- Ultra-lightweight (4.7 oz) and compact design.
- HeatEcho reflective polyester film for heat retention.
- Emergency features: a 130-decibel signaling whistle and fire tinder paracord in the carry pouch.
- Lightweight (2 oz) and highly packable.
- Various color options for personal preference.
- Effective warmth provision with traditional mylar design.
- Durable vacuum-metalized polyethylene material.
- Multifunctional as a ground cover, rain tarp, and more.
- Detailed survival instructions printed on the exterior for emergencies.
Exposure is one of the most common dangers faced in an emergency situation. Hypothermia can begin in as little as 30 minutes and kill in 2 hours. Staying warm in an emergency is absolutely essential. One of the best ways to prepare for this kind of situation is with survival blankets. Today we’ll be covering the best survival blankets available to help you pick out the one that works best for your situation.
Contents
- 1 Best Survival Blankets
- 1.1 Survival Frog Tact Bivvy Emergency Blanket
- 1.2 Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
- 1.3 SOL Reflective Space Survival Blanket
- 1.4 Grizzly Gear Emergency Thermal Tent and Blanket
- 1.5 Grabber Outdoors Original Space Brand All Weather Blanket
- 1.6 UST Survival Blanket Tarp 2.0
- 1.7 Don’t Die In The Woods Mylar Foil Space Blanket
- 1.8 Titan Survival Mylar Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket
- 2 Buyers Guide for Buying the Best Survival Blanket
- 3 Top Survival Blankets Video
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions about Survival Blankets
- 5 Best Survival Blankets Recap
- 6 Final Thoughts
Best Survival Blankets
Survival blankets go by many names. Space blankets and emergency blankets are two of the most common alternatives.
They were developed in the 1960’s for the Apollo moon missions and have been used by NASA ever since. It quickly became apparent that their combination of high heat reflectivity and lightweight made them perfect for use in survival kits.
To help you find the blanket for you we’ve put together a list of the best emergency blankets across a range of features, prices, and types.
Survival Frog Tact Bivvy Emergency Blanket
I have always been keen on exploring trails and immersing myself in the wild. Over the years, my love for hiking and camping has led me to search for gear that offers a blend of comfort, safety, and practicality. The Survival Frog Tact Bivvy Emergency Blanket caught my eye as a lightweight emergency survival accessory, and having had it for a few months now, it’s time I share my experience.
This compact marvel is not your typical blanket but a cleverly designed bivvy that wraps around your body much like a sleeping bag would. The first time I held it, its feather-light weight of just 4.7 oz was almost unbelievable. Despite its light weight, the Tact Bivvy unfolds to a generous 7 feet, comfortably housing my 6-foot frame with room to spare.
The Tact Bivvy boasts of an ultra-lightweight HeatEcho reflective polyester film, designed to trap body heat. During a chilly evening in the woods, it proved its mettle. As I slid inside, the warmth wrapped around me almost instantly. However, unlike my traditional sleeping bags, it did feel more confined, restricting my movement to a cocoon-like state. It’s something I found to be a bit of a trade-off for the lightweight and compact design.
Now, the Tact Bivvy isn’t exactly a multitasker when it comes to doubling as a windbreak or rain cover, which is a bit of a downer for an outdoor enthusiast like me who values multifunctional gear. But where it lacks in versatility, it makes up for in some cool extras. The carry pouch that it comes with isn’t just a pouch. Attached to the drawstring is a 130-decibel signaling whistle, which I found to be a thoughtful addition for emergencies. The drawstring itself is a piece of handy paracord, with an interior cordage made of fire tinder, a feature that speaks volumes about the thoughtfulness behind its design.
I did have my reservations about its durability given its thin material, akin to a high-quality plastic bag. However, it stood up well to the rigors of my outdoor adventures. It’s not something I’d rely on for extended periods out in the wild, but for those unexpected chilly nights or sudden downpours, it’s a worthy companion. I also tested stuffing it with some gear to protect against rain, and it held up well, no signs of tearing or giving way.
Refolding the Tact Bivvy back into its pouch did require a bit of patience to ensure all the air was out, but with a few tries, I got the hang of it. It’s a small price to pay for the warmth and protection it offers.
The only real drawback I found was the noise it makes with every toss and turn during the night. Not ideal when you crave a quiet night under the stars or when you need to keep a low profile in the wild. The price point could also be friendlier, considering the components, but then again, the unique design and the emergency-ready features do add value.
In conclusion, the Survival Frog Tact Bivvy has found a place in my hiking gear as a lightweight emergency companion. It might not replace my regular sleeping bag or blanket, but it surely is a valuable addition for those just-in-case moments. The thoughtful extras in the carry pouch add a layer of security that resonates well with the adventurer in me. While it has its quirks, the Tact Bivvy is a worthy investment for anyone who frequents the great outdoors and understands the unpredictability of Mother Nature.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighing only 4.7 oz and folding down into a small pouch, it’s an easy addition to any backpack without adding bulk.
- Heat Retention: The HeatEcho reflective polyester film does an excellent job of trapping body heat, providing warmth in chilly conditions.
- Additional Emergency Features: The inclusion of a 130-decibel signaling whistle and fire tinder paracord is a thoughtful touch for emergency situations.
- Repackable: With a bit of patience, it can be refolded and stored back in its pouch for future use.
- Durable: Despite its thin material, it holds up well against wear and tear for short-term use.
Cons:
- Limited Versatility: Unlike traditional blankets, its tube design limits its use as a windbreak, heat reflector, or rain cover.
- Noise: The material is quite noisy with movement, which could be a disturbance in quieter settings or when a low profile is desired.
- Confined Space: The cocoon-like design can feel restrictive compared to a traditional sleeping bag or blanket.
- Price: A bit on the pricey side considering the material and compared to other emergency blankets or bivvies on the market.
- Condensation Build-Up: Without occasional ventilation, condensation can build up inside the bag, which could be uncomfortable.
Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
The Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar thermal blankets are lightweight and highly packable survival blankets. They’re based on the traditional mylar design and come in individually sealed pouches for easy packing and storage.
Each blanket is 6’10” long yet weighs just 2 oz. This gives you substantial coverage at a very low weight. One thing we really loved is how many options you have to choose from.
Swiss Safe offers their survival blanket in a range of bright colors and camo patterns. This is a great way to get your kids excited for preparedness.
The Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar survival blankets are lightweight and inexpensive emergency blankets. They provide effective warmth and are small enough to fit into any bag.
SOL Reflective Space Survival Blanket
The SOL (Survival Outdoors Longer) Reflective Space Survival Blanket is designed to be the next level in survival blankets. It’s made from vacuum-metalized polyethylene, a material that’s more durable than mylar yet has the same heat retention properties.
Each blanket measures 8 feet long yet weighs just 2.88 oz. One side is bright silver metallic and the other is emergency blaze orange. This helps make you as noticeable as possible to aid in recovery operations.
Because of its exceptional durability you can actually use the SOL survival blanket as a ground cover, rain tarp, and other general purpose use. This gives you a lot of flexibility in a survival situation.
Just about the coolest feature of this blanket is what’s on the outside. SOL printed detailed survival instructions right on the exterior of the blanket. These provide invaluable information to people when they need it the most.
The SOL Survival Blanket provides one of the best lightweight blanket options for an emergency pack. It’s durable, inexpensive, and provides you with excellent survival information.
Grizzly Gear Emergency Thermal Tent and Blanket
The Grizzly Gear line of Emergency Thermal Gear takes the basic space blanket to the next level. It includes a standard mylar emergency blanket and an innovative emergency tent system.
The tent is made from the same material as the blankets but formed into a different shape. It comes as a long tube with an included ridge line. This allows you to string the tent up between two points and creates a toasty space large enough for two.
Because it’s made from mylar it’s perfectly capable of keeping you warm and dry by blocking wind and rain. It also reflects up to 90% of the body’s heat, the same as an emergency blanket.
The Grizzly Gear survival blanket and Survival Tent are useful emergency gear at a good price.
Grabber Outdoors Original Space Brand All Weather Blanket
The Grabber Outdoors All Weather Blanket is a rugged survival blanket made by the original makers of the Space Brand Blanket. It’s made with laminated fibers attached to aluminized plastic to provide excellent insulation in a durable design.
The blanket measures 5’ x 7’ and is tough enough to be used as a groundcover without damage. It reflects up to 80% of the bodies heat and is totally waterproof and windproof.
Each corner has a metal grommet so you can easily run lines through the blanket. This makes it much easier to attach to trees or other points of contact to set up a makeshift tent, windbreak or fire reflector.
The Grabber Outdoors All Weather Blanket is a quality survival blanket from a good company.
UST Survival Blanket Tarp 2.0
The UST Survival Blanket Tarp 2.0 is the second generation of the company’s highly successful survival blanket. It’s made with a three-ply construction technique.
It uses one layer each of polyethylene, reinforced fabric, and metalized polyester. This gives it excellent durability but does noticeably increase its weight. The Survival Blanket 2.0 weighs 13.6 oz, substantially more than most similar survival blankets.
For that extra weight though you get a durable blanket that can double as a tarp. It has metal grommets in each corner that allow you to run a line through it.
You can throw up a basic shelter from the rain and wind in just minutes or use it as a traditional blanket. It measures 6’11” x 5’, plenty for a single person to stay warm with.
Overall the UST Survival Blanket 2.0 is a durable and highly capable survival blanket that’s great to put in your car or larger emergency kit.
Don’t Die In The Woods Mylar Foil Space Blanket
The Don’t Die In The Woods Mylar Space Blanket is an aptly named product designed to keep you alive in the wilderness. It’s made from dual-sided mylar with a silver and colored side.
Each blanket measures 6’10” x 5’4” and weighs just 2 oz, enough for just anyone to comfortably cloak themselves. Because they’re made of mylar they’re waterproof and windproof. They come in a small drawstring pouch that makes it easy to store and transport them for multiple uses.
The Don’t Die In The Woods survival blanket are a step up from basic survival blankets without approaching the weight of the polymer backed ones.
Titan Survival Mylar Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket
The Titan Survival Survival Blankets are ultralight mylar space blankets designed for emergency use. They have a silver side and a colored side available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Each blanket measures 6’10” x 4’4” and weighs just 1.7 oz. They’re individually wrapped in small plastic bags and capable of reflecting up to 90% of body heat.
Titan Survival Blankets are lightweight and affordable emergency blankets available in a variety of different colors.
Buyers Guide for Buying the Best Survival Blanket
There are only a few factors to consider when picking the best survival blanket. There isn’t a huge difference between most survival blankets, with just a few material, sizing, and price differences covering most of the market.
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Price
Survival blankets are very affordable. They’re often sold in multipacks with each blanket costing barely a dollar.
There are more expensive ones, but unless you’re talking about some really next level features they rarely go above $20.
Material
Survival blankets are made from a range of materials, with mylar being by far the most common. The original space blankets that survival blankets are based off of were made from thin sheets of mylar.
The benefit of this is mylar’s high reflectivity. Survival blankets are capable of reflecting 90% of your bodies heat, perfect for staying warm on a cold night stuck outdoors.
Nowadays these basic survival blankets have been complemented with all kinds of additional backing materials like polymers and tarp style cloth. This makes them considerably more durable but also makes them heavier.
Length
Sizing an emergency blanket is really easy. Look for blankets that will cover you from your shoulders to your toes with several inches to spare.
Longer is definitely better in this case, with blankets of 7 feet not unheard of.
Waterproofing
The bulk of survival blankets are made of naturally waterproof materials. They’ll work just fine wet or dry, but might not be able to keep the rain off of you.
You can wrap yourself in them poncho style or tie one up to act as a rain cover. They’re highly flexible but do have one noticeable flaw:
Breathability
If you’re in a very cold climate the moisture your body releases as sweat and part of your breath can cause cause condensation to build up on the inside of the blanket. This can be a real problem if it gets on your clothes.
Wet clothes and cold temperatures are a very dangerous combination in an emergency situation.
Windproofing
Any survival blanket worth its salt will be windproof. Because they’re made from mylar and polymer rather than cloth they can easily be used to block the wind.
One really great way to use a spare survival blanket is as a heat reflector and windbreak for a fire. By suspending it between two or more points you can reflect the heat of the fire back at you while preventing a cold wind from blowing in.
Weight and Packed Size
Weight and packability is a major factor in choosing the best survival blanket. If you’re looking for an emergency blanket to put into a bug out bag or similar emergency kit it needs to be as lightweight and portable as possible.
Basic survival blankets weigh just an ounce or two and are about the size of a deck of cards. These will be significantly less durable than larger and heavier ones but work great as a part of a 72-hour kit.
Durability
Survival blankets by their very nature are tools of last resort. They aren’t intended to be something you use on a regular basis, and because of this they don’t need the same durability you’d expect from other outdoor gear.
Most lightweight and portable survival blankets won’t stand up to more than several uses without showing clear signs of wear. For the most part, this isn’t a big deal as they’re generally very affordable and will have served their purpose during an emergency.
If you purchase survival blankets intended for use in a vehicle or as part of a home emergency kit they’ll be more durable but noticeably heavier.
Reflective
Survival blankets need to be highly reflective of heat. The vast majority reflect 80-90% of the body’s heat.
They also benefit from being visibly reflective. A bright silver or bright orange survival blanket can be used as a signalling device.
Top Survival Blankets Video
Frequently Asked Questions about Survival Blankets
As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the importance of being prepared for any situation during camping trips and outdoor adventures. Survival blankets, also known as emergency blankets or space blankets, are a crucial component of any well-equipped backpack or emergency kit. In this FAQ section, we address some of the common questions and provide answers to help you better understand survival blankets and their benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner exploring the great outdoors, read on to find answers to frequently asked questions about survival blankets and discover how they can enhance your camping experience and keep you safe in emergencies.
What is a survival blanket?
A survival blanket, also known as an emergency blanket or space blanket, is a lightweight and compact piece of gear designed to provide insulation and reflect body heat back to the user. It is commonly used in emergency situations, outdoor activities, and camping trips to prevent hypothermia or to provide shelter.
How do survival blankets work?
Survival blankets are typically made of thin, reflective material, such as Mylar or aluminized plastic. The reflective surface helps retain and reflect body heat back to the user, acting as a barrier against the cold. They are often windproof and waterproof, providing an extra layer of protection in adverse weather conditions.
What are the main uses of survival blankets?
Survival blankets have multiple uses. They are primarily used for warmth and protection in emergency situations or during outdoor activities. Some common uses include:
- Preventing hypothermia: Survival blankets help retain body heat and prevent hypothermia in cold weather conditions.
- Emergency shelter: They can be used as makeshift shelters by stringing them up or using them as a ground cover.
- Signaling for help: The reflective material can be used to catch the attention of search and rescue teams by creating a visible signal.
- First aid: Survival blankets can be used to keep injured individuals warm and prevent shock.
Are survival blankets reusable?
Survival blankets are often designed for single-use, especially the ultra-lightweight and compact ones. However, some higher-quality models may be reusable if they are not damaged or torn during use. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if the specific survival blanket is reusable.
Can survival blankets be used in all weather conditions?
Survival blankets are designed to be versatile and can be used in various weather conditions. They provide insulation in cold temperatures and can help shield from rain and wind. However, they may not be as effective in extremely harsh conditions, such as heavy snowfall or prolonged exposure to extreme cold. In such cases, it’s important to seek proper shelter and additional layers of protection.
Are survival blankets lightweight and easy to carry?
Yes, one of the significant advantages of survival blankets is their lightweight and compact design. Most survival blankets can be folded or rolled into a small package, making them easy to carry in backpacks, emergency kits, or even pockets. They are an essential addition to any camping or outdoor gear due to their portability.
How do I choose the right survival blanket?
When selecting a survival blanket, consider the following factors:
- Material and durability: Look for blankets made of durable, tear-resistant materials like Mylar or aluminized plastic.
- Size: Ensure the blanket is large enough to fully wrap around your body or provide sufficient shelter.
- Portability: Opt for lightweight and compact blankets that can be easily carried.
- Additional features: Some survival blankets may come with additional features like grommets, attachment loops, or carry bags, which can be useful for various purposes.
Can survival blankets replace traditional camping blankets?
Survival blankets are not meant to replace traditional camping blankets. They serve a different purpose and are designed for emergency situations and lightweight travel. While they provide excellent insulation and can be used as a backup or temporary option, they may not offer the same level of comfort and warmth as traditional camping blankets during regular camping trips.
Can survival blankets be used for other purposes?
Absolutely! Survival blankets are versatile and can be used for various purposes. Some additional uses include picnic blankets, sunshades, rain tarps, windshield covers, and even as a protective layer for equipment or gear.
Best Survival Blankets Recap
- Survival Frog Tact Bivvy Emergency Blanket
- Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
- SOL Reflective Space Survival Blanket
- Grizzly Gear Emergency Survival Thermal Tent
- Grabber Outdoors Original Space Blanket
- Ust Windproof Survival Blanket
- Thermal Mylar Foil Space Blanket
- Titan Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets
Final Thoughts
Survival blankets are inexpensive, widely available, and can save your life in an emergency.
Choosing the best survival blanket comes down to how you intend to use and store it. There are tons of great options out there at incredibly low prices.
I recently purchased the Survival Frog Tact Bivvy and it’s a game-changer for emergency situations. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on hikes. The heat retention is impressive for such a thin material. However, it’s a bit restrictive in movement and the noise can be bothersome at night. Overall, a great emergency item to have in your backpack.