realize how the temperature actually fluctuates. At night, always change out of your day clothes. Even if you don’t realize it, your clothes have been dampened by your normal everyday perspiration. Cold damp socks on a chilly night is a recipe for insomnia, a luxury you can’t afford in a doomsday setting.
Too Hot: How To Dress In Warm Climates Or Warm Months
The main concerns in hot weather are hyperthermia or raising of the body’s core temperature and dehydration from excess sweating. Truly excessive sweating can cause electrolyte imbalance, causing mental instability, something you don’t want when you must be on your toes at all times.
The key is to drink plenty of fluids, and also dress in self-cooling, quick-drying clothing. Choose pants or shorts and a button-down shirt that can easily dry in the sun within several minutes, and does not retain moisture.
Good quality work gloves will also be helpful as you set up camp or climb rocks on your odyssey. High-quality, waterproof sandals with strong grip soles are a must-have.
A rain jacket for pop-up thunderstorms or cool, rainy days is a good investment. Consider also a ghillie suit, if you can manage to tote it along. Blending in with an array of terrains, the ghillie suit provides superior cover and camouflage, for those situations where you absolutely do not want your presence known.
