Emergency Survival Blankets: Which Type Is Best For You?

I’ve researched various available emergency blankets to help you choose the right one for your needs. You’ll find Space blankets, Mylar-lined plastic bags, all-weather blankets, and wool survival blankets among your options. Each type offers unique advantages and disadvantages that I’ll explore below.

All-Weather Blankets

I recommend all-weather survival blankets for their versatility in multiple survival situations. You can use them not only as blankets but also as tarps or shelters. Their double-layer construction combines polypropylene and Mylar to create a durable, waterproof barrier that is effective in diverse environments. Whether heading into the wilderness or an area with light rainfall, these blankets keep me warm and dry.

The biggest advantage I’ve found with emergency blankets is their ability to reflect 90% of body heat, significantly reducing the risk of hypothermia. Hypothermia threatens anyone in cold conditions, making these blankets potentially lifesaving. I appreciate that they’re recyclable, too. While they’re made of Type 4 film plastic that isn’t typically collected curbside, many communities offer specific recycling options.

When I choose all-weather survival blankets, I look for lightweight options that fold easily for compact storage. The best ones include ties, allowing me to create a survival shelter when needed. I always consider durability and reflective properties essential to an emergency blanket.

Space Blankets

I rely on space survival blankets for excellent warmth in emergencies. These lightweight blankets provide high insulation and protect against light precipitation and cold. I’ve used them to reflect campfire heat, making them valuable emergency tools. Many space survival blankets include a Morse code phrase for signaling help.

The space blanket consists of a thin plastic film vapor-coated with metallic particles. This material first appeared commercially in the 1950s as an avant-garde wall covering. NASA implemented it to help astronauts survive in space by reflecting low-level solar radiation and protecting spacecraft’s dark sides from extreme cold. I find it fascinating that Neil Armstrong wore one during the Apollo mission.

These blankets use metallized fabrics with one reflective side. The reflective surface limits radiant energy transfer and prevents conductive heat loss. Wearing them backward might look silly, but functionality matters more than appearance in survival situations.

Mylar Lined Plastic Bags

I’ve used Mylar emergency blankets to hold broken arms and splints during emergencies. Their lightweight design makes them easy to carry anywhere. I value their high tensile strength, which allows me to braid them into cordage for various uses. They’re perfect additions to emergency kits and outdoor survival gear.

Most of these survival blankets use heat-reflecting Mylar, which excels at preventing hypothermia. I recommend purchasing several to keep on hand at all times. You can find them from many retailers.

When I shop for Mylar blankets, I choose from various colors and sizes. Some colors signal my location to rescuers, while others blend with camouflage or match my emergency kit. I appreciate these blankets’ light weight and compactness, which means they take up minimal space in my emergency supplies.

Beyond serving as a survival, I use Mylar for gardening and other outdoor activities. It works excellently as a heat reflector to prevent fires or food spoilage. I’ve lined dog crates with it and cooked fish in a sun oMylarsingMylarr. Its ability to absorb heat and stop bleeding provides additional benefits in emergency situations.

Wool Blankets

I recommend wool survival blankets as an effective way to stay warm. They provide protection against adverse weather and extreme temperatures. I keep them in my car for emergencies and take them outdoors.

Wool offers excellent insulation and keeps me warm even when wet. I value that it’s biodegradable and renewable, leaving minimal environmental impact. While sheep wool blankets dominate the market, I’ve also found versions made from goats, alpacas, muskoxen, and rabbits worth exploring.

Wool blankets provide substantial warmth despite being heavier and bulkier than other types. I always choose ones with finished edges to prevent fraying. The thick, durable material makes wool survival blankets exceptional insulators in cold weather.

Fleece Blankets

I’ve found that fleece survival blankets work by trapping and recycling body heat. They can absorb up to 90% of body heat while remaining surprisingly lightweight. I appreciate their breathability and compact foldability, making them ideal for travel. They feel much softer against my skin than wool or synthetic materials.

When I need a survival blanket, I consider three main types: Mylar, Mylarol, and polar fleece. Mylar’s wind and waterproof protection doesn’t last long because it is easily ripped or punctured. Nevertheless, it remains one of my top choices for outdoor survival in extreme temperatures.

I’ve used fleece survival blankets for numerous purposes beyond keeping warm. They excel at insulating sleeping bags, catching fish, cooking food, insulating tents, and serving as body wraps.

Mylar Lined Tarps

As a beginner, I recommend starting with cheaper, lighter tarps like those from CCS. They’re affordable, ultra-lightweight, and feature ridgelines reinforced with nylon tape. I appreciate their double-stitched seams and PU coating. Their enhanced structure and texture make them easier to handle in harsh conditions. I suggest exploring Dyneema for advanced users, which increases strength as it gains weight while remaining extremely light.

Another option I recommend is a DCF tarp with reinforced anchor points. The best features are sixteen points with a center loop on the ridgeline seam. Look for tarps that weigh just over a pound, including Dyneema guy lines and three-sided stakes.

I’ve found Mylar survival blankets to be incredibly versatile. I use them as blankets, shelters, critter deterrents, and water collectors.

Wool-Lined Plastic Bags

I prefer wool-lined plastic bags for emergency survival blankets. They’re lightweight, function well as ground sheets, and reflect heat upward to maintain warmth and dryness. I value their eco-friendly, recyclable nature. While they typically aren’t collected curbside, some communities offer recycling programs specifically for this Type 4 film plastic. I always recommend checking local recycling options.

One limitation I’ve noticed with emergency blankets is their reduced effectiveness once punctured, which restricts their utility in rough environments. Punctures can cause splitting or uneven performance. I’m careful to avoid common puncture sources like rocks, sharp twigs, and stickers.

I sometimes use space blankets instead of fleece for heat retention. While not as warm as fleece, they keep me comfortable even in extreme cold. They effectively protect against light wind up to 20 mph, but I recommend poncho-style space blankets for stronger winds.