When it comes to emergency preparedness, one of the most essential items to have on hand is a survival blanket. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or someone just wanting to be prepared for whatever life throws your way, having a quality survival blanket is an essential part of any emergency plan. But how long do survival blankets actually last? In this blog post, we’ll explore the various factors that affect the longevity of survival blankets and what you can do to ensure they last as long as possible.
While many believe that using a waterproof blanket is the best way to survive nighttime snowfall, this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, there are some studies suggesting that people who use very expensive winter gear may be doing something else while they sleep — reducing their body temperature.
By staying warm (or colder) than necessary, they may be preventing themselves from experiencing the benefits of rest and recovery.
Waterproof clothing may also not provide enough insulation if you get wet quickly or if you are cold already. You may also spend more money due to the heavier material thicknesses in these products.
Instead of investing in fancy winter clothes, try making your own survival blankets. They don’t cost much more and can be made out of almost anything that gets hard when dried out. Materials like cotton cloth, flannel, wool sweater pieces, and old leather coats work well. Just make sure it doesn’t have any chemicals on it!
Reminder: If you would prefer warmer sleeping bags instead of ones designed for cooling, stay in shelter conditions for at least an hour to find out how hot or cool your bed really is. Sleeping in too little heat will only ensure death for you later.
Do emergency space blankets work?
Do emergency space blankets really work? That’s a question many people ask when they’re faced with an outdoor survival situation. It’s a valid question, and the answer is yes – they do work!
Emergency space blankets, also known as Mylar blankets, are made of a thin, lightweight, reflective material. They’re designed to help keep you warm in a variety of emergency situations, such as outdoors when the temperature drops. The reflective surface helps to reflect the body’s own heat back at the user, helping to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Emergency space blankets come in a variety of sizes, from individual-sized blankets to blankets large enough to cover two people. They also come in a variety of thicknesses, from thin and lightweight to thick and insulated. Depending on the size and thickness of the blanket, it’s possible to use them in a variety of temperatures, from below freezing to above the boiling point.
In addition to keeping you warm, emergency space blankets can also be used to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements. This can be especially important in areas that experience extreme weather or harsh climates.
When using an emergency space blanket, it’s important to remember that they are not waterproof. It’s best to use them in combination with other items, such as a tarp or tent, to protect you from the elements.
In conclusion, emergency space blankets are a great tool to have in your survival kit. They can help keep you warm in cold temperatures and help protect you from the elements. With the right combination of size, thickness, and materials, these blankets can make all the difference in a survival situation. So the answer to the question “Do emergency space blankets work?” is a definite “Yes!”
Are All Emergency Blankets The Same?
Emergency blankets are a common item found in most emergency preparedness kits. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or a power outage, you should always have an emergency blanket on hand. But not all emergency blankets are created equal – so what makes one better than the other?
When it comes to emergency blankets, you have a few different options to choose from. They come in a variety of materials, such as mylar, wool, and synthetic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the different types of emergency blankets and what makes them unique.
- Mylar Blankets: Mylar blankets are lightweight and easy to carry. They’re made from a reflective material, so they’re great for keeping in body heat. They’re also waterproof, which is an important feature during wet weather. The downside is that they’re not very durable, so they may not last as long as other types of blankets.
- Wool Blankets: Wool blankets are the traditional type of blanket and are great for keeping you warm. They’re thick and durable, so they’re great for emergencies that require long-term shelter. The downside is that they’re heavy and bulky, so they’re not as easy to carry as other types.
- Synthetic Blankets: Synthetic blankets are a great alternative to wool and mylar blankets. They’re lightweight and easy to carry, and they’re also very durable. They’re also great for keeping in body heat, and they’re waterproof. The downside is that they may not last as long as other types of blankets.
When it comes to choosing an emergency blanket, you need to consider how you’ll be using it and what type of environment you’ll be facing. Mylar blankets are great for keeping in body heat and they’re lightweight, but they’re not as durable as other types. Wool blankets are thicker and more durable, but they’re also heavy and bulky. Synthetic blankets are lightweight and durable, but they may not last as long as other types.
No matter which type of emergency blanket you choose, make sure you have at least one on hand in your emergency preparedness kit. They’re an essential tool in any survival situation and can mean the difference between life and death.
Wool vs. Down vs. Cotton
When it comes to winter weather safety, one of the most important things is having a warm blanket or coat you can use to protect yourself from cold surfaces like windows, cars, and sidewalks.
One option that many people choose is wool blankets because they feel good next to your skin. However, not all wool blankets are created equal!
Some have higher quality stitching than others, making them more durable and longer lasting. Make sure to look for this feature before buying.
Another difference between wool blankets is whether it’s pure wool, cotton-polyester blend, or something mixed together. Since water molecules stick to exposed fibers, a non-waterproof blanket may cause your hair and skin to dry out much faster than a heavier-weight washcloth.
A lot of brands will market their products as “winter safe” or “tumble resistant” to help promote this false perception. A better way to describe it is just to make sure your clothing and bedding don’t freeze in place!
Something else to consider is how heavy the material is. Although thicker fabrics typically keep you warmer, too thick of a blanket might be uncomfortable to sleep under. We recommend staying within a gauge range of 0-20 so that you enjoy the softness but still get some warmth.
Which Is Better?
Recent studies show that wool is one of the best materials to use for winter weather gear. A company can make either heavy cotton or silk survival blankets that are twice as expensive!
Wool retains heat well, which helps keep you warm if you need to spend some time in bed to recover from snow-related accidents. It also keeps your skin dry, which helps prevent frostbite. If anything, cold winds may cause wool to lose some of its warmth, but it will rewarm quickly due to all those internal layers.
In fact, researchers found that even thin layers of wool retain their thermal efficiency at temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). This means it won’t matter too much whether there’s a foot of snow outside or not, provided you get some sleep soon after waking up!
It’s important to note though that this doesn’t mean buying a bunch of wool blankets and leaving them lying around. They’re going to be pretty bulky when folded up, and you want to make sure they’re safe and durable before you store them away.
Also, remember that just because something is wool does not necessarily mean it is a good investment. Some types of cheap wool clothing or flannel shirts are almost impossible to survive a wash without losing most of their warmth. Check out our tips here for more information about how to choose a winter coat.
How Do You Properly Use an Emergency Blanket?
Emergency blankets are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have in an emergency situation. They are light, and compact, and can be used for a variety of purposes, from warmth to shelter, water protection, and even fire starting. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to properly use an emergency blanket and the many ways it can help you in a survival situation.
- Reflect Heat: One of the most common uses of an emergency blanket is to reflect body heat back to the user. This is done by wrapping the blanket around the body and using the silver side to reflect heat back to the user. This can help to keep the user warm, even in cold temperatures. This can be especially beneficial in cold water survival situations, where the user needs to stay warm and dry.
- Repel Heat: In some cases, the user may need to repel heat, instead of reflecting it. This can be done by wrapping the silver side of the blanket around the user’s body and using the black side to repel heat away from the user. This can help to keep the user cool, even in hot temperatures. This can be especially beneficial in hot water survival situations, where the user needs to stay cool and dry.
- Emergency Shelter: An emergency blanket can also be used as a shelter in a pinch. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and securing it in place, a makeshift shelter can be created. This can help to keep the user out of the elements and provide protection from the wind and rain.
- Water Protection: An emergency blanket can also be used to protect the user from water. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the silver side to repel water away from the user, the user can stay dry in wet conditions. This can be especially beneficial in survival situations where the user may need to wade through water or take a swim.
- Water Gathering: An emergency blanket can also be used to collect and store water. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the black side to absorb moisture, the user can create a makeshift water reservoir. This can help the user to stay hydrated in a survival situation.
- Ground Protection: An emergency blanket can also be used to provide protection from the ground. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the silver side to repel moisture away from the user, the user can create a makeshift ground cover. This can help to keep the user warm and dry, even in wet and muddy conditions.
- Firestarter: An emergency blanket can also be used to create a fire starter. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the silver side to reflect heat away from the user, the user can create a fire starter. This can be especially beneficial in survival situations where the user may need to start a fire and have limited resources available.
- Fire Reflector: An emergency blanket can also be used as a fire reflector. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the black side to reflect heat away from the user, the user can create a makeshift fire reflector. This can help the user to stay warm, even in cold temperatures.
- Ground Marker/Rescue Signal: An emergency blanket can also be used as a ground marker and/or rescue signal. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the silver side to reflect a signal, the user can create a makeshift ground marker and/or rescue signal. This can help the user to signal for help in an emergency situation.
- Gardening: Finally, an emergency blanket can also be used for gardening. By wrapping the blanket around the user’s body and using the black side to absorb moisture, the user can create a makeshift garden cover. This can help the user to protect plants from the elements and keep the soil moist.
No matter what the purpose, an emergency blanket is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have in an emergency. From warmth to shelter, water protection, fire starting, and even gardening, an emergency blanket can help you in a variety of survival situations. So make sure you have one in your emergency kit!
Survival Blankets vs. Sleeping Bags
As we mentioned before, most people begin using survival blankets by buying them at Walmart or another large retailer. However, this is not the best way to use a survival blanket.
Retailers may market these products as sleeping bags, but they are actually more like warm fuzzy coat. They are designed to keep you warmer than normal night clothes.
You can also get much better quality survival blankets from thrift stores or online sellers. Online sellers will typically cost around the same price but come with warranty information and easy return policies.
Store Them In A Dry Place
As mentioned before, your first task is to find a durable blanket that you can either buy or make yourself. You want to look for something heavy so it feels sturdy and comforting when used.
The next important thing to know about survival blankets is how to store them!
If you are getting one from someone else then quality box stores will have an area set aside for donating items. If you are doing this as a charity then buying a new bed sheet-sized plastic bag should be enough to save your life trip.
Otherwise, try folding the item in half and putting it in a similar size storage container. Make sure it is closed properly and also check to see if it has any identifying information like jewelry or car keys attached.
Don’t Let Them Freeze
Most major retailers offer all-purpose survival blankets that are packaged together in a box or sleeve to keep them organized. These packets usually contain one heavy-duty, wool blanket that can be used for many things such as sleeping, keeping dry, and protecting you from cold temperatures.
Most people use these blankets within three months of buying them because they only need one at a time. However, we would recommend not letting yourself run out of this item too quickly!
You will want to make sure it does not get frozen or wet when used since both could cause it to decompose, negating its protective qualities. Also, try to avoid pulling off any patches or stitching if possible as those can break down as well.
If you plan on donating your survival blanket to a good charity, make sure to remove any logos so it is more likely to get utilized instead of stored away somewhere.
Wash Before Using
It is very important to wash your survival blanket before using it for anything else. This includes cleaning it with either hot water or disinfectant depending on what kind of material you have it made out of.
After washing, let dry completely before wrapping up any other items. This way you can make sure there are no lingering oils or chemicals that may cause damage to whatever item you are covering next.
Some materials such as nylon will lose their strength when wet so it is best to hang them up to air-dry. If this isn’t possible then be sure to use a very low moisture content powder to prevent mushiness.
Washing Instructions
For best results wash your survival blanket in very hot water using either hand washing or full-length body washes. Do not use a machine wash as this can cause damage to the material.
Do not pull on the survival blanket while it is drying, this could potentially break it. Let it air dry and check it every few days until it feels firm.
Avoid direct sunlight when drying as this may fade the color slightly. This is totally normal!
Once it is completely dried you can iron the blanket if desired. It will take several cycles of warm-cold setting and amount for it to be soft again, but otherwise does not need ironing.
These are all general tips for how to care for your survival blanket, however, no matter what brand it is there should already exist adequate instructions online or from the manufacturer.
The Best Survival Blankets
Almost every major wilderness area has at least one heated shelter available for people to use during winter. These shelters are usually made of heavy-duty, rugged materials that keep out water and snow well.
Shelters like these play an important role in surviving a natural disaster or night in the wilderness. Surviving nighttime in the wild is more than just having enough clothes and food- it’s about being prepared for anything!
Having your own personal survival blanket is one of the most basic things you can have before heading into the unknown. They cost around $20 – $30 and will help you feel some level of safety and normalcy when everything else is fading away.
There are several different types of survival blankets depending on what situation you find yourself in. Some are thicker while others are a thinner versions of those. No matter which type you get, they all work the same way.
They fill up with heat from either burned material or using chemical agents to melt metals. Once melted down, the cover cloth dries onto your skin to protect you from the colder elements.