Well,
The garments are sold both with the blue side out & with the shiney side out. So I don't think it matters.
I did some testing of my own lastnight. While not quite as scientific as WV's I felt the results were favorable.
I used the single layer IX insert for my UQ and a single blanket while sitting outside in the wind. I had a heavy fleece jacket on and only wrapped my legs in the IX/Thermoflect. I was only wearing a mesh athletic pants & the outside temp was ~40F*. I stayed outside for about 10-15min without the insulation to get a reference. Then, I wrapped both layers around my legs and tucked everything in as best I could.
I noticed the difference almost immediately and infact my legs stayed warm the entire 40-45min I was outside. However, on my left leg, which was exposed directly to the wind, I did notice a cold spot. I can only assume that this was from convective heatloss due to the wind contacting the Thermoflect directly. It wasn't bone chilling, but definitely noticeable. I suspect that under your tarp protected from the wind it should be much of a problem. That's just my initial impression.
-A.A.
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