Knapsack with a spare pair of moccasins.
Prepping For Survival
PART TWO.
Clothing: Your clothing will not last for ever, so in
this case sustainable means being able to replace it, plus hard wearing.
When I mention wearing
18th century style clothing, I suddenly lose people’s interest. But
let me ask you this, what exactly do you intend to wear when your camouflage clothing
wears out? What do you intend to wear on your feet when your present footwear
breaks down?
Some of those that
agree still don’t see the need to make this clothing before their present
clothing wears out. But think how much easier it will be to just replace your
present clothing if you have it already made. The other plus is having made
this clothing, you now know how to do it. The moccasins on your feet are also a
pattern for your next pair, to say nothing of the fact that it will be
difficult for anyone to track you when you are wearing moccasins instead of
heavy treaded boots!
You don’t have to wear
knee-breeches, you can just wear an easily made breechclout. Leggings are
practicle and made of leather they are very good protection for the legs.
Period shirts are very roomy and therefore hard wearing with no stress points.
A waistcoat is not heavy but adds warmth to the upper body. The frock has been
in use for hundreds of years because it is a practicle garment and protects
your other clothing. A neckerchief is practicle and versatile, and a broad
brimmed hat is excellent for Australian weather conditions.
With a wool shirt,
wool waistcoat, wool Monmouth cap and mittens rolled up in your blanket roll,
you will be warmer at night. In extreme cold climes you can double up on this
clothing on cold nights. This clothing goes on top of the clothing that you are
already wearing. Remember, do not go to bed if your clothing is wet or damp,
take it off and dry it by the fire, then put it back on. If it is not safe to
make fire, then take the damp clothing off and replace it with the dry clothing.
A half-blanket can be
worn in cold weather worn as a cape. The blanket can also be worn as a
Matchcoat. I suggest that unless travelling by water, that you don’t roll your
blanket in your oilcloth. In this way your oilcloth can be retrieved quickly in
a sudden downpour and can be used to cover yourself and the gear you are
carrying.
With this kit, and the knowledge I have, I can survive in the wilderness for years.
Any questions?
Carrying a half-axe through the ties on my blanket roll.
Using the half-blanket.
The frock.
Long waistcoat and leather leggings.
This belly-box is for carrying paper cartridges. Using paper cartridges makes it much faster to load.
I use a series of cotton and linen cloth bags for cleaning water before boiling.
One of my five greased leather gunpowder bags.
Additional tools if you have a partner or are a member of a group, may include:
A small light shovel head. The stail or handle to be made when you reach your destination.
Rope trail snares, the lower one I made/corded myself.
Heavy duty framed 17th century reading glasses.
Pure wool handmade Monmouth cap.
Typical 19th century butcher knife of the type found in second hand shops. This one would make a great hunting knife. Cost, $7.00.
Optional short light hunting sword for close quarters self-defence.
Small auger and gimlet.
Larger auger.
Felling axe with a light head and a long straight helve. Two fascine knives or bill hooks, an adze, a half-axe and the author's tomahawk.
A small light mattock head. Again, the handle can be made later, or it could be carried by someone with the handle for use as a weapon. The same applies to any gardening tools you may decide to carry in your group.
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