Sock It To ‘Em!

waypointsurvival
April 21, 2017

If it came down to one piece of clothing that would be indispensable in a survival scenario it would probably be the humble sock. No other clothing item is so multipurpose. It is not only important for your feet to be properly bedded and cushioned in a good sock, but it wicks moisture, helps prevent blisters and keeps your feet warm.

However, socks can be used for many other purposes. These are, in no particular order:

Mittens to keep your hands warm, or to hold something hot.
Storage for nuts or other edibles. (Note: Acorns provide 2,000 calories per pound but the tannic acid makes them bitter. Crushing the nuts and placing them in a sock in flowing water for 48 hours or so to remove the tannins will make them edible as well as usable for a flour to make wilderness bread. You can also boil them in 2 to 3 changes of water to remove the tannins but this creates a chemical change in the acorns and while they are edible they are no longer useful as a flour)
Filled with rocks, an improvised blunt trauma weapon.
An elastic tie for building or binding things together.
Fitted around a water filled, non-lubricated condom as a protective cover. (This may sound gross to some but condoms are used in many mini-survival kits for their small size and the ability to hold a decent amount of water as an emergency canteen. But, they are fragile and the sock helps prevent puncturing it )
Slipped over your boots or shoes they give added traction in snow or ice.
Make a neck roll or pillow for sleeping, stuffed with dried grasses, leaves etc.
A pre-filter for water purifying to filter turbidity (dirt, floaties and such)
Toilet paper (Better than leaves and can be washed out and re-used)
If made of cotton, sock lint can be used to catch a spark to start a fire.
Filled with dry grass etc. can be used as a menstrual pad or diaper.
Orange or red socks can be used for signalling.
A tourniquet when used with a stick for a windlass.
A field/wound dressing when folded over several times.
As a stuff sack for small gear or other articles of clothing.

As you can see there are many reasons to have an extra pair of sock with you at all times, if possible. In addition to the above list, having an extra pair to change into halfway through a day of hiking can also bring a lot of relief to your feet, preventing blisters and changing into a dry pair before falling asleep will help ensure a better nights rest. So pack an extra pair of wool or cotton socks whenever you head out. They are truly a multi-purpose item you should always have!

Feet are not usually considered beautiful by most people. However, the Scripture says in Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth peace, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.” How about your feet? Whether you wear socks or not, do your feet bring good news to others about God’s Saving Grace? Do you have beautiful feet?

James B.

PS. You can check out my website where you can set up training for many of these skills at www.waypointsurvival.com and look at and order my custom knives at www.benderknifeworks.com.