We all know about the beans, bullets, and band-aids by now, or should, and stocking the basics. Let’s not forget there will be other items that are going to be needed as well. These should be considered basic need items. Just as you need to eat, protect you and yours, and take care of medical problems, you’re going to have to protect that body of yours also. The human body doesn’t fair too well on average without protective gear, i.e. clothes, head coverings, and footwear. Not to mention the fact that you can cover up a lot of imperfections with them (and I’ve got a few). So don’t forget the non-armored body protection as you go about building your preps. Yeah, I know, this is something else to add to your list but it needs to be included.
Now my wife is set pretty good when it comes to clothes and shoes. In fact, her closet looks like a storage room for the average shoe store and has more clothes in it than the local Wally World. The guys on the other hand are probably a lot like me. I’ve got a few favorite shirts, shorts and pants that always seem to be in the wash and the wife is hollering at me to wear some of my other stuff. I just holler back at her and tell I want the stuff that is comfortable because I’ve already got it “broken in”. So just to mention a few:
1). Make sure you have plenty of pairs of good quality (believe me, your feet will let you know real quick if it ain’t good quality) boots and shoes to protect your feet. You’re not going to walk, run, jump or crawl very far if you don’t. Take some time to get them “broke in” and make sure they fit properly, if not, get some that do! Don’t forget socks or you’ll suffer a little more agony (can you say blisters?).
2.) Everybody probably has a poncho but a slicker suit will allow you to function a lot better if you have to get out in the rain or sleet, as the case may be. Add a good pair (or two) of rubber boots and you’ll be ready to go.
3.) You’ll also need some hand protection. Good leather gloves (even cheap cotton gloves are better than nothing) are a must. Latex or Nitrile gloves for medical emergencies and some neoprene gloves for working in wet conditions should also be on your list.
4.) Extra shirts and pants are going to come in real handy. If wash day turns out to be once a week with home-made soap, extras are going to be worth their weight in food.
5.) Don’t forget to stock up on boxers and briefs (your choice) and the unmentionables for the little ladies. Might as well add in some swimming trunks and bathing suits for those hot days when you want to cool off by taking a dip in the river or creek.
6.) Bandanas, baseball caps, and hats are something you’re going to need also. Bandanas are relatively inexpensive and have a lot of uses besides covering your brain to protect it from the rain, sun and wind. Baseball caps...most everyone I know has a bunch.
7.) Stock some extra good quality material and cloth. If you’ve got a decent seamstress in the bunch they can turn out a decent shirt or pair of pants pretty quick. Include some good quality thread to go with it.
I probably haven't covered everything here, but it should get you started in the right direction.
If you want more specific information Survival Topics has some great information here (including cold weather gear):
http://survivaltopics.com/survival/clothing/
Stay above the water line!
Riverwalker
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9 years ago
4 comments:
I happen to have a large melon on my shoulders, so regular bandannas don't seem to fit very well. I stopped by a local Joanne fabrics store and bought a bunch of bandanna material that I can cut myself into appropriate sized bandannas. Just need mom to put them through the surger to keep them from fraying - they also had woodland digital pattern too :)
Don't forget winter clothing. Very important.
Good post RW. Once again, you beat me to it! Ha ha. Watch out with latex gloves, some folks are allergic. Get nitrile and you don't have to worry about it. And for us Texas folks (or anyone in the south/ southwest for that matter), I'd like to suggest the Magellan or Columbia (if you can afford 'em!)"fishing" shirts. They're really great in hot weather with the vented backs, and the material dries extremely quickly. The Columbia shirts also have an SPF rating for sun protection. I got Magellan shorts too, so they can double as swim trunks (I spend a lot of time in boats/ in the water). On that note, some "Crocs", or the Wally World knock-offs are good to have too. Or some good ol' fashioned flip flops or sandals. I've found that when my feet are cool, so am I. Finally, a good Resistol type straw hat goes a long way, or even one of those "Panama Jack" type hats. If you keep your hair short, get your hat a bit loose fitting. I can't wear my Resistol if I'm overdue for a haircut, it cuts off the circulation to my melon.
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Edited post.(including cold weather gear)
RW
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