When considering what one needs during a TEOTWAWKI scenario, clothing is always on the list. We often choose our clothing based on the features of either looks or functionality. However, when preparing for TEOTWAWKI, we need to take both types of features into consideration, especially with camouflage!
Almost every person I know plans on using some type of camouflage, whether its a military or tactical pattern that is their choice for everyday use. This is perfectly acceptable, but I constantly tell them that they should not limit themselves to just one pattern. Let’s look at two scenarios that may affect what one might wear or carry.
Scenario 1:
You are at home when you learn that a TEOTWAWKI event has taken place. It is just you and your significant other. You expect other members of your family/party/clan to arrive within days.
Scenario 2:
Your car stops on the highway (due to EMP or other TEOTWAWKI event). You now have to beat feet to your home, which is miles away.
The first scenario is one that most of my friends are prepared for. “What do I need to store and keep at my location?” is typically the question they ask. In a catastrophic event, our clothing can keep us hid as well as play an important role in identification. Most families/groups that prep together, plan together. These groups generally plan to store and keep some type of camouflage/military clothing around for use (hunting, guard force, working, and so forth). It is important to consider who will wear what and when they will wear it. If you don’t already know your group’s answers to the following questions, you should develop some:
- Will only the guard force wear camo?
- Is that camo going to be different from what our food gatherers (and hunters) wear?
- If the guard force are the only ones wearing camo, how will we tell who belongs in our group and who doesn’t?
- Is our camo/military pattern easily accessible?
- If it is, do we (as a group) run the risk of someone infiltrating our home/camp?
- If we go with an unusual camo pattern (for identification), will it be functional in our area?
- Is our pattern available for warm and cold weather gear?
These are just a few of the questions that groups should identify and brainstorm when conducting their planning. Also, the most practical camo patterns are the most expensive. Groups need to ask themselves if all members can afford the more expensive multi-cam or digital patterns. In addition, groups need to make sure all members have that camo on them in their bug out bags/G.O.O.D bags. Those camo/military patterns have a whole different use when you’re confronted with scenario #2.
The second scenario is one that most of us fear– being away from our “safe haven” when the manure hits the fan. Let’s say that the individual in the second scenario is trying to get back to those in the first scenario (their group/family at home). Camouflage is also something to think about in this scenario. Once again, all of my friends tend to think they will just get camo’d up and head out. However, there are lots of things to consider in this scenario.
- Will my group be expecting me to arrive in camo or civilian clothes?
- Am I going to travel during the day or night, and will that help or hinder my camo?
- Do I want to put on camo and risk looking like a militant/prepper type, which can also be confused with law enforcement?
- Do I want to wear civilian clothes and risk being spotted crossing someone’s land?
- Whose land am I crossing, and do they know me? (Others may be prepared as well and may attack, if they feel threatened by me.)
- What does the terrain look like that I will be crossing, and does my camouflage coincide with that terrain?
Just like the first scenario, these questions need to be addressed during your family/group meetings. These questions need to be applied to your gear as well. For example; having a woodland digital patterned backpack can draw unwanted attention to yourself. However, a bright backpack could single you out, if you’re trying to conceal yourself.
The purpose of this article isn’t to tell you what to do or what not to do. It is here to get your minds thinking. This will provide a guideline for those getting ready. Neither is wrong or right, but hopefully a person can use what’s above to make an educated purchase and prepare the best they can for their situation.