When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected situations. For many of us, getting lost in the wilderness or facing harsh weather conditions can be a daunting prospect. However, having the right gear can make all the difference. A survival blanket is an essential item for any outdoor enthusiast, as it provides a vital layer of warmth and protection until help arrives.
Avoid Hypothermia with a Survival Blanket
Winter’s chill can be deadly, with an astonishing 1300 people in the United States succumbing to exposure-related deaths each year. While many of these fatalities occur in wilderness areas, alarmingly, a significant number also take place in urban settings. This stark reality underscores that survival blankets are not solely the domain of outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, accidents can and do happen anywhere – at a local sporting event or while commuting to work.
As such, it’s crucial to always have a survival blanket readily available in your vehicle for emergency situations.
The 10 Best Survival Blankets
When it comes to emergency survival supplies, one of the most crucial items to have in your kit is a reliable blanket. Whether you’re facing harsh weather conditions or unexpected situations, having a good blanket can mean the difference between comfort and distress. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated blankets on the market, including options from Swiss Safe, ANMEILU, Primacare, Arcturus, Mambe, Go Time Gear, Grizzly Gear, S.O.L, and Titan Space.
Our Top Pick for the Best Survival Blanket
When it comes to the best survival blankets for outdoor enthusiasts, our top recommendation is the S. O. L Survival Emergency Blanket. This exceptional product offers unparalleled warmth and shelter, making it a crucial component of any backcountry expedition or camping trip. Preparation is key when facing unexpected emergencies, and the S. O. L blanket provides both life-essential necessities in one convenient package.
By shielding you from the dangers of hypothermia – caused by cold, wet, and windy weather – this emergency blanket empowers you to brave the elements and prolong your time outdoors. For a reliable and trusted companion on any adventure, be sure to check out the S. O. L Survival Emergency Blanket’s price on Amazon.
Understanding the Signs of Hypothermia
Typically, an adult’s body temperature hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when that temperature drops to approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of hypothermia sets in. This potentially life-threatening condition can significantly impair one’s coordination and decision-making abilities.
Fortunately, a well-designed survival blanket can play a crucial role in preventing both hypothermia and shock by retaining up to 90% or 95% of an individual’s body heat, particularly during harsh winter weather conditions.
Shelter the Storm with a Survival Blanket
Venturing into the great outdoors can be unpredictable, with weather conditions swiftly changing from calm and sunny to stormy, bringing snow, ice, torrential rain, and fierce winds. In such situations, seeking shelter under a reliable survival blanket becomes crucial for protection against the elements.
Having a survival blanket alongside other vital tools like a comprehensive survival kit, a camping axe, and a versatile Swiss Army Knife can empower you to face any unexpected situation that may arise.
Multifunctional Survival Blankets
Survival blankets are incredibly versatile tools that can be used in a multitude of situations to help you stay safe and comfortable. From providing a protective groundsheet to create a dry and warm space, to serving as a makeshift shelter or sunshade to block out the elements, these blankets have numerous practical applications.
Additionally, they can also be used as a poncho to keep you dry, a gear or backpack cover to protect your equipment, or even a rescue or distress beacon to signal for help in an emergency. Furthermore, survival blankets can be employed as bird deterrents to keep pests at bay, or as solar ovens to cook food when other cooking methods are unavailable. They can also function as an arm sling or tourniquet to treat injuries, and as a trail marker to guide you through unfamiliar terrain.
Finally, they can even collect water or snow to provide a vital source of hydration.
How to Choose the Best Survival Blanket
Types of Survival Blankets
The most well-known types of survival blankets are the space blanket, wool survival blanket, and polar fleece blanket. Among these, the space blanket is particularly noteworthy, having been originally designed by NASA for astronauts and now widely used by emergency personnel, the military, and survival experts. Its Mylar material provides superior thermal insulation to prevent hypothermia and shock.
The Mylar material may look like aluminum foil, but it’s actually a highly reflective, durable, flexible, and lightweight silver polyethylene. Some space blankets have double-sided Mylar or a reflective surface on one side and fleece, wool, or polyester on the other. When using a Mylar space blanket, be careful not to tear the thin material on sharp objects.
While it may not provide heavy-duty warmth in freezing conditions and can be noisy due to its foil-like texture, survival blankets are designed for temporary emergencies only. It’s recommended to pair a space blanket with a wool or polar fleece blanket for long-term insulation. Wool survival blankets, such as the Arcturus Survival Blanket, have an extraordinary ability to trap heat and keep you warm.
They’re not just great for surviving in the wilderness but also make excellent all-around blankets for everyday use. You can sit on one while watching a football game or snuggle up with friends around a campfire. Even throw one on your bed for those chilly nights. Wool blankets may not have reflective Mylar material and can be heavier to carry, but they’re durable and long-lasting if properly cared for.
On the other hand, polar fleece blankets, such as the Mambe Survival Blanket, are made from thick and durable polyester and often feature reflective Mylar on the reverse side for added protection against hypothermia. They’re easy to wash and pack but may be heavier than space blankets.
All-weather Resistant Design
Regardless of the type of survival blanket you opt for, its key characteristics should include durability, windproofing, and waterproofing. When utilizing a survival blanket as a makeshift shelter, ensure a secure setup is achieved to prevent lightweight materials from being torn apart by strong winds.
Packability
Survival blankets are designed to be portable and versatile, making them an essential addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s kit. Weighing in at a mere fraction of an ounce, these compact wonders can be easily stashed away in a variety of locations – from the depths of your tactical backpack to the glove compartment of your vehicle or amidst your camping gear.
Some models even come with their own convenient carrying pouches, such as the ANMEILU Emergency Survival Blanket, making it easy to keep them at the ready for whenever you might need them.
Best Survival Blanket Reviews
Swiss Safe Emergency Survival Blankets
When unexpected weather conditions arise, having the Swiss Safe Emergency Survival Blanket by your side provides a significant advantage. As a trusted leader in outdoor supplies, survival equipment, and first aid supplies, Swiss Safe has designed this military-grade blanket to keep you safe from hypothermia and shock. The advanced aluminized dual-sided Mylar foil retains up to 90% of body heat, ensuring you stay warm and dry in any situation.
This versatile survival blanket is not just a lifesaver but also an essential item for survivalists and preppers alike. Its uses extend far beyond traditional emergency situations, serving as a tent footprint, ground cover, shelter, shade cover, wind blocker, backpack or sleeping bag cover, rain poncho, emergency signal, solar oven, fishing lure, bird repellent, arm sling, tourniquet, trail marker, and even a water or snow-melt container.
Weighing in at just 52 x 82 inches, the blanket’s compact design won’t weigh you down as you venture into the wilderness. For added convenience, Swiss Safe includes a bonus mini gold space blanket, and you can choose from nine exclusive colors to either blend in with your surroundings or attract emergency personnel. With a 100% refund or money-back guarantee, you can trust that this premium product will meet your needs.
ANMEILU Emergency Survival Blanket
When it comes to outdoor activities, having the right gear can make all the difference. The ANMEILU Emergency Survival Blanket is an excellent addition to any adventurer’s kit, providing exceptional warmth and protection in all weather conditions. This durable dual-sided blanket features advanced aluminized Mylar foil that retains up to 90% of body heat, shielding against hypothermia and shock while deflecting solar heat.
Whether you’re braving the elements or just need a reliable backup, this blanket will keep you dry and comfortable by effectively blocking rain, snow, and moisture. Weighing in at an ultra-lightweight and compact design, the survival blanket is individually sealed in a Ziplock bag for secure storage. Stash one in your backpack, car, first aid kit, or camping gear – its versatility knows no bounds. From emergency shelter to solar oven, this blanket’s applications are limitless.
It can be used as a tent footprint, ground cover, shade cover, backpack cover, rain poncho, emergency signal, and more. Plus, it’s reusable and non-toxic, making it a guilt-free addition to your outdoor arsenal. The ANMEILU survival blanket is available in a convenient 6-pack, making it easy to stock up on this essential gear.
With its impressive list of pros – including high quality, great value for money, and affordability – this blanket is sure to become a trusted companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
Primacare HB-10 Emergency Rescue Blanket
When venturing into the great outdoors, it’s essential to be prepared for any situation that may arise. The Primacare HB-10 Rescue Blanket is an invaluable tool in your survival kit, providing compact and all-weather protection. Constructed from insulating silver Mylar material, this blanket retains a remarkable 90% of body heat, effectively preventing the onset of hypothermia and shock.
Its unique properties also enable it to deflect heat from the sun, making it an excellent choice for desert excursions. The waterproof, windproof, and snowproof design ensures you remain dry in all weather conditions, while its generous size of 52-x 84 inches provides ample coverage. As a bonus, this versatile blanket offers a multitude of uses beyond its primary function as a rescue blanket.
It can serve as a tent footprint, shelter, shade cover, sleeping bag, solar oven, bird deterrent, rain poncho, bag cover, table-cover, ground cover, wind blocker, water collector, and canopy tarp. Weighing in at a lightweight and compact 10-pack, this survival blanket is an absolute must-have for wilderness wanderers and survivalists alike.
Arcturus Survival Blanket
The Arcturus All Weather Outdoor Survival Blanket is an exceptional choice for anyone who spends time outdoors. Its impressive list of features makes it a must-have item for hikers, campers, and boaters alike. This survival blanket boasts a unique design that reflects up to 95% of body heat using aluminum insulated Mylar material, creating a radiant barrier or serving as an emergency signal for help.
The other side is constructed from durable double-layered polypropylene, providing essential warmth in cold conditions. To enhance its insulating properties, you can add brush or an extra blanket on top to reduce heat loss further. The blanket also features reinforced grommets that enable staking it to the ground or using it as a shelter. What’s more, this compact and lightweight blanket comes with a heavy-duty carry bag, making it easy to transport.
The large 60 x 82-inch blanket is available in three colors: camo, olive green, and bright orange. Choose the camouflage or earthy tones to blend in with your surroundings or opt for the bright orange hue to make it easily visible from afar. The pros of this survival blanket far outweigh its cons. Its high quality, great value, and affordable price make it an excellent investment for anyone who spends time outdoors.
It’s an all-weather blanket that excels in rain, wind, and cold, providing essential warmth and protection.
Arcturus Wool Survival Blanket
Wrap yourself in the ultimate cozy experience with the Arcturus Wool Survival Blanket. Made from 80% wool and 20% hypoallergenic synthetic fibers, this military-grade blanket is designed to keep you warm and snug in even the chilliest of environments. Whether you’re camping, skiing, or simply looking for an extra layer at home, this blanket’s loom-woven construction and 550 GSM density provide a thick and even texture that’s sure to impress.
The added bonus of being machine washable only adds to its appeal, as it gets softer with each successive washing. Measuring in at an extra-large 64 X 88 inches, there’s plenty of room for snuggling up with friends or family. While the blanket does have a slight chemical smell, this is a minor quibble compared to the many benefits it offers. And with three stylish colors to choose from – military gray, olive green, and navy blue – you’re sure to find one that fits your unique style.
Overall, the Arcturus Wool Survival Blanket is an excellent value for the price, offering a high level of quality and durability that’s hard to match. Some potential drawbacks include the need to wash it with a wool detergent and the fact that hand washing is recommended to prevent shedding. However, these are minor inconveniences compared to the many perks this blanket has to offer.
Mambe Survival Blanket
Wrapped snugly in the Mambe Survival Blanket, you’ll be shielded from the elements with unparalleled warmth and protection. Crafted in the USA, this exceptional blanket boasts 100% waterproof and windproof properties, making it an excellent choice for braving the chilliest conditions. The ingenious design features a heavy-duty Polartec Classic 300 thermal fleece on one side and a heat-reflective lining on the other, effectively blocking radiant heat loss.
What’s more, the reflective material is remarkably quiet compared to other space blankets. This impressive blanket also boasts impressive portability, weighing in at a lightweight yet still providing ample warmth. The premium drawstring stuff sack ensures easy storage when not in use, available in both small and large sizes. For added convenience, the Mambe Survival Blanket is machine washable, making it simple to maintain its high-quality performance.
With nine stylish color options to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. And with a lifetime guarantee backing up the product, you can rely on this exceptional blanket for years to come.
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag
The Go Time Gear Life Bivy Sleeping Bag is a rugged and reliable companion for any outdoor adventure. Designed to keep you warm, dry, and safe in extreme conditions, this sleeping bag is engineered to withstand even the most intense weather situations. Whether you’re planning a wilderness expedition or just need a backup plan for emergency situations, this versatile sleeping bag has got you covered.
The reflective mylar interior reflects up to 90% of your body heat, ensuring you stay cozy and warm even in freezing temperatures. Plus, its bright orange color maximizes visibility to rescuers, giving them an easy way to locate you. Water-resistant and windproof, the durable sleeping bag is made from extra-thick polyethylene with a tear- and puncture-resistant coating. The sealed seams ensure that rain, snow, and wind can’t penetrate and keep you dry and comfortable.
Another clever feature is the patent-pending Para-Synch Technology paracord drawstring, which allows for easy adjustment and deployment of the sleeping bag. In addition to its core functionality as a sleeping bag, the Go Time Gear Life Bivy also includes a 120-decibel survival whistle that can alert rescuers up to 1 mile away.
This sleeping bag is not only functional but also highly portable, weighing in at an ultra-lightweight and compact design that easily fits inside its waterproof nylon stuff sack. As it’s fully reusable, you won’t need to worry about replacing it after each use. While it may not be designed for everyday use as a regular sleeping bag, the Go Time Gear Life Bivy Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice for backpackers, survivalists, and campers who want a reliable emergency solution.
Grizzly Gear Emergency Thermal Tent
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have reliable protection against extreme temperatures. The Grizzly Gear Emergency Thermal Tent provides exceptional heat and cold insulation, making it an excellent choice for camping, hiking, backpacking, and road trips. This versatile tent can be used as a survival blanket, emergency shelter, sunshade, sleeping bag, signaling device, or water collector.
The thermal material is designed to retain 90% of body heat, keeping you warm and protected in harsh weather conditions. Made from the same NASA-Style reflective Mylar used for space exploration, this tent is waterproof, windproof, lightweight, compact, and reusable. Setting up the tent is a breeze, taking just minutes to assemble. The included paracord allows for secure attachment to trees without requiring additional tent pegs.
This feature, combined with its ease of use and compact design, makes it an ideal companion for any outdoor adventure. The Grizzly Gear Emergency Thermal Tent boasts numerous benefits, including high quality, great value for money, and an extremely affordable price. Its all-weather resistance, durability, and insulating reflective Mylar make it a reliable choice for two adults.
The only drawbacks to note are the thin material that can rip easily on rough terrain and the paracord that may be difficult to feed through the guides.
S.O.L Emergency Survival Blanket
The S. O. L Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket is designed with certified space technology, providing an advanced solution for unexpected situations. Made in the USA, this durable blanket features a unique vacuum-metalized polyethylene reflective Heatsheets material that traps heat from your body and offers up to 90% reflectivity.
Its exceptional performance comes from its 30-50% thicker, stretchy material that resists shredding or punctures, making it reusable with simple repairs using duct tape. The waterproof, windproof, and snowproof design ensures protection against unpredictable weather conditions. With durable metal grommets for securing a shelter, this lightweight blanket is perfect for backpackers. Its quiet reflective material also makes it easy to use without attracting unwanted attention.
The blanket’s versatility extends beyond its primary purpose as an emergency shelter, allowing it to serve as a ground cover, gear protector, or even firewood carrier. Its high-visibility orange exterior facilitates quick location by rescuers. Printed on the blanket are life-saving instructions in four languages (English, French, German, and Japanese), covering essential skills like fire building, shelter rigging, and wilderness first aid. The S. O.
L brand also offers standard and heavy-duty emergency blankets for varying needs.
Titan Space Survival Blanket
The Titan Space Survival Blanket is a reliable and versatile solution for emergency situations. Initially designed for space exploration, this advanced two-sided survival blanket excels in delivering superior performance when it matters most. With its Woodland Camo design on one side and highly-reflective silver Mylar on the other, it effectively retains up to 90% of body heat, preventing hypothermia and shock.
The waterproof, windproof, compact, lightweight, and reusable blanket is perfect for various applications, including ground cover, shelter tarp, distress or rescue beacon, and poncho. Titan offers the survival blankets in a convenient 5-pack, with each blanket individually packed in a zip-lock bag for easy storage. The four available colors – Woodland Camo, Olive Drab, Safety-Orange, and Signal Panel 17 – cater to different needs, from camouflage purposes to signaling emergency personnel.
The Titan Space Survival Blanket comes with several advantages. Its high-quality construction, great value for money, and superior performance make it an excellent choice for various outdoor activities, such as backpacking, hiking, camping, first aid kit, and survival kits. The advanced aluminized Mylar is durable and highly reflective, while the lifetime guarantee provides added peace of mind.
While some may find the blanket slightly smaller than expected, its overall performance and value justify any minor drawbacks. A bit of thinness in the Mylar material is a minor trade-off for its exceptional heat retention capabilities.
Our Top Pick for the Best Survival Blanket
When it comes to choosing the best survival blanket for your outdoor adventures, we highly recommend the S. O. L Survival Emergency Blanket. This top-rated product stands out from the rest by providing a combination of warmth and shelter, two essential elements for surviving emergencies in the backcountry or while camping. Hypothermia is a significant risk when exposed to cold, wet, and windy conditions, but with the S. O.
L emergency blanket, you can rest assured that you’ll be protected from the elements and able to survive for longer periods outdoors. Having this reliable blanket by your side allows you to venture further into nature without worrying about the unexpected.