A space blanket can go by many names, including an emergency blanket, a first aid blanket, a thermal blanket and a solar blanket. But whatever you call it, space blankets are designed as life-saving tools that help users retain up to 90 percent of their body heat and, in extreme cases, can be the difference between life or death.
We often see space blankets in the media when someone crosses the finish line at a marathon or is being treated in the back of an ambulance. Space blankets are also a must-have item when preparing a survival pack. They’re also a great product to bring on trips to the outdoors when camping, hiking, and even skiing.
Space blankets are extremely thin and lightweight, which makes them easy to carry. Often waterproof and windproof, the blankets are made with Mylar, a polyester film that was initially made to protect space stations in orbit from high temperatures that could damage equipment and food. Known for its high tensile strength and extremely long shelf life (we’re talking decades), Mylar reflects body heat back to the source, aka the person in the blanket. Space blankets stop heat loss and, when used correctly, can help people avoid hypothermia.
Whether you’re preparing to run a marathon or preparing for the unexpected, these space blankets will keep you warm and safe.
1. Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
BEST OVERALL
For a blanket that will protect users from the elements and can be used in a variety of forms, we recommend the Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets. The four-pack of advanced dual-sided blankets are made with military-grade 12-micron aluminized polyethylene Mylar for higher tensile strength and greater durability than competitors. Retain up to 90 percent of your body heat with the Swiss Safe blankets, which are waterproof and can be used as a shelter, water collector, shade cover, and wind blocker. The Swiss Safe blanket shown here comes in army green and the blanket is also available in bright and visible colors like purple, orange, and red, as well as green and white camo. As a bonus, each set of four Swiss Safe blankets comes with one gold-colored space blanket.
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2. Primacare HB-10 Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket
BEST BARGAIN
The Primacare HB-10 Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket comes in a pack of 10 at an affordable price, making this an excellent option for use in large groups, with young scouts, for stashing around the home and car or handing out to those who are experiencing homelessness. The Primacare blankets measure 52” by 84” and are long enough to cover an adult or work as a shelter from the rain or snow. The Mylar insert helps users retain up to 90 percent of their body heat and have a waterproof finish for added coverage.
3. Grabber – The Original Space Brand Emergency Survival Blanket
LIGHTWEIGHT FINISH
Prevent shock, restore body heat and shelter yourself from the elements with the Grabber – The Original Space Brand Emergency Survival Blanket. Weighing only 3 oz, the Grabber is one of the most lightweight space blankets available. The Grabber uses super-insulating materials to keep users warm even in sub-zero temperatures. The gold reflective blanket can easily be spotted by rescue personnel and the blanket can also be used to help stop bleeding and block wind and rain as a shelter. The Grabber is made with four-layer construction of insulating materials and is approved for use by the Boy Scouts of America.
4. Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket
INCLUDES CARRYING CASE
Build a shelter or wrap yourself in protection with the Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket. The Arcturus features reinforced tie-down grommets on all four corners, making it easy for users to hang the blanket as a shelter or tie it down and keep it in place as a tarp. Available in five colors, each Arcturus blanket comes with a zippered waterproof carrying case and is waterproof, windproof, and durable. The Arcturus has one Mylar reflective side for retaining up to 90 percent of the users’ body heat and a second side that features two layers of polypropylene to be used as the exterior of the blanket, tarp or shelter. The lightweight blanket weighs less than one pound and measures 60” by 82”.
5. Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Sleeping Bag With Hood
SMALL FOLDED FOOTPRINT
If you want a space blanket that will keep you fully covered without blowing free in the wind, try the Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Sleeping Bag With Hood. Described as the toughest Mylar sleeping bag on the market, the DDITW bag is made with tear-resistant, extra-thick HeatFlex Mylar that is stronger, more flexible and quieter than other space blankets. The windproof and waterproof sleeping bag is designed with a headcover to help ensure users don’t lose body heat through their heads. The DDITW sleeping bag weighs only 7 oz and comes in a reusable nylon bag that fits in the palm of your hand, making this a lightweight and compact survival tool that is easy to keep in your car or bring on long trips.
6. Titan Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets
EXTRA THICK
Keep up to two people protected at once with the Titan Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets. The five-pack of oversized Titan blankets measures 70” by 90” making it the largest blanket on our list. Reusable, waterproof and windproof, the Titan helps to prevent hypothermia and retain up to 90 percent of a user’s body heat. Owned and operated by US Veterans, Titan offers the blanket in discrete camo, olive, bright orange and pink (Note: Only the orange and pink Signal Pattern color is available in the large size). The Signal Pattern Titan blanket is 25 microns thick, making it one of the largest and thickest blankets on our list while still only weighing 5.5 oz.
7. SOL Emergency Blanket
QUIET DESIGN
When you’re in an emergency situation and need a blanket that will keep you warm all night, constant rustling will likely not give your brain the silence it needs to relax and sleep. That’s why we like the SOL emergency blanket from REI, which has a quiet finish that is conducive to sleeping and helps keep you warm without alerting people or animals around you of your location. The SOL measures 84” by 56” and helps users retain 90% of their body heat. The outside of the blanket is a bright orange that makes it easy to spot even in low lighting. We also like that the blanket is easy to open and refold even in cold weather.
8. SOL Emergency Bivvy
TEAR-RESISTANT
If you like the SOL emergency blanket but need more coverage, try the company’s Bivvy. The sleeping bag-style emergency blanket weighs only 3.3 oz and comes with a carrying case that is twice as large as the blanket, making it easy to refold and insert the blanket after each use. When the Bivvy is inside its carrying case, it’s smaller than a can of soda, making it a compact option with ample coverage. The Bivvy reflects up to 90 percent of the user’s body heat and can be used as a blanket or sleeping bag. Taped seams keep out wind and water for added protection. We also like that the bright orange Bivvy is rip-resistant and if a rip does occur, it won’t run. If you are traveling in a pair, SOL also makes a Bivvy that’s large enough for two.
9. Space All-Weather Blanket
BEST FOR TARPS
For an item to be worthy of the room and weight it adds to your pack, it needs to be multi-functional. That’s why we like the Space All-Weather Blanket. A blanket, tarp and ground cover in one, the Space blanket has layers of polyethylene film, aluminum and Astrolar reinforcing fabric that can withstand heavy use in the elements. When used as a blanket, users can stay warm as 80 percent of their body heat is radiated back to them. Thanks to reinforced grommets on all four corners, the blanket can also be used as a makeshift tarp or ground covering. Measuring 7’ by 5’ and weighing only 12 oz, the Space blanket is worth adding to your outdoor kit.
10. SOL Thermal Bivvy
BEST SLEEPING BAG REPLACEMENT
The Sol Thermal Bivvy is a must-have when spending time outdoors in warm or cold months. In warmer weather, the thermal Bivvy can be used as a sleeping bag replacement. The four-ply, windproof and waterproof Bivvy reflects 80 percent of the user’s body heat and at only 9 oz it is much lighter to carry than a traditional sleeping bag. In colder months, the Bivvy can be used as a liner for a sleeping bag and will help raise the internal temperature by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Velcro closures along the edges allow users to increase or decrease airflow and the rip-resistant Bivvy folds up into a compact 6.5” by 7” travel bag.
11. Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag
INCLUDES SAFETY ACCESSORIES
If you’re using a space blanket, there’s a good chance it’s because you’re in the middle of an emergency. The Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag takes this to heart and is designed with added safety features to help users stay safe until help arrives. The sleeping bag-style space blanket is made with extra-thick Mylar, helping to reflect 90 percent of the user’s body heat. Resistant to rips and tears, the water and windproof blanket can be stored inside the waterproof nylon stuff sack, which also comes with a powerful 120-decibel whistle that can alert others to your location up to a mile away. A nine-strand paracord drawstring is also included and can be used to help secure a shelter or repair gear. All the items in the sack are reusable and when packaged together weigh only 4.1 oz.
12. Secret Sidekick Mylar Rain Poncho
BEST PONCHO STYLE
Space blankets provide a great way to keep warm in emergency situations when you are seated or lying down, but what about when you need to keep moving? In those cases, an emergency poncho is a great option. The Secret Sidekick Mylar Rain Poncho has the same 90 percent body heat reflection properties as the other Mylar-lined blankets on our list, but with a poncho-style finish, it is more conducive to users who need to stay warm while moving. The Secret Sidekick poncho is twice as thick as standard emergency blankets and is made with 26-micron Mylar that is reusable and tear-resistant. Measuring 50” by 47”, the poncho is designed as a one-size-fits-all and includes arm openings and a hood for added protection.
13. Outdoor Emergency Tent and Sleeping Bag
BEST SHELTER DESIGN
For a space blanket that can easily double as a shelter, the Outdoor Emergency Tent and Sleeping Bag is an excellent option. Measuring 8’ long and 2’ wide, the blanket is sold with a cord that can quickly turn it into a shelter or be hung as a curtain that helps to keep out wind, rain and cold air. The waterproof blanket is made from aluminum-laminated polyethylene and has a lightweight design that makes it ideal for hiking, camping or storing inside a car.
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