We should always be prepared whenever we step outside our door. When heading off into the wild for a day or several days of camping, a person should be even more prepared. Aside from the essentials like food, water and other basic survival gear like a flashlight or a flint, a person should be ready for the changes in weather and fluctuating temperatures that could happen.
The human body is incredible because it can survive subtle fluctuations in temperature. However, there is a limit to how much a body could tolerate, depending on what kind of conditions the body is acclimatized to. That said, it’s important to be prepared to face any sort of weather. You can do this by watching or reading about the weather forecast for the time you plan on being outdoors. Once you know what you need to prepare for, you can dress accordingly.
In the wild, you should always be at 100% because you never know when you might need to run or climb. If you aren’t prepared for the weather, you could catch a cold or develop a fever. Having a fever is bad enough when you’re camping, but if you can’t get proper rest and medical attention, it could progress to pneumonia. Preventing sickness from happening is always the best option, which is why you should have a survival coat with you.
What is it
A survival coat is just what it sounds like, a coat that is made specifically for you to weather the great outdoors. It keeps you warm and dry, so it keeps you from catching a cold. Coats are also great because they have pockets you can store important things like identification and knives in. Another perk of coats is that they can help soften the stress that the straps of your backpack can put on your shoulders.
What makes a good coat
Weather Protection
The most important reason for having a coat is so that you can keep warm. While blankets and sleeping bags are helpful at night, higher altitudes have lower temperatures. So if you are on a mountain hike, a coat would be helpful.
Being waterproof is also a great asset of a good survival coat. The weather can change abruptly, so you’ll never know when you need to stay dry. While in the city umbrellas are the norm, bringing an umbrella to a hike is a waste of backpack space. A waterproof coat with a hood saves you bag space and time, since you don’t have to pull out an umbrella.
Durability
You and your coat will be put under stressful conditions on survival trips. A good coat should be made from material that won’t easily tear from being snagged on a branch. The stitching of the jacket should also hold strong.
Comfort
You should be comfortable in what you wear. The jacket should never restrict or hamper your movement or your breathing. Choose a jacket that fits you perfectly.
