Whether you’re in the military or a tactical professional, it’s important to prepare for the different weather conditions you may encounter during your operations. You’ve likely encountered scenarios where it was a perfectly sunny day, and suddenly the wind kicks in, and you’re being pelted by heavy rain. If you weren’t prepared for this sudden weather change, your gear and skin could sustain unnecessary damage.

If you’re planning on spending a good chunk of time outdoors with your gear, it’s important to be prepared, especially for unexpected weather changes that could happen at any moment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of preparing for different weather conditions and elements you may encounter in your operations.

Why It’s Important to Be Prepared for Different Weather Conditions

Weather can be unpredictable, the sun may be shining one moment, and suddenly it’s pouring the next. Not being prepared can leave you and your gear vulnerable, increasing the risk of damaged gear, skin damage, heatstroke, frostbite, and more.

Exposure to the elements without the proper protections can also slow you down and hurt your overall productivity. Falling victim to the elements can make it harder to complete your tasks on time and can extend your operations longer than necessary.

Preparing for the weather can protect your gear and reduce the risk of harmful conditions like heatstroke or frostbite. You’ll also feel more comfortable during your operations, making it easier to maintain momentum and reach your goals.

How to Dress to Protect Against the Elements

If you’re in the military and wearing your official uniform, you’ll have the pieces you need to protect yourself against the weather. Military uniforms are specifically designed to withstand the tough environments our service members find themselves in while also protecting them against the elements.

One of the ways that military uniforms adapt to the environment is through layering. Service members can add or remove layers to adapt to the unique weather conditions they’re experiencing.

For example, many service members in the spring will wear a base layer for sweat, an insulating mid-layer, and an outer layer to shield against rain or wind. Since spring can be an inconsistent weather season, this layering method works best. These layers can be adjusted throughout the year to accommodate scorching summers and freezing winters.

If you’re not in the military but want to protect yourself in the same way during your adventures, consider using the following tips:

●Start with the base: First, you’ll want to consider your base layer since this is what you’ll be putting on first. This layer is meant to slick moisture from your skin and keep you comfortable and dry. When you’re choosing your base layer, consider what weather conditions you’re most likely to encounter. If it’s the middle of summer and hot, choose a material that’s lightweight and can wick away sweat. If it’s going to be cold or wet, a base layer of a midweight polyester will help you stay dry and warm.

●Move on to the middle: Now that you’ve chosen your base, it’s time to find something for the middle. The goal is to insulate from the cold, which means the middle layer may be unnecessary in warmer weather. You can choose from a wide range of types of middle layers, including polyester fleece, down-insulated jackets, fleece pants, synthetic insulated jackets, and more. Each option comes with distinct benefits for different weather conditions, so it’s best to research your choice first.

●Finish off the outer layer: A sturdy outer layer will help you prepare for some of the harsher winter weather conditions. You’ll generally want to choose something water-resistant to protect against the rain or snow while also keeping you warm. You can even find soft-shell jackets that focus more on breathability and less on cold protection while still shielding you from the wind and rain, making them ideal choices for late spring and summer weather.

●Use the right accessories: Now that you have what you’re going to wear on your body, there are a few accessories you can use to add an extra layer of protection against the elements. Use a neck or face wrap to shield your sensitive skin from harsh winds, rain, and the cold. A poncho also makes a good option for protection against the rain. You can also use wool socks to protect your feet or add another layer of warmth when you’re stuck in cold environments.

Tips for Caring for Your Gear for Different Weather Conditions

Just like your skin, your gear can be vulnerable to the elements if you don’t take the proper precautions. Below are some tips for protecting your gear from harsh weather conditions, like rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures.

1. Invest in High-Quality Gear

In some situations, it will be impossible to shield your gear from the elements completely, especially when you’re using them. However, you can take some precautions by investing in high-quality gear for your applications. If you use poor-quality gear, they’re more likely to sustain damage sooner from exposure to the elements, costing you more in the long run.

Instead, invest in high-quality gear built for tough conditions, including bad weather or extreme temperatures. Even if this gear is exposed to some tough conditions, it will hold up significantly longer and can take a lot of hits before needing repairs or replacements. While it’s a bigger initial investment, you won’t have to replace this gear as often, and will save you more in the long run.

2. Choose the Right Protective Accessories

There are plenty of accessories you can get to protect your gear while you’re engaged in outdoor operations or spending time in nature. One of the most important accessories you can get is a rain cover. If it suddenly starts raining or you have no choice but to go out into a downpour, a rain cover will keep your bag and all the gear inside shielded from the weather conditions.

You can also invest in hard cases made of water-resistant, durable materials for some of your items. The extra layer of protection reduces the risk of damage to your gear from the weather. Other types of protective accessories you can get include waterproof notebook covers, clear display transporters for your maps or documents, boot covers, hand warmers, and waterproof valuables cases for phones or other electronics.

3. Take Care of Your Gear Once You Get Home

Even if you have the best protective gear and accessories on the market, your gear can still take on some damage, especially if you’re stuck in some of the toughest weather conditions. You never know what might happen when you’re spending time outdoors engaged in military or tactical applications.

For example, being caught in a downpour for hours can soak through your clothes or seep into your bag. Once you get home, take some time to dry your clothes, remove any important items from your bag to dry, and consider if you need to perform any preventive maintenance on your gear or check for further damage.

4. Choose a High-Quality Bag to Store Your Gear

You can’t just choose any bag to carry your gear, especially with how volatile the weather can be. A poor-quality bag won’t do much to protect your gear and may even fail at the worst moments.

Instead, invest in a high-quality bag or pack built to withstand tough conditions, like military operations, tactical applications, or outdoor adventures. These bags are designed with durability in mind, so you can trust they’ll last longer than something made from low-quality materials. While it may start at a high price point, you’ll actually save more in the long run since you won’t have to keep replacing the bag after premature failures.

Protect Your Gear in High-Quality Bags From MLC

If you’re looking for a high-quality bag, pack, or case to protect your gear from the weather during your operations, Military Luggage Company has your back. We offer a comprehensive selection of bags for service members, tactical enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers. Choose from various backpacks, duffles, assault packs, kit bags, and more. Browse our complete selection to get started, or contact us today with any questions!