Daddy's little girl

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Jul 3, 2009
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Ok guys, lately i've been really buying alot of gear aimed toward survival of varoius wilderness/urban situations. I've been taking the wilderness survival classes and getting everything in order in case the worst should ever come about, but one thing I have not given much consideration too and which really occured to me today is I have been almost neglecting my wife and 4 year old daughters needs in one of these situations. I have been getting all the gear with me in mind, but I have a little girl who means more to me than my own life. If she was to die it will set into motion a series of events that will ultimatly kill me, so her survival is my survial and my wife as well. I am now going to center more of my attention on thier survival needs, but I need help. I know my daughter can carry her own little pack with her clothes and, water/food etc...and no I am not going to give her an RC3 with firesteel. My problem is where do I get quality level survival clothes for a 4-5 year old girl. She out grows clothing so quick I don't know how I can afford to buy 3 different sizes of Helly Hansen Polypro undies for her a year.....any one that can give advise plaese help me out here. How and where do I gear up my kid?
 
A lot more companies are making more outdoors/camping/survival clothing for kids these days. Just search around the web and you'll find all kind of clothes that will fir her like cargoants, WP jackets, and so on. I know Carhartt has a kids line of clothing now and their stuff is bulletproof. You could always go down to your local store and get some regular thermals that only cost a few bucks and they'll for sure have her size. Those are more than cheap enough to replace on a regular basis.
 
I have a little niece, and you are right, they outgrow everything in matter of months... The best thing to do (coming from someone who hasn't done any survival stuff at all) is to buy her two to three sizes bigger in terms of clothes...

If something were to happen, another bigger set of pants can always be fixed (a belt?), but smaller won't fit at all...
 
I hear you - i also have a 4 year old girl (and a 3 yr old son, and a 3 month old girl...). I bought nice stuff for my 2 oldest a year ago and they outgrew them within 6 months. They've been out on short hikes with me, but nothing extensive or really wild. Rather than looking at all scenarios, i center my thinking on urban/suburban. I've started thinking outside the individual survival box as well, rather than worrying about outdoors clothing, I've been buying wool blankets (picked up a half dozen from STP) and items for shelter, water and fire. At worst, I can wrap them in the wool blankets and they stay warm, if not dry.
And even though my daughter insists on a tactical pink Izula, she stays unarmed. My boy has been asking for one that comes in blue...
 
bigmac - i was going to mention the same thing but forgot...

If you get blankets and some paracord, you can always make a good dress for your little girl... make it into a poncho... or just wrap her up like bic mac said...
 
We have 3 kids. I don't buy them special clothes w/ survival in mind. They do have PSK's and I got them vests from a company called Luckybums. My 5 yr old has her own izula, but the other 2 don't have knives.

IMO, i would just set aside some clothes she has now for her go bag. They grow way to fast at this age to spend the money. If you're interested in buying bigger clothes buy them at childrens place. They have elastic inners in the waist that can allow you to tighten the waist w/ no belt.
 
there are BDU's available in childrens' sizes. there's a bit of growing room with those... i don't know, but you may be able to find scrubs for kids, too. they're light and packable, and can be used as an extra layer or stand alone on warm days. seen some decent camo made with scrubs and bleach...
 
I have the same issues-4 and 5 year olds. I have a lot of the stuff they would need in the basement. It has long been my contention, that most people planning on bugging out are planning to do the wrong thing. Unless you have a place to go, you're just refugeeing it and I would hate to ever end up in that position with my kids. My plan is/has been to stay in until the very bitter end. I know that bugging out is the trend and much of the gear market involves being prepared for a disaster by having a fully stocked backpack next to the door. The only bag I have is for getting me home, not leaving it. For the life of me, I cannot fathom a situation in which I would scream at the kids for everyone to grab their backpacks and run out the door in under a minute. Even people in Katrina (the most pointed to recent bugout event) had DAYS to pack.

I say all that to say, that my suggestion would be to stock up on stuff that would allow her to survive at home, rather than concentrate on walking around with a little kid (a la THE ROAD). One thing I've stocked up on that may seem unconventional but I think it would come in very handy are crafts, games, books, etc that will keep my kids busy. Imagine a week where the kids are cooped up with little to do but see their parents worry and not fully understand why they can't go outside or go play or whatever. Keeping you mind occupied in a survival situation is a very good thing to do.

As far as clothes, I have long been a fan of Patagonia stuff. Expensive as heck, yes, but they regularly have 40% off sales and their stuff I've bought has lasted forever. They have a lot of kid's cold weather gear. I would not hesitate to buy the smallest women's size and fold, pin, hem, whatever was needed to fit.

We have a section in what my kids have begun calling the Panic Room that is just for them. Getting them involved into preparedness has changed the way their little minds look at things and they don't worry about things as much. For example, my daughter used to get really scared during thunderstorms, especially if the power went out. Now, they know they just go to the basement, get in the stock of candles and get a game out to play by candlelight. Now, it's just a different experience, not a bad experience.

When stocking up on food, make sure you get some stuff that they not only like but REALLY like, like some sugar treats or something. That stuff normally has a long shelf life and a little bit of it, used sparingly helps keep up the kid's spirits. Something that may come in handy for lifting the parent's spirits too, to see their kids are doing well.

Just my two cents based on my knowledge set now.
 
Thanks too you all, you have all got some very good pointers. I am starting to look right now. I have to try to get my wife on the same page. She's one of those "Wow, that would be horrible" people and then she's off to the Coach store to buy a new $300 purse or wallet instead of something useful. I am planning on having it all, a well stocked home for extended stay and a nice place on crown land ( here in Canada thats public land which is about 95% of what this country is) that you are free to inhabit pretty much as you please. I have a plan for a place to stay away from most human population only if needed. Expatriated, I like your idea of getting the kids involved with planning and preperation.
 
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you might also check the clearance sections at Campmor, REI, etc.... for durable gear in child sizes. clothing - I agree with the others, make sure she has some durable items in her everyday wear, but don't send tons on specialty clothing while she's still growing this fast.
 
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