Thursday 23/10/14

Few weeks ago in my blog I raised the issue of dressing appropriately for the task at hand. This week, I'm going to be a little more specific and talk about life outside the urban environment. I'm not talking about long-term survival beyond the reach of civilisation; this is for everyday living in the countryside and for camping trips. If I appear to be repeating one or two things I've mentioned previously, it's because those concepts are important.

This particular blog is advice for subtropical environments; because that is the environment I live in and understand. Other environments (desert, snow and tropical) have their own quirks that I am unaware of; but most of the advice in this blog is relevant to them too.

Synthetic fibres and hi-tech sportswear should only be worn when you're playing your chosen sport. I know this might sound strange, because recent advances in synthetic materials have been remarkable. I base this advice on having grown up in an area that had long, hot summers and was prone to bushfires. This taught me to only trust natural fibres: denim, drill cotton, wool, and natural cotton. Even though these materials are heavier than synthetic materials, they offer better protection in the event of a fire and are less likely to get snagged or torn on rocks or bushes. Long sleeved shirts and long legged pants offer the best protection from the sun, wind and parasites.

Unless you're fishing, leave your sneakers at home. Leather boots with thick rubber soles will protect your feet and ankles on rough terrain. During snake season and bushfire season, you'll be grateful for the extra protection offered by jeans and a pair of boots.

I know caps are fashionable, but they're virtually useless if you have to spend any length of time in the sun. A wide brimmed hat is ideal for wide open spaces, or a floppy brimmed bush hat if you're in confined spaces (a hat with a floppy brim won't get knocked off by bushes or branches). Not only will a hat shield your eyes from the sun and prevent your face from getting sunburnt, it stops spiders and ticks falling from trees and into your hair.

It doesn't matter where you are, socks and underwear should only be made from natural fibres. I'm sure I don't need to elaborate on the nasty germs that thrive in warm, moist environments.

I don't know why, but people don't seem to wear belts anymore. Not only does a belt keep your pants up, it gives you somewhere to hang pouches for your torch and camping knife.

Hopefully I've given you something to think about, and a few less of you will be tempted to go camping wearing nothing more than a pair of boardshorts, a singlet and a pair of thongs.