Which Trap do I use in cold weather?

[RWT]

I have two 5x7 tarps I carry in my hunting pack, a decent all weather space blanket red/silver reflective, waterproof model and a low end rain fly from Walmarto. Question is in cold weather, for me in Texas that is anything below 40 degrees, which one do I use as the rain cover and which one is the ground cover? I know the need to stay off the ground is important to control heat loss, but which is better as I assume if you use the reflective as a rain cover you gain more heat transfer from the fire or am I better off using the reflective waterproof one as a ground cover to gain more heat. I am looking for advice from experience and gray hair as these are items I hope I never need to use, but carry with me since I do get out on some ranches large enough to walk for a day or so and never hit a fence.

These low cost options are all I will ever need as they are emergency use only and I can replace them after they save my bacon.

 

[Wandering_About]

If you have the time and ability make a good thick bed of grass or browse to sleep on. That will keep you far warmer than either tarp.

 

[pitdog]

Spring snare !

 

[JV3]

if you have a fire then i'd use the reflective one as the overhead cover. it's best to test your gear though - i have a grabber brand reflector tarp and one of the grommets/area near it is already starting to shred from two separate trips, both with just light wind. i wouldn't trust it to hold under a strong storm (30 mph+ winds). also, depending how tall you are, a 5'x7' might be a tight squeeze. i'm 5'9" and i'd have to set up that size tarp really low and do a semi-fetal position to completely cover me in anything but a light sprinkle...that's why i prefer a poncho over those 5'x7' tarps since it gives a more usable length in a still small package.

These low cost options are all I will ever need as they are emergency use only and I can replace them after they save my bacon.

but that's the thing, you might never get a second chance. campmor sells tarps made by equinox in various sizes and there's a 10'x10' that's one of the best tarps i've ever seen. also, bcusa has tarps too. both brands have been proven time and time again by a lot of forum members that they work in harsh conditions.