Emergency Blanket? Do you and why / why not?

**Harstad** · 08-13-2012, 05:09

Drop the bivy. Keep the space blanket.

You already have a sleep setup. The space blanket gives redundancy in several areas. In first aid to prevent hypothermia of a casualty. In hiking to boost temperature ratings when cold and protection from the sun when hot. It's also useful as protection against wind and water as tarp or poncho.

As a survival item the space blanket has a yes in my book. It's light and cheap. Has several uses. Can be used and reused, or given away to someone in need.

I also carry two fire starters, two knives , two lights and rations for one extra day. And a space blanket

**SteveJJ** · 08-13-2012, 05:12

I bought ten mylar blankets for less than a buck each on eBay, and have put one in the glovebox, on each motorcycle, pack, etc. They are small, light, and you just never know when it might be handy.

**MAD777** · 08-13-2012, 05:55

I carry one when it's below freezing most of the night and on cool day hikes when I don't have much else except a 1st aid kit.

**esku75** · 08-13-2012, 06:16

I carry one emergency blanket in my first aid kit, never know when u need it. In my opinion it's a must have for the price, weight, use.

**BillyBob58** · 08-13-2012, 07:58

I very often - but not always - carry an SB, never have a bivy. The sb is a routine part of my HH Super Shelter. I have also used one inside my PeaPod either to get a temp boost when below the rated temps or when I have minimal clothing or TQ in the pod, and at any temp to keep moisture out of my pod's bottom layer, also one of the functions it serves in the HHSS. So I am either frequently or always using it as part of my hammock insulation.

If I ever have to go to ground, or during my ground sleeper days, it served as my not very durable ground cloth. I'd usually toss it at the end of the trip if there was any damage from the ground.

**mbiraman** · 08-13-2012, 10:21

I always carry a SB no matter what the daytime temp is.

bill

**Knotty** · 08-13-2012, 11:22

Always have a space blanket with me when hiking. It's cheap insurance. Especially useful if all your insulation is down. A mistake or failure could leave you with wet down, so having an sb might make all the difference.

**fourdog** · 08-13-2012, 12:07

Originally Posted by mbiraman

I always carry a SB no matter what the daytime temp is.

bill

I'm with Bill, I only have to use it once in my life time to make it worth it to carry. But I will add learn how to use it and use it well before you need it.
They work.

The time to learn how to swim is not in the middle of the lake.

"fourdog"

www.fourdog.com

**Owl** · 08-13-2012, 19:10

Guess I'm the fool. I carry about 25lbs base weight, a decent amount being some of that "pack for your fears" stuff.

Funny...after all my years active duty, doing the silly schools in the Army, etc...don't feel like I'm really all that afraid.

I'd rather carry it for years and never need it, than go without and end up with someone (or myself!) in a bad state because I didn't bother.