DIY Survival Clothing

Appropriate dress is a key to wilderness survival. The most workable and effective outdoor survival clothing method is known as the three-layer system. This method of dressing has been used for centuries. The principle uses a base, middle and outer layer to keep the person warm and dry, helping greatly to ensure survival. The layered system lets you mix and match different wardrobe items in ways that protect from the elements and help regulate body temperature.

Instructions

    • 1

      Plan the base clothing layer, known also as the inner layer. Wear it directly next to the body skin and choose fabrics that dry quickly, such as polypropylene and capilene. Silk is a good natural fabric choice. The base layer pulls moisture away from the body and moves it toward the outer layers, allowing it to eventually evaporate. It should fit snugly against the skin so that it absorbs body moisture. The base layer also provides insulation against cold. A general rule is to bring one lightweight and one medium-thickness base garment with you. This allows you to start by wearing the lightweight garment and add the medium-thickness garment later, if needed.

    • 2

      Add a middle layer of clothing. This is one or more clothing items worn over the base layer. Choose fleece, down or wool garments. The key purpose of the middle layer is insulation. Body heat is retained by creating dead air space around the body, lowering the exchange of heat between the body and the environment. Mid-layer garments carry moisture from the base layer to the outer layer for evaporation into the environment. Start out the day with a fleece jacket over the base layer. As the day turns cooler, add a wool sweater or vest over the fleece for additional insulation.

    • 3

      Wear an outer layer of clothing, often referred to as a shell. This layer provides several different functions. It protects from the wind, repels water, removes body moisture and helps protect against scrapes and injury. Choose a shell made from a synthetic waterproof fabric that is permeable to air and water. Wear the outer layer directly over the base layer when weather is mild; wear the outer layer over the base plus the middle layer when it is raining, snowing or very windy.