Surviving (or escaping) a disaster in the Gulf Region of the U.S. involves some different priorities than it would in, say, the Northwestern U.S.A. The reasons for this have primarily to do with climate. Secondarily, I am guessing that there are some nuances of difference due to culture and people.
But to address the issue of climate, I want to speak about necessary clothing. If you don't feel like reading a long post about clothing, I'll begin by summing it up: keep it light and cool, but durable.
Now, to explain and give you (hopefully) some food for thought. You need to think about the seasonal conditions and your needs during those seasons. A huge problem is going to be humidity and the sun, so prepare for those.
I recommend two pairs of pants for year-round preparedness: a pair of cargo shorts, and a pair of tactical pants.
For cargo shorts, I like the Levi's, found at Academy and some other places or the Lees. The Levi's I found recently are made in Russia, and they have two deep button pockets in front and two regular pockets in front, as well as two back pockets. They seem well-made and should do for most people – you can hold a good amount of items in those pockets! The Lee cargo shorts are slightly more sturdy, but made in China. (Not much you can do these days about that.)
For pants, I would invest a bit more – you will be wearing them more often, they are more useful, and if you have to pick only one pair of pants to wear they should be long, not short. If you can afford them, get the Kitanica PNT X.A tactical pants: you will love them. If you're on a budget, you can always get a pair of BDUs at your local military surplus store, usually for around $20-$40. The Kitanicas (made in the U.S.A.) will run you much more (around $150) but they are supremely superior in quality, fit, and features.
Now, you will want to get some boots. You need to get something mid-top, comfortable, and sturdy. There are many options here, but I would go with something lightweight. No need for too much style, but looking good doesn't hurt. Oh, and they should be waterproof. I favor a good pair of SWAT boots.
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These are all-around great boots, and you can wear them in any situation for just about any purpose.
Do not, whatever you do, get a cheap pair of army surplus boots. I've seen them at various military surplus stores, and I've bought a pair once just for an extra, but they aren't even worth it. You don't want something that will hurt your feet, that will be a hassle to put on, and that will fall apart! The SWAT boot above approaches running-shoe comfort, and are very tough – but still lightweight.
Shirts are another matter of importance. Sure, you should keep a plain under[WPMSHOT key="shirt" url="http://www.shirttrader.com/category/[TMPSHTCODE key="tv" url="http://www.shirttrader.com/category/tv-movies.html"]-movies-movies.html”].html”] – but if this is your survival outfit, I counsel you to get a shirt-movies-movies.html”].html”] that wicks away moisture: it will make a huge difference in the humidity of the south. Champion
makes a good one, available just about anywhere.
Also, Columbia makes a great line of zip-up and button-up shirt-movies-movies.html”].html”]s aimed at fishermen and boaters. Their shirt-movies-movies.html”].html”]s are very lightweight and breathable, and there are a few that have zip-off sleeves (so you can go long or short-sleeved). I'd probably get one of these too.
Finally, we have to consider survival clothing accessories! These are:
Belt
Hat
Socks
Bandana
Underwear
All of these items seem basic, but consider a survival situation and problems you might have to deal with. The variables presented by not having home conveniences (such as a shower, washing machine, etc. just for beginners) will instantly alter your needs.
So, for a belt I would recommend a zipper (or survival) belt if you can get one. There are many options available online; my only recommendation is to maximize your opportunity to use a wearable item to store something or serve more than one purpose. A belt with a zipper compartment can do this: you can place small tools, thread, silver coins, rolled-up documents, etc. inside of it – for concealment or just for keeping secure.
A hat is important. Not a baseball cap; you want a hat with a brim. Get ahold of anything meant for the outdoors that has an all-around brim. This can be a fishing cap or a LRRP or “boonie” hat (best choice). I like my boonie hat because I can button up the sides if I want to; plus it looks cool.
Get the best kind of moisture-wicking, thick white cotton socks you can find. Keep a few pairs for your bug-out kit.
Your underwear should be moisture-wicking as well; if it was meant for playing sports it probably will be good. Keep at least three pairs, even though they should be easy to hand-wash and dry due to the material.
Lastly, have a bandana. Not a regular handkerchief, but a big 'ol bandana. The uses you'll find for this are numerous. Bandanas are a utility device because they can be used for tourniquets, for cleaning, for wiping sweat, for bathing, for keeping dust out of eyes and mouth, for signaling, etc. When you aren't using it, you can either fold it and keep it in a pocket or tie around your neck or arm.
That covers the wardrobe for a survivalist: the items above will keep you comfortable whether you're living in your house, living in your car, or living on the run on a motorcycle or on foot. In survival, you need to prepare for multiple scenarios.
I know what you’re thinking: the AK-47 is a third-world weapon. Usually associated with ragged Middle-easterners or seen in the hands of South American jungle guerrillas, you might think of it with some negative connotations. The AK-47 slogan (“The Choice of African Child Warriors™”) doesn’t help, either. Hahaha! Just kidding.