They’ve made their way into movies, survival kits, and possibly even your backpack, but have you ever thought about how pivotal a survival blanket can be? As a fervent outdoors person and survival specialist, I implore you to recognize how such a seemingly straightforward item can have immense ramifications in a matter of life and death.

Understanding the Purpose of a Survival Blanket

We’ll begin with the fundamentals. So, what’s a survival blanket? Alternatively known as a space blanket, emergency blanket, Mylar, thermal, or weather blanket, it’s a slim sheet engineered to retain body warmth during emergencies and harsh climate conditions.

What Makes a Survival Blanket Essential?

If you’ve been pondering why this unpretentious blanket is necessary in survival circumstances, let’s unpack that.

Preserving Body Warmth

Have you ever found yourself trapped in freezing temperatures, with nothing but your survival kit standing between you and hypothermia? That’s when the tool enters the scene. By reflecting 90% of your body heat back to you, it helps maintain warmth even in the most bitter conditions.

Shielding From Environmental Elements

Rain, gales, snow – Mother Nature can indeed be unforgiving. A survival blanket offers you protection from these elements by serving as a barrier.

Emergency Signals

Lost amidst vast expanses of wilderness? The emergency blanket, thanks to its shiny metallic surface, can act as a signaling device that’s easily noticeable from a distance.

Key Features of a Perfect Survival Blanket

Material

The material forms the backbone of a survival blanket. The majority of these blankets are crafted from Mylar, an extremely reflective, lightweight, and compact material conceived by NASA. It has the capability to reflect up to 90% of body heat back to the user.

Durability

An impeccable emergency blanket should withstand tears and punctures. Even a minor tear can massively diminish its effectiveness. Hence, lookout for blankets that are marketed as “tear-resistant” or “extra tough.”

Size

The size of the survival blanket is another crucial aspect. It should be expansive enough to cover the entire body and could also be utilized to construct an emergency shelter if needed. At the same time, it should also be compact when folded so it can nestle comfortably in a survival kit or backpack.

Versatility

A top-of-the-line survival blanket should be multifunctional. Beyond providing warmth, it should also be employable as a ground cover, a rainwater collector, a signaling device, or even a makeshift carry bag. Some blankets feature a bright color on one side for amplified visibility and signaling, with a reflective surface on the reverse for heat retention.

Waterproof and Windproof

Survival situations are often accompanied by unpredictable weather. Therefore, a perfect blanket should be both waterproof and windproof to offer protection against the elements.

Lightweight

In a survival scenario, every gram counts. Your survival blanket should be lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your survival kit or hiking backpack.

Reflectivity

The blanket’s power to reflect heat back to the user is vital. Most survival blankets are designed to reflect up to 90% of body heat. If the blanket’s reflectivity is lower, it may not offer sufficient warmth to prevent hypothermia in a frigid environment.

Ease of Use

Finally, a top-notch survival blanket should be user-friendly. You should be able to unfold and use it swiftly in an emergency. Some blankets come with reinforced edges and grommets for easy assembly as a shelter or signaling device.

A survival blanket that satisfies all these criteria can be a brilliant addition to your survival gear, offering essential protection in emergency situations. Remember, the best survival blanket for you will hinge on your specific needs and the environment you anticipate confronting. Always be prepared, and stay safe!

Top 5 Survival Blankets for Every Survival Enthusiast

For survivalists, choosing the right blanket can be complex due to the multitude of options at hand. But fret not, I’ve got you covered! Here’s my roundup of the top 5 survival blankets you should consider:

1. Mylar Men’s Mega-Heat Survival Blanket

With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 and amassing over 3000 reviews, the Mylar Men’s Mega-Heat Survival Blanket is at the top of our list. Thanks to its remarkable heat retention capabilities, this blanket can reflect up to 90% of your body heat, ensuring you stay warm in the most extreme conditions. It’s also waterproof and windproof, providing you with optimal defense against the elements.

Pros: Robust, superior heat retention, waterproof, windproof.
Cons: Can be somewhat noisy in windy conditions due to its crinkly nature.

2. Adventure Aid Thermal Survival Blanket

Garnering a 4.5 rating and over 2800 reviews, Adventure Aid’s Thermal Survival Blanket is lauded for its versatility. This dual-sided blanket is praised for one side maintaining warmth and the other helping to cool down when necessary.

Pros: Versatile with dual-sided functionality, lightweight, compact.
Cons: Some users might find it too thin

3. Everlit Earthquake and Emergency Survival Blanket

Securing a 4.5 rating with more than 2000 reviews, the Everlit Earthquake and Emergency Survival Blanket is favored for its exceptional durability. It’s designed to withstand extreme conditions, which makes it an ideal companion for various outdoor activities.

Pros: Durable, large enough to cover your entire body, good reflectivity.
Cons: Some users find it slightly bulkier compared to other options.

4. The Body Heat Store’s Thermal Blanket

Rated 4.4 with over 1800 reviews, this blanket is noted for its superior build quality. It’s designed to retain body heat effectively, providing adequate warmth even in harsh climatic conditions.

Pros: High-quality construction, retains body heat well, can be used as a ground cover.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than some other options.

5. UST Survival Reflect Blanket

A solid 4.3 rating and over 1500 reviews push the UST Survival Reflect Blanket into our list. This blanket is lightweight and compact, making it an easy addition to any survival kit or hiking backpack. Its orange color adds an extra layer of visibility, aiding in emergency signaling.

Pros: Compact, lightweight, visible color for signaling.
Cons: Its light weight may make it less durable compared to heavier options.

Remember, the best blanket for you will depend on your specific needs and the conditions you expect to face. These five options provide a good starting point for anyone looking to enhance their survival gear. Whichever option you choose, remember that having a survival blanket on hand is an easy and effective way to increase your safety during any outdoor adventure.

Mastering the Use of a Survival Blanket

Learning to utilize a survival blanket effectively could be a crucial factor in survival scenarios. Here’s the rundown:

Preserving Body Heat

The main function of a survival blanket is to conserve your body heat and ward off hypothermia. If you are in a chilly situation without suitable clothes, simply wrap the blanket around you with the reflective side facing inward. Incorporate an insulating layer between you and the blanket, such as clothing or leaves, to heighten its efficiency.

Building an Emergency Shelter

A survival blanket can double up as a quick-fix shelter. Attach the corners of the blanket to trees or poles to build a shelter resembling a tent, ensuring the reflective side faces the interior. This traps any heat from your body or a heat source within the shelter, instead of letting it escape.

Signaling for Rescue

Survival blankets, typically in silver or gold, are highly reflective and can be used as effective signaling devices. If you’re lost or in distress, you can use the blanket to reflect sunlight and attract rescuers’ attention. Spread it out in an open space or arrange it into a large “V” (universal distress signal for “help”).

Harvesting and Cleaning Water

In a pinch, you can use a survival blanket to collect rainwater or dew. It can be fashioned into a receptacle for this purpose. Alternatively, you can dig a hole in the ground, place a container in the middle, and cover it with the blanket. Place a small stone in the center of the blanket to create a dip above the container. The condensation forming beneath will drip into the container, providing you with purified drinking water.

Reflecting Fire Heat

A good emergency blanket can also be set up as a fire reflector. Position it behind the fire, reflective side facing the fire, to bounce the heat back towards you instead of allowing it to dissipate.

First Aid Application

In instances of shock or trauma, a blanket can help maintain the patient’s body temperature and mitigate hypothermia risk. If a person is bleeding, the blanket can be folded and used as a compress to help staunch the bleeding until professional medical help arrives.

Guidelines for using a Survival Blanket

While survival blankets are quite handy, they need to be handled correctly for optimal performance.

Avoid Sharp Objects

Survival blankets can easily tear upon contact with sharp objects. Exercise caution when using them around branches, rocks, or shattered glass.

Limit Exposure to Sunlight

While they excellently reflect heat, survival blankets can degrade under prolonged direct sunlight. Do not leave them exposed for long periods.

Rely on Additional Warmth Sources

A survival blanket can assist in retaining body heat, but it is not a substitute for proper clothing and shelter. Always have suitable clothing and shelter for protection against the elements.

Understanding the effective usage of a survival blanket can substantially enhance your survival chances in an emergency. The crux is not merely possessing the tools but knowing how to leverage them to their maximum potential.

Do’s and Don’ts of Survival Blanket Usage

Knowing the do’s and don’ts of emergency blanket usage is crucial:

Do: Include it in your essential survival equipment. Its necessity can arise unexpectedly.
Don’t: Do not use it as a regular blanket. It is specifically designed for emergencies and survival situations.
Do: Ensure that you fold it neatly and store it appropriately to maintain its longevity.
Don’t: Do not leave it exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. The material can degrade.

In Summary

A survival blanket is an indispensable tool with numerous applications in a survival situation, providing warmth, serving as a protective shield, and aiding in signaling for assistance. Given its lightweight and compact design, it’s a staple item for every survival kit. Remember, surviving is not just about having the right tools but also understanding how to use them effectively.

Helpful Resources

“Emergency Signaling Strategies: The Role of Survival Blankets“: This theoretical link would delve into various strategies for using survival blankets as a signaling tool in emergency situations.

“Effective Rainwater Collection Using Survival Blankets“: This potential resource provides a study on the use of survival blankets in rainwater collection, a key survival technique.

FAQs

What is the mechanism behind a survival blanket?

A survival blanket operates by reflecting body heat. Its reflective surface bounces back up to 90% of your body’s heat, warding off hypothermia and maintaining warmth.

Can I use a survival blanket to gather water?

Yes, many survival blankets can be used to gather water. You can mold it into a bowl or funnel to collect rainwater.

Can a survival blanket be reused?

Definitely! Provided it isn’t torn or damaged, a survival blanket can be reused on several occasions.

Are survival blankets combustible?

No, most survival blankets made of Mylar or polyethylene are not combustible. However, they should not be used near open flames or extreme heat as they can melt.

How do you fold a survival blanket?

To fold a survival blanket, begin by folding it lengthwise until it reaches a small, compact size. Then, roll it up tightly, ensuring to press out any air pockets.

Bear in mind, a blanket is a critical tool in times of crisis, not just an add-on. It might appear insignificant, but in survival situations, it can truly be a lifesaver! Be prepared, and stay safe.