What Makes a Compelling Outfit for a Ranger?
A ranger’s clothes need to be sturdy, practical, and comfortable. Usually rangers own only one set of clothing; as a consequence, it will be quite worn out and patched up. To achieve greater plausibility, this wear and tear can be done on purpose—by using sandpaper, a steel brush, and dark shoe polish, or by adding patches to the elbows, knees or buttocks.
The clothing has to camouflage its wearers while protecting them from various weather conditions, and it shouldn’t be an encumbrance on long walks or while climbing. A good ranger costume should therefore follow the principles applicable to designing outdoor, military, or sports gear: clothing that is simple and functional, not necessarily pretty but rather practical. Numerous pockets provide storage space, reinforced knees and elbows protect from injuries after a fall, and a hooded cloak obscures the human silhouette, making stealth easier. The colors of the clothing should be muted and somewhat washed-out or muddy, in order to allow rangers to blend into their surroundings. Rangers rarely wear black, though, because, compared to brown and gray, it is much more visible at night.
Rangers usually abstain from using metal armor or shiny jewelry, as polished metal reflects sunlight and can give away their position. Metal armor also tends to clang, which impairs stealth. Should a ranger choose to wear armor, it will be made from leather that is well oiled to prevent creaking.
Linen or cotton undergarments are easy to clean and wash, and wool or leather outer garments protect from wind and rain. In addition, wool keeps the wearer warm, making it additionally suitable for a cloak or coat, which can then be used as a ceiling for a makeshift shelter. A sturdy backpack holding survival tools—such as carving knives, rope, gloves, a warm blanket, and a waterskin—rounds out the ranger outfit.