You'll notice that I've gone for a lot of military grade items as you
read on. This is because the military is possibly the last industry in our time
that pushes the human body to the extreme in hostile environments that calls
for durability, protection, and camouflage in its equipment. And when it comes
to survival of those persons not militarily trained, you’re going to want the
same in the equipment you use.
2.1 – Underwear
Yes, underwear! Jocks and socks for your toes and… well, you get the
idea.
When it comes to underwear you really should've listened to your
Grandma, cotton breathes, and those little guys need to breathe. (Undies and
your Grandma… yep, I went there!) The old girl knew what she was talking about too;
cotton not only allows air to circulate around down there but also prevents
chafing. If you live in a colder climate then you might want to think about
thermals, but otherwise, don’t worry too much about it. And that’s all I have
to say about underwear. (I didn't really want to spend too much time around
your groin, thanks!)
Let’s talk toes! There are two things you need to remember about your
feet; they need to stay dry, and they need to stay warm. Simple really, isn't it? You’d be surprised.
For decades armies all over the world have had problems keeping the
feet of their soldiers dry and warm, the results were anything from mild fungal
infections to gangrenous foot-rot that sometimes led to amputation.
Woollen socks are the best choice here; wool insulates (even when wet),
dries quicker than polyester or cotton when wet, and breathes much like cotton
does. These are all advantages when it comes to travelling on foot, walk a few
kilometres or cross a few creeks and rivers and you'll see what I mean.
If you’re still living in a
colder climate then you may want to consider layering your socks, which is,
wearing woollen socks over cotton socks. This will give you extra insulation
needed to keep your feet warm. Have a spare set in your BOB so that when the
ones on your feet start to smell and feel a bit stiff from sweat you can put on
a clean pair, wash the dirty ones, and hang them off your BOB to dry as you
continue.
Figure 1
- Woollen Socks
2.2 – Boots
Nice segway, huh? Boots are also an important piece of kit to have;
after all, they’re protecting your primary mode of transport. So it makes sense
that you choose a pair of boots that will not only do the job right, but ones
that will last a long time as well. When looking for a pair of boots you'll want to take in a few considerations, such as:
- A high ankle for added support
- A solid sole with a good tread (Especially on the toes, this can prevent dangerous slips.)
- Moderate flexibility (The world isn't flat after all!)
- And most importantly, comfort!
The choice of steel capped toed boots are purely optional but keep in
mind that in hot arid areas that steel heats up, even under leather. Increase
your body temperature, especially your feet or head, and the body needs to work
harder to cool you down.
There are also plenty of water-deterrent products on the market that
you can use on your boots as well but be sure to ask first if the product will
damage the boot in any way, prevent air circulation, etc.
Figure 2 - High End
Military Grade Boots
2.3 - T-shirt
The principle of the t-shirt is very simple; it will help
insulate you under your shirt or jacket, and when it gets too hot you can still
be covered to prevent sunburn. Common sense stuff really. Again, choose a
cotton shirt that will breathe, and perhaps even pack a spare one in your BOB.
If you want to be slightly more prepared you can now buy t-shirts with
anti-bacterial properties that expel the moisture, preventing fungal infections.
Figure 3
- Antibacterial T-shirt
2.4 – Long Sleeve Combat Shirt
Another shirt you'll need is a long sleeve shirt; this is to
prevent any cuts or scratches from branches, shrubs, barb wire fences, etc. On
top of everything you may go through you’d feel like a bit of a goose if you
let a cut on your arm get infected and it has to get amputated due to
septicaemia.
Figure 4
- Combat Shirt
2.5 – Jacket
This one’s pretty self-explanatory really; you need
something to keep out the cold on those chilly nights, and something that will
keep you dry during light showers. You probably don’t need to wear it all the
time because of the two layers you’re already wearing, but you might just
regret it if you don’t have one in your BOB.
Figure 5
- Jacket
2.6 - Pants
Much like your combat shirt you'll need a tough pair of combat pants. You could go for leather or denim but your inner thighs will end up bleeding from the chafing, those action heroes don't know shit! Any pair of pants that you can find with reinforced knees and groin isn't such a bad idea either.
Figure 6 - Combat Pants
2.7 – Wet Weather Poncho
I know, I know! How much more am I going to make you carry?
Shit-loads! This one’s not so bad, I
swear. A wet weather poncho is obviously used to keep the rain off; however
they can also be used to collect water, and as the cover of a shelter to
provide shade and as a roof, as a ground sheet, or even as a stretcher to haul
supplies or to carry the injured. It rolls/folds up quite compactly, weighs
very little, and doesn't take up too much space in your BOB.
Figure 7 – Wet Weather Poncho
2.8 – Headwear
Headwear comes in a variety of forms, some designed with a
specific environment in mind, but all being able to do the job required. That
is, to protect our heads from the sun and prevent rapid heat loss from our
heads. Depending on the environment of course, you may need to retain that
heat.
Shown below are the following types of headgear (Top to
bottom, from left to right)
- Scrim: Great as a head wrap as it allows air to circulate around your head. Can also be used to aide camouflaging a cache, hide, etc.
- Shemagh: Also another great wrap, best known for keeping the head protected in deserts, could be used in snow as well.
- Headsox: Provides UV protection and has multiple uses. It also allows you to wear a helmet comfortably whilst absorbing perspiration.
- Giggle Hat: A classic bush hat that diffuses your head shape for added camouflage. Foliage can be added to the hat thanks to the added keepers around the brim.
- Peak Cap: Look cool whilst keeping the sun out of your eyes, or look like a dick by wearing it with the peak facing your right shoulder!
- Neck Warmer: This item does what it implies; it keeps your neck warm in cold environments. You can also pull it up to cover your mouth and nose. If you don’t have a dust mask then this (as well as a scrim, shemagh, or headsox) will suffice.
- Neck Cooler: It's like a Neck Warmer, only not! Dangle it in some cold water or a cool running stream for five minutes and watch the water-saving crystals expand. Tie it loosely around your neck and even in 40 degree heat you'll feel as cool as a cucumber.
2.9 – Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a great piece of kit if you’re outside for an extended
period of time, no matter what climate you live in. They protect your eyes from
the glare of the sun, dust and sand, and can be used as safety glasses. Nuff
said!
Figure 8 - Light Adjusting Sunglasses
3.0 – Gloves
When it comes to our hands, they’re no different to our head and feet,
they’re something that needs protection, and they’re the earliest tool known to
man. Without your hands survival would be near impossible so you’d better buy
some decent gloves.
Leather’s okay, but takes a long time to dry when wet. Wool’s great for
warmth, but doesn't protect your hands too well and bumps and scrapes. So, once
again, I've gone for a military combat glove.
Figure 9 - Combat Gloves
3.1 – Watch
Watches are only as useful as the uses for which they’re needed.
Therefore, when you buy a watch, really think about these three things:
- What you need the watch to do. (Do you need to use it at high altitudes? Does it need to be water/shock resistant?)
- The battery life of the watch. (Will a battery operated watch do the job or do you need a self-powered unit?)
- The environment in which you'll be travelling.
Figure 10 - Watch
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