13 Best Emergency Blankets In 2021
In This Article
Natural calamities are unpredictable. You may be camping in the wilderness when a flash flood hits, and you’re stuck there until you get help. Or you and your family could be stranded at home after a hurricane or snowstorm strikes, leaving you with no electricity for days. That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency blanket with you at all times. Also referred to as a thermal blanket, it is designed to keep your body warm and minimize heat loss. Plus, it can help you survive harsh weather conditions such as wind, storm, or rain.
These blankets are incredibly lightweight yet tough and reusable. From space or mylar blankets to traditional wool blankets, here is a list of the 13 best emergency blankets in the market. Keep one or two of these blankets in your survival kit as they are sure to come handy when things go downhill.
Top Picks
13 Best Emergency Blankets
1. PrimaCare Foil Mylar Rescue Blanket
If you are someone who loves going on adventures such as camping, hiking, and the likes, it’s wise to carry an emergency blanket with you. Although thick and durable, this Foil Mylar Rescue Blanket measures 52×84 inches, is super light, and easy to carry. Featuring a Mylar insert, this blanket provides insulation by retaining 90% of the body heat. At the same time, it can also deflect heat from the sun and keep your body temperature stable. It also makes for an excellent sleeping bag, rain poncho, or ground cover. This pack contains 10 Mylar blankets, so there is enough to last you a long time.
Pros
- Compact
- Waterproof protection
- Light reflective silver-coated material
- Has a myriad number of uses
- Can withstand harshest of weather conditions
Cons
- May be difficult to fold back for reuse
2. Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace at your home or going on ski trips, this blanket is sure to provide warmth and comfort when you need it, even when it is wet. Made of 80% wool and 20% synthetic fibers, this blanket is loom-woven, hemmed on all sides, and will keep you cozy on those extra-windy or cold nights. This military gray blanket measures 64×88 inches, which means it is large enough to cover two people at once, yet is not bulky or a hassle to carry in your backpack.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Soft and durable
- Hygienic and hypoallergenic
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Available in two other colors – olive green and navy blue.
- Triple-washed during production to reduce shedding
Cons
- May have a strong chemical smell
3. Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag
One of the best survival blankets, this one by Go Time Gear, won’t let you down in any emergency situation. Aside from keeping your warm, this sleeping bag is sure to provide excellent protection in extreme weather conditions, thanks to its 26 µm thick polyethylene material that is puncture and tear-resistant. It is compact and lightweight, which means it can be folded up for convenient storage and easy portability. Also used as an emergency bivy sack and a blanket, it comes with a Para-Synch Technology drawstring and a 120 dB whistle. While the drawstring can be used to secure the gear or build a fire, the whistle is loud enough to cut through wind and tress. Plus, this bag is orange colored, which is bright enough to alert rescuers from far away.
Pros
- Durable and reusable
- Waterproof and windproof
- Also available in green color
- Features seamed edges for added protection
- Includes a nylon sack to store the bag/blanket
- It has a reflective interior that helps retain 90% of your body heat
Cons
- Might be too thin
4. S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket
S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket is all you need to survive a stormy night when you’re stranded in your car. Designed to reflect 90% of the body heat, this blanket will keep you warm even on the coldest nights. Alternatively, you could use this blanket to protect you from the scorching heat by using the silver side outward to reflect the sun’s heat away. This blanket is made of vacuum-metalized polyethylene heat sheets, which makes it lightweight and durable.
Pros
- Tear-resistant
- Waterproof and windproof blanket
- Weighs 2.5 ounces and measures 56×84 inches, making it portable
- It can also be used as a ground tarp, first aid blanket, and gear cover.
Cons
- The silver coating may fade.
5. Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket
A survival blanket such as this one is a must-have for anyone who likes going on long road trips, hiking, or boating. This all-weather blanket features a nylon layer on one side and a reflective aluminum layer on the other, which can keep you warm and deflect heat. It comes with four reinforced grommets that enable you to stake this blanket on the ground or tie it up to use it as an overhead shelter. The best part about this emergency blanket is that since it reflects heat, it can also drastically minimize your infrared heat signature.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Durable and lightweight
- Includes a carry bag
- Available in six colors
- Resistant to normal wear and tear
Cons
- The stitching on the edges may not be strong enough.
6. Premium Life Emergency Mylar Blanket
This emergency blanket is made from durable mylar, which is known for its excellent insulating properties. Rest assured, it reflects the heat of your body inward and keeps you warm when you’re exposed to cold weather. Plus, it is waterproof and silver-coated on both sides. This pack includes 12 blankets, which means there is plenty for you and your family members. It’s always essential to carry one or more emergency survival blankets in your car or your backpack while traveling, as you never know when you will need it.
Pros
- Weather-proof
- Lightweight and compact
- Can deflect heat
- Use as a first aid blanket to prevent hypothermia
Cons
- As both sides are silver, it might be difficult to tell which is the shinier side (reflects heat when turned inwards).
7. S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivvy
When it comes to keeping you warm and dry no matter the weather, this Escape Bivvy does its job efficiently. It helps prevent heat loss by reflecting 70% of the body heat to you while it’s breathable property allows moisture to escape and prevents condensation from forming. Designed for outdoor use, this bivvy measures 84×31 inches and is made of sturdy and durable fabric. It is waterproof and features a drawstring hood and zipper that locks rain, wind, and snow out.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Reusable
- Puncture and tear-resistant
- Has a mummy bag-like shape for comfortability
- It can be used as a slipcover in your sleeping bag for added warmth.
Cons
- Might not be suitable for tall people
8. TITAN Survival Emergency Survival Blankets
When you decide to create your ultimate survival gear checklist, along with water, food, lighting, and first aid kit, you must include an emergency blanket in the list, too. This blanket by TITAN Survival provides warmth and protection in adverse weather conditions. When wrapped around, it reflects and retains up to 90% of an individual’s body heat and prevents post-accident shock and hypothermia. One side of the blanket features a Woodland Shrowd camouflage pattern that works well in the woods, and the other side features reflective silver mylar. This pack includes five blankets that are individually folded, packed, and sealed.
Pros
- Windproof and waterproof
- Durable and reusable
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
- Can be used as ground cover, tarp, distress beacons, or rain poncho
Cons
- Might be thin
9. Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Blanket
As the name suggests, this emergency blanket will help you survive the wildest of expeditions and harshest of weather conditions. Hailed as one of the world’s toughest emergency blankets, it is ultra-durable and incredibly light in weight, making it a perfect companion for mountain climbers, marathon runners, and campers and hikers visiting a wildlife area. This blanket is extra large to provide full-body protection and helps retain up to 90% of body heat. You get four army green blankets in this pack, which come packed in individual nylon stuff sacks. Made of high-quality material, they are ideal for year-round use and are reusable.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Dual-sided mylar
- Light reflective blanket
- Measures 5×7 ft when unfolded
- Provides all weather protection
- Can be included in your bug out bag and car first aid kit
Cons
- Might be difficult to fold it back to fit in the sack
10. Zenwells Emergency Blanket
In the event of a blizzard, when you’re stranded in your car or stuck at home without power, the main concern is to keep yourself warm. This emergency thermal blanket is made from aluminized mylar that has insulation properties. It features silver coating on both sides, with the shiner side being able to reflect and retain 90% of your body heat. Besides, this blanket can also stabilize your body temperature during extreme heat conditions. This pack includes 10 thermal blankets, each of them measuring 52×82 inches.
Pros
- Tear-resistant
- Waterproof and windproof
- Doubles as a shelter or ground cover
- Prevents hypothermia and shock
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Each blanket comes packed in an individual zip-lock bag
Cons
- It might be confusing to figure out the shinier side of the blanket.
11. Dukal Heat-Reflective Survival Wrap
Be ready at all times to face life’s unexpected events with Dukal Heat-Reflective Survival Wrap. This is one of the best emergency survival blankets as it provides head and full-body protection and efficiently traps body heat to keep you warm on those extremely chilly days. Likewise, when the blanket is wrapped with the shinier side facing the sun, it minimizes sunburns and prevents overheating.
Pros
- Made of 100% plastic
- Reflects more than 90% body heat
- It can be used as an emergency reflector or rescue beacon.
Cons
- Might be thin and flimsy
12. EVERLIT Emergency Thermal Blanket
Every survival or first aid kit should include an emergency blanket. At least you will be at peace knowing that you have something to keep you safe in case you need it. This dual-sided gold and silver ultra-reflective emergency blanket is made of insulating mylar fabric (derived from NASA technology) that reflects heat to your body. Also known as a space blanket, it offers all-weather protection from snow, rain, and sun, while its waterproof feature blocks out moisture completely. It comes in a pack of four.
Pros
- Lightweight, durable, and non-toxic
- Versatile and reusable
- Retains up to 90% body heat
- Deflects heat when used as a protection from the sun
- The compact design makes it easy to carry in a backpack or pocket
Cons
- Might need to be kept away from sharp objects
13. STOÏK’D Emergency Blanket
Pros
- Lightweight
- Water and wind-resistant
- Includes an emergency blanket handbook
- Comes with a 14-in-1 pocket survival credit card multi-tool
- It can be used as an extra layer in your sleeping bag for additional warmth.
Cons
- Might be thin
In the next section, we have listed down a few points to help you pick the right emergency blanket.
Benefits Of An Emergency Blanket
- Prevents heat loss in your body and keeps you warm.
- Keeps you dry.
- It provides protection against any weather, be it windy, rainy, cold, or hot.
- Mylar blankets can be used as a signaling device to alert rescuers nearby, thanks to its highly reflective feature.
- Mylar is a non-porous material. So a large blanket can be used to collect rainwater, which can be used for drinking.
- It can be used as a ground cover or temporary shelter.
- It is waterproof and can be used to protect your food supplies and gear from rain.
How To Choose The Right Emergency Blanket
- Material: Most of the emergency blankets that you find in the market day are made of mylar. These blankets are thin, lightweight, and compact when folded down, making them easy to carry around in your backpack without weighing it down. Mylar blankets are designed to keep your warm and dry in inclement weather conditions. But if you are looking for blankets that offer comfort as well, then you could opt for wool blankets.
- Length: Be it mylar or wool blankets, most of them are measured approximately 54×84 inches, which is large enough to cover a person who is 6 ft tall. You will also find sheets that are extra-large for additional protection. So choose a size depending on your needs.
- Weight: A single mylar blanket weighs about 2 to 2.5 oz, which means it is exceptionally light in weight. However, a standard military blanket made of 80% wool could weigh more than 5 oz, making it heavier than the mylar ones. So, if you are going camping or hiking, it’s best to carry a lightweight blanket. That said, it also comes down to your preference and convenience.
- Weather-proof: Emergency blankets are designed to keep you safe and alive in extreme weather conditions. So, a good survival blanket should be waterproof and windproof to block out rain, snow, and wind. This will keep you dry and prevent hypothermia.
- Durability: When it comes to survival blankets, durability is one of the main factors you should consider. Although thin and lightweight, they should be durable enough to withstand heavy rains and harsh winds. Make sure the blanket you choose is made of high-quality material and is resistant to puncture and tear. Plus, if it is reusable, it will last for a long time.
By now, you would have realized the importance of an emergency blanket. It is crucial to have one or more with you in your first aid kit, bug out bag, car trunk, home, and whenever you go for a camping trip or a hiking trip. We hope you never have to be in an emergency, but it’s good to have a thermal blanket with you at all times as it can come handy in times of need. Here is our roundup of 13 of the best emergency blankets.
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