CLOTHING
Leviticus 19:19 states we should not mix natural fibers of cloth together. As an example of this, many military issue socks are cotton and wool blends. This is against the commandments of Torah. As for natural and manmade fibers, personal conviction must be trusted and respected.
HOT CLIMATE DRESS
Contrary to the way most people dress in hot climates, light colored and almost non-existent clothing is not the way to go. Desert dwellers know that darker clothing which fits loose and covers more skin acts like a built in air conditioner. Sweat from the body is trapped and works to cool the skin. This in turn cuts down on moisture loss and dehydration.
Cotton, linen or synthetic materials are fine for warm climates, but be careful of cotton as the sun goes down. Wet cotton can kill!
COTTON- COMFORTABLE YET DEADLY
Most of modern clothing is made of cotton. In survival situations, cotton is known as "DEATH CLOTH." Cotton holds moisture instead of wicking it away from the skin. When wet cotton has zero insulating properties. Cotton dries very slow and can become very heavy when wet. Unless you are sure of the weather, cotton is not normally the best choice.
COLD CLIMATE DRESS
Layering is as old as clothing itself. Non-cotton under layers with heavier layers on top can keep you warm even in the harshest environments. Wool provides insulation even when wet. Nylon keeps the cold winds at bay.
When working in cold climates, remove layers of clothing so you do not sweat. A setting sun, falling temperatures and a sweaty body is a recipe for a miserable or even deadly night.
THE SHOE LEATHER EXPRESS
Long before modern modes of transportation there were feet. In good condition they are great servants for moving the body from one place to another. They are always with you and you never have to find the keys to get them started.
Feet need to be properly maintained. Good footwear is a must. This is not the place to cut corners.
Socks should be chosen for the climate. Lightweight wool socks may be better in the long run that cheap cotton. Keep socks clean. Have extra so they can be washed and dried regularly. Carry moleskin pads in your pack to guard against blisters. A pare of nylon booties can also help keep blisters from forming. It only takes a blister or two and you will be laid up for days healing.
Shoes should be high quality and like socks chosen for the climate. Shoes for work, snow, desert and play should be purchased and broken in. Buy reputable brands that are well established and respected. You will thank yourself later!
GLOVES
Equally as critical as care for the feet is care for our hands. Without them, work comes to a halt and we become a liability to our community instead of help. Quality leather work gloves are a must. Keep a few pair handy. For cold weather, quality thinsulate gloves and mittens should be worn.
DON'T FORGET THE HEAD
As much as ninety percent of your body heat goes out the top of your head. A stocking cap or winter hat will keep much needed body heat in. In summer, a lightweight broad brim hat can keep you cool. Also try a bandana or similar cloth soaked in water and wrapped about the neck.
KEEPING IT CLEAN
You may one day find yourself in a place where there are no laundry facilities. I am not sure if cleanliness is really next to Godliness, but it sure can be a blessing to those around you!
Washing clothes in the local stream may seem like a quaint idea, but when you have to cut through the ice to find water, quaint will give over to other words very soon.
There are manual clothes washing machines on the market which work well. A clean commercial type mop bucket with squeegee will also work.
If water is not available or other circumstances dictate, you can also use the sun to clean your clothes. Simply hang them out or lay them on a rock for several hours then turn them inside out and allow them to sun some more. The sun will disinfect the clothes.
REPAIRS
I am really counting on an Exodus miracle of clothes and shoes not wearing out, but just in case, a sewing kit may come in real handy. Being able to sew up a tear in an article of clothing or duct tape a shoe back together temporarily may just make you the hero of the day.
WARM AT NIGHT
Don't forget items like sleeping bags and warm blankets. Wool army blankets store well and can be invaluable on a cold night. Be sure you have padding or some type of insulation under you if you are sleeping on the ground. Your body heat will be sucked right to the center of the earth without it.