YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE...MAYBE TWICE!
Cold weather survival can be a challenge, even when there is plenty of food and water on hand. Without a way to properly protect their body from the cold and potentially drastic changes in temperature throughout the day, a survivor can quickly find themselves experiencing one of two very dangerous and potentially deadly things: Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature,) or Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature).
A person that only relies on a thick heavy coat to battle the cold outside is putting themselves in greater danger than they might imagine. The same can be said for folks that under dress, people wearing t-shirts and jeans or a light rain-jacket despite cold wet weather. When it comes to bundling up, there is a fine line between too-much and too-little. The solution to this problem has always been layers, and there’s good reason for it, but what exactly does it mean?
Layering-up allows for easy manipulation and adaptation, two of the most important aspects of survival, no matter what you’re dealing with. Layering up properly isn’t as simple as tossing on a bunch of clothes, though sometimes that’s the best that a survivor can do when supplies are limited after a major disaster like an earthquake, flood, or Zombie outbreak.
Base (Next to the skin): This layer needs to do three things: Be comfortable, wick the sweat away from your skin, and dry quickly. Base layers come in many forms from a tight-fitting t-shirt to a proper pair of long-johns or thermals, there are options out there for just about everyone…. though not all options are equal.
Cotton. This is no good as a Base layer, unless it’s literally all you have. While it absorbs moisture exceedingly well, it dries very slowly and can actually make it more difficult to maintain proper body temperature. This can cause hypothermia and eventually death in extreme situations.
Merino wool. An excellent base layer, Merino Wool doesn’t just absorb moisture from your body, it wicks it away and to the outer surface so it dries a littler fast than some of its counterparts. Merino wool is more comfortable against the skin that traditional wools like you might find in an old army blanket or classic sailor’s peacoat.
Synthetics. These wick moisture away from the body, are fairly absorbent, very quick to dry, and a little softer/more comfortable than classic wool. Unfortunately, Synthetics tend to absorb and hold odors, which isn’t very pleasant or hygienic, even if it is the end of the world.
Wool/Synth Blend. When available, this is the most versatile and highest performance option. Wool/Synth blends are typically very comfortable and highly absorbent. They wick moisture extremely well, dry very quickly, and do not hold odors. Some brands are more expensive than others, but this is a great example of “You get what you pay for.”
Silk. While it might seem a little crazy, Silk is an excellent fabric for individuals that need a little warmth, wicking, and plenty of comfort, but don’t plan on being out long or doing much along the way. As long as things don’t get too crazy and there isn’t any running to be done, the slightly less absorptive material works just fine.
To properly absorb sweat from your body and to help keep you warm, base layers should fit snug against your body, not loose and flowing like an average cotton t-shirt might. This keeps the material in contact with your skin, and pulling sweat out and away from your body. That keeps you dry, comfortable, and at less of a risk for hypothermia.
Insulation: This is the layer that traps in your body-heat, keeping you warm and well-regulated in cold wet weather. Think of the Insulation layer as a space heater, a survivor should only have it on when they start to get cold. The Insulation layer only needs to be worn when a person is inactive or getting cold from a drop in temperature or other similar situation. Wearing this layer while hiking, searching through rubble, or doing any number of other physically intense activities, can cause over-heating and excessive sweating, which can lead to hypothermia.
Ranging from lightweight fleece, mid-weight wool, down jackets, and so on, the thickness/warmth of an Insulation Layer should vary depending on the planned degree of activity and intensity of the weather.
The Shell: No less important than the other two basic layers, the Shell should provide a wind, snow, and water break to keep you dry and cut-down on heat-loss through convection. If possible, choose a shell that has breathable technology like: Gore-Tex. This will not only keep external moisture out, but will allow internal moisture from your body to flow outward and away from you.The shell is another layer that can be shed if needed. Often times, while hiking, I will start with a shell and insulation layer, shedding each as my body naturally heats up from the exercise. Once I stop for a water/food break or just to rest, I will replace each layer as needed to stay warm.
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When it comes to layering-up, it’s often true that more is better. While additional layers might mean a little more time dressing up or down, it also provides a higher level of adjustability and environment/situational adaptation… and that can be key to keeping alive. Layers should be applied to torso, legs, and sometimes even your feet, making sure that all areas of your body are covered as needed for the situation at hand. After all, who wants to be shaking in their boots while the undead turn to icicles in the snow.
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to bad they don't make them for the bigger man.
depends on the color you want. woodland camo goes to 8XL. lol. at least through my suppliers.
what size you take? let me do some digging for you. thats what i am here for.
i am on it.
i can get the M65 Field Coat in 6X in the following colors for $70 postage paid in the following colors. BLACK, OD GREEN, AND WOODLAND CAMO. and they include a quilted heavy liner as well.
sounds interesting, can you get me a pic and maybe some spec info about it?
M-65 Jackets are a classic piece of military outerwear. The jacket features a water repellent poly/cotton twill , four snap-up pockets , concealed hood, epaulets , waist hood and bottom drawstrings, removable button-in liner, hook & loop fastener cuffs for attachment to gloves and heavy brass zipper & snap up storm flaps.
sizes 6X on up come in Black, OD Green (pictured), and Woodland Camo though. i couldnt find how low a temp these are good for. but if it helps. i was outside last night clearing the drive in 18 degree weather and was cracking a sweat in mine BEFORE the shovel was even in use. so i can imagine that these are good for even colder weather then 18 degrees. hell, last winter got to -2 and -3 degrees in my state and i was still nice and toasty in mine. i went through most of that winter without the liner in it.
sounds really good next time i get some money together I'll consider it. so what do you have in the pants department might as well put together a whole outfit.
i can arrange for that my brother. just follow this link below. it will take you to my section for flight suits and BDU's. there are also tons of other goodies in my group Alamo Guns.
http://www.wickedzombies.com/group/alamo-guns/forum/topics/bdu-s-fl...
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ContinuePosted by Jessie W. Garrett III on May 22, 2024 at 12:32am — 1 Comment
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