When venturing into the wilderness, most outdoor enthusiasts would agree that having the proper survival clothing is crucial for safety and comfort.
With the right selection of durable, versatile layers and accessories, you can confidently traverse extreme environments and unpredictable weather.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the survival clothing essentials for both men and women, reviewing top brands and specific outfit recommendations to equip you for any scenario, climate, or terrain.
Introduction to Survival Clothing Essentials
Survival clothing refers to garments and footwear designed specifically for wilderness and emergency situations, prioritizing function over fashion. Having the proper attire can make a critical difference when facing unexpected challenges. This section will cover the key benefits of survival clothing and why preparation is vital.
Defining Survival Clothing
Survival clothing is designed for resilience, versatility, and protection in extreme environments. Key features include:
- Durability - Made of sturdy, tear-resistant fabrics that can withstand scrapes, snags, and exposure to the elements
- Insulation - Traps body heat while wicking moisture to maintain warmth and prevent hypothermia
- Weather resistance - Waterproof and breathable membranes block wind, rain, and snow
- Pockets and storage - Specialized pockets and attachments to organize gear and essentials
- Camouflage - Neutral colors and patterns to blend into natural surroundings
Choosing clothing with these attributes helps ensure safety and comfort when facing uncertain conditions.
The Importance of Proper Attire
Having inadequate clothing during an emergency can greatly reduce chances of survival. Proper attire provides:
- Thermal regulation to prevent hypothermia
- Barrier against abrasions and injuries
- Utility for carrying gear and supplies
- Camouflage for stealth and evasion
- Peace of mind through preparedness
Additionally, specialized clothing enhances mobility, visibility, and other critical factors that influence survival outcomes.
An Ounce of Prevention
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - and this applies doubly for survival preparedness. Assembling a go-bag with proper clothing and having key items on-hand ensures you're ready to deploy at a moment's notice, whether into the wilderness or navigating a disaster scenario. Making survival clothing decisions before an emergency occurs gives you the advantage of thoughtfully considering exactly what you'll need. Determine likely risks in your region, research recommended gear, create layered outfits to adapt to various conditions, and test items ahead of time. The small upfront effort pays back exponentially when circumstances go awry.
Having reliable, field-tested clothing in your go-bag provides confidence to tackle the unexpected. Choose versatile, durable pieces optimized for protection, warmth, and utility in extreme situations.
The Survival Clothing Must-Have List
Having the right clothing is essential for survival in emergency situations. This section outlines key garments to include in your survival wardrobe.
All-Weather Outer Layers
Outer layers made of waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex provide protection from wind, rain, and snow. Look for jackets and pants designed for activities like hiking, climbing, and backpacking as they offer durability for wilderness use. Brands like Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia offer high-quality options.
Insulating Mid Layers
Mid layers made of merino wool or fleece insulate by trapping body heat. As a natural fiber, merino wool provides warmth even when wet. Smartwool and Icebreaker make excellent merino baselayers for men and women. For fleece, look for lightweight and quick-drying options from brands like Patagonia and The North Face.
Moisture-Wicking Base Layers
Worn next to skin, synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms pull sweat away from your body so you stay dry. Under Armour, Athleta, and REI Co-op offer affordable and comfortable choices for base layers. Look for snug fits to maximize performance.
Emergency Shelters
In a pinch, heat-reflective emergency blankets, tarps and bivvy sacks provide shelter from wind and precipitation. Brands like SOL, Adventure Medical Kits, and Survive Outdoors Longer offer compact and durable options that every survival kit should include.
Sturdy Outerwear
When working outdoors, abrasion-resistant pants and shirts protect against cuts and scratches. Look for garments made of durable fabrics like canvas, denim, and Cordura. Brands like Carhartt, Duluth Trading Co., and 5.11 Tactical offer heavy-duty clothing perfect for survival situations.
Identifying the Best Survival Clothing Brands
When selecting survival clothing, it's important to choose brands known for durability, versatility, and performance under extreme conditions. Here are some top options to consider:
5.11 Tactical
5.11 Tactical designs rugged gear field-tested by military, law enforcement, and first responders. Their shirts, pants, and jackets stand up to harsh environments. Features like ripstop fabric, reinforced stitching, and water resistance make them ideal for survival purposes.
Carhartt
Trusted for extreme durability across their workwear line, Carhartt bibs, pants, and jackets are built to last through years of hard use. Their triple-stitched seams, abrasion-resistant fabrics, and water repellent treatments equip you for the wilderness.
Arc'teryx LEAF
Developed with input from special forces units, Arc'teryx LEAF garments perform under pressure in challenging environments. With innovative materials and design focused on versatility, their jackets, pants, and base layers allow freedom of movement while sheltering you from the elements.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research offers extensively lab and field tested clothing engineered for mountaineering, backpacking, and survival. Known for using innovative materials like air permeable membranes and quick drying insulation, their jackets, pants, and gloves provide protection across activities.
Duluth Trading Company
Duluth Trading Company provides rugged, innovative workwear known for flexibility, triple stitching, and ease of movement. Their Fire Hose pants, Dry on the Fly shirts, and other gear stand up to brush, weather, and hard use in the wilderness.
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Survival Outfit Considerations for Women
Female preppers have unique needs that specialized survival clothing can address. This section covers top options for women to consider when assembling a survival outfit.
Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress
The Exercise Dress from Outdoor Voices provides breathability and ease of movement critical for survival situations. With built-in shorts and UPF 50+ sun protection fabric, this versatile athletic dress allows freedom of motion while keeping cool and protected from the elements.
SHE Emergency Response Harness
A harness designed specifically for women, like the SHE Emergency Response Harness, helps securely carry critical survival tools and gear hands-free. With multiple storage pockets sized for items like a radio, flashlight, pepper spray and more, this harness distributes weight comfortably while keeping essentials within reach.
Dovetail Phoebe Pants
Dovetail's Phoebe Pants feature gusseted construction and articulated knees, allowing unrestricted motion ideal for survival scenarios. The lightweight, durable fabric resists snags and abrasion while the relaxed fit provides comfort without restricting mobility.
KUIU Ultra Merino 125 Hoodie
The Ultra Merino 125 Hoodie from KUIU provides lightweight warmth and moisture management critical for regulating body temperature in fluctuating conditions. The merino wool construction naturally wicks moisture and resists odor over extended wear.
Fox River Mills Wick Dry Hiking Crew
Fox River Mills' Wick Dry Hiking Crew socks feature durable construction that withstands rugged terrain while providing essential breathability and moisture wicking. The medium-cushioned sole helps prevent hot spots over long distances while resisting blisters or abrasion. The socks help stabilize footing while protecting feet from the elements.
Men's Survival Clothing Essentials
Men's survival clothing should be functional, durable, and able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Key pieces to include in a survival wardrobe are:
Rugged Utility Pants
Pants made of ripstop fabric or cordura nylon can resist tears, abrasions, and punctures while providing mobility. Cargo pockets allow you to carry tools, food, first aid supplies and other gear. Choose a loose fit for breathability and layering underneath.
Thermal Insulated Jackets
Insulated jackets with a waterproof, windproof outer layer maintain body heat in cold, wet weather. Primaloft insulation works when wet. Underarm zip vents allow you to regulate temperature. Hoods, adjustable hems and cuffs seal out the elements.
Multi-Purpose Shirts
Quick-dry, moisture wicking base layer shirts that can be worn alone or layered under other garments are essential. Choose light colors for hot weather and dark colors for cold. Button fronts allow versatility.
Heavy-Duty Gloves
Look for abrasion-resistant gloves with insulation for warmth and protection when performing manual tasks, handling gear and gathering firewood. Leather palms enhance grip. Waterproof membranes keep hands dry.
Weather-Resistant Headwear
Wide-brimmed hats shield from sun and rain. Watch caps made of moisture wicking fabric insulate while wicking away perspiration. Headwear secures with chin straps in windy conditions. Baseball caps offer sun protection but less warmth.
Survival Clothing and Footwear for All Terrains
Survival scenarios may involve diverse terrains, and having the right survival clothing and footwear is key to navigating them successfully. As a survivalist, you need gear that can stand up to the extremes and keep you protected.
Danner Quarry Boots
Made in the USA with full-grain leather and Vibram soles, Danner Quarry boots provide ankle support and traction for navigating rough or slippery terrain. The Gore-Tex lining makes them waterproof as well. With their durability and traction, these boots are equipped for off-trail excursions.
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat Boots
HOKA ONE ONE is known for their responsive cushioning technology that helps prevent fatigue. The Speedgoat model has a waterproof design perfect for keeping your feet dry across creeks or in the rain. With a grippy Vibram outsole, these boots provide stability for handling uneven ground.
Salomon Quest 4D 3 Boots
Backed by Salomon's advanced technologies for stability and support, the Quest 4D 3 boots excel at gripping slippery surfaces and adapting to shifting terrain. Their protective toe caps and high ankle cuffs shield from impact. Ready for mountain excursions, they provide the secure footing survival demands.
Oboz Bridger Boots
The Bridger boots from Oboz feature rugged high-friction outsoles to bite into loose ground, making them ideal for off-trail situations. As mid-weight backpacking boots, they strike a balance between flexibility and stability for covering miles in the backcountry.
KEEN Revolve BOA Hiking Boots
KEEN's Revolve BOA boots feature a quick lacing system for fast on and off, climate control layers to vent heat, and stability shanks for sure-footedness over uneven ground. Their waterproof leather builds stand up to getting wet, while protective toe caps add durability. Ready for extreme conditions, they're built to survive and explore.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Survival Clothing
Having versatile, durable and climate-adaptable survival clothing is a preparedness essential. By selecting garments designed for extremes and tested in the field, you equip yourself for the unexpected.
Layering Is Key
- Following the layering principle of base, mid, and outer layers allows you to adapt to changing weather and activity levels.
- Start with moisture-wicking base layers that keep skin dry.
- Mid layers like fleeces and down jackets provide insulation.
- Outer shells block wind and rain. Adjust layers as needed.
Focus on Breathability
- Seek out breathable waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex that prevent moisture buildup next-to-skin.
- Choose materials like wool and polyester that wick moisture better than cotton.
- Well-ventilated clothing reduces condensation inside.
Field Test When Possible
- Trying out survival clothing and footwear in real-world settings helps gauge comfort and performance.
- Field testing allows finding any weak points or improvements before an emergency.
- Get familiar with features and practice layering before you need to rely on the gear.
