The attire you have on during an urgent situation could have a significant impact. Attending to your body’s comfort level, safeguarding you from the sun, and preventing moisture are some of the ways clothing can assist you.
Out of nowhere and without warning, disasters can occur. Your clothing may not be appropriate or safe when problems arise. Be prepared to leave immediately, even if you’re lounging in your pajamas on the couch! Outfitting your bug-out bag with suitable clothing is critical for staying ready and ensuring your survival.
What Clothes Belong in Your Bug-Out Bag
To build a survival wardrobe, it is important to opt for practical clothes rather than trendy ones. Keep in mind that functionality is more crucial than style. All garments in your bug-out bag must have a specific function, and they should be versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting.
To commence with, there are a few guidelines to assist you in selecting bug-out bag clothing, as there is no universal solution.
Bug-Out Clothing Checklist
1. Base Layers
To ensure dryness and comfort, it’s vital to prepare your base layers. While staying seasonally appropriate, you should also consider packing thermal long johns, moisture-wicking UV resistant fitted long sleeve shirts and tees, and moisture-wicking undergarments in case of long hauls off the grid.
2. Pants and Shorts
Choose pants that are both durable and comfortable, allowing you to have a full range of motion. Consider tactical cargo pants with quick-drying fabric and spacious pockets as they offer added storage and are suitable for extended wear if needed.
For warm climates or months, a convertible pant that can easily transform into capri pants or shorts is a fantastic option to consider. Such pants allow you to swiftly adjust to the weather conditions by either covering up or cooling down.
Do you need to quickly put together the clothing for your emergency kit? Opt for a pair of denim jeans made entirely of cotton. Not only is denim tough and low-maintenance, but it can also provide your skin with some protection against cuts and scratches.
3. Shirts
Throughout the year, long-sleeved shirts with buttons are a great item to include in your bug-out bag. They can be easily attached to your backpack, worn around your waist, and unbuttoned to let in a breeze. It’s worth considering adding a wind-resistant or water-repellent choice, such as a fishing shirt.
Include a cozy shirt to wear underneath your dependable button-up that is made from a high-tech material intended to provide warmth or coolness, depending on the time of year.
4. Outerwear
Even during the summer, it is advisable to pack a jacket. If the temperature is pleasant, pack a jacket that is lightweight, windproof, and water-resistant.
In chilly seasons and regions, it is essential to have outerwear that is capable of withstanding the weather. Fleece, synthetic insulation, and wool fabrics can assist in facing the harsh conditions.
5. Socks
Ensure that your socks are not overlooked. It is crucial to avoid foot blisters that can impede your progress during an emergency evacuation. Therefore, equip your bug-out bag with appropriate socks suitable for camping, hiking, or comparable outdoor pursuits. Irrespective of the weather, merino wool and superior moisture-absorbing socks should be your primary preference. Opt for tall socks to safeguard your ankles from insect bites and bruising.
6. Shoes
It is important to pack the appropriate footwear for your trip, including a sturdy, lightweight pair that can comfortably support you through long walks. Opt for waterproof hiking boots or sneakers if possible. Additionally, if you reside in a region with sub-zero temperatures, snow boots are also a must-have.
If there is space, consider packing an extra set of shoes. In case your current shoes get soaked or ruined, having a backup pair will bring you satisfaction.
7. Accessories
Although they may be classified as “accessories,” hats, gloves, and scarfs hold an equal significance in comparison to the other garments in your bug-out bag.
During the winter season, your head, hands, and feet are the parts of your body from which you lose heat rapidly. To avoid this, opt for a hat that covers your whole head, including your ears. A suitable choice would be either a stocking cap or an insulated ball cap with ear flaps. Additionally, it’s recommended that you carry a pair of sturdy winter gloves to protect your hands from the cold. Wearing a warm scarf or an insulated neck gaiter would also aid in keeping you warm.
During the summer season, a cap with a brim or a hat with a wide brim is ideal. They will shield your face and eyes from the sun. Although your hands don’t require warmth, they may still need additional shielding. Work gloves can do the job of protecting them from sharp items such as wood splinters or glass. Including a pair in your emergency kit clothing with your bug-out bag seems like a sensible decision.
Include a headscarf, commonly known as shemagh, in your bug-out bag all year round. A shemagh can safeguard your face, head, and neck against dust, smoke, and sun exposure.
Choose Your Fabrics Wisely
When evacuating, avoid bringing fragile items that can easily be damaged. Ensure that your bug-out garments are constructed from sturdy, breathable fabrics that can be conveniently washed and mended.
Unsure about what to search for on your apparel labels? We have the answers.
Natural Fibers
- Cotton — Breathable, easily repairable, long-lasting, and cost-effective.
- Bamboo — Moisture-wicking, silky, and helps regulate body temperature year-round.
- Wool — Moisture-wicking, fast-drying, durable, and easy to maintain and repair. Great for both hot and cold weather.
- Natural Down — Insulating, lightweight, packable.
Moisture-Wicking Materials
Including natural fibers in your bug-out bag is essential, but it is also necessary to include moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Nylon or Polyester Blends — Most warm-weather performance and activewear. Wicks moisture and dries quickly, doesn’t pill easily.
- Synthetic Down — Insulating, lightweight, packable. Performs well when wet and easy to clean. Great for cold weather.
- GoreTex — Waterproof, windproof, and breathable. What more can you ask for?
Packing and Maintaining Your Bug-Out Bag Clothing
Traveling light is possible with a properly prepared bug-out bag. It is important to make sure that the clothing in your bug-out bag does not add too much weight or occupy too much space. Rolling up your clothes instead of folding them can help with this issue. Using bungee cords from your supply can also aid in compressing larger items.
It is important to regularly check the contents of your bug-out bag, just like any other survival kit. Ensure that the additional clothing items are fitting properly, in good shape, and suitable for the current season. A good practice is to test and switch the clothing in your bug-out bag every six months.
Survival Foods
No matter if a severe storm, hurricane, tornado, drought, or pandemic-related curfew is predicted, it is crucial to stay prepared for unforeseen events.
It is impossible to predict when a disaster might occur which is why it is wise to gather a sufficient quantity of survival foods that will be useful in any unforeseen circumstance. The process of purchasing survival food differs from buying routine grocery items.
Rather than choosing items based on taste and appearance, prioritize products with extended shelf life, sufficient calorie and nutrient content, and ease of use.
Here, we have compiled a list of 20 survival foods that possess a lengthy storage lifespan for you to contemplate.
Top Survival Foods With Long Shelf Life
1. Canned Meat
These food items are the best for survival in any situation and can last for 2 to 5 years, depending on the meat variety and how they are stored.
To obtain essential nutrients and energy, it’s advisable to incorporate canned meat into your diet. It’s suggested that you purchase varieties like spaghetti accompanied by large meatballs, canned fish, spam, smoked ham, Vienna sausages, chicken breast, cured ham, potted meat, roast beef hash, luncheon meat, or any other suitable option you may find.
It is important to remember that canned meat, once opened, can only last for a maximum of 4 days. Therefore, it makes sense to choose the appropriate can size to prevent unnecessary waste. Opting for smaller cans is advantageous because they can be used up completely without any leftovers.
2. Beans
Did you know that beans, which are dried bipolar seeds, are more nutritious than rice and are considered some of the best survival foods?
There exist nearly 15 varieties of beans that are calorie-dense and can be stored for prolonged periods.
An assortment of beans such as adzuki, mung, pinto, kidney, cannellini, pigeon, cranberry, garbanzo, pink, lima, navy, black, black-eyed, black turtle, and freeze-dried split pea have the potential to remain viable for storage up to 30 years. Whereas, dehydrated soybean can survive in storage for a period ranging from 10 to 15 years.
One cup of boiled adzuki beans provides roughly 294 calories and more than 15g of protein. Dehydrated soybean provides about 298 calories and more than 20g of protein. So, beans are also a great source of protein.
During each trip to the store, it is recommended that you purchase between 4 and 5 pounds of dried beans and store them in a cool, dark location for future use.
3. Lentils
Due to their exceptional nutritional composition, lentils are a highly functional food that is both tasty and rich in nutrients.
One-pound bags of lentils are an excellent choice for a protein-rich diet. When cooked, they expand in size, and they require no soaking before cooking. Boiling them for about 25 to 30 minutes will have them ready to serve.
With proper storage, lentils can remain edible for up to 30 years, making their shelf life quite remarkable. In ancient times, they were often kept in clay containers to be used during times of famine or harsh winter seasons.
They are available for purchase pre-packaged in bags or in bulk for storage in airtight containers and jars.
4. Rice
It may be unexpected, but rice is actually one of the top foods to store for instances where survival is necessary.
Any adequate emergency food storage should always include this grain, which has the versatility of being cooked using various methods. Among the most commonly used techniques is steaming, which can be performed using any type of stove.
If stored correctly, uncooked rice can remain fresh for a considerable amount of time. White rice, if sealed and stored appropriately, can still be edible for as long as two years. Brown rice, on the other hand, has a lifespan of about half a year.
Serving rice with various kinds of beans is also a highly practical option.
5. Canned Fruits & Vegetables
In order to attain a well-balanced diet during challenging times, relying solely on carbohydrates or proteins is insufficient. Therefore, we should consider canned fruits and vegetables as another significant food option on our list.
Most people are aware that fruits and vegetables are a necessary component of a balanced diet. However, if stored, fresh produce is unlikely to remain edible for more than a week. As a solution, our suggestion is to opt for canned fruits and vegetables as they offer essential nutrients that can aid in survival situations.
Opt for canned fruits that are packed in water or their natural juice and steer clear of those stored in artificial sweeteners, salt, syrup, or sugar when you shop.
Among the canned vegetables available are corn, peas, green beans, mixed vegetables, potatoes, spinach, carrots, and several others. It is important to ensure that any canned vegetable purchased does not contain oils, sugars, or fats included in its ingredients.
If stored correctly, canned fruits and vegetables have a longevity of approximately 1 to 2 years. However, it is important to note that their shelf life declines rapidly after being opened, lasting only around 2 to 7 days.
6. Dried Fruits
Fresh fruits have nearly the same number of options as dried fruits.
The marketplace offers a variety of dried fruits, however, apricots, prunes, dates, figs, and raisins are the most prevalent. Health food stores and local markets have a wider selection, including but not limited to, dried apples, papayas, mangoes, berries, and pineapples.
Raisins and dates are the most calorie-dense among dried fruits, which are abundant sources of nutrients, bioactive substances, and carbs. Additionally, dried fruits provide a valuable supply of sugars such as glucose and fructose.
It is recommended to rotate dried fruits to avoid having spoiled ones during a survival scenario, as their shelf life typically ranges from 6 to 12 months.
7. Flour
It is advantageous to have flour stocked for emergency situations since it can be utilized for a wide variety of dishes. With only a few additional ingredients, you can quickly make an assortment of foods including banana bread, vegan naan, pancakes, and scalloped potatoes, among many others.
Regular all-purpose flour, white cake flour, white bread flour, and self-rising flour are able to be stored at room temperature for up to 12 months. However, whole-wheat, whole-grain, and oat flour have a slightly shorter shelf life of 1 to 3 months.
Coconut and almond flour are also viable alternatives to starchy flours, but they too have a brief shelf life of approximately three months.
Storing wheat allows you to conveniently grind it into flour using a wheat grinder whenever required.
