Old Crappy Space Blanket (use by date)

[SkunkWerX]

Found an old, still in wrapper, space blanket. Could be 5 yrs old, maybe more. I wanted to fold it up to fit a different container, so I tore open the plastic wrapper and began unfolding.

Much to my dismay, the spaceblanket was sticking to itself, like welded together in spots. After the first couple of tears, I said screw-it, opened it up with haste, ripping it into a unuseable mess.

So, my message to those out there: If you have an old Space-blanket that has never seen the light of day, you may want to check it.
You don't want to find what I just found when you need it most.

This has really got me thinking about the higher quality models, they are bit bulkier, however, I am now leary of the "cheapos".

Just an FYI to anyone interested.

 

[runningboar]

I haven't yet but am going to invest in an army casualty blanket a reinforced space blanket on steriods. The regular cheapo kind never really impressed me that much, way to fragile. Chris

 

[SkunkWerX]

I haven't yet but am going to invest in an army casualty blanket a reinforced space blanket on steriods. The regular cheapo kind never really impressed me that much, way to fragile. Chris

If you ar talking about the kind that are reflective on one side, and sometimes orange on the other, that's what I am contemplating. Orange=optional.
But I think the reflective material needs so reinforcement.

In a small PSK, it's gotta be a spaceblanket, but, otherwise, I may start looking at the next thing.
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_...24441778919&FOLDER<>folder_id=282574489160610

http://www.redflarekits.com/pc/1038/amk/Heatsheets+Emergency+Survival+Bivvy%A0Sack+by+AMK

 

[spyder10]

Ya, I bought one from REI (red not orange) and it is the best i have seen. Much bulkier but very well worth it.

 

[DaleW]

If you ar talking about the kind that are reflective on one side, and sometimes orange on the other, that's what I am contemplating. Orange=optional.
But I think the reflective material needs so reinforcement.

In a small PSK, it's gotta be a spaceblanket, but, otherwise, I may start looking at the next thing.
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_...24441778919&FOLDER<>folder_id=282574489160610

http://www.redflarekits.com/pc/1038/amk/Heatsheets+Emergency+Survival+Bivvy%A0Sack+by+AMK

The one in the link is good, but they are fairly heavy and bulky. I recommend the Adventure Medical Thermo Lite bivy if you are going to go that route. Adventure Medical's Heat Sheet space plankets are great. You can get a single (good for PSK's), a double, and bag style mylar blanket too. That last one is my favorite (same as Skunk's second link) for a mylar style unit.

There are space blankets and then there are space blankets. As Skunk found out, they need to be rotated out. All your survival gear needs to be checked once in a while-- batteries of course, and matches, and check the dates on meds and water treatment chemicals.

I'm glad Skunk found out at home rather than up a wet dark hill somewhere. I'd be really peeved if I died from something like that!

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I've never really been able to figure out the appeal of those. They're small, but I've never found one that didn't perform horribly. They tear, they're difficult to tie off, they can't be punctured for aid in building a structure, etc..

I'd rather stick to a real tarp and a blanket.

 

[SkunkWerX]

I've never really been able to figure out the appeal of those. They're small, but I've never found one that didn't perform horribly. They tear, they're difficult to tie off, they can't be punctured for aid in building a structure, etc..

I'd rather stick to a real tarp and a blanket.

The ONLY appeal is that they are super-compact, therefor you are more likely to have one with you. That's all.
In a pinch they could cover you during a downpour, line the inside of a debris hut, signal help, or collect rain water.

Actually, I know where this 'ripper' space blanket probably came from.
We use them when we are at the beach, (camping) to cover our cooler, to keep our ice from melting as fast. They do a great job reflecting the suns rays and ice will keep twice as long.
I'm betting this one came off of a discount store shelf, and may have spent some time in a warm car, or lying around in sunlight. Either way, it's better to check.

 

[Shotgun]

Ya, I bought one from REI (red not orange) and it is the best i have seen. Much bulkier but very well worth it.

Super tarp. At least that's my nickname for it. They're beefy tarps with a reflective side. They are strong. They see a lot of use in my circle of friends. My dad uses it as a tent footprint and my buddy uses to shoot prone on sharp gravel at our shooting spot. Still holding up strong.:thumbup:

 

[DaleW]

Super tarp. At least that's my nickname for it. They're beefy tarps with a reflective side. They are strong. They see a lot of use in my circle of friends. My dad uses it as a tent footprint and my buddy uses to shoot prone on sharp gravel at our shooting spot. Still holding up strong.:thumbup:

I use the one I have for a tent footprint too. Fits an REI Quater Dome like a glove. It's the MPI All Weather Blanket. MPI is the maker of the original space blanket.

Space Blankets will keep the wind and rain off you, but they aren't magic. It's gonna be a long night tucked under one in a blow-- far from cozy. The whole idea of a space blanket is to fill that "extra clothing" slot in your list of essentials. I can guarantee you would rather have a nice layer of insulation and good raingear instead.

I'm becoming a real fan of garbage bags. I have a roll of 45 gallon low density polyethylene bags (clear ones) that weigh just a few ounces and will cover me up to my chest. You can make a rain coat out of one in about 2 minutes. Cut one open and it will waterproof your brush lean-to. Add another for a ground cloth. They make good pack liners too. And darned if you can't load 'em up with... garbage! They're great to put on the ground while putting tire chains on too.

If you really want to be equipped to the gills, check out real live bivy bags. Just leave your wallet or your first born on the counter-- you can burn up $300 in a heartbeat. I don't likum. Poncho shelters rule for me.

 

[LIL COO COO]

Skunk,

Thanks for the FYI. I'll have to check out all of mine. Sure would hurt to find out at the wrong time.

Travis

 

[ceya one]

Remember nothing last for ever and rotate, rotate.

I have 3 of Adventure Medical blankets ,Emergency sleeping bag, Heat survival sheets and Thermo lite.

I have test the Thermolite in cold weather and I was satisfied 100%.

S/F,
CEYA!

 

[Will]

The new Heatsheet blankets by AMK seem to be a good comprimize of durability and compactiness.

 

[hikeeba]

The AMK bivy is awesome and reusable. The 'Sportsman's Blanket,' similar to the blue one pictures in Skunk's second post is pretty decent. It is lightweight, but not the easiest to pack down small.

Although I have a few of the small space blankets, I am not a big fan. They really don't take handling too well.

This is what I've been carrying for about a year now: http://www.buyemp.com/product/1060608.html

Manufacturer site:
http://www.hartwellmedical.com/

This blanket is made of several layers of material. If folds pretty flat; smaller than the Sportsman's Blanket, but not as small as the space-type crinkley blanket. I applied squares of tarp tape for reinforcement and attached grommets to my blanket. I haven't actually had a use for it in the field yet, but it has been in and out of my PFD and various packs in the last year. It has been unfolded and re-fold a number of times. It has never gotten as small as it was packed when it was purhcased (grommets hinder packed size a little), but it packs small enough for me.

Hartwell blanket (orange) with PFD pouch contents:

I've been contemplating obtaining a few more of the Hartwell blankets, so I don't have to keep transferring this one all the time.

 

[skammer]

BLankets are a great topic! thanks for bringing it up.

The cheapo version is great for basic heat retention "under clothes". I use about 2 to wrap under clothes hypothermic patients in the field. The key to them is to get them under your outerwear where they can reflect body heat on your core, not outside. Besides they arent durable enough to do anything else with as mentioned.

The tougher blankets I carry 2 versions as well. The military casualty blanket which is in between the heavy mylar reinforced blanket and the chepao version. What I like about this one is it roles away small and is flexible albeit not as durable as the heavier version, its much more so than the cheap one and has gromets as well.

I carry the heavy version as well and its great for stringing up for a quick shelter. My only gripe about it is that its too short for full coverage. It also is stiff and hard to wrap in cold weather but otherwise a great investment.

I also carry the adventure medical thermo light bivi which is nice and flexible and very utilitatrian but cant be strung up for shelter but its a good bag and roles small. It is a bit delicate tho and mine is full of duct tape to repair rips.

That is my winter setup coupled with a 3 season small mummy bag and z-rest foam and I am good for deep winter SAR missions.

In summer I will carry the bivi and the casualty blanket and a couple of space blankets only.

I am going to try out the adv medical heat sheet bag soon and there is another product on the market called the land shark which is made into a bag of the heavy mylar material. Looks promissing.

http://www.land-shark.com/

Gortex bivis are great but when I am huddled up to a fire overnight "which I am all the time" I cant in good conscience spend the coin for a bag that will get burn holes in it.

Skam

 

[DaleW]

The AMK bivy is awesome and reusable. The 'Sportsman's Blanket,' similar to the blue one pictures in Skunk's second post is pretty decent. It is lightweight, but not the easiest to pack down small.

Although I have a few of the small space blankets, I am not a big fan. They really don't take handling too well.

This is what I've been carrying for about a year now: http://www.buyemp.com/product/1060608.html
.....

:thumbup: Looks like a great option. $8 each sounds very reasonable too. It looks like it would handle wind a lot better and I'll bet it's a lot quieter too.