BOB Clothing

[JamisJockey]

I've given alot of thought as to wearing clothing in less-than-ideal situations. My experiences include several years in the military, backpacking, fishing, camping, hiking, cycling and snow sports.

If I were selecting clothing for a Bug out kit, there are a few things I would be certain to place in it.
Waterproof shell jacket, with hood. Goretex or some similiar material. Preferably parka length. Other niceities are pit-zips, venting, and pockets for gloves and what not.
Microfleece pullover with hood . Fleece is warm, cozy, and soft. It has a degree of water-repellancy, and can often be found in a windstopper design.
Nylon "travel" shirt. Quick drying light weight.
Lightweight polypro longjohns Comfortable baselayer. Top can be worn just as a shirt.
"Trail pants" of a nylon or other synthetic material. Light weight, fast drying, and comfortable.
Waterproof shell pants. The ones I have zip up both sides, which means you can put them on over boots.
Wool hiking socks Comfortable, quick drying, and modern wool doesn't itch.
Boots that dry quickly. One thing the military got right, was Jungle boots. They drain water and dry quickly. You will need good, warm socks in colder weather. Overboots are a must for snow if using jungle boots.

Your mileage may vary, depending on the type of situation you might face. In some climes, the microfleece might be overkill. In other climes, you might need full on winter gear to stay alive.
Layering is always your friend.
The ability to be dry, stay dry, or dry off quickly might save your life. Someone mentioned in another thread that after Wilma temps dropped into the 50's at night. If its that cold, and you're wet, you will get hypothermic quite quickly.

Alot of people list BDU's as thier first choice for clothing in a bug out kit. Works for the Military, must be good for me, right? I don't agree. I had to wear them for 5 years. I've worn them in cold, hot, rain and even snow.
Pros: Reasonably inexpensive. Durable.
Cons: Cotton based, retain water when wet, which can be a disadvantage in may situations. Stick out like a sore thumb in an urban environment.
I don't like BDU's.

 

[riverdog]

5.11 TACTICAL NYLON CANVAS PANT Just like the 5:11 canvas pants except they're nylon.
Sock liners are actually two layered Coolmax socks. They can stand alone in running shoes or be used as a base under wool socks when in boots. If you're walking, dry socks rule.

 

[hso]

The 511s are $70 and they're not even breathable waterproof!

REI's are almost half the price unless you want to spend the money for breathble waterproofs.

 

[JamisJockey]

Those pants are $70

Try these
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39171671&memberId=12500226
They zip off into pants. For that $70 you can get two pair, or one pair and a pair of these
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=3192620&memberId=12500226 (these are what I snowshoe in)
or the pants and a shirt
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=925191&memberId=12500226

Edit:
Coolmax socks rock. Also, Merino wool blend socks. I have several pair of both.

 

[riverdog]

I've seen nylon pants at REI and didn't look at the pricetag before deciding they weren't right. I don't like zip-off trousers and I wanted real belt loops. I'll keep looking but I don't make my purchases based on price alone. I like the 5:11's tho', they aren't waterproof but they do dry fast. I may try your snowboard pants to wear over the 5:11's when it's really wet.

 

[JamisJockey]

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39185208&memberId=12500226
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...oryId=61294&catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226
www.sierratradingpost.com
www.rei-outlet.com

I forgot gloves. For colder climes, gloves are a must!
Liners
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=77262&memberId=12500226
Shell
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=24505291&memberId=12500226

For really cold climates something more serious may be requried, but for most situations a liner/shell combo is ideal. Of course, you should have work gloves in your BOB, too.

 

[TarpleyG]

5.11 is well on the way to pricing themselves right out of the market. That and the quality since dividing from Royal Robbins has plummeted IMO and I won't buy anymore.

Greg

 

[DelayedReaction]

The system that I've heard discussed most is a three-layer system. You have a wicking layer, an insulating layer, and then a shell layer.

The wicking layer is typically skin-tight. I've been interested in UnderArmour products, and think their compression shorts and t-shirt might make for a good wicking layer. The most important thing is to choose a fabric that is breathable and does NOT retain water. That means cotton is a horrible choice. Most hikers don't wear boxers or briefs for this reason. REI also sells a variety of underwear options that work well as a wicking layer.

Fleece is a good choice for the insulating layer. Basically you want something that will keep you warm in a variety of weather conditions, and should retain warmth even when wet. I have a polyester fleece that works very well for me.

The shell layer is designed to resist the elements and provide you with additional insulation. I own a Mountain Hardware "Exposure II" Parka that works perfectly for me.

Boots are also essential. A good pair of hiking boots will fit the whole of your foot, and not rub or let your feet shift while walking. Ankle support is particularly important, as one wrong step can ruin your chances of survival. Socks are another essential addition; I'm a huge fan of Smartwool socks. A liner sock is also necessary to wick away moisture and reduce the chance of blisters.

Find a book called 'The Complete Walker IV'. It covers everything here and much, much more. Practically mandatory reading for anyone who wants to backpack, and that definitely applies to BoB stuff.

 

[nfl1990]

Stick out like a sore thumb in an urban environment.
I don't like BDU's.

Not if it's urban camo.

 

[JamisJockey]

Not if it's urban camo.

Is that what you wear on patrol at the mall?

Urban camo means being able to blend in with your environment. As in, not to stick out in a crowd, not to look like you shouldn't be walking or driving down that street, fitting in, so to speak.

 

[NMshooter]

I would really love to find 50/50 nylon/cotton temperate weight BDUs in solid colors.

They last forever, are flame resistant, and dry fairly quickly.

Can not find anything like that any place I have looked.

I suppose I will end up with some nylon pants, just have to keep them away from open flames...

The new anti microbial underwear seems really nice, I will be getting some soon.

Anything but blue jeans, those get soaked and you will regret it.

 

[AStone]

Wow, first we did bikes, then vehicles.
Then overall BOB kits.

Of course, there've been several BOB gun threads.

Recently we've gotten to shelters & food.

Now to clothes.

Next will be sex toys...oh, no, wait: family friendly forum.

My list is very, very similar to JJ's. Like riverdog, I'd add those sock liners (used them for years backpacking; reduces friction that can lead to blisters, helps wicking).

I'd also add 2 stand alone hats in addition to your hooded fleece.

1) a regular rainhat with a wide brim. Crushable please to fit in the pack. Carry along a few bandanas to tuck into the back of the hat, letting them drape down the back of your neck (if you live in the SW like NMShooter does).

2) a fleece stocking cap, something that pulls down over my ears. In extreme weather (cold, snow) I'd make it a balaclava, but in general not.

Hats are extremely important to thermoregulation, and very commonly overlooked. We loose 20-25% of our heat through our heads and necks (think of those major carotid arteries and jugulars carrying blood to and from the head).

Like my mom used to say, "if your feet are cold, put your hat on".

Do we deal with footware besides socks in this thread, or is that a separate thread?

Nem

 

[NMshooter]

I am a proud owner of that wonderful piece of headgear known as a "boonie hat". If you look at the label it actually says "sun hat", and it does a good job of keeping the sun off, though a bandanna around the neck helps too.

Or a good scarf, I have a couple large ones, big enough to make my own Shemagh out of if necessary. You really need something to cover your face out here if you get caught outside in a duststorm. Goggles are nice, though wraparound sunglasses will usually do ok.

For winter I have a watch cap, tried a balaclava but found it annoying. I also have a funny tube shaped piece of polypropolyne called a headover that keeps my neck and lower face warm.

Gloves are necessary. After using all sorts of gloves over the years I currently have some made out of that wetsuit stuff with leather palms. My hands get wet wearing them, so I may go back to a flight glove or similar. Firearms and thick gloves do not mix well.

I like Thorlo socks. A lot.

And Danner boots. A whole lot.

Need a new shell, the old one has holes in it, just does not work as well...

 

[RaggedClaws]

I would really love to find 50/50 nylon/cotton temperate weight BDUs in solid colors.

They have a bunch of fabric choices over at bdu.com, and though the "Battle Ripstop" fabric is not nylon/cotton (it's 65% polyester/35% cotton), it's still fast drying and it comes in a variety of colors. I have these in dark grey and I love them. I love how cheap these BDU's are and the fact they come in long lengths (I'm tall).

 

[buzzcut]

two layered Coolmax socks. They can stand alone

LOL ... that's a big problem on extended trips. Don't forget some biodegradable soap.


.

 

[NMshooter]

After going to the recommended site I ended up ordering a couple pairs of poly/cotton twill khaki colored pants and shirts. Got some of that X-Static underwear coming in too.

And a replacement pair of sunglasses, with a backup pair...

Sunglasses are very nice to have here, really almost necessary.

Looking for a new shell, any recommendations?

 

[.45Guy]

A few years back I picked up a stack of Swedish surplus wool pants from the sportsmans guide. They would probably suffice for this application.

 

[White Horseradish]

I can see it now. Ubertactical undies, $70 pants, $250 jacket...

All worn by some enterprising person who took them off your cooling body after bashing you in the head with a brick.

BDU's and tactical/sporty/pricey looking clothes attract attention. IMO, that's the last thing you want to do. If I have to BO, I'm gonna wear what I wear to the range. If it's cold, I'm wearing my winter car fixing gear. Nobody will want that greasy stuff.

 

[Kodiaz]

Bug out kit just out of curiosity what exactly is that.


When a hurricane is inbound I go to my aunt's house ( newer house lower population density) on my way there I wear regular clothes (for florida) shorts a tshirt and flip flops(i go to the range in flip flops) I'm a kayaker i stuff a dry bag
with a bunch of spare clothes shirts with pockets for holding screws when I have to put up the shutters or shotshells if things go south. I take all the ammo i have and put it in a jansport bag and then i put that in a dry bag( a good one that is large is about thirty dollars dont put ammo in a walmart dry bag) I put the ammo in a dry bag in case we lose the roof my ammo doesnt become wet and useless my tens small air mattress and sleeping bag are all in dry bags ( i have a million of them ) i dont drive my car to work so it has all my outdoors stuff in it most of the time anyway i take my firearms in hard sided cases so if we lose the ceilings or get major damage my weapons will still be usable I put the weapons under a bed and before the storm comes I load them. I leave a lot of hurricane supplies in my house i hve a little car if its a bad storm we can drive the 15 miles to my house and clean it out early in the morning before all hell can break loose but my aunt's house has enough food and water to go a month easy. our fallback is a close family friends ranch he has 2 generators diesel and propane. And he is a strong beleiver in personal defense i've gone to my aunt's 3 times in the last 18 mos we havent had to go to the ranch but if a bad one comes this way it'll be something because after wilma they didnt do a good job of maintaining the curfew if power hadnt come back as fast as it did i think things would have been degenerated

 

[Krenn]

My definition of a bug-out bag requires that it be PRE-PACKED.

That means that everything which does not need to be secured is in ONE bag, and is accessed ONLY for routine inventory checks and seasonal rotation.

everything that does need to be secured (handguns, really nasty knives, ammo, cash, I.D...) is stored in another, single, bag or hard case inside a safe or gun cabinet.

grab the normal bag, grab the secure bag, and grab a long gun stored next to the secure bag. I refuse to plan my BOB based on the principle of taking time to assemble an Uber wilderness suit, or on the principle of storing $500 of clothing in a bag where I can't use them.

accordingly, the clothing i would place IN the BOB:

A single set each of:

Underwear
denim overalls
T-shirt
hat.

seasonal gear might also be added. (light parka, raincoat, etc)

its cheap, its generic, and it will work. with the clothes I have on, it gives me a spare change of clothes, and that's all I need to make it safety. (in terms of clothing)

If I need a heavy coat, I can grab one out of the closet or store it in my vehicle.

The Uber clothing mentioned sounds a lot more appropiate for Dig-in shelters in the wilderness or SAR operations. Me, when I bug out, I'll likely be in my vehicle if at all possible, walking along major roadways if not, or in a better-than-nothing shelter for the time being. Surviving unassisted in wilderness swamp will not be a major concern.

I don't need uber clothing for that, I just need a kit of the essentials.

But the clothing mentioned DOES sound pretty cool.

 

[AStone]

Looking for a new shell, any recommendations?

For me, that depends on the season.

If it's December/January and I'm in the mountains, I'll take a Marmot triple layered shell, with a heavy woven fabric outside, Gortex sandwiched in the middle. Pit zips, adjustable full-coverage hood, waist cord, but length reaches all the way to my crotch. Mine set me back about 3 c. Heavy if you're backpacking, but worth every ounce in winter.

If it's late spring through early fall, I'll take a simpler Marmot shell. Lightweight outer fabric over Gortex, inner layer is a nylon mesh. You'll save 5 ounces or so, and it's only ~ $100.

Nem

 

[AStone]

accordingly, the clothing i would place IN the BOB:

A single set each of:

Underwear
denim overalls
T-shirt
hat.

seasonal gear might also be added. (light parka, raincoat, etc)

I'm guessing that either A) you live in a warm, dry climate, or B) are impervious to wet, cold.

Up here, for me, the standard is polyester layer 1, fleece layer 2, raingear.

That's standard for anytime of year: summer, winter, fall, spring.

If there's room in the BOB, throw in a t-shirt for the occasional hot day in the (Cascade) mountains, which is where I'd but out if necessary.

Nem

 

[IV Troop]

For BOB clothes I prefer a gore tex shell jacket and slip on overpants when needed, followed by wool pants or carharts depending on the temperature. Some Poly pro underwear, good heavy socks, hiking boots (I prefer Vasque, expensive but well worth it if you live,hunt or hike in steep rocky terrain).

I tend to buy quality heavy duty gear. I have been using one particular Cabelas Goretex shell for fifteen years now. It still keeps me warm and dry and cuts the wind. I keep it in my backpack and use it year round.

This is what I normally wear when I am not at work anyways. Because I spend a great deal of times in the high desert and mountains year round I keep a spare set of clothes, big down jacket in a compression stuff sack, compressed sleeping bag, MREs, water, gatoraid, tools, tow rope, small shovel, poncho, road flares (if its it raining or snowing a good road flare will get a fire going with wet wood faster than most anything) etc in a large Rubbermaid container in the back of my shell covered truck.

I also keep a medium size pack behind the seat in my truck. It has my gear I use a lot like nalgene bottle, burris binocs, digital camera, toilet paper, leatherman, snacks and a change of clothes for my three year old, etc. My wife calls it my "man purse"

Frankly I do not consider it a BOB kit. It is simply the type of stuff I have always kept in my trucks. I have been stuck or broken down more than once in the backcountry of Idaho so I have learned.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Looking for a new shell, any recommendations?

I bought an REI Switchback Parka shell a few weeks ago and have been wearing it frequently. Not cheap, but well made, comfy waterproof, and breathable. I've worn it with a Columbia Titanium fleece jacket inside and the combination is good down into the low 30s, probably into the 20s if you're active.

 

[rick_reno]

bathrobe, flip flops and my gallon mayonaise jug. One important note, make sure the mayonaise jug has a handle. I have my bug-out spatula on a string so I can hang it around my neck.