Space Blankets. 

 What are they and how can they save your life?

What fits in the palm of your hand, weighs almost nothing, costs very little and could be the difference between life and death in an emergency? If you said “space blanket” give your self an extra portion of gorp. (if you really can eat any more)

A “space  blanket” as they have come to be known is a pocket-size emergency blanket weighing  less than 4 oz., yet is wind proof and flexible to 60 degrees below zero. These amazing items are not so much like a blanket as a reflective shield between you and the elements and they work by reflecting heat back while keeping out rain, wind, or snow.

They are made of metalized polyester.The “blanket” has no insulating properties of its own; rather it is a reflective surface, reflecting back your own body heat to help you survive the long, cold night. They come in various sizes as you can see in the pictures. they range from a small,4 oz. size to an actual bag up to a “bivy bag” style which is much more substantial. Of course as you increase the size the weight and price increase also. But if the effectiveness is what you need, more is better.

Ok, now you know what a space blanket is and what it is about. Now let us imagine you are out with your friends and somehow you get lost, heaven forbid, but it does happen, or the weather turns really bad and you have to stay put. If you have only what you had on when you left the house this morning, you are going to have one miserable night and may be in some real danger if you are hurt, tired, disoriented or all of the above.

But, luckily you read an article on the website “BackpackingCamping.com” about survival and you have with you a small, lightweight life saver! So you put on your extra clothes (you did bring some right?) if not, read my other articles on essential gear, put down your ensulite pad on a sheltered spot, wrap yourself up in your space blanket and settle in for the night. If you or your friends have extra food, now is the time to eat it. So, get yourself a space blanket and be always ready for the worst but hope for the best. You might even pick up a few extras for your car and at home when the power goes out. Many people get stuck in their cars and suffer hypothermia because they cannot walk through the snow to safety.

What kind of Knive should I carry?