Excerpts from our new book The Handbook for Survival Sense in the Outdoors
Virtually every process in the body, including problem
solving capabilities, tie directly to proper body temperature. Maintaining thermal balance (98.6°F)
remains one of the most important personal goals in any survival
situation. Given the human body’s narrow
functional temperature range of about 12 degrees (+/- 6°F), self-help becomes
impossible below 92°F and above 104°F.
Proper Clothing for Cold
Try to protect areas of the body that lose a lot of heat
when exposed, and protect the extremities (hands and feet) critical to solving
survival problems. Pay close attention
to the head and neck, the sternum, the lateral sides of the body, the groin,
the hands, and feet.
1. Wearing clothing in layers helps insulate and
ventilate as necessary.
(Many thin
layers work better than one thick layer.)
a. Base layer: non-cotton long underwear
b. Insulation layer: fleece or wool work well
c. Environmental layer: windproof / waterproof (breathable)
2. Avoid constricting garments, especially at wrist, neck, waist, ankles, and feet.
(Constriction tends to cause cold hands and feet.)
4. Wear darker colors in winter climates. (Dark colors absorb heat energy from the sun.)
5. A warm head usually means warm feet as well. (Warm cold feet by putting on a hat.)
6. Never overheat from excessive activity without shedding layers.
(Try not to get wet from perspiration on the inside of clothing.)
Order yours here: The Handbook for Survival Sense in the Outdoors
