All these lists focus on our beloved gadgets. A condom/canteen holds water. Why is there so little thought to our own reservoir of body heat? There are first layer systems for every circumstance; polys, silk,smart wool and fishnet. A watchcap and mittens greatly increase retained core heat. A poncho AND liner, while not always the best raingear, are doubly versatile as an expediant shelter and insulated groundcloth. Bandannas !!!!!! None of these items take any great space or draw curious looks. Long sleeved shirts can always be rolled up in warm weather. Try rolling down a short sleeved shirt after nightfall !

I have just been reviewing my personal 'EDC Clothing.'<br><br>I learned long ago, durring a rain soaked white water rafting trip, that wool really does keep you warm when soaked.<br><br>At work, I wear cotton (I drive a computer), but as we all know "cotton = death."<br><br>I have been looking at the latest HighTech fibers, and they really seem to work, but they are not fire resistant. Worse, they melt and add to whatever other problems that you might have. Natural fibers (i.e., wool, silk) seem to have some fire resistance in addition to protection from rain and cold.<br><br>what do you folks think?<br><br> larry<br>

Larry, well the fix worked and your back! I have a mixed bag of clothing. Silk, poly and fishnet are a tossup, I like them all for first layer use. Wool is my prefered second layer, but that is as much personal preference as performance level. Wool is quiet. There are times when this is desired ( nature observation). Product life and cleaning ease are neglected in the initial cost outlay. My dry cleaner loves to see me stop in! Outer layer ( rain/wind) gear is where it can get controversial. Inadequate venting can quickly turn the wearer wet and hypothermic with nary a raindrop penetrating. I am not satisfied with any; goretex, nylon or traditional oilskins if I cannot vent my own body perspiration. Sleeping bags are a whole different study in themselves. I went from a premium down bag ( useless when wet, degrades with compression and lifespan) to a vapor barrier liner, which is self defeating the minute you crawl out and uncomfortable. I even went the traditional bedroll route of canvas and wool blankets until my horse protested the weight. I finally found the products at www.wiggy.com to meet my needs. The site is loaded with well reasoned explanations of filler materials. It is slanted to their product. I also once possessed a rabbit fur troopers hat. I was glassing coyotes when a round sailed past my head. The Nimrod was quite apologetic. I've never seen rabbits with binnoculars, but a wool watch cap replaced it.

I, too, have a varied selection of clothes. These days it is mostly synthetic - I seem to be moving toward natural when possible.<br><br>I just picked up a jacket made of a wool/nylon blend. The material is made by Schoeller, the jacket is by Ibex (http://www.ibexwear.com/). So far it seems to work really well. It's light, warm, and sheds water like a duck. I got it on closeout from the Ibex web store so I saved about 40%. Living in the San Francisco Bay area I expect it will get lots of use.<br><br>I'm still looking for pants. BDUs are a little too "informal."<br><br>Rain gear is another issue. I havent found anything that I really like -- like you stated, most don't vent well enough.<br><br>I love my Smartwool sox. As far as I'm concerned, there are none better. I may try their long underwear when I wear out my Patagonia long johns.<br>

For pants try Filson in Seattle, or the many hunting mailorder companies such as Cabellas. The various pants are well made and good looking enough for a walk down Geary on a friday night, yet tough enough for field use.