Clothing for Your Bug-Out Bag
We talk a lot about non-perishable food, water bottles and other essential items you should have in your bug-out bag, but today I want to discuss the clothing items you should include.
A bug-out bag is only so big, and people in various areas of the country have different weather conditions they need to deal with, so they’re going to have many different ideas about what to pack.
So, I’m going to mention several clothing items that might come in handy if you have to bug out, and you can decide what is appropriate for you.
Keep in mind that a disaster causing us to leave our homes may result in having to spend a significant amount of time outdoors until we are able to find our way to a reliable place of shelter, so keeping warm and dry is a priority.
Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
- Footwear. Sneakers might be the most comfortable shoes you own, but you also need a good, solid, waterproof pair of hiking boots.
- Socks. Pack thick ones for warmth, comfort and health. Have at least four pairs of socks in your bag, and change them when they get wet.
- Long Underwear. This can be a lifesaver in cold-weather situations. Shove them inside boots and other items in your bag to save space.
- Coat and Jacket. Keep a winter coat with a warm hood in your vehicle and a windbreaker in your bag. You could use either as bedding in certain situations.
- Battle Dress Uniform. It might not hurt to have a military-wear, camouflage set of clothes you can wear outdoors during an emergency situation.
- Gloves. Pack two pairs of heavy-duty leather work gloves: a rancher-style, fleece-lined, leather pair and a pair of cloth gardening gloves.
- Headwear. Hats to include are a ski mask, a heavy wool hat that pulls over your ears, a wide-brim hat to keep the sun off your face and a ball cap.
What other must-have clothing items do you have in your bug-out bag? Our readers would love to know.
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Any bag you pack should include Duct Tape! There is no end to the list of uses: repairing anything, sealing clothing at wrist and ankle to keep out bugs, mud, etc., putting together a simple shelter, tourniquet, twist for a rope, don’t think there’s enough paper to print out all the uses for duct tape.
For the women, 3 or 4 changes of underwear. Especially if you get wet.
Socks, don’t forget a couple pair of thin socks. If you have a lot of walking to do thin socks worn inside your heavy socks will cut way down on blisters.
I always carry a wool blanket or poncho – wool keeps you warm even when wet (but takes a long time to dry). The poncho can be used as a blanket and still be worn when moving around. It is pretty effective at wind blocking as well. With a windbreaker over it, it is very effective.
ADD A PAIR OF OVERALLS. IF YOU JUST NEED A CHANGE OF PANTS BECAUSE THEY ARE WET OR YOU CAN PUT THEM ON OVER YOUR PANTS FOR EXTRA WARMTH.
I would put all the items in one or two vacuum sealed bags. It would be waterproof and take up less space.
PS: the extra socks thing is great, very important. I made sure to have dozens of extra socks in with my ‘shelter in place’ stuff. Most sites don’t mention this kind of thing.
I know this is about clothing, but so few sites bother mentioning things like matches. I got a couple of the ‘waterproof fire starters, maybe there is something wrong with me, but I can’t get them to work! I carry matches, lighters (regular zippo/bic type). extra book matches might make a great barter item and don’t take up much room….
Silk scarf. They are amazingly durable, very lightweight, and work better than wool in a stiff breeze. They also have multiple other uses ie: water filter, sling or tourniquet, fibers are very strong if you need to tie something together, etc. They wash out easily, dry quickly and come in many colors and sizes. Also useful as a hanky. Pack several. I find they are more comfortable to wear than polyester items….they breathe better. (That’s why the best long underwear is silk.)
Dear Frank,
Thanks for almost quoting from our book SURVIVAL101-HOW TO BUG OUT AND SURVIVE THE FIRST 72 HOURS, published through Power 4 Patriots..
You and I put a lot of thought into that work, making it a simple and fun read, especially for “Greenhorns” that are new to the idea of being proactive and prepared when lost, stranded or caught in a major natural disaster.
God Bless and Merry Christmas to All,
Orrin
Here are some other items I would include.
Mittens, preferably waterproof. They are clumsier than gloves to work in, but much warmer when not doing something requiring hand dexterity.
Rainwear. The heaviest coat will not keep you warm once it has gotten wet. Nylon or plastic ponchos sold with camping supplies are lightweight and do not take up much space stored in the pouches they come in. They can be worn over a coat if needed. In an emergency, a few lawn and leaf bags would do, though, and also be multi-purpose.
Package of plastic gallon food storage bags (twist-tie type, NOT ziplock). While not usually considered clothing, those are great for slipping over socks before putting on shoes or boots to keep your feet dry and warm in cold weather in case the shoes do get wet. They can also go over mittens and gloves to keep them dry.