What Type of Clothes to Pack in Your 72-Hour Kit

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It seems that all too often, preppers focus heavily on the tools and supplies in their 72-hour kit, forgetting that everyday items like clothing are just as important in a survival situation. Packing the proper clothes in your bug out bag is crucial—it can make the difference between surviving an emergency or not. A survival situation can strike when you least expect it—while on vacation, commuting, or even in bed. You don’t want to be stuck in Bermuda shorts, business attire, or sleepwear for the next 72 hours. But if you’re not prepared with the right clothing, that’s exactly what could happen.

Should You Pack Seasonally?

Some preppers prefer to pack seasonally—warm clothes in winter, lighter clothes in summer. However, this approach isn’t always ideal. Depending on your location during an emergency, you may need to be prepared for any weather condition. This is especially true if the emergency turns into a long-term survival situation. Therefore, it’s best to pack clothing suitable for all seasons while considering the typical weather patterns of your area. For example, if you live on the Gulf Coast, you don’t need Arctic gear, but you should still pack a coat that will keep you warm at night if you head north in the winter.

The Attributes Survival Clothing Needs

You shouldn’t simply pack everyday clothing in a 72-hour bag. This clothing will need to protect you in potentially extreme conditions, and it must last. Make sure your survival clothing has the following attributes:

• Durable: This will be the only clothing you have, so it must be long-lasting. Avoid thin or cheaply made materials, and choose clothing that’s easy to repair if necessary.
• Comfortable: You may need to walk long distances, so comfort is key.
• Versatile: Your clothing should be adaptable to different weather conditions, terrains, and survival situations.
• Inconspicuous: Choose clothes that don’t draw attention. Avoid bright colors or patterns, especially camouflage, which can attract unwanted attention from looters in urban settings or make you easy to spot in rural areas.
• Natural fibers: Stick to cotton, denim, silk, or wool. Avoid synthetic blends, as they are more flammable. In fact, the USMC banned Under Armour for troops in Iraq due to fire hazards.

What to Pack

Here’s a basic list of what to include in your 72-hour bag. Be sure to adapt it to your region’s climate and terrain, and remember to choose dark, subdued colors for all layers:

• Head Gear: Watch cap, baseball hat, or similar headwear.
• Tops: 2 cotton t-shirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket or poncho, a wool sweater, and a topcoat (depending on your region).
• Bottoms: A silk-weight base layer, 2 pairs of pants (BDU with extra pockets is great, but avoid camo patterns). Durable jeans or work pants (like Carhartt) are ideal for colder climates.
• Footwear: Multiple pairs of socks (at least six). Wool socks are crucial in colder regions. Hiking boots are essential, as you may need to walk for days.
• Accessories: Leather work gloves or flight gloves. A rigger’s belt is preferable due to its versatility and strength.

Do you have any tips or advice not covered in this article? We would love your feedback and questions in the comments below.