Survival Blanket: Essential Survival Gear for Emergency Warmth

Let me preface this entire article by saying that if you need to use a survival blanket, things are bad. Sure, you could use a survival blanket to keep warm when camping, but for the sake of this article, I really want to hone in on its use during an emergency.

Whether you find yourself pulling up to a car accident and someone is losing a lot of blood and their body temperature is dropping, or you’re unexpectedly caught in your car during a fierce snowstorm — staying warm and maintaining your body temperature isn’t just about comfort; it’s a necessity for survival.

Through my own journey of shivers and longing for warmth in such situations, I stumbled upon an intriguing discovery: the humble survival blanket. Its simplicity belies its effectiveness; designed to reflect up to 90% of your body heat back towards you, these blankets are surprisingly powerful allies against the cold.

Best of all, a survival blanket can fit anywhere. So, there’s no reason not to have one in your glove box, med bag, backpack, or stashed wherever you feel it would come in handy having one.

In this article, we will dive deeper and unpack everything you need to know about survival blankets — their purpose-built design for emergencies and their capability to offer warmth and protection while remaining both lightweight and compact enough to carry anywhere.

I’ll walk you through how to pick the perfect one tailored to your needs by weighing factors like brand reliability, features including insulation efficiency, and thermal reflection capabilities, alongside customer feedback and cost comparisons!

Disclaimer: It should be noted that while I have taken medical and trauma medical classes, I am not a medic, EMT (or part of EMS), or professional in that field. I am simply a well-trained civilian who wants to put out valuable information that good people (like you) can learn from.

Key Takeaways

• Survival blankets, also known as Mylar or space blankets, keep you warm by reflecting up to 90% of your body heat back to you. This helps prevent hypothermia in cold weather.
• These blankets are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry on any outdoor adventure. They can fold down to fit in small spaces, so you always have protection against the cold or where a drop in body temperature may take place.
• Made for all types of emergencies, survival blankets are waterproof and windproof. They offer shelter from rain, snow, and wind while keeping you dry.
• You can use a survival blanket as a tarp for extra protection or shelter in emergency situations. It can become a makeshift tent or lean-to when needed.
• When choosing a survival blanket, look at brand reliability, insulation efficiency, and thermal reflection capabilities to get the best one for your needs.

What is a Survival Blanket?

A survival blanket is a lightweight and easy-to-carry essential for emergencies, designed to provide warmth and protection by reflecting and retaining body heat. Also known as emergency blankets, thermal blankets, or Mylar blankets, they are specifically tailored towards all-weather use and can prevent hypothermia in extreme conditions.

1.   Designed for emergencies

Survival blankets shine in emergencies. They’re built to keep you warm and dry when the unexpected hits. Picture getting caught in a rainstorm during a hike or facing cold temperatures after dark; that’s where these blankets prove invaluable. 

Or, dare I say, during a bug-out scenario where you need to leave your home or vehicle quickly? A survival blanket is something you should truly spend the money to purchase (they aren’t expensive) and have several of them in various kits and in all your vehicles.

Related Article: Are You Prepared for a Disaster with an Emergency Food Supply?

Survival blankets are crafted with technology meant for outer space — yes, developed by NASA — their reflective material works hard to bounce your body heat right back at you, minimizing heat loss significantly.

These emergency blankets are more than just a thin layer of comfort; they’re durable, fire-resistant lifesavers designed for all types of crises. Whether it’s preventing hypothermia or offering shelter from the elements, they stand up to the challenge.

Compact and lightweight, I always keep one in my glovebox, survival kits, and backpack before I head outdoors. Because let’s be real… nature is unpredictable, but being prepared doesn’t have to be.

2.   Provides warmth and protection

A heavy duty emergency blanket, often made of Mylar, reflects up to 90% of your body heat back to you. This feature is crucial in preventing hypothermia in cold weather situations or when the temperature drops unexpectedly and you need to maintain your body’s core temperature.

These blankets are also waterproof, providing an added layer of protection against rain and wind. A survival blanket can keep you dry and significantly reduce your risk of getting cold.

Related Article: Bushcraft Skills — Surviving and Thriving in the Great Outdoors

Using one can be a complete game changer outdoors. Imagine being caught in a sudden storm while camping or hiking — the survival blanket not only retains your body’s warmth but also shields you from harsh conditions.

It’s essentially like carrying a portable shelter that fits into the smallest compartment of your backpack. These blankets are vital for anyone venturing into the wilderness, offering peace of mind that you’re prepared for unexpected weather changes.

3.   Lightweight and easy to carry

Survival blankets (or Mylar space blankets) are a must-have in any outdoor enthusiast’s gear. Their light weight makes them an easy addition to a backpack, with some weighing less than 2 oz (I believe the emergency blanket weighs 1.4 oz that I have).

I never hit the trails without one tucked into my pack — it’s virtually unnoticeable but can be a game-changer in emergencies.

Also, I shouldn’t need to say this, but I will… Always tell someone where you are hiking and what time you plan to be back so that if you don’t return, people will know the area you’re hiking.

These space blankets are designed for efficiency and portability. They easily fold down to a compact size, ensuring they fit even in cramped spaces. Carrying multiple blankets won’t weigh me down — an essential consideration for anyone preparing for the unforeseen while on the move.

Whether I’m hiking, camping, or just exploring nature, knowing I have this lightweight protection gives me added peace of mind.

4.   Reflects and retains body heat

Survival blankets are a crucial part of emergency preparedness due to their ability to reflect and retain body heat. These blankets can help prevent hypothermia by keeping up to 90% of your body heat trapped inside.

The design also allows moisture to escape while effectively keeping rain, snow, and wind at bay, making it a versatile and essential tool for all-weather use.

In addition to retaining body heat, these survival blankets are expertly crafted with a thermal reflective backing that helps radiate the user’s body heat back towards them. This means that the blanket works effectively on both sides, reducing the amount of heat escaping by radiation.

5.   Also known as emergency blankets or Mylar blankets

Emergency blankets, also called Mylar blankets, are designed for various survival situations. These lightweight and durable sheets are crafted to reflect and retain body heat, providing essential warmth and protection during emergencies.

With their compact size, they’re easy to carry in your survival kit or backpack, making them a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Just about any survival blanket you purchase easily fits in a backpack.

These versatile blankets can be used to prevent hypothermia, as they are waterproof and have a thermal reflective backing that helps in retaining body heat. They have been field-tested and approved for all-weather use and offer the added benefit of being reusable.

Benefits of Using a Survival Blanket

Let’s dive into some of the main survival blanket features and benefits to further illustrate why they are essential to have and stock up on for all your kits and vehicles.

1.   Prevents hypothermia

Survival blankets can prevent and treat hypothermia by reducing heat loss through convection, conduction, evaporation, and thermal. Wrapping a person in a vapor barrier like a plastic blanket or foil insulation helps reduce heat loss and prevent hypothermia.

Mylar blankets are windproof and waterproof, providing protection against drenching and helping ward off hypothermia. The Reflexcell™ material in Blizzard Survival Blankets reduces shock and guards against the risk of hypothermia in all weather conditions.

2.   Durable and Waterproof

Survival blankets are not only wind resistant but also waterproof, providing protection from the elements during emergencies. This feature ensures that you stay dry and warm in harsh weather conditions, reducing the risk of hypothermia while enhancing your chances of survival.

It’s a crucial aspect when exploring outdoor activities or preparing for unexpected situations.

The waterproof nature of survival blankets is a vital factor to consider, especially when facing adverse weather conditions. It serves as a reliable barrier against rain, snow, and moisture, ensuring that you remain dry and insulated in challenging environments.

3.   Thermal reflective backing

The thermal reflective backing on Mylar blankets, often silver or gold, effectively reflects and retains body heat to provide insulation. This feature is crucial in preventing hypothermia and ensuring warmth in emergency situations.

Additionally, the reflective agent used to reflect heat enables the blanket to be used as a radiant barrier or even as a waterproof tarp when needed. The versatility and life-saving potential of this reflective backing make it an essential tool for all-weather survival scenarios.

4.   Field tested and approved

Field tested and approved, rescue blankets have demonstrated the ability to prevent and treat hypothermia in emergency situations. Mylar blankets are also waterproof and wind resistant, making them a reliable choice for protecting outdoor enthusiasts. Some people even use them as a camping blanket.

Furthermore, space blankets have been proven to effectively reflect heat and keep users warm during critical survival scenarios. These benefits make survival blankets an essential item for preppers and survivalists seeking dependable protection in challenging environments. Having a survival blanket is also a must have for hikers as it’s perfect for outdoors, and they can easily keep on in their pack.

5.   All-weather use

Survival blankets are ideal for all-weather use, providing insulation against cold temperatures and protection from windy, rainy, or cold climates. These emergency blankets effectively trap body heat to keep you warm in extreme weather conditions.

Moreover, when combined with other survival techniques, such as building a tarp lean-to and a long fire, space blankets offer warmth and shelter — essential in harsh environmental conditions.

6.   Reusable

Foldable survival blankets and reusable emergency blankets are a long-term investment, as their reusability makes them a valuable and sustainable addition to your outdoor first aid safety and camping gear. By choosing reusable space blankets, you’re not only ensuring cost-effectiveness but also securing a practical tool for survival in emergency situations.

The benefits of sustainability and practicality that come with using reusable survival blankets make them an essential choice for preppers and survivalists seeking reliable warmth and protection in the outdoors.

7.   Can be used as a tarp

A survival blanket can serve as a tarp in emergency situations, offering waterproof protection and shelter from the elements. By attaching it to a tarp with duct tape or pins, you can create a durable and versatile structure that can be used as a tent, lean-to, or shelter.

This multi-purpose functionality makes it an essential item for preppers, campers, hikers, and boaters who need to quickly set up reliable protection against the elements.

Additionally, when combined with other materials such as tarps and long fires, space blankets can effectively warm shelters in emergency situations.

How to Choose the Right Survival Blanket

Before you run out and make a purchase, consider the brand, insulation, and thermal reflection when selecting a survival blanket. The below breaks this all down in a little more detail.

1.   Consider the brand of your survival blanket

When choosing a survival blanket, consider reputable brands like Arcturus Gear, Everlit, Swiss Safe, SOL, and UST, which offer durable and reliable options.

Ensure you select a brand that is valued by the prepping and survivalist community due to its track record of quality and reliability (they are big on heading out and testing their gear versus the normal civilian who purchases items, throws them in a kit, and calls it a day hoping it does what it says it does).

Remember that the right brand can make all the difference in your emergency preparedness kit.

2.   Look for features like insulation and thermal reflection

When choosing a survival blanket, consider features such as insulation and thermal reflection to retain body heat. Ensure that the blanket has a thermal reflective backing made from mylar material to help trap up to 90% of your radiated body heat, preventing hypothermia in emergency situations.

It’s important to select a blanket with good insulation properties and a waterproof design for all-weather use.

3.   Read customer reviews and ratings on survival blankets

Choosing the right survival blanket is crucial, and customer reviews and ratings play a key role in making an informed decision. Look for feedback on factors such as durability, warmth, and versatility. 

Those into backpacking or boating have some great insight on emergency mylar thermal blankets as they, of all people, need to have them since they tend to be out in the middle of nowhere if things were to go south. 

RELATED: Rocket Stove — Outdoor Cooking for Survival & SHTF

This insight from real users can help you select a reliable option that meets your specific needs. Additionally, considering military survival blankets’ popularity and reliability can guide you toward a trusted choice that has been field-tested by professionals.

When choosing a survival blanket, it’s essential to consider the experiences of other users through their reviews and ratings. This firsthand information can provide valuable insights into the blanket’s performance in real-life emergency situations.

Which do I have and trust? I have Everlit and SOL in my own kits. I trust both brands and like that they are easy to throw and store anywhere in case of an emergency.

4.   Compare prices

Survival blankets come in various prices, depending on their brand and specific features. It is important to note that prices for thermal emergency blankets can vary based on their intended use, such as for car use, hiking, or military use.

Consider the pricing alongside your specific needs and the quality of the blanket before making a purchase decision. Keep in mind that higher prices do not always guarantee better quality, so it’s essential to weigh all factors when choosing the right survival blanket for your emergency preparedness kit.

I Trust SOL Survival Blankets with My Life If I Ever Require Rescue 

Survival blankets are a crucial addition to any emergency kit, providing warmth and protection in critical situations. These lightweight and versatile blankets can be a lifesaver, preventing hypothermia and offering all-weather use.

RELATED: How-To Guide On Mastering Survival Shelter Building

With their reflective capabilities and durability, survival blankets are an essential tool for hikers, campers, and boaters. When choosing the right survival blanket, it’s important to consider insulation features and customer reviews to ensure you’re prepared for any outdoor adventure.

Remember, in an emergency situation, the right gear can make all the difference in staying safe and warm.

If you want some good options that are highly rated, consider Arcturus Gear, Everlit, Swiss Safe, SOL, and UST survival blankets.

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Survival Blanket FAQs

Survival Blanket Resources

https://adventuremedicalkits.com/blogs/news/50-ways-to-use-your-emergency-blanket-from-survive-outdoors-longer

The Importance of an Emergency Blanket

https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/21287/do-emergency-space-blankets-actually-work

https://www.survivalfrog.com/blogs/survival/12-uses-emergency-survival-blankets

https://thenextsummit.org/do-emergency-blankets-really-work-for-wilderness-survival/

How (and When) Hikers Should Use Space Blankets

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9566397/

https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-emergency-blankets/

http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/FAQ_SpaceBlankets.htm

https://www.rescue-essentials.com/blizzard-survival-blanket/

https://www.myadventureschool.com/space-blankets/

7 Reasons Why You Need an Emergency Thermal Blanket On Every Hike

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8908563/

Best Survival Blanket for Emergencies

The right emergency blanket can be a lifesaver

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