Space blankets

[Susie]

If you don't have a space blanket included with your survival gear, I highly recommend them. They are amazing and will really keep you warm. We keep on in the car during the winter just in case.

[Needadventure]

We have space blankets in the car, in our BOB's, and one in the diaper bag. I have never had to use one, but they don't take up much space so they are convenient to carry with you.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...

Yes, they can become very handy. Ther're a multi-use item...and take up hardly any space at all. And, if they are not punctured, have unbelievable strength.

I keep some in my BOB and recommend them to others.

[EddieK47]

Yep and always have a gortex rain suit in truck with the little disposable heat packs.

[oldsarge]

Space blankets are a great tool to have around. Many uses and their fairly inexpensive. Once while I was in the desert in California, I used one because I just couldn't get warm in my issue sleeping bag. So I popped this little bugger out and slid in the bag with me, got warm and toasty, fell asleep in no time at all.......about 20 minutes later I was unassing the sleeping bag soaked to the bone. I felt like I was in a microwave. Now I was wet and twice as cold, it was truly a miserable night form that point on. But hey, that blanket did it's job!

[Terry]

Yes, we use them too. I like that they are so lightweight and easy to pack when trekking into a campsite. I'm getting one to keep in the car this winter in case of an emergency, I'm sure they'd come in handy.

[Grandpa]

My kids and grandkids all started backpacking at a very early age. They would all have their little backpacks and depending on kid size and age we determined what they carry. But..... they each had a little emergency pouch, separate from the backpack that was never to leave their body. Space Blanket, two heater packets, whistle, small flashlight, 1 ft square of fluorescent orange cloth, and a pint of water. (we are talking 4-6 yr olds here, no fire yet) They knew what each item was for and how and when to use it. When they realized they were lost or separated, they knew to stay put. If they were taking shelter under a log or buried in leaves, the orange was to hang where it could be seen, even if they couldn't be seen.

I've also used them for makeshift tarps when hit with extreme rain.

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by Grandpa

My kids and grandkids all started backpacking at a very early age. They would all have their little backpacks and depending on kid size and age we determined what they carry. But..... they each had a little emergency pouch, separate from the backpack that was never to leave their body. Space Blanket, two heater packets, whistle, small flashlight, 1 ft square of fluorescent orange cloth, and a pint of water. (we are talking 4-6 yr olds here, no fire yet) They knew what each item was for and how and when to use it. When they realized they were lost or separated, they knew to stay put. If they were taking shelter under a log or buried in leaves, the orange was to hang where it could be seen, even if they couldn't be seen.

I've also used them for makeshift tarps when hit with extreme rain.

Hi...

Excellent idea, grandpa. You can't start learning too soon...!!

[Lamebeaver]

When my youngest was about 7, we hiked up to a remote mountain lake above treeline. Just before we crested the final ridge, it started to thunder. We took shelter next to a large boulder with a space blanket over the top of us. He was sitting on my lap, as were were pressed against the side of the rock. For those of you who haven't experienced a thunderstorm above treeline, it is quite an expereince.

That's the only time I've ever needed one, but I always carry one or two with me, and we keep several in the cars in the winter.

[hippieP]

I have never used one before but I have been told by others that we need to get a few. I guess its that time of year if everyone is hounding that we need it, its going on the to buy list. Any recommendations as to what brand?