A space blanket is a thin, reflective sheet that holds your body heat in and blocks wind and rain, so you stay warm when you evacuate, walk home, or wait out a cold night outdoors. It folds to pocket size, so every go bag, including a child's, can carry one.
A space blanket is a thin sheet of metallized plastic that folds smaller than a deck of cards. Choose space blankets that hold up to wind, rain and rough handling.
- Quantity: Pack one per person in every go bag, and add a spare to each adult bag for a child or a wet night.
- Size: Pick a sheet at least 52 by 82 inches so it wraps an adult from shoulders to feet.
- Tear resistance: Choose a reinforced, heavier sheet or a bivy sack style, since the thinnest foils can split at a fold in strong wind.
- Grommets and color: Look for corner grommets so you can rig a shelter, and a bright orange side to signal rescuers.
- Storage: Keep each one sealed in its original fold, and replace any you have opened and creased.
- Use: Wrap it close over dry clothing and cover your head, then put a pad or pack under you to stop heat loss to the ground.
