Did you know the S.O.L. Heavy Duty Emergency Blanket can cover 40 square feet and weighs only 7.9 ounces? It reflects 90% of your body heat too. As a survival instructor, I’ll show you the best survival blankets that could save your life in an emergency.
Emergencies are urgent situations that can often be fixed quickly. But if not, they could become life-threatening. An emergency blanket is a simple tool that can change everything. It keeps you warm in the wild and helps signal for rescue when disaster hits.
Key Takeaways
- Survival blankets are key for outdoor safety and emergencies.
- Look for factors like weight, size, thermal properties, and durability.
- Brands like S.O.L., Grabber, and Arcturus offer reliable options.
- These blankets provide warmth, shelter, and ways to signal for help.
- Choosing a quality survival blanket is smart for outdoor lovers and adventurers.
What is a Survival Blanket?
At first glance, the word “blanket” might not seem related to emergency gear. But survival blankets are key for outdoor lovers and those in areas prone to disasters. They reflect heat, not absorb it, which helps prevent hypothermia and create emergency shelters.
Emergencies and the Need for Survival Gear
Extreme weather can be deadly, making you cold, wet, and exposed. An emergency blanket acts as a shield, keeping your body warm and safe. Using a survival blanket can help prevent hypothermia and boost your survival chances in an emergency.
How Survival Blankets Work
Survival blankets, or space blankets, are thin and made of a metallic material like Mylar. They reflect up to 90% of your body heat back to you, keeping you warm in the cold. These blankets are also waterproof and windproof, making them great against the elements.
For outdoor fans or disaster preppers, having a survival blanket in your emergency kit could save your life.
Top Survival Blanket Picks
When you’re outdoors, having the right gear is key. A good survival blanket is a must-have. Here are some top picks for your survival and camping needs.
Best for Survival: S.O.L. Heavy Duty Emergency Blanket
The S.O.L. Heavy Duty Emergency Blanket is great for survival. It’s light at 7.9 ounces and big at 60 x 96 inches. This blanket reflects 90% of heat, making it perfect for survival outdoors. It’s also tough and not too expensive, and can signal for help in emergencies.
Best for Hiking: Grabber Original Space Blanket
If you’re into backpacking, the Grabber Original Space Blanket is ideal. It’s super light at 3 ounces and big enough at 56 x 84 inches. This blanket keeps up to 80% of body heat and comes in silver or orange. It’s a great choice for camping.
Best Wool: Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket
The Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket is a top pick for survival. It’s heavy at 4.35 pounds and big at 62 x 80 inches. Made of 90% wool, it’s fire-resistant and tough. This makes it great for survival and outdoor use.
Importance of Warmth in Survival Situations
When you’re in the wilderness, staying warm and dry is crucial. Cold, wind, and rain can lead to hypothermia, a condition where your body loses heat too fast. An emergency survival blanket is key gear that keeps you safe and warm.
Hypothermia can happen fast, especially if you’re wet or tired. Signs include shivering, feeling confused, being very sleepy, and losing your balance. Without warmth and shelter, hypothermia can get worse, making you pass out or even die. That’s why a reliable emergency blanket is vital for outdoor lovers and disaster preppers.
These blankets are made to keep your body heat in and protect you from the cold. They help prevent hypothermia and keep you warm until you’re safe or rescued. For anyone who loves the outdoors or prepares for emergencies, a good survival blanket is a must-have.
Evaluating Survival Blankets
Choosing the right survival blanket is key for outdoor adventures and emergency kits. You should think about its weight, how easy it is to pack, and how often you can use it. Also, consider its size and how well it covers you.
Weight and Packability
A survival blanket’s weight and size matter a lot. If it’s too heavy, you won’t want to carry it. Look for ones that are light and small but still protect you well.
Durability and Reusability
Survival blankets need to be tough. If they tear, they won’t keep you warm or safe. Choose ones made of strong materials that can be used many times.
Size and Coverage
The blanket should be big enough to wrap around you well. A small one won’t keep you warm or safe. A bigger one can cover more people or fit larger bodies.
Think about these factors to pick the best survival blanket for you. This way, you’ll have the right gear to stay safe and warm outside.
survival blanket, survival gear, outdoor survival, survival techniques
Outdoor survival needs the right gear, and a survival blanket is key. It’s not just for keeping warm in emergencies. It’s also great for outdoor lovers.
Survival blankets keep you warm by trapping your body heat. They protect you from the cold and prevent hypothermia. Having one can save your life in bad weather, the wilderness, or during disasters.
Other must-haves include water purifiers, tools to start fires, compasses, and first-aid kits. Learning basic survival skills like building shelters and finding water helps a lot too.
Being ready for the unexpected means having the right gear and skills. It lets you enjoy the outdoors without worry. For hikers, nature lovers, or anyone who likes to be prepared, a good survival blanket is a smart choice. It could be a lifesaver someday.
Best Durable: Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket
When you’re outdoors, being tough is key. The Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket is a top pick for its strength and warmth. It’s like a mix of a tarp and a mylar blanket, perfect for many outdoor needs.
This blanket is big, measuring 5 by 7 feet. It’s great for making a shelter, covering the ground, or keeping warm. It’s also waterproof and windproof, with grommets for easy setup. It’s ideal for camping, backpacking, or emergencies.
The Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket is built to last. It’s strong and has smart features for outdoor use. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable camping essential focused on survival techniques.
Best for Warmth: S.O.L. Emergency Bivvy
Surviving in cold weather means keeping warm is key. The S.O.L. Emergency Bivvy is a top choice for staying warm. It’s not just a blanket; it’s like a sleeping bag that keeps your body heat in and cold air out.
This shelter is super light, weighing only 3.8 ounces. It’s also very small, fitting in a spot smaller than a soda can. It’s big enough for an adult, measuring 36″ x 84″, so you’ll be fully covered. Plus, it’s windproof and waterproof, keeping you dry and warm in bad weather.
The S.O.L. Emergency Bivvy is a great deal for its price, about $16. It’s a smart choice for anyone who needs reliable warmth outdoors. Whether you’re caught off guard by nature or preparing for a disaster, this shelter is a must-have.
Materials and Thermal Properties
Survival blankets come in many materials, each with special thermal properties for different survival needs. Mylar and wool blankets are two common types, each with its own benefits.
Mylar Emergency Blankets
Mylar emergency blankets are light and compact. They have a thin, metallic coating that reflects up to 95% of body heat. This makes them great at keeping you warm and preventing hypothermia.
They are only 3 x 5 x 1 inches when folded. This makes them super easy to carry and store. They are perfect for outdoor lovers and those who like to be prepared for emergencies.
Wool Survival Blankets
Wool survival blankets offer great insulation, even when wet. They are a bit heavier than mylar blankets but keep you warm in cold, wet conditions. This makes them ideal for long outdoor trips or tough weather.
Choosing between mylar and wool blankets depends on your survival needs and the environment you’re in. Mylar is great for emergencies and hiking because it’s light and compact. Wool is better for cold, wet places because it keeps you warm even when wet.
Knowing the pros and cons of each material helps you pick the best survival blanket for your adventures.
Versatility and Multipurpose Use
Survival blankets are more than just for keeping warm. They can be used as emergency shelters, signaling devices, ground covers, and even to collect water. The survival blanket is a key item for any outdoor or disaster kit.
Space blankets are a must-have for campers and hikers. They can be used in many ways, making them crucial for any camping or backpacking gear collection. They offer protection like a secondary sleeping bag, waterproofing tents, and creating rescue signals.
- Use as a secondary sleeping bag, retaining body heat and protecting against the elements
- Waterproof tents and protect belongings during rain
- Insulate tents and reflect heat during the day
- Create rescue signals with the reflective properties
- Serve as emergency and survival gear in first aid kits
- Provide a layer of ground protection while camping
While survival blankets are versatile, they should be used only in emergencies. They shouldn’t replace proper camping and survival gear. Knowing how to use them can make your outdoor adventures better.
Value and Cost Considerations
When looking at survival blankets, it’s key to balance cost with quality. Some may cost more, but a durable one is crucial in a survival situation. Yet, budget-friendly mylar blankets are great for those on a budget but still want good emergency survival gear.
It’s vital to look at the value and cost of survival blankets for disaster preparedness. Think about the blanket’s weight, how easy it is to carry, how long it lasts, and how well it keeps you warm. Even a basic mylar blanket can be a lifesaver by keeping you warm and safe.
- Weight and packability matter, as a light and small blanket is easy to carry and store.
- Durability is crucial, as a blanket that lasts can protect you for many years.
- How well it keeps you warm or reflects your body heat is key to its survival value.
The worth and price of a survival blanket depend on how you plan to use it and your outdoor survival plan. By thinking about these things, you can choose the best survival techniques and gear for your needs.
Survival Blanket Safety and Usage Tips
Using a survival blanket safely is key for its effectiveness in emergencies. It’s important for outdoor lovers and backpackers to read and follow the maker’s instructions. This ensures you use and care for it right.
Be careful not to use a survival blanket near open flames because it can catch fire. Always be cautious to avoid ignition or overheating. Also, make sure there’s enough air to prevent breathing problems or heatstroke.
Storing and looking after your survival blanket right is crucial. Keep it clean, dry, and safe from harm. This helps it last longer and be ready when you need it most.
Follow these easy tips for safety and use, and your survival blanket will be a trusted part of your outdoor survival or camping essentials. Being ready and using your survival techniques correctly can save your life in an emergency.
Conclusion
Survival blankets are key for outdoor lovers and those who plan for emergencies. I looked at the best ones for staying warm and safe. These blankets come in many types, like lightweight mylar, sturdy wool, and tarp-based ones. Each one is vital for staying safe in tough situations.
Choosing the right survival blanket means thinking about its weight, how it packs, and how warm it keeps you. It also matters for its many uses. By picking the right one, I can be ready for any outdoor challenge. This way, I can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about survival.
The best survival blanket fits my needs, whether I’m hiking or staying in the wilderness for a while. Being informed and focusing on safety helps me have the right skills and gear. With these, I can overcome any obstacle and come out stronger from the wilderness.
