Shelter is a basic need required by everyone. Our skin alone does not afford us the protection we need to stay alive in the hostile environment that nature sometimes throws at us. Shelter is usually defined as that which protects us from the elements of nature that can endanger our survival but is often neglected in its most basic form. That most basic form of shelter is the clothes we wear on a daily basis. Being properly dressed for your environment will be your first line of defense as a shelter for you against the elements of nature.
Modern technology has made it possible for us to live in the relative safety of an artificial environment that keeps us cool when we are hot, warm when we are cold and dry when it is wet. As a result, we often fail to dress appropriately because we know that the comforts of an artificial environment that will protect us are readily available.
In the absence of that artificial environment, we become extremely vulnerable to conditions that could endanger our very survival. The effects of hypothermia or heat exhaustion can develop quickly if we are unprepared. Simple things like having a hat and sunglasses available on a hot day, a jacket or pair of gloves should the temperature drop unexpectedly, or rain gear should an unexpected rain storm develop will enable you to survive these events that are often unexpected but can have serious consequences. Simple protection will be available from these simple items of clothing if needed.
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There is always the risk of technology failing when you need it most. It seems that air conditioning units always break in the summer and heaters always break down in the winter. Yet many people will forget to keep that most basic of shelter items, proper clothing, readily available should a need arise unexpectedly.
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When I was 19 I drove into Boston for a night of fun. It began to snow around midnight so we broke u and went our seperate ways. The roads were slick and I failed to make a turn and my front wheel was badly damaged as I slid over a curb. I had no choice but to abandon the car and start walking. In low shoes and a sports jacket I walked 18 miles in a blizzard. Even though I was in a populated area nothing was open, the blizzard shut everything down. On one long stretch after walking about four hours I walked off the road to drink from a stream and had to lie down in the snow to do it. I briefly considered laying down I was so tired. I finally reached my little town at about 7:30 am and walked the last mile to my home. Being young and active I made it. I was soaking wet from blowing snow melting on me from body heat but I made it. Just over 24 inches of snow by the next day but I slept for about 16 hours. To this day, 43 years later, I never leave home without thinkng about what I should wear or carry with me. I have adopted the Boy Scout motto, "be prepared".
To: anonymous 9:54
Sometimes the best lessons in life are learned the hard way...
You sound very fortunate to make it through such an ordeal and I'm glad that it didn't have tragic consequences for you.
Thanks for sharing your story.
RW
I keep a poncho in my truck for JIC, but otherwise, have nothing on my person if my vehicle is not nearby. Those are good points you made above.
Good Ideas. Do you have any more????
I dont have a poncho, but I got a couple of large trash bags in my car.
I was a co inventor of those roll up vacuum seal bags you have seen on TV. I cannot recommend them high enough for the purpose of having proper clothing available. They do not require any electricity or device to remove the air. Just pack, zip and roll the air out and the clothes are vacuum sealed. Most any brand does the trick. I was able to keep a down jacket in the pocket of my windbreaker using it. Indeed we should all be prepared for any weather that comes our way.
I never considered those vacuum seal bags - good thought! Thanks for posting that.
Another idea for a light rain jacket is one of those Tyvek jackets. Tyvek is a product used for an air barrier in building homes, but a few companies make different items out of them, a windbreaker being one of them. Extremely light and when folded, very compact.
To: anonymous 12:22
There is a lot of compact rain gear available that works well. you can also keep a small package of plastic drop cloth that would work well to make a decent poncho for several people.
Thanks anon.
RW
To: anonymous 2:24
Trash bags will work in an emergency but a small and compact raincoat will work even better. if you have to work outside in rainy weather yo may need something slightly more durable.
In colder weather, you will need a good jacket and gloves.
Thanks anon.
RW
To: anonymous 4:53
RW, Jr. thanks you! He uses those roll-up vacuum bags to carry extra sets of clothes (most recently on our trip to the mountains in New Mexico) and they work really well.
Thanks anon.
RW
To: anonymous 7:18
Thanks for the great tip about the Tyvek! Used a lot of this when I was building houses and it is a really good insulator.
Thanks anon.
RW
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