Experienced multi-day hikers know it well: an emergency survival blanket is essential gear for handling cold conditions and preparing for the unexpected. Here is everything you need to know about survival blankets.
Emergency survival blanket: overview
An emergency blanket is an isothermal sheet designed to maintain body heat, even in extreme conditions. Made from polyester, quality varies across brands and models. Some survival blankets are reusable, while others are single-use. They are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and colours.
Survival blankets feature a matte gold or silver face on one side and a shiny silver face on the other. The silver side reflects infrared heat back to the body, while the matte side absorbs external solar radiation. Keep in mind that its primary function is retaining the hiker's own body heat—heat absorbed from ambient sunlight is secondary.
An emergency hiking blanket to face all weather conditions
First and foremost, an emergency survival blanket provides vital thermal protection. It shields against the cold: when wrapped around you, the matte gold or silver side absorbs solar heat, while the shiny side reflects and retains body heat. Carrying one on a hike is essential, regardless of the weather. A survival blanket is critical if an injured hiker begins suffering from hypothermia.
Because emergency blankets are waterproof, they also protect against moisture. This is crucial if you need to bivouac under the stars, on wet ground, or in snow. In freezing conditions, wrap yourself in it before getting into your sleeping bag. In the rain, use it as a groundsheet inside your tent to keep your gear and clothing completely dry.
An emergency survival blanket for accidents and emergencies
An emergency blanket has multiple survival uses in difficult situations. For instance, it can act as a visual distress signal if you don't have flares or a hiking whistle. The highly reflective surface flashes brightly in sunlight, helping search-and-rescue teams or fellow hikers spot you fast.
An emergency survival blanket can also serve as an improvised shelter if you are caught out overnight. Since the material is waterproof and windproof, it can be pitched over a simple wooden frame to function as an emergency tarp.
You can also use an emergency blanket to collect rainwater if you run out of drinking water on the trail.
Finally, an emergency survival blanket is durable enough to serve as an improvised stretcher if a hiker is injured and unable to walk or move independently.
Safety precautions and instructions
Always check the instructions before using a survival blanket, as specifications vary by brand and model. Take extra care with ultra-thin disposable models, which tear easily. Avoid refolding a disposable emergency blanket for reuse, as its reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Our recommendation: skip flimsy single-use options and invest in a durable, high-quality emergency survival blanket.
Always remember that survival blankets conduct electricity. Never use one near a defibrillator or during a thunderstorm.
An emergency survival blanket should always be in your hiking kit, alongside a hiking whistle and a first-aid kit. Even on a short half-day trek, keep it packed—unforeseen circumstances can turn a brief outing into an unplanned night in the wilderness.
