a. Never discard clothing.
b. Wear loose and layered clothing.
(1) Tight clothing restricts blood flow regulating body temperature.
(2) Layers create more dead air space.
c. Keep entire body covered to prevent sunburn and dehydration in hot climates. When fully clothed, the majority of body heat escapes through the head and neck areas.
d. Avoid overheating.
(1) Remove layers of clothing before strenuous activities.
(2) Use a hat to regulate body heat.
(3) Wear a hat when in direct sunlight (in hot environment).
e. Dampen clothing when on the ocean in hot weather.
(1) Use salt water, NOT drinking water.
(2) Dry clothing before dark to prevent hypothermia.
f. Keep clothing dry to maintain its insulation qualities (dry damp clothing in the sun or by a fire).
g. If you fall into the water in the winter—
(1) Build fire.
(2) Remove wet clothing and rewarm by fire.
(3) Finish drying clothing by fire.
h. If no fire is available—
(1) Remove clothing and get into sleeping bag (if available).
(2) Allow wet clothes to freeze.
(3) Break ice out of clothing.
i. Keep clothing clean (dirt reduces its insulation qualities). Examine clothing frequently for damage.
(1) DO NOT sit or lie directly on the ground.
(2) Wash clothing whenever possible.
(3) Repair when necessary by using—
[a] - Needle and thread.
[b] - Safety pins.
[c] - Tape.
j. Improvised foot protection (Figure VI-1).
(1) Cut 2 to 4 layers of cloth into a 30-inch square.
(2) Fold into a triangle.
(3) Center foot on triangle with toes toward corner.
Figure VI-1 Improvised Foot Wear
(4) Fold front over the toes.
(5) Fold side corners, one at a time, over the instep.
(6) Secure by rope, vines, tape, etc., or tuck into other layers of material.
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