Depending on what you do for a living, where you work, and any dress-code requirements you may have to abide by, you may want to pack a change of clothes in your GHB. I would hate to have to dress in a business suit for work and have to walk home in dress shoes and a suit for miles. I work for myself building fencing and doing general lawncare. I’m on my feet all day long. Fortunately, that has given me a great opportunity to wear just the right clothing for a long trek home if need be. However, my wife works in a business environment. She would be in some serious discomfort if she had to walk home in that same office attire. I have put into her bag a complete change of clothes. Her first order of business would be to change into the clothing suited to get her home as quickly as possible.
Whatever your case may be, you will have to decide exactly what clothing you think will work best. I suggest that you pack the following clothing in your GHB (unless of course, like me, you are able to wear the adequate clothing as your normal attire).
Tennis shoes or hiking boots work best for me. My general footwear is waterproof for at least a couple of inches. Wet feet create a whole list of issues that I certainly would not want to have to deal with in a survival scenario, especially if said scenario were to take place in cold weather.
Good socks go right along with good footwear. I typically wear wool socks, even in the summer while working. It took some getting accustomed to, but I now am comfortable with them. Find the right socks for you and pack a pair into your GHB.
I much prefer pants over shorts. Full length pants provide protection against everything from sunburn and bugs to even some fluids that could splash onto your legs. Plus, having that layer of fabric over your skin can help prevent abrasions. In the summer these pants are like the fishing pants found at outdoor store; lightweight materials that dry quickly and keep the sun off of your skin. In the winter it would be a heavier fabric like denim jeans. Of course, you’re going to need a belt to hold up those pants and to hold that pistol holster in place with whatever other gear you want to have around your waist.
Even in the heat of summer I prefer a long-sleeved shirt. I’m not talking about some thick fabric, mountain shirt. It’s a button up lightweight fishing shirt with long sleeves. It provides the same protections as the pants. It will be hotter than short sleeves in the summertime, but I think the protection afforded outweighs that discomfort of being a little warmer. If the weather dictates, consider packing a jacket of some sort if you wouldn’t already be wearing one. Even a packable rain jacket could go a long way.
A hat is also a good addition. Keeping the sun or rain off your head and out of your face goes a long way. Sunglasses go along with this.
Gloves would be a nice extra as well. Keeping your hands warm in colder weather will be a great help. Even in warmer weather it can be a good idea to not have to pick up things that may be contaminated.
Consider throwing in a set of insulated long-johns for the colder months. Exposure to cold for extended periods of time has led to many a death. These don’t take up much space and could quite possibly keep you alive on your trek.
Pack clothes that fit the season and adjust as necessary. Pack any, or all, of the above items and you may find yourself much better off than you think.
Remember, the clothes you are wearing could very well be the only shelter you have. As amazing as the human body is, it is still delicate in many ways. It can take as little as three hours without adequate shelter for there to be devastating impacts on your health.
Don’t just prepare. Prepare to thrive.
