Worrying about basic necessities like food, water, and shelter is understandable in a survival scenario. However, keep in mind that medical care will not be available.
In survival situations, health concerns often focus on issues such as sickness that cannot be treated with basic first-aid. Nevertheless, it’s just as necessary to safeguard your health in other respects.
Even if you’re well-prepared with first-aid supplies, physical wounds can be quite disabling. They can restrict movement and increase the risk of inner issues such as bacterial infections caused by broken limbs.
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You can prevent such accidents by investing in the proper safety equipment. From head to toe, you’ll find various levels of protection.
1. Wearing External Joint and Digit Protection While Outdoors Ensures Safety
Your joints and the areas of your body at the end of your arms and legs, such as the hands and feet, are among the most vulnerable.
Since you’re usually wearing shoes, your hands are generally the only unprotected body parts. Whether in a natural landscape or an urban environment, neglecting your hand and joint safety can be dangerous.
There are many hazards to which various types of gloves can provide protection. For instance, impact-resistant gloves can prevent severe finger injuries caused by falling objects or being struck.
In wilderness situations, you may need gloves covering your whole hand and protecting your fingers. These gloves should be made of a material that can withstand cuts, such as leather.
ATX-95 : ALL-LEATHER GLOVES WITH KNUCKLE ARMOR
- Your finest firearm or the sleekest sports car personified in a glove design
- All-purpose year-round leather duty gloves with integrated hard knuckles
- Reinforced palm panels for extra durability
- Leather piping on the backs of hands
- Ergonomic design for a contoured tight, but flexible fit
- Pull tab for easy on-and-off
- Size range: Men's SM to XXLG
Wearing protective gloves allows you to handle these risks without fear of cutting yourself and suffering an infection. Infections, particularly in challenging circumstances where access to medication may be limited, could be severe.
Joints are crucial for your body, so it is essential to protect them in a survival scenario. The knees and elbows are the two body parts most vulnerable to damage during a fall, making it crucial to keep them in good condition.
Your knees are used in almost every motion, from simple activities like walking and running to more complex ones like constructing shelter, holding objects, etc.
Simple protective gear like elbow and knee pads can save your joints by taking a hit from a hard surface, such as a rock or pavement, if you slip and fall. Wearing them can prevent serious injuries that will set you back.
Crawling with these knee pads is also more comfortable. You may need to use your kneecaps to navigate barriers such as fences covered in metal links, barbed wiring, or other obstacles, which can be painful without protection.
2. Optical Equipment Aids Navigation in The Dark
Driving at night, particularly in rural areas, poses risks. The lack of light makes it hard to see obstacles like tree stumps or wild animals searching for sustenance.
Nevertheless, there are several benefits. Traveling at night, particularly in warm regions, tends to be more at ease because it’s less hot, and you dodge issues like heat stress, dehydration, and overall unease.
Another advantage of traveling at night is that it allows you to evade detection and potential injury from other people.
In circumstances like this, it’s best to avoid using a headlamp or a flashlight, as these make it easier for others to see you. Instead, consider using specialized eyewear, like night-vision glasses, that enhances visibility in darkness.
Night vision comes in different forms, each with its benefits and drawbacks. To determine which one is best for your needs, consider various scenarios you may encounter.
Night vision devices are available in various forms, ranging from relatively inexpensive models that use an infrared LED to more expensive devices that utilize a camera to detect infrared light.
The goggles function by employing an invisible infrared flashlight. The camera on one lens picks up the infrared light, bouncing off various objects in your vision.
The camera uses a display inside the lens to show you the footage of what you’re looking at. This type of night vision is quite affordable.
While it has its benefits, it also has drawbacks. For instance, an IR torch will appear like a regular headlight to individuals who can see in the dark, defeating the purpose.
The camera can sometimes experience a delay, making you feel dizzy. The high-end versions of this use “white” or “green” phosphorus night vision.
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These glasses do not rely on a flashlight; they merely boost the available lighting. Even with minimal starlight filtering through cloud cover, they increase visibility enough to make objects noticeable.
The high-end price for such eyewear ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. While the price tag may seem steep, many emergency preparedness enthusiasts may find the advantages worthwhile.
3. Discover the Perfect Footwear for Your Survival Scenario
For outdoor activities, having appropriate footwear is essential, but it becomes even more crucial during emergencies, where obtaining replacements could be challenging.
The ideal pair of shoes for survival should be long-lasting, comfortable for extended periods, offer sufficient safety, and have excellent traction. Finding a single shoe that embodies all these characteristics can be challenging, but it’s not unattainable.
For those uniformed professionals who are looking for the most valuable duty boot, the Force 8” Side-Zip is for you. Built on our latest slip-resistant outsole platform and outfitted with many technical performance features, including a YKK® side-zipper for easy on and off fit, this boot is ready to keep you looking sharp and comfortable on any shift.
Details:
Full-grain leather / 1000 denier nylon upper with polishable toe
YKK® side-zipper in Coil pattern for easy on and off fit with hook and loop tab-stay closure
Foam padded collar
Moisture-wicking lining with AEGIS antimicrobial protection
Durable brass alloy, rust-proof hardware
Removable custom-fit EVA insole
Texon stability platform for lateral support and torsional rigidity
Steel shank for superior support
Custom-molded thermoplastic heel counter and toe box for instant comfort and lateral support
High abrasion PU heel kick plate for increased durability
EVA compression zones in heel and forefoot for added comfort
Carbon rubber slip-resistant, non-marking cupsole with ladder grips exceeds ASTM F2913-11 safety standard for slip resistance
When it comes to comfort, people have different preferences. Even if two people wear the same size, a shoe may not fit well for them if they have varying amounts of arches and widths.
Comfort can be improved by using a high-quality insole. These can be customized to fit your shoes and offer more support and comfort than simply wearing socks. There are many different types of insoles available to accommodate various foot shapes.
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting shoes for use in survival circumstances. Your footwear should be made of a robust material that can withstand harsh conditions without easily tearing or deteriorating.
Outdoor shoes are designed to handle a variety of weather and terrain. They are made to withstand harsh conditions such as rain, snow, mud, and rocky trails. Some military-style boots are also made to be durable, depending on the model.
4. Wearing Protective Clothing to Stay Safe
In certain situations, a severe survival scenario may turn violent. During a large-scale social breakdown, some individuals might have weapons and pose a threat to you.
Even if you’re not planning on using force to resist aggression, you should always prioritize your safety. In such cases, you may want to invest in protective equipment like bullet-resistant vests.
The Security Pro Gladiator Tactical Assault Vest has been tested and proven to perform on the field by receiving a rating of Level IIIA from the USA National Institute of Justice (NIJ 0101.06) for soft body armor.
- NIJ Level IIIA protection (0101.06)
- 10”x12” bottom loading plate pockets
- Front and back ballistic protection
- 360-degree MOLLE platform
- Additional space for soft or hard armor plate inserts
- Optional accessories: shoulders, collar, throat, biceps, groin, kidney/lower back (sold separately)
- Soft armor panels have been tested to defeat: 9mm, .357, .44 Magnum rifle, .45, .40 S&W FMJ, and lesser threats.
Bulletproof vests are the most common form of protection for individuals. The torso, which contains the heart, lungs, and other vital organs, is a favored target for shooters, making it one of the most dangerous areas to be struck.
Wearing a ballistic vest may save your life by preventing bullets from penetrating your body. Even though it has its constraints, it can be a valuable asset, which is why most law enforcement and military staff use it.
For a safe configuration, a body armor system is essential. These vests are designed to be worn and have compartments where bullet-resistant plates can be placed. They often feature external MOLLE attachments, allowing for the carrying of additional equipment such as first aid kits or storage containers.
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Bulletproof vests are made of materials like Kevlar, which effectively stop bullets. Nevertheless, even with a Kevlar vest, you may still be injured.
Bulletproof clothing is designed to absorb the impact of a bullet and prevent it from reaching the wearer. While it doesn’t necessarily stop the bullet, it does reduce its speed and energy, making it less likely to cause serious injury.
Side plates and other types of protective gear are available to protect different parts of the human body. Full-head bullet-resistant helmets are also available, although they tend to be costly. Some of these helmets have even been proven to offer protection against small arms fire and projectiles, making them a valuable asset in various dangerous situations.
5. Tips on Finding the Perfect Protective Plate for You
Several types of bullet-resistant panels can be used with a vest. The type of panel you choose will depend on cost, materials, dimensions, and shape. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so you must decide which is best for you.
The first step in creating a bullet-resistant panel is to decide which one to use. The two most common options are steel and ceramic. While it may seem counterintuitive, a plate made from ceramic can effectively withstand a bullet.
Ceramic plates have some advantages over steel ones. They are lighter, making them more comfortable to carry.
One significant disadvantage of using steel armor plates is that they have the potential to bounce back. Though they effectively block bullets, the projectile shatters on contact, dispersing metal fragments in various directions. This can be perilous not only for the user but also for anyone nearby.
On the other hand, ceramic is designed to break on purpose to absorb the impact of a bullet. This helps to prevent potentially dangerous ricochets that could result in embedded shrapnel. The only drawback is that you may feel more impact, but it’s still a better option than taking a straight bullet hit.
Another benefit of ceramic dishes is that they tend to be lighter than their plastic counterparts. Consequently, they are less likely to cause fatigue when carried for extended periods, making them suitable for travel.
The disadvantages of using ceramic plates are limited. They are slightly more expensive than other options. However, it is unlikely that you would need to withstand multiple gunshots in a row.
6. Wearing Eye and Ear Protection May Be Necessary
When violence breaks out, high-quality protection for your eyes and ears can significantly improve your well-being.
Using firearms, even just for recreational purposes, can cause significant hearing loss. It’s important to wear earplugs when handling guns. You should also protect your eyes from flying particles and debris.
Although better than nothing, earplugs are still efficient for hearing defense. They can help reduce noise, such as that produced by firearms, but they are unreliable.
On the other hand, ear muffs are far more successful. They provide much better noise reduction than earplugs by completely covering your ears. They work even better when used together.
However, a disadvantage is associated with using non-electronic ear protectors. Since the primary purpose of these devices is to filter out deafening noises, they also block out softer ones. As a result, subtle sounds like footsteps may become barely audible.
Electronic earplugs are worth the extra money. They have tiny microphones that allow you to hear quiet sounds while reducing loud volumes. This will enable you to communicate effectively while still protecting your hearing.
When protecting your eyes, your options are limited, but various choices remain. Standard eyewear shields your eyes from small things like stones and debris that might fly into your face.
You can choose to wear full-protection eyewear, which offers more coverage around the eyes. This type of eyewear provides enhanced protection from various angles, preventing foreign objects from entering the eyes. Additionally, there are options for prescription eye protection for those who regularly use eyeglasses.
7. Backpacks for Hiking Can Also Offer Protection
Even if you don’t want to invest in dedicated body armor, you can add extra safety to some hiking and backpack bags. In an emergency, you’ll need a way to transport your belongings, so why not include safety features as well?
The pockets in these vests are designed to hold an armor plate, a ceramic, metal, or plastic panel used in body armor. You can insert any compatible plate if it fits into the designated pocket.
There are bags made from materials like Kevlar that can withstand bullets fired from lower-caliber weapons. These can protect you if you’re assaulted from the rear.
These bags are available in various designs, from basic to more stylish. Some are reminiscent of conventional school bags and are thus less conspicuous, while others are styled to appear like military equipment.
Hiking backpacks are a necessity for emergencies, so adding a bit of extra security makes sense. You’ll need a robust bag to carry essential items like food, water, and a sanctuary as you hike.
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When choosing a backpack, make sure it is comfortable to wear. Look for padded straps and a waist belt to help spread weight evenly.
The weight of body armor matters a lot, mainly because it is not necessarily lightweight. Improper distribution of weight can cause shoulder pain and make long walks difficult.
8. Wearing the Right Equipment Will Keep Your Head Protected
In situations where violence is possible, wearing a helmet is crucial. Your skull is particularly vulnerable to injury from falling objects, a natural disaster, or an assailant.
Regarding helmet safety, the primary consideration should be the impact resistance. You have a wide variety of choices when selecting helmets that can provide adequate protection for different levels of impact.
Helmets like football, hockey, or even baseball are designed to absorb impact and protect your head.
In addition to football helmets, other protective headgear available, such as bikes, motorbikes, horseback riding, or even climbing helmets, offer protection against head injuries.
Many of the hazards associated with head injury come from nature. For instance, unstable tree branches may break when hiking during strong winds. These falling limbs pose a danger to hikers.
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Rocky areas with steep cliffs can pose a danger due to falling stones. Animals or individuals moving above may dislodge rocks and cause them to tumble down rapidly. Without a helmet, this can result in serious injury.
For optimal safety, you might opt for a contemporary combat-style helmet. These helmets are designed to protect against falling objects and shrapnel, as they are generally not bullet-resistant.
Bulletproof headgear does, however, exist. While few firms manufacture such equipment, some helmets are effective at preventing most handgun bullets, albeit at a price.
Some safety helmets include built-in protection for the eyes. They have bullet-resistant glass over the eyes so that a fortunate shot won’t reach them. Additionally, they are frequently polarized, providing a clearer view of the surroundings.
Different situations may necessitate the use of protective gear. It could be necessary when hiking in the wilderness, during a natural disaster, or in everyday life. Therefore, it is essential to equip yourself and your loved ones with the necessary safety gear.
I’m the daughter of 2 original survivalists who moved from the north to sunny Florida. My mother, along with her parents, bought 30 mostly uncleared acres in 1938. The first home was made of pecky-cypress and built by a house-raising. My mother raised 10,000 chickens.
My divorced mother met and married my father in 1948. From pine trees on our property, he hand-built a log cabin. He also built a tarpaper-lined 65’x45′ pool with duck pond overflow. We had an artesian well for our water and powering our hand-built waterwheel for the pool. He built a substantial cantilevered roof workshop with a car pit in the massive cement floor.
Since my early teens, I have read a ton of books about survival, prepping, the bomb, an apocalypse, homestead living, and SHTF situations. As an adult, I continue to read sci-fi, survival prepping, and science. I practice a prepper lifestyle albeit a bit modified, read a lot, buy a lot, pack/store a lot of anything survival related.
Read my About Me post for more details on our self-sufficient living. I lived there until I went to college in 1968.
My SurvivalPrepperSupply.com blog strives to educate individuals on coping with natural and human-caused disasters using article posts about preparing for emergencies.
