The Way Clothing Works From The Dark
To start with, the ideal garments in The Dark will be subjective. Since each participant and situation differs, there will not be a single building which operates above all else. You will find, though. Because of this, to recognize the ideal clothes, eight variables have to be considered, six of these supplied from the sport, one by calculations within this manual, and you is going to be a subjective evaluation based on my extensive expertise in The Long Dark. Those variables include:
Guide Stash The Dark is a intricate survival game which includes a layered clothing system. Specifying the garments is tough with no information. This clothing manual will help players decide that may be chosen for Cloth and which items are great. This can be accomplished by assessing Weight evaluations, Windproof, Waterproof Mobility, and a product’s Warmth. I’ll assign a letter grade to each thing to assist gamers through the products that are very best.
The ideal apparel guide for The Dark includes high-level evaluation that take into consideration Weight-to-Warmth ratio, in addition to providing a letter grade to each thing to assist players immediately pick the most suitable choice.
- Warmth
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Protection
- Mobility
- Weight
- Weight/Warmth Ratio
- Overall Rating
Best Clothing in The Long Dark
I’ll break this down by item slot, grouping ones that can fit into an available slot together. This will help players compare two items quickly to determine which item is going to serve them better on the path. Each item will be given an overall rating by me between A, B, C, D, and F. When players find a clothing items with an A rating, they should highly consider wearing it.
Head Clothing
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Balaclava (Inner) | 2.0 | 1.5 | 30% | 3% | 0% | 0.25 | 8.00 | A |
| Baseball Cap | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.10 | 5.00 | F |
| Cotton Scarf | 0.5 | 0.0 | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0.10 | 5.00 | D |
| Cotton Toque | 1.0 | 0.5 | 10% | 1% | 0% | 0.10 | 10.00 | C |
| Fleece Cowl | 1.5 | 1.0 | 20% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 6.00 | B |
| Long Wool Scarf | 1.5 | 2.0 | 30% | 1% | 0% | 0.25 | 6.00 | B |
| Rabbitskin Hat (Outer) | 2.0 | 1.5 | 30% | 4% | 0% | 0.35 | 5.70 | A |
| Wool Scarf | 1.0 | 0.5 | 20% | 1% | 0% | 0.10 | 10.00 | C |
| Wool Toque | 2.0 | 1.0 | 30% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 8.00 | A |
The three items given an A were the Balaclava, Rabbitskin Hat, and Wool Toque, and I would rank them in that order. The Balaclava can only be worn on the inner head slot, while the Rabbitskin Hat can only be worn on the outer head slot, so each must be combined with another item. Because all head gear in The Long Dark is fairly light, we don’t put as much emphasis on Weight-to-Warmth ratio, and instead focus strictly on Warmth, Windproof, Waterproof, and Protection. We don’t need to consider Mobility since none of the headgear will alter this stat. Personally, I’d be looking to wear the Balaclava on the inner slot and the Rabbitskin Hat on the outer slot. This would give a 4°C Warmth bump, 3°C of Windproof, 60% Waterproof, 7% Protection, and all with zero Mobility loss and only 0.6kg of weight.
Hands Clothing
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Driving Gloves | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.10 | 5.00 | D |
| Fleece Mittens | 0.5 | 0.5 | 5% | 1% | 0% | 0.10 | 5.00 | C |
| Gauntlets | 2.0 | 2.0 | 40% | 6% | -3% | 1.00 | 2.00 | C |
| Rabbitskin Mitts | 2.0 | 2.0 | 50% | 5% | -5% | 2.00 | 2.00 | C |
| Ski Gloves | 1.0 | 1.0 | 30% | 3% | -1% | 0.50 | 2.00 | B |
| Wool Mittens | 1.0 | 0.5 | 20% | 1% | 0% | 0.10 | 10.00 | A |
| Work Gloves | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0% | 4% | -2% | 0.25 | 4.00 | C |
This is where I believe players could disagree with my ratings, but that’s why they’re subjective. The Hands slot is not a place to give up Mobility do to us doing plenty of that in other categories. What I value here is Warmth, Windproof, Waterproof, and Protection so long as it doesn’t come at a big Mobility loss. I’m not concerned with Weight-to-Warmth ratio, but gloves are not a place to waste precious inventory space in The Long Dark. Therefore, I’m immediately eliminating the Gauntlets, Rabbitskin Mitts, and Ski Gloves. The Ski Gloves do have redeeming qualities which make them stand out, but gloves in The Long Dark leave a lot to be desired. Almost by default, Wool Mittens are the best pick due to their low Weight, competitive Warmth rating, decent Waterproof rating, and a small bit of Protection. Therefore, look for a pair of those.
Torso Clothing (Inner Layers)
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Cowichan Sweater | 2.5 | 2.0 | 50% | 5% | -2% | 1.00 | 2.50 | B |
| Dress Shirt | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | F |
| Fisherman’s Sweater | 2.0 | 1.5 | 40% | 5% | -1% | 0.50 | 4.00 | A |
| Hoodie | 0.5 | 0.5 | 10% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | D |
| Plaid Shirt | 0.5 | 0.5 | 20% | 1% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | C |
| Sweatshirt | 0.5 | 1.0 | 10% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | C |
| Thick Wool Sweater | 1.5 | 1.0 | 30% | 3% | -1% | 0.50 | 3.00 | B |
| Thin Wool Sweater | 1.0 | 0.5 | 20% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 4.00 | B |
| T-Shirt | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | F |
| Wool Shirt | 1.0 | 0.5 | 40% | 2% | 0% | 0.25 | 4.00 | B |
Well, let’s just say that wearing a t-shirt in The Long Dark is not advised. Instead, all players should be searching for the Fisherman’s Sweater. In fact, wear two of them. They’re warm, will keep you dry, and you two of them gets you 10% Protection with only -2% to Mobility. There are other good options here, though. The Wool Shirt isn’t bad at all, and I’m not opposed to the Thick Wool Sweater or Thin Wool Sweater in a pinch.
Torso Clothing (Outer Layers)
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Bearskin Coat | 6.0 | 5.0 | 80% | 18% | -20% | 5.00 | 1.20 | C |
| Down Vest | 1.0 | 1.0 | 10% | 1% | 0% | 0.50 | 2.00 | D |
| Expedition Parka | 4.0 | 5.5 | 50% | 6% | -5% | 1.50 | 2.66 | A |
| Light Shell | 1.0 | 3.0 | 30% | 3% | -2% | 1.00 | 1.00 | B |
| Mackinaw Jacket | 2.5 | 2.0 | 40% | 5% | -3% | 1.50 | 1.66 | A |
| Mariner’s Pea Coat | 3.0 | 4.0 | 75% | 7% | -6% | 2.00 | 1.50 | B |
| Military Coat | 3.0 | 3.0 | 40% | 8% | -5% | 2.00 | 1.50 | B |
| Moose-Hide Cloak | 3.5 | 4.0 | 90% | 25% | -10% | 4.00 | 0.88 | C |
| Old Fashioned Parka | 3.0 | 3.0 | 20% | 5% | -7% | 2.00 | 1.50 | C |
| Simple Parka | 2.0 | 2.0 | 30% | 3% | -4% | 1.25 | 1.60 | B |
| Ski Jacket | 2.0 | 2.0 | 30% | 3% | -2% | 1.00 | 2.00 | A |
| Sport Vest | 0.5 | 0.5 | 5% | 1% | 0% | 0.50 | 1.00 | D |
| Urban Parka | 2.5 | 2.0 | 10% | 2% | -2% | 1.00 | 2.50 | A |
| Windbreaker | 0.5 | 3.0 | 50% | 1% | 0% | 0.50 | 1.00 | A |
| Wolfskin Coat | 4.0 | 4.0 | 60% | 15% | -15% | 3.00 | 1.33 | C |
On lower difficulty levels, players simply don’t need the same amount of Warmth as they would on Interloper. As a result, they can choose to give up Warmth in favor of saving Weight. Personally, I like to go with a combination of the Mackinaw Jacket and Windbreaker. This results in great Windproof and Waterproof ratings, 6% Protection, -3% Mobility, and it’s only 2.00kg. If you’re finding you’re not warm enough with this setup change could be needed. Therefore, consider swapping to items that provide more Warmth but diminish Mobility.
Legs (Inner Layers)
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Wool Longjohns | 2.0 | 0.0 | 35% | 1% | 0% | 0.50 | 4.00 | A |
| Thermal Underwear | 1.0 | 0.0 | 20% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 4.00 | B |
This is as simple as it gets. When you have two pairs of Wool Longjohns, wear them both and don’t look back. Yeah, you’re giving up 1.00kg for the two pairs, but you’re getting 4.0°C of Warmth out of it. There is no debate and no reason not to go for the Wool Longjohns if you’re able to do so.
Legs (Outer Layers)
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Cargo Pants | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0% | 3% | -1% | 0.75 | 2.00 | B |
| Combat Pants | 2.0 | 0.5 | 20% | 7% | 0% | 0.75 | 2.68 | A |
| Deerskin Pants | 2.0 | 2.0 | 60% | 10% | -5% | 2.00 | 1.00 | C |
| Jeans | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 2% | -1% | 0.50 | 2.00 | F |
| Snow Pants | 2.5 | 2.0 | 50% | 5% | -5% | 1.00 | 2.50 | A |
| Work Pants | 1.5 | 1.0 | 10% | 8% | -3% | 1.50 | 1.00 | C |
Don’t wear jeans when you’re lost in the unforgiving Canadian wilderness during the dead of winter. However, you should absolutely track down a pair of Combat Pants or two. They are unmatched in this category, but they are very difficult to come by. A pair of Cargo Pants on the bottom with some Snow Pants on the top isn’t a bad option. Just remember that the Snow Pants are going to chew into your Mobility, but they will also keep you warm and dry.
Feet (Inner Layers) – Socks
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Climbing Socks | 1.0 | 0.5 | 25% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 4.00 | A |
| Sports Socks | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.10 | 2.00 | F |
| Wool Socks | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 2.00 | B |
The hierarchy for socks is Climbing Socks, Wool Socks, then Sports Socks. You take two pairs of Climbing Socks if possible, but otherwise just wear two pairs of the best combination you have. There are no difficult decisions here, socks are not the ideal place to try and save weight.
Feet (Outer Layers) – Boots
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Combat Boots | 1.5 | 2.0 | 20% | 10% | -7% | 2.00 | 0.75 | B |
| Deerskin Boots | 2.5 | 2.0 | 50% | 7% | -5% | 2.00 | 1.25 | A |
| Insulated Boots | 3.0 | 2.0 | 50% | 4% | -12% | 1.50 | 2.00 | D |
| Leather Shoes | 1.0 | 0.50 | 10% | 2% | -3% | 0.50 | 2.00 | F |
| Mukluks | 2.5 | 2.0 | 40% | 5% | -3% | 1.50 | 1.66 | A |
| Running Shoes | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.50 | 2.00 | D |
| Ski Boots | 3.0 | 4.0 | 30% | 12% | -20% | 4.00 | 0.75 | F |
| Trail Boots | 1.0 | 1.0 | 30% | 5% | -3% | 1.00 | 1.00 | A |
| Work Boots | 2.0 | 1.0 | 5% | 7% | -10% | 1.50 | 0.90 | D |
Footwear is tough. There are some awful options that we can eliminate quickly, and a few fantastic options that all players should look for. Honestly, go for the Mukluks, which are very rare. If I can’t find a pair of those, I’m crafting the Deerskin Boots. Yeah, they chunk your Mobility and they’re heavy, but they are warm and keep your feet dry. They don’t give up too much Mobility, and they provide decent Protection. I’m also giving bad ratings to anything that destroys Mobility, and you probably don’t need me to tell you that Leather Shoes or Running Shoes are a bad idea.
Accessories
| Item | Warmth (°C) | Windproof (°C) | Waterproof | Protection | Mobility | Weight (kg) | Weight/Warmth (°C) | Overall Rating |
| Moose-Hide Satchel | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.25 | 0.0 | A |
| Wool Ear Wrap | 1.0 | 0.5 | 20% | 1% | 0% | 0.25 | 4.0 | A |
Go craft yourself one Moose-Hide Satchel and find one Wool Ear Wrap. The Moose-Hide Satchel will do nothing for your Warmth, rather it will allow you to carry an additional 5.0kg of Weight. If you can’t find or craft one, wear two pairs of the Wool Ear Wrap. Just be glad that nobody else is around to see you, because this is the ugliest piece of clothing in the game and it clips through everything. Come on, Hinterland, someone’s got to take fashion seriously in the quiet apocalypse.
Play around a little bit and find what works for you. Often you don’t get a say in what you wear, you just put on what you find. It’s great to know that Mukluks are awesome, but they are rare. Just find your own sweet spot based on your difficulty level. You might have to trade Mobility for more Warmth, or find that you can lose a bit of Warmth in favor of lighter items. While I’m happy to provide suggestions, this guide is really just data that you can use to make your own decision. Something to compare two pieces of clothing together when at 100% condition so you don’t have to repair it to see how good it is.
Now that you know what the best clothing is in The Long Dark, consider checking out more of The Long Dark on Guide Stash. You should also head over to the Hinterland Forums and immerse yourself in the community. You’ll find knowledgeable players there who can help you make the tough decisions that will make or break your survival chances.
