Stay Protected: The Best Bushcraft Clothing for All-Weather Survival

When you're out in the wilderness, nature can be unpredictable and unforgiving. In other words, a bit of a prick. Whether it’s relentless rain, biting cold, or sweltering heat, the clothing you choose can keep you alive… or laugh at your corpse. Proper bushcraft attire isn’t just about durability; it’s about having the right gear to keep you safe, dry, and comfortable in the face of harsh conditions.

In this article, we’ll examine the essential clothing options for bushcraft, exploring how the right materials, layers, and features can shield you from the elements and ensure you’re prepared for whatever the wild throws your way.

What is Bushcraft Clothing, and Why is it Important?

Bushcraft clothing is gear designed to help you endure and thrive in challenging wilderness conditions. Its main function is to protect you from harsh environmental factors, such as extreme weather, rough terrain, and various hazards you may encounter outdoors.

Wearing the right bushcraft clothing is essential for several key reasons:

• Protection: Shields you from rain, snow, wind, hostile insects and other annoying buggers, and extreme temperatures.

• Durability: Ensures your clothing can withstand abrasion, tough environments, and extended use.

• Comfort: Allows for freedom of movement and moisture control, crucial for both short outings and prolonged survival situations.

• Safety: Helps prevent injuries or health risks like hypothermia or heat exhaustion.

With the right clothing, you improve your ability to adapt to changing conditions, increasing your chances of surviving longer and staying prepared in unpredictable wilderness environments. In other words, your life sucks less.

Key Features to Look for

Durability and Material

Bushcraft clothing must withstand rugged environments. Abrasions, tears, and wear from rocks, branches, and rough surfaces are common in the wild, so durable materials are essential. Your material selection depends on how you like to roll. Traditionalists go with natural materials, especially wool. However, while natural fibers like wool and merino wool offer added comfort and warmth in specific conditions, synthetic fibers like ripstop nylon or polyester excel at resisting wear and tear. When choosing materials, balance durability with comfort and functionality:

• Durability: If you want to optimize durability, certain synthetic fabrics like nylon are the key for long-lasting performance. Nylon is highly durable, with excellent resistance to tearing and abrasion, making it ideal for rugged terrain. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-resistant, preventing it from becoming heavy or uncomfortable in wet conditions. Ripstop nylon, with its reinforced grid pattern, adds extra durability by preventing small tears from spreading.

• Water resistance: Polyester and nylon are great for repelling water and drying quickly, making them ideal for wet conditions. Merino wool and regular wool, though slower to dry, retain warmth even when damp, providing insulation in cold, wet environments. Rubber is also another option, especially for footwear and rain gear. It is fully waterproof but its breathability is seriously lacking.

• Comfort: Natural fibers like wool provide excellent comfort and insulation, but they may lack the durability of synthetic materials in harsh conditions. Of course, it is also possible to use blended materials that combine the best of both worlds. Check out, for example, our woolshell pants and woolshell jackets, which use wool blends with synthetic reinforcements.

Comfort and Mobility

Comfort is crucial, especially when you're hiking, climbing, or performing tasks that require flexibility. Clothing should provide freedom of movement while still offering protection. Overly bulky or stiff garments can hinder performance, so prioritize mobility along with protection:

• Mobility: Opt for lightweight, flexible materials like stretchable nylon or spandex blends that allow unrestricted movement. This is crucial for tasks like climbing, where a full range of motion ensures agility and reduces fatigue. If durability is still paramount, use tough outdoor fabrics blended with e.g. a little bit of Spandex, to create a great combination of mobility and durability.

• Layering: Choose breathable, well-fitted base layers that wick moisture, with mid-layers for insulation, like fleece or merino wool, and outer layers that offer wind and water resistance. This system allows you to easily adjust to changing temperatures without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

Weather Resistance and Versatility

Weather conditions in the wild can be unpredictable, making weather-resistant clothing essential. Garments should protect against rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, while versatile clothing allows you to adapt to changing conditions without carrying excess gear. 

Choose garments made from windproof fabrics. Waterproofing depends on how you like to roll. One option is to use waterproof rain ponchos that you can easily pull on your regular outdoor clothing and remove when no longer needed. Another option is to use hardshell jackets and hardshell pants that also offer moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable during intense activity. Look for sealed seams and waterproof zippers for added protection in harsh weather. If you are more of an old-school bushcrafter, you could get a cotton anorak and wax it to make it more water-resistant or make yourself an oilskin jacket. Or simply go with wool clothing and learn to live with the fact that sometimes it is wetter.

Protection and Weight

Bushcraft clothing needs to protect you from the elements—sun, rain, wind, and cold—while being lightweight enough to prevent slowing you down. Heavy clothing can be a burden on long treks, so it’s essential to balance protection with weight:

• Protection: Ensure your clothing provides a barrier against sunburn, rain, wind, and cold, helping prevent risks like hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and UV damage. Look for insulated layers for cold weather, and breathable materials to avoid overheating.

• Lightweight: Choose materials like nylon or polyester that offer solid protection without excessive bulk. These fabrics are light, packable, and durable, making them ideal for long treks where mobility and efficiency are key. Consider packable outer layers that can be easily stowed when not in use.

Breathability

Managing body temperature is crucial in the wilderness, and choosing breathable fabrics is key to staying dry and comfortable. Materials like wool and merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetics allow excess heat and moisture to escape, preventing sweat buildup that can lead to discomfort. This breathability helps regulate your body temperature, reducing the risk of overheating in warm conditions and preventing rapid cooling in cold weather. By managing moisture effectively, these fabrics minimize the risks of both overheating and hypothermia, ensuring comfort and safety in varying climates.

Layering System for Bushcraft Clothing

Base Layer

When you're out in the wild, the weather can change without a warning. One moment it’s warm and sunny, and the next, the frost giants come and throw snowballs at you. That’s where the layering system comes in. A flexible approach to bushcraft clothing, layering allows you to adjust what you're wearing based on the current conditions, helping you stay comfortable and protected, no matter what the environment throws at you.

It all starts with the base layer, the one closest to your skin. The base layer's main job is moisture management. As you hike, chop wood, or set up camp, you’ll sweat, and that sweat needs to be moved away from your skin to keep you dry and prevent discomfort. Merino wool is an ideal material for this because it wicks away moisture instead of absorbing it. It also feels fairly pleasant while warm, and won’t start smelling of death even on longer treks.

Insulating Layer (Mid Layer)

Your body loses heat quickly when exposed to colder temperatures, so the second layer, the insulating layer, helps trap warmth and keep it close to your body. Merino wool is great for this layer too due to its excellent heat retention, even when damp. Another popular choice is fleece. The insulating layer acts as a buffer against the cold, making the choice of material crucial for maintaining warmth in chilly conditions.

For example, a synthetic fleece jacket offers lightweight warmth, dries quickly, and provides excellent insulation without adding bulk. Similarly, a merino wool hoodie is great for colder environments, offering both warmth and moisture-wicking properties, while remaining comfortable and breathable. If it is really cold, nothing beats a proper wool sweater.

Outer Layer

The outer layer is your barrier against the elements, serving as protection from wind, rain, and snow. What is a good outer layer depends on your climate. When it is warm and dry, you want something lightweight and breathable. When it is windy and wet, you want something windproof and waterproof or at least water resistant. And when it is Arctic cold, windproof and warm clothing is a must. Sometimes you may need to mix and match to get what you need.

The beauty of layering is its adaptability. You can put on more layers when it gets cold or remove one if you start to overheat. This flexibility helps you maintain the right body temperature, avoiding both the risk of overheating and the threat of freezing. Whether you're dealing with mild weather or venturing into extreme conditions, the layering system can be adjusted to suit the environment.

For a more in-depth look check out this kickass layering article!

Best Clothing for Different Weather Conditions

Cold Weather

Cold weather conditions demand the right clothing to keep you warm, dry, and safe in the wild. Proper gear helps you maintain body heat, manage moisture, and shield yourself from harsh elements. If you're venturing into freezing temperatures, layering your clothing is key.

Cold-weather clothing ideally consists of three essential parts:

• Base layer: A merino wool long-sleeve shirt or a polyester thermal top are both great options that provide warmth while efficiently managing moisture in cold conditions.

• Insulating layer: Fleece or down jackets are common insulating layers, adding necessary warmth without being too bulky. Traditionalists go with thick 100% wool sweaters

• Outer shell: A good jacket or coat that blocks wind and repels moisture is important for keeping the inner layers dry.

Don't overlook the importance of insulating accessories to cover extremities. Since your head, hands, and neck are prone to losing heat quickly, it's important to have:

• Hats: A merino wool hat or cap will trap heat and keep your head warm, an area where you can lose a significant amount of body heat.

• Gloves: Insulated gloves and mittens help protect your hands from frostbite and keep them functional in cold conditions.

• Scarves: A scarf or neck gaiter will guard against cold air entering through the neck area and help keep the rest of your body warm. Merino wool is an excellent material for these.

• Socks: Warm socks are a very important layer between your feet and footwear.

Having the correct combination of layers and accessories ensures that you stay warm and comfortable while navigating the challenges of cold-weather survival. It is good to pack extra socks, gloves, and a hat so that you have spares when you need to dry the ones you have been using.

Wet Weather

When you're facing wet or rainy conditions, staying dry is important for your comfort and safety. Wet clothing can sap your body heat and leave you vulnerable to hypothermia, so investing in waterproof or water-resistant gear is crucial. Look for clothing made from materials specifically designed to block moisture, as these will help keep you dry even in a downpour.

A hardshell jacket made from breathable waterproof fabrics is an excellent choice because these materials allow moisture from sweat to escape while still preventing rain from getting in. This balance is critical, as it prevents overheating, which can be a risk even in cold, wet weather. The last thing you want is to start sweating inside your gear, only for that moisture to make you cold later.

When choosing rain gear, such as a rain jacket, prioritize items with sealed seams and water-repellent zippers. These features are often overlooked but are key to preventing water from finding its way into your clothing. Even the best waterproof fabric won’t help much if water is seeping in through the seams or zipper.

In addition to waterproofing, quick-drying fabrics like nylon are another important consideration. Once your clothing gets wet, you don’t want it to stay damp for long, as this can lead to discomfort and a drop in body temperature. Quick-drying materials help ensure that even if you do get wet, you won’t stay that way for too long.

When you're selecting rain gear, durability is important. Bushcraft environments can be tough on clothing, and flimsy rain gear won’t last long. Look for heavy-duty raincoats and pants that can endure scrapes, branches, and the general wear and tear that comes with outdoor survival.

By choosing the right gear, you'll be better prepared to handle wet weather and stay safe and comfortable in the wilderness.

Hot Weather

High temperatures, combined with direct sun exposure, can lead to overheating, dehydration, or even sunburn if you're not dressed appropriately. Bushcraft clothing designed for hot climates should help keep you cool while offering protection from the sun's harmful rays.

To stay cool and comfortable, focus on clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Merino wool, linen, or moisture-wicking polyester t-shirts are great options that allow air to flow through, helping to regulate your body temperature. Additionally, moisture-wicking materials like nylon shorts can pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and reducing the risk of chafing.

Another key consideration is protecting your skin from UV rays. UPF-rated long-sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats are ideal for blocking out the sun’s rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially when you're outside for extended periods.

When choosing clothes for hot weather, loose-fitting garments like cotton pants or relaxed-fit shorts are your best bet. Tight clothing can trap heat, while looser clothes promote airflow, allowing your body to cool down more effectively.

It’s also helpful to choose light-colored t-shirts or khaki shorts, as lighter colors reflect sunlight, helping you stay cooler throughout the day. Darker colors, on the other hand, absorb more sunlight, which can cause you to overheat more quickly.

By following these guidelines, you can stay cooler and more comfortable while protecting your skin from the elements when you're out in the heat.

Accessories for Bushcraft Survival

Hats

Hats are essential, whether you need protection from the sun or warmth in colder environments. Wide-brimmed hats can shield your face and neck from harsh UV rays, while insulated hats help retain heat in cold weather. In the rain, a good hat can prevent water from dripping into your face, keeping you more comfortable and focused on the task at hand.

Gloves

Gloves offer a variety of protective benefits. In cold climates, thermal insulation is key to keeping your hands warm and functional. Even in warmer conditions, gloves can shield your hands from rough terrain, sharp objects, or blisters caused by handling tools. Waterproof gloves are useful in wet environments to keep your hands dry and reduce the risk of cold-related injuries.

Gaiters and Scarves

Gaiters offer an added layer of defense for your lower legs and feet. They wrap around your boots and lower legs, preventing water, mud, and debris from entering your footwear. This helps maintain dryness and comfort while also protecting your boots from damage.

For extra versatility, neck gaiters or scarves can be a key part of your gear. They can shield your neck and face from the cold, block wind, and even provide sun protection. Lightweight and breathable, they are ideal for regulating your body temperature in varying climates.

Belts

A durable belt is another simple yet useful accessory. Besides holding your pants in place, a sturdy belt can carry essential tools, pouches, or other small gear items, allowing quick access when you need them most.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are often overlooked but are important for protecting your eyes, especially in environments with snow or bright sunlight. UV protection is crucial to prevent eye strain and long-term damage. Polarized lenses are particularly helpful in reducing glare and improving your vision in harsh lighting conditions.

Scarves and bandanas

Scarves, bandanas, and neck tubes are a versatile addition to your kit. They can be worn for sun protection, used to filter dust, or even serve as a makeshift sling or bandage in an emergency. They are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a handy tool to have on hand.

Socks

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of high-quality socks. Moisture-wicking socks help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters, a common issue when spending long hours hiking or standing. Wool, merino wool, or synthetic blends are often the best choices, as they provide warmth, comfort, and durability across various weather conditions.

These accessories may be small, but they are essential elements of bushcraft clothing, offering extra protection, comfort, and utility when you're out in the wild.

Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance and care ensure your bushcraft clothing remains functional and lasts as long as possible. Regular upkeep helps preserve the protective features that keep you comfortable and safe in the wilderness.

Make sure to clean your clothing regularly. Dirt, sweat, and oils can accumulate on the fabric, which, over time, can degrade its performance, especially regarding water resistance and breathability. After cleaning, store your gear in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or mildew from developing, which can damage the fabric.

Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is particularly important for clothing made from specialized materials like waterproof or insulated fabrics. Washing or drying these items improperly can compromise their protective qualities.

To maintain the clothing's performance, you’ll also need to reapply treatments periodically. These include:

• Waterproofing sprays to ensure that water resistance remains effective.

• UV protection treatments to help shield your clothing from sun damage.

These treatments restore the protective features that wear away with use, helping you get the most out of your bushcraft gear in various weather conditions.

Varusteleka's Bushcraft Clothing Catalogue

At Varusteleka, we understand the importance of durable, practical clothing for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. Our bushcraft clothing catalog is carefully curated to offer high-performance gear designed for the wilderness. From rugged field jackets and pants to reliable base layers and insulating mid-layers, we’ve got you covered in every season. As a Finnish company, we especially know how to dress for winter.

We prioritize functionality and quality, offering products that excel in extreme conditions. Our selection includes breathable, moisture-wicking materials for warm weather and waterproof and insulated options to protect against rain and cold. Many of our items feature reinforced stitching and durable fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of bushcraft activities.

We also carry a wide range of accessories, such as hats, gloves, and socks, ensuring you're fully equipped from head to toe. We provide the gear you need to thrive in the great outdoors.

Conclusion

In the wilderness, having the right bushcraft clothing is essential for your comfort, protection, and safety. From the base layer to the outer shell, each component plays a vital role in keeping you prepared for unpredictable weather and rough terrain. Durability, breathability, weather resistance, and comfort are key features that ensure your gear performs when you need it most. Accessories like hats, gloves, gaiters, and socks further enhance your ability to adapt to varying conditions.

Proper maintenance is equally important to extend the lifespan and performance of your clothing, making sure you're always ready for the next adventure. With these elements in place, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever nature throws your way.

Explore our selection of high-quality bushcraft clothing at Varusteleka, and gear up for your next adventure with confidence.

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