Essential Clothing: Wool Hat

     Turns out, our mothers were right!  You should never leave the house on a cold day without a hat.  This single, often overlooked, item can be a literal life saver.  Carrying a head cover around with you year-round can make a world of difference.  Cheap, and light, they can easily be stuffed in a pocket and forgotten until needed.  It is one of the best piece of outdoor clothing to have on hand.  By keeping the head warm during cold weather, you are saving upwards of thirty percent of your body’s heat.  The human body holds about fifteen percent of its blood's volume in the head at any given time, by keeping the head warm and covered, you can reduce the amount of heat lost through your head.  If stuck outside for an unforeseen long period of time (i.e. bus taking forever), or worst yet, if you have to sleep outside due to a disaster, having this one item can save your life.  During the hot months, you can keep sun exposure on your head to a minimum, which can shoot up your core body temperature and lead to sunburn.

     In New York City, the common city dweller can be outside for more than ten minutes just about everyday of the year.  New Yorkers are a part of the elements.  We don't go from home, to car, to office.  We go outside and walk to where we've got to go.  It's one of the things that I personally love about this city; we get to live an active lifestyle if we so choose, by walking to and from places (time permitting...)  It is something that a lot of New Yorkers don't seem to realize though: dressing properly, and functionally for all the changing temperatures we have in The Apple should be a top priority when choosing what to wear when leaving the apartment.

     My first post explaining essential clothing for New Yorkers, is about one of the easiest, lightest, functional pieces of clothing you can carry around.  The hat is such a basic addition to your wardrobe, and its size/weight makes it so easy to have on you.  As I mentioned earlier, this one piece of clothing can keep you much warmer, and is by far the best piece, pound for pound, of clothing to own.  I suggest the fabric wool for its amazing warming abilities, and added benefits.  I recommend looking for a wool hat that has a liner like fleece, or polyester to help 'wick' away moisture from your scalp.  You can also try a hat liner or beanie made of a wicking material such as polyester, as a base layer, similar to the three-layer system.  The head, like the feet often sweat, and get wet easily, so you definitely want to remove the hat if you start getting too hot.  Always remember to stay dry!   

     A hat is vital to being comfortable in any climate whether hot, or cold.  You should always have on you at least one form of head protection.  Here are some hats that I suggest:

     This hat by Patagonia is 100% wool on the outside, with a fleece lining on the inside.  I own one and suggest it.  It is by far one of the warmest hats I have ever owned, and has stood up to some very cold temperatures like a champ.  The fact that it is all wool, and that the whole inside is lined with fleece was the biggest selling point to me.  *Unfortunately they are sold out right now, but I'm going to leave the link hoping it comes back next season.*


      
     This is the military version of the wool cap, that has been used for years.  It is cheap, well made, and makes a great all around beat on hat.  The one problem is that they are uncomfortable against the skin, but that can be easily fixed by wearing a hat liner below the hat.


     I have done a post on these before, and can't say enough about their usefulness.  They can be used in many configurations, but one of the more useful ones is as a head liner.  I carry these year-round, as they make great liners or neck warmers in the winter, and they are amazing at sopping up sweat in the summer.  The post gives a bit more detail if your interested. 

Kits: ECB (Suggested Bags)

     This is a quick post finishing up my ECB (everyday carry bag) series.  I'm going to give you some ideas on what you can use for an ECB, and explain what I use and suggest.

• The following bag is what I use a good portion of the time.  It's perfect for people who, like me, are able to carry a backpack throughout the day.  It's made by Maxpedition, a company that I have mentioned before and highly recommend.  Their gear is durable, and has tons of amazing little features.  I suggest shopping from the main site instead of getting it through the following Amazon link because they are a reputable company.  I also suggest getting a "normal" color like black or a neutral color, as digital camo might be a bit much for our city environment.

     On a side note, I travel often and prefer not to check luggage.  One of the amazing features of this pack is that it expands to give you tons of room.  I can easily pack a few days worth of clothes in this giving me a reasonably sized carry-on bag.  Maxpedition has a few choices of packs that you may prefer over this one.  Do some research and see which one works for you.

• The next bag I suggest is from the company Timbuk2.   This companies bags are functional and stylish.  Many of the messenger bags you see people carrying around the city are Timbuk2, which will help you blend into the crowd.  Timbuk2 makes mini pouches that strap onto belts and straps for cameras and phones that I suggest as well.
 

• The last one I suggest is not so much of a pack, as it is a small pouch to put your EDC in.  The company LeSportsac makes a bunch of different nylon pouches that are great to put your gear in.  The pouch, with the gear in it, can then be moved from pack, to purse, to backpack and so on.  These little pouches are great for women because, other then being fashionable, they can easily be transported from whatever bag or purse you decide to carry that day.  These packs are also a good option for men, though finding a neutral color might be a bit difficult.  This company also has a few different sizes and options, so be sure to shop around before deciding.
 

     The blog that I often read and refer to; Code Name Insight has a post about what his EDC looks like linked here.  He uses a LeSportsac to transport his gear, and has a bit more info on that system.  I personally use a backpack, as stated above, for my ECB most of the time.  If I can't have a backpack and I'm not going to be away from the apartment for a long period of time, I will just have my EDC as I explain in my EDC Series of posts linked here.

Kits: ECB (Everyday Carry Bag)

     The ECB, or everyday carry bag is a bit more involved then the everyday carry items listed and explained in previous posts.  It’s more of a daily safety bag for a number of things that can happen to you throughout the course of a “normal” day.  It goes a bit beyond the basics, and should be on you if you are leaving for work, or will be away from home for a few hours.  It may seem like a lot of stuff, but with a bit of ingenuity, you can fit it all into something like a small nylon pouch that can be transferred into bigger carrying cases like a purse, backpack, briefcase, etc.

• 12-27 oz. stainless steel water bottle - This obviously won't fit into the bag, but I mention it because you should always have a full water container on you at all times.  You can boil water in this in an emergency situation, it helps if you spray paint the outside of the bottle with a high heat enamel spray paint.  Don't buy aluminum bottles, which are cheaper and lighter, because it leaches.  I like attaching a carabiner to the top and hanging it from my backpack, or belt.
• Spork - These are lightweight, and very useful if you find yourself without a utensil while getting a quick bite on the go.
• Pen light or small flashlight - Though you have a light on your EDC Key-chain, a small lightweight pen light can be very useful for more reasons then I can get into.
• Food - Dried fruit or nuts, Cliff Bar, Lifesavers, things that won’t spoil or melt.  Here is a post on the power gel I make, and carry.
• Passport - Though a lot of people won't agree, having a few forms of ID on you at all times is very important.  Passports don't have personal information, like your home address, on them.
• Lighter or matches
• Pen and paper - Useful for many things in daily city living.  In a survival situation, they are excellent for leaving notes to friends or family if real-time communication go down.  If your in unknown backcountry, you can draw a patrol map of your area so you know where places of interest are i.e. watering holes, shelter etc.
• Ultra small packable waterproof windbreaker - Can be substituted with a nylon “reusable” poncho, which I prefer, but the windbreaker looks a bit more fashionable.  You can also substitute a small umbrella, even though I think most are fragile and too big.
• Compact signal mirror - Optional because you have one in your wallet, but since there small and very useful, it never hurts to have more than one.
• Mylar space blanket - One or two, they take up no space at all and they have unlimited uses.
• Bandana - Multiple uses like a sling for broken arms, filter water through, keep the sun off your head, wipe off sweat, snot rag...on and on and on.... These things are priceless!
• Wool hat - You can take this out in the summer if you would like.  This amazing piece of equipment is explained in this post.
• Quart sized zip-lock bag - I use for many things, but I most often thrown my phone and wallet in one of these if I get caught in the rain.
• Un-waxed floss - Can be used as thread, or its intended use.
• Small first aid kit - Any of your own medication, a few Band-Aids, aspirin, Benadryl, alcohol wipes, sewing needle (You can use the above floss as thread), ginger pills (great for upset stomach and motion sickness), feminine hygiene products i.e. tampons and maxi pads (many uses like wound compress, and fire tinder.)
• $100 in cash - Left in bag, not in wallet.
• Rubber bands - Just a few.
• Safety pins
• Condom - Non-lubricated for transporting liquids in an item like a hat or glove.
• Spare set of apartment keys
• 55-Gallon contractor bag - I carry one of these in my ECB, and in all my other kits as well.  They have limitless possibilities.  I fold it up and attatch it to the the Mylar space blanket with a Ranger Band.
   
• 50 Feet of 550 Paracord - This is optional because I wear about 10 feet on my wrist in the form of a paracord bracelet, but it's just so useful, I tend to carry around extra.

Here are a few links of other peoples ECB:  

• Code Name Insights ECB 
• Everyday Carry Forum 
• Surviving In Argentina Blog ECB ideas

     Here is the post on what backpacks and or nylon pouches I suggest using for your ECB. 

Quick Pick: Watch

     Trying to figure out a proper survival watch can be a bit confusing.  The market is flooded with watches that have more features then you could possibly ever need.  Watches can be cheap or cost as much as a car.  One could get lost in Tourneau for days trying to choose your next time piece. 

     Like many of the items listed on this blog, I like my watch to have multiple functions.  I suggest staying away from a watch that looks expensive, because that kind of attention is unwarranted and topically should be avoided.  Some of the following functions are not necessary, but can have their benefits.  

      I opted for the Casio Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V for a few reasons that I'll get into.  As there are many different choices in the Casio Pathfinder Collection do your homework to see which one is right for you.  I choose the 1500T mainly because of the titanium case, making it durable and light.  Pathfinders have the added benefit of being reasonably priced, as a watch from a big named company like Rolex would not have nearly as many functions and could be as much as three times the cost.  Here are the main features of the 1500T that sold me on it:

• Power supply - A watch should have a renewable power supply i.e. solar, crank.
• Waterproof - I can’t understand owning a watch that isn’t.
• Durable material - We wear watches on a daily basis and so they get beaten and battered, I prefer something that will put up with some abuse, but also something light.
• Light material - There are many watches out there, and many materials.  The better the material, the more expensive.  A watch can’t be heavy, but needs to be durable.  My favorite material is titanium, which is light as hell, and strong.  It can be a bit pricey though.
• Stop watch and timer - Great for timing runs, or if you put a load of laundry in and want to go get a coffee.
• Compass - Always good to have a back up.  Not overly necessary for the New Yorker, because we almost always know where we are by building and landmarks, but it’s nice to know what direction you’re walking when you get out of the subway.  Much more useful in the bush, and when reading maps.
• Barometer - I like knowing if a storm is coming.
• Altimeter - This is more for when you’re in the bush, very helpful in figuring out where you are on a map.  Also cool to go to the top of The Empire States building and see just how high you are.
• Alarm - Good if your phone is dead, or not around.
• Price point - I really can’t justify spending more than $300 on a watch, and you really shouldn’t have to.  Shop around to get a good price.

     I have owned the Casio Pathfinder 1500T for about six months, and I'm very happy with my purchase.  It normally has a stainless steel band that makes it look more sophisticated.  You can buy the rubber band for when you are in and out of water, or active.

     Here is the rubber replacement band, and tool needed to replace it.

Kits: EDC (Survival Necklace)

     Though not for everyone, a city survival necklace can have life saving functions, as well as being fashionable.  The necklace and key-chain go hand and hand, and you can trade things between the two.   If you are not in the position to wear the necklace, you can place it in your ECB.  Use a ball chain, nylon rope, or even a more fashionable metal (i.e. gold) for the necklace making sure it doesn’t chafe.  I like to wear mine a little long so the gear hangs down to the upper part of my stomach.  A necklace like this is a necessity if hiking or camping, but more on that in a future post.

• Small compass - Something like a button compass.
• Small LED light 
• Flat survival whistle - Great for being found if lost, i.e. stuck in ruble after an earthquake.  The whistle sound can be produced much louder and longer then the human voice, it also requires less force.  For women, it’s a great way to call for help.
 

• Small manual can-opener *Optional* - These are great if you find yourself in the bush often and want a back-up to the opener on your multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife.
 

• Gold coin, small bar or charm *Optional* - This could be used for trade in an emergency situation where you either have no cash or cash has lost all value.  You can mount the coin or bar in a small bezel as to not damage the precious metal.  You can get a good deal on precious metal coins and bars from this site.

Here is a link to some ball-chain

    

     I tend to keep just the compass, and whistle on the necklace because of the weight.  I usually keep the light on my survival key-chain.

Kits: EDC (Key-chain)

      Your city EDC key-chain can actually be a very useful, convenient way of keeping gear close on hand, as well as giving you an easy way of transporting your survival equipment.  A few of the items can be switched out with your EDC survival necklace, when you can't wear it.  The following are suggestions that I own and recommend.

• Keys (Obvious)
• Small LED light - A light has multiple uses besides survival.  Can be switched out and put on survival necklace.
  
This light is small, bright, lightweight, and durable.  It also comes with a clip, which I keep in my ECB(Everyday Carry Bag) for when you need it to be hands free.  Great light.

• Small compass - Can also be switched out and put on survival necklace.
  
  
  
• Metal Match or Ferrocerium Striker - I feel it is important to have a way of making fire on you at all times, even in our city surroundings.  Fire is crucial to so many aspects of survival, that it is just too important to be ignored.  Carrying a lighter, matches, or a Firesteel, like I suggest, takes up so little room, and weigh next to nothing.  There is just no excuse to not have a version on you.  I prefer this striker for my key-chain because it has a cover, and I like the company.
 

This is just a light one that Amazon sells, I prefer the one from the link above.

• Carabiner - Attach key-chain to it.  Can be used to attach to your pants, or inside of your ECB.  Also useful to get a better grip on bags.  If your hand can fit, you can use it for self defense (Stick it on your hand and use it as you would brass-knuckles).  The items can be removed from the carabiner to reduce their size, and weight when needed.  I typically buy these at EMS so I can see which size I prefer.  I use the following Black Diamond carabiner as they're light and durable.

Kits: EDC (Wallet)

      I like to keep a simple, yet useful wallet for my NYC lifestyle.  The following are my suggestions, add or remove as you see fit.

• ID (Drivers license in my case.)
• $100 in cash (Broken into change preferably.)
• Laminated card with phone numbers (Containing at least four people you can count on.)
• Credit and Bank Cards (Hopefully with at least $1000 spending amount on the credit for bigger purchases, and emergencies.)
• A few business cards (If you have, or need them.)
• Card with medical info (Doctors name, medications, allergies, etc.)
• Credit card multi-tool (There are a bunch on the market, but try for one with at least a few features including LED light and magnifying glass.)

• Signal mirror - These can be as small and thin as a credit card, and can be used with one hand to signal up to about 100 miles on a clear day.  Also just useful to have a mirror on hand.  The mirrors I link here are a bit big, I use the mirror from the pocket survival pack as it's a smaller compact mirror.

     I bet you are wondering what I put all of this in?  Well I like a small, minimalist wallet, and suggest;

   

    

     If you are used to a bigger wallet, shop around, I don't have many suggestions.  The larger Maxpedition wallets have a Velcro closure that are noisy, and I just don't like them because it makes me feel like a 15 year old kid.

     There you have it, my suggested EDC wallet.

Kits: EDC

      My first post in the kit series is about my suggested EDC (or everyday carry) for New Yorkers.  It should not be confused with an ECB (everyday carry bag).  City living can get a bit hectic at times, and we don’t always feel like carrying around a pack or purse.  For example, when you go out to dinner, go see a movie, or go to the gym.  Sometimes you’re in a hurry and just want the bare essentials with you.

      This is a list of everyday carry items that have multiple purposes, and I would suggest you never leave the house without them.  They should even be on you when you go to the local deli for a quick bite, or when you step out to Starbucks for five minutes to get some coffee.  The idea behind this kit is that you have basic survival equipment on your body at all times (compass, signaling devise, fire making, small light, cordage, knife), while looking just like every other New Yorker walking the streets.

• Smart cell phone - These are the modern day electronic Swiss Army knives.  It serves super multi-duty as phone, camera, notebook, voice recorder, music player and GPS.  They are becoming cheaper by the day, and since they have so many functions you can actually save money just by buying one piece of equipment for most of your electronic needs.  I own an iPhone, which I highly recommend if you can afford it, or are with AT&T.  Remember to always keep it charged.  You should also put an “in case of emergency” contact number sticker on you, and your family member’s, phones.
• Keys (Link to my EDC key-chain post.)
• Wallet (Link to my EDC wallet post.)
• Pocket knife - There are tons of options here.  I carry around a Leatherman Charge TTi multi-tool and can suggest it, though it's a bit bulky on your belt.  I have a smaller Swiss Army knife when I want to be more discrete.  You need to be careful carrying a knife in NYC because the laws are a bit vague i.e. a knife is not suppose to have a point...  One thing is sure about knife laws in NYC though, the blade can not be over four inches long.  When carrying a knife use common sense; don't pull it out in plain view of "sheeple"...  I mean people (tends to scare them.)  If a police officer asks you about it, tell him it's for work in a friendly, submissive tone.  You can keep the knife in your ECB if you don't want to have one on your person, though I suggest always having a blade of some sort on you at all times.

      The Swiss Army Fieldmaster is not the lightest knife they offer, but it has a useful saw blade that I prefer.

• Para-cord bracelet - Having 10 feet or so of 550 para-cord on you at all times is real nice.  On top of that, they are quite fashionable.  Here is a site that explains how to make one yourself.  You can find different ways to make these if you do a Google search for "how-to make a para-cord bracelet".  I like to have the button on mine as the link demonstrates.  You can also place this in your ECB.  Here is a link to one that is cheap on Amazon, and some good quality Para-cord;
 

• Basic survival necklace - A necklace that has some survival applications to it.  Here is a link to my post explaining it.

     Here are some links to sites that have more info on suggested EDC if you want to do some research yourself:


The Everyday Carry Forums or EDC Forums:  Great site with reviews, and useful information.


Code Name Insight Blog:  My favorite blog, and I reference it often.  Linked are a few posts on his everyday carry.


Surviving In Argentina Blog:  This guy survived the economic collapse of Argentina, (a major city) and most of his posts and info will apply to us if we suffer the same fate in America.  The link is his EDC labeled posts.