Best Clothing for Different Environments
Now that we understand the general principles of survival clothing, let’s explore the best clothing for specific environments, including the features to look for and recommendations for specific items.
1. Desert Environment
The desert presents unique challenges, including extreme heat, intense sunlight, and limited water sources. Clothing for desert survival needs to protect you from the sun, keep you cool, and manage moisture effectively.
Headwear
Wide-Brimmed Hat: A wide-brimmed hat provides shade for your face, neck, and ears, protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for hats with ventilation to keep your head cool.
Recommended Item: Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
Company URL: Columbia Sportswear
Purchase URL: Amazon – Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat
Upper Body
Long-Sleeve Shirt: A long-sleeve shirt made from lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric protects your skin from the sun while keeping you cool. Look for shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings.
Recommended Item: Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
Company URL: Columbia Sportswear
Purchase URL: Amazon – Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt
Lower Body
Lightweight Pants: Lightweight, breathable pants protect your legs from the sun and abrasive terrain. Look for pants with ventilation and moisture-wicking properties.
Recommended Item: prAna Stretch Zion Pants
Company URL: prAna
Purchase URL: Amazon – prAna Stretch Zion Pants
Footwear
Breathable Hiking Boots: Breathable hiking boots with good ventilation and moisture-wicking socks keep your feet cool and dry. Look for boots with sturdy soles for traction on sandy and rocky terrain.
Recommended Item: Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Hiking Boots
Company URL: Merrell
Purchase URL: Amazon – Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
Accessories
Sunglasses: Sunglasses with UV protection shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for wraparound styles for maximum coverage.
Recommended Item: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Sunglasses
Company URL: Oakley
Purchase URL: Amazon – Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
2. Mountain Environment
Mountain environments can be unpredictable, with rapidly changing weather conditions, high winds, and cold temperatures. Clothing for mountain survival needs to provide warmth, protection from the wind and rain, and versatility for layering.
Headwear
Insulated Hat: An insulated hat or beanie keeps your head warm in cold conditions. Look for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials.
Recommended Item: Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie
Company URL: Smartwool
Purchase URL: Amazon – Smartwool Merino 250 Beanie
Upper Body
Insulating Jacket: An insulating jacket, such as a down or synthetic insulated jacket, provides warmth without adding bulk. Look for jackets with water-resistant or waterproof properties.
Recommended Item: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Company URL: Patagonia
Purchase URL: Amazon – Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Waterproof Shell: A waterproof and windproof shell jacket protects you from rain and wind. Look for breathable materials to prevent overheating.
Recommended Item: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
Company URL: Arc’teryx
Purchase URL: Amazon – Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
