You have your bug out bag fully packed full of emergency food, water, ammo, pistol, multi-tool, and first aid kit, but have you thought about the different types of clothing you will need to bug out? The time you will have to bug out is unpredictable. Will you be at work in a button down and khakis? Woken up in the middle of the night wearing flimsy pajamas bottoms? At the lake in your swimsuit and flip-flops? Next to your bug out bag should be the “outfit” you change into before bugging out. You will need clothes that are both comfortable and functional. Depending on the seasons, you may need to change the clothing out. For example, add in some under layers like long johns and wool socks for winter and for summer you will want a hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your face and neck.
24-7 Ripstop Pants
Even during the hot summer months, long pants are better than shorts. Long pants will keep bugs off your legs, help prevent cuts and scrapes when hiking or climbing, and if you are bugging out in the woods will you avoid getting poison ivy. Tru-Spec 24/7 tactical pants are made of a 65/35 poly/cotton ripstop (nylon) blend with a Teflon coat. This means that the Tru-Spec 24/7 pants are tear- and abrasion-resistant. They are durable and appropriate for both summer and winter. The thing I like about cargo pants is all the different options in pockets. These have numerous pockets, at least ten, to stash a lot of gear. Full size AR-15 magazines fit comfortably in the two bigger side pockets.
TRU-SPEC Combat Shirt
Designed to be worn under a MOLLE or other tactical vest, the Tru-Spec combat shirt T.R.U. is a true tactical shirt. It feels like a t-shirt, but instead of being 100% cotton, it is constructed of a 60/40 cotton nylon blend with a Cordura base layer that will wick away moisture and keep your dry. It has zippered sleeve pockets and padded elbows.
Shemagh, White and Black
A shemagh has more uses than a bandana, because of its size. This lightweight cotton wrap measures 36- by 44-inches. Not only will it keep the sun off your neck, head, or face, but you can also use it has a facemask to keep out dust, sand, and dirt. You can also use it in an emergency situation as a sling for a broken or injured arm, as a gun cloth, a wipe, bandage strips, toilet paper, and as many more ways as you can come up with.
Wiley X Eyewear SG-1 Tactical Goggles
A good set of goggles is essential for protecting your eyes at the shooting range, while riding a motorcycle, or during tactical operations. Wiley X Eyewear are THE goggles to invest in. The SG-1 tactical goggles are authorized for use by the United States military. Not only do they meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 high-velocity standards, but they are also MIL-PRF-31013 ballistic certified. The Wiley X Eyewear SG-1 tactical goggles include clear lenses and smoke lenses, so you can interchange them depending on lighting conditions. Included is also in elastic strap for a secure fit on your head. For shooting zombie night ops, they Wiley X SG-1 goggles are night-vision compatible.
BLACKHAWK! S.O.L.A.G. Light Assault Gloves
A good pair of work gloves is important if you are going to have to do manual labor, which is a safe assumption in bugging out, such as constructing shelter, chopping wood, and other such tasks. Further, if it is winter, you will want to keep your hands warm. The Blackhawk! Special Operations Light Assault gloves come in a full-finger and a half-finger version. For water- and abrasion-resistance, there is leather on the palms and fingertips. There is also padded protection on the back of the hands and fingers. Made as an all-purpose tactical glove, the quick-drying synthetic Blackhawk! S.O.L.A.G. gloves provide a slip-free grip when wet and fit securely with two adjustments.
Add a sturdy, comfortable pair of boots and you should be good to go.
What other clothing items do you suggest?
These are very handy items! Useful for home use as well as travel. They help keep your suitcase from becoming an unorganized mess while traveling.