The 9 Best Survival Blankets in 2024 for Harsh Weather

Every survival kit or bug out bag should have a fire starter.

When you have a fire, you have warmth, a means to cook food, and security. Nonetheless, it is also essential to have a survival blanket or two when you’re out in the wilderness.

Yes, they do take up a little space, but most survival blankets you find on the market these days can be folded up into a compact size to fit any backpack or kit.

Just remember to take good care of it when you use it. Each has its own features to suit different needs, so finding the best survival blankets in the market so you the right one for your needs.

THE FINEST SURVIVAL BLANKETS AVAILABLE

1. SNUGPAK JUNGLE BLANKET

The Jungle Blanket is a soft, lightweight, and warm blanket that is ideal for carrying to all types of outdoor adventures. It features travel soft insulation that is designed to give you an exceptional performance in the outdoors.

Apart from being water-resistant and windproof, the Jungle Blanket is antimicrobial and antibacterial. You can compress the blanket down to 6”x6” for light and compact traveling.

While you may find other products on the market that are just as stellar, the Snugpak Jungle Blanket is a judicious choice if you need a light and warm blanket to carry on your adventures.

Conclusion

Although it’s a little thinner than you may have expected, the Snugpak Jungle Blanket is a warm blanket that’s ideal for the outdoors. It’s also very light, making it fantastic for carrying in your backpack, survival kit, etc.

The windproof and water-resistant features are nice touches – it actually works very well in blocking gusts of wind when compared to a typical poncho liner.

The blanket is a little difficult to get back into its pouch when you take it out, but this isn’t a major issue.

While it may not be better than similar products that are out there, the Snugpak Jungle Blanket is definitely an excellent choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, compact, and very warm blanket to carry into the wilderness.

All in all, a great blanket to consider and one that’s durable and easy to carry with you when you want to explore the great outdoors.

2. SOL – SURVIVE OUTDOORS LONGER EMERGENCY BLANKET

This emergency blanket is made from vacuum-metalized polyethylene heat sheets and works incredibly well in rain, snow, and storms.

The Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket is designed to retain up to 90% of your body heat, ensuring that you stay warm in even the coldest conditions.

This blanket is tear-resistant and does not tear or shred when punctured or nicked the way Mylar blankets do.

This is a versatile emergency blanket that can also be used as a first-aid blanket, gear cover, ground cloth, etc. Compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry and offers supreme quality.

Conclusion

Although it’s a little more expensive than other survival blankets on the market, the Sol – Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket is great value for your money. It works extremely well in extreme conditions.

It’s a much better alternative to the thin and flimsy blankets out there. The Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket does not tear easily and is easy to carry as it is light and compact.

The Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket might be a little thicker than you expected, but this is not a major problem given its compact size and light weight.

While it isn’t indestructible (it is not Rambo), this blanket is tougher and will last longer than most emergency blankets out there.

3. US MILITARY PONCHO LINER WOOBIE BLANKET

The Woobie or poncho liner is probably one of the best-known emergency blankets around. It is standard issue in both the US Army and Marine Corps. Made of 100% rip-stop nylon, this is a high quality, durable blanket that is a must-have for every outdoor enthusiast.

Compact and lightweight, the Woobie blanket has a magnificent waterproof lining that makes it useful in even rainy weather.

The blanket is stain resistant as well, which makes it more durable than other options on the market. It’s a little thinner than you might expect, but the Woobie will keep you warm on your adventures.

Conclusion

When it comes to warmth in the wilderness, the Poncho Liner Woobie Blanket is one of the first things that come to mind.

This is a high-quality survival blanket that is made to be tough enough to withstand the harshest conditions. Its size and weight are perfect for carrying on all your outdoor adventures. It’s also stain resistant too.

While some people have said it’s a little too thin, the Woobie still keeps you extremely warm. It is soft and light, which is what you need when you are camping, hunting, or in a survival situation.

4. TITAN TWO-SIDED EMERGENCY MYLAR SURVIVAL BLANKETS

Originally designed for NASA, the TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets are a popular choice among survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts. These advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are high quality and durable, not to mention waterproof and windproof.

They retain up to 90% of your body heat, helping to prevent hypothermia and shock. Mylar blankets can also be used for ground cover, tarps, distress or rescue beacons, or ponchos.

Compact and lightweight, these blankets are excellent for carrying on your outdoor trips and make a superb addition to any survival kit or bug out bag.

Conclusion

When it comes to survival blankets, the TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets are probably one of the most well-known names.

These high-quality emergency blankets are fantastic to add to any survival kit, bug out bag, etc., and are also ideal for carrying on camping and other outdoor trips. They are compact, light, and keep you incredibly warm in even the coldest conditions.

A small problem is that Mylar blankets are quite delicate – they can tear off quite easily if you put some pressure on them.

They’re also slightly smaller for some users. But, all in all, this is a superb survival blanket that does its job of keeping you warm and safe in the wilderness incredibly well.

5. ARCTURUS HEAVY DUTY SURVIVAL BLANKET

The Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket is the granddaddy to its standard size blanket of the same quality. Arcturus is an outdoor company from Washington State that is an expert on the weather.

This extra-large blanket comes with ten reinforced grommets for easy tie-down when used as a tarp or shelter. It was designed to reflect heat by temporarily blocking your infrared heat signature.

This shows up as camo on the IR spectrum. You could make your setup sturdier by adding a brush or ghillie blanket on top to reduce your heat signature.

The blanket’s aluminum side is used for reflective heat, creating a radiant barrier, and signaling for help in dangerous situations.

The other side of the blanket is made up of two layers of durable polypropylene. This makes the blanket suitable for hunting, outdoor camping, and boating. This blanket can be stored in a winter survival kit.

The Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket features a robust waterproof outer layer coupled with an aluminum reflective layer located inside the blanket.

The aluminum side reflects 90% of body heat and is reusable. The blanket also comes with a carry bag and weighs 1 pound; the blanket measures 5′ by 7′ when fully developed.

Conclusion

Although it isn’t the most durable blanket on the market, it is incredibly flashy. The blanket is an olive-green color with a unique and alluring design. Since the blanket is very well made, it traps heat better than an oven and is heavy-duty enough to not tear on contact.

This blanket is both windproof and waterproof, preparing each customer for the worst scenario. However, when heavy winds come, this blanket may not stay stable.

To remind you, this is only in extreme conditions. This blanket will withstand an average current, but keep this blanket in the house when a tornado is coming.

In conclusion, this granddaddy of blankets has many pros and cons affiliated with it. You just have to decide whether the cons outweigh the pros for you.

6. MAMBE EXTREME WEATHER OUTDOOR BLANKET

The Mambe Extreme Weather Blanket is made of 100% genuine Polartec Classic 300 fleece, making it soft, thick, and warm.

It comes with a radiant heat retaining lining that helps retain body heat, keeping you warm in even the coldest conditions. It’s waterproof and windproof, making it an excellent blanket to have in extreme conditions.

The Mambe Extreme Weather Blanket comes in two sizes, large and small, so you can pick the one that suits your needs. It also comes with a premium stuff sack that allows you to conveniently store and carry the blanket.

Conclusion

The Mambe Extreme Weather Blanket is a well-made outdoor blanket that comes in two sizes. However, the downside is that the large size isn’t big enough for two people, as the makers claim it is.

Made of fine quality fleece, it’s a warm blanket which is soft and thick, making it amazing for extreme weather conditions. It’s also 100% waterproof and windproof.

Another flaw of this survival blanket is that it’s cold on the black or shiny side. To keep you warm, make sure you use the other side.

However, all in all, the Mambe Extreme Weather Blanket is a salient product. If you don’t mind spending a little more than you would on another survival blanket, this is the ideal choice.

7. SWISS SAFE EMERGENCY MYLAR THERMAL BLANKETS

The Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Blankets are advanced aluminized dual-sided Mylar blankets that are ideal for all types of survival situations.

They help keep you warm by conserving your body heat. These blankets are moisture-proof, waterproof, windproof, and reusable, making them fantastic for all weather conditions.

You can also use them to prevent sweat chills after running a marathon. Lightweight, compact, and durable, Swiss Safe Mylar blankets are designed to retain up to 90% of your body heat, helping to prevent hypothermia and shock in extreme weather conditions.

They include a bonus gold space blanket that can be conveniently folded in half to fit your pocket. These blankets are excellent for your backpack, survival kit, or bug out bag.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets are a great option to keep in mind. They are a sterling addition to any survival kit, bug out bag, or camping/hiking gear.

They work well in extreme weather conditions and can prevent hypothermia and shock. They are light, easy to pack, and – more importantly – do a terrific job of keeping you warm.

Like other Mylar blankets, the Swiss Safe thermal blankets can tear easily if you put a little pressure on them, so you have to be quite careful. However, these blankets are definitely a fantastic buy – especially if you’re often out on wilderness trips and love exploring the wild.

8. ARCTURUS MILITARY WOOL BLANKET

Arcturus blankets are usually washed three times during production. This makes them softer and lessens the possibility they will shed. The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket comes in three striking colors so that you can stay in style while you survive.

From the company that specializes in developing gear for weather safety, this blanket is a fair bargain in terms of value and quality.

It’s even big enough for a friend to join you under the blanket. The blanket material isn’t bulky or cumbersome and it manages to keep you warm even when it’s cold and wet outside.

If you take care of this blanket, you could keep it for a lifetime. It’s designed for years of use. The blanket is loom-woven to ensure the fabric’s thickness and texture, while the solid lock-stitch prevents the edges from fraying. It will also get softer and softer with every wash.

Bring this blanket on ski trips or to backyard BBQs; it’s very versatile. The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket can either be used indoors or outside, so snuggle up in front of the fireplace or in a tent with your new blanket.

Conclusion:

Although the blanket is said to have a chemical smell that comes from factory production, it isn’t a foul odor.

It just smells like the blanket has been around machinery. There’s nothing to worry about in this case; you could always put the blanket in the washing machine if you feel like it’s dirty.

This survival blanket could also use more kneading. There are parts of the blanket that will come out if you’re too rough with the material. This may or may not be an issue, depending on what you use this blanket for.

9. OCEANS OUTDOOR WATERPROOF BLANKET

The Oceans Outdoor Waterproof Blanket is perfect for indoor comfort and outdoor journeys. This company believes in intuitive design, craftsmanship, and the need to be outdoors. This blanket is specifically for people who adore adventure and are in demand of a blanket.

Oceans products are designed to ease the trouble that comes with outdoor events and enhance the adventure.

The company was founded by two outdoorsmen; they created a blanket that will maximize your experience and minimize the struggles. This company is built on the foundation of compassion and an adventurous spirit.

This blanket is the only 100% waterproof blanket on the market today. No water will seep through this material, no matter what. Even laying in a puddle will not harm you.

Conclusion

The Ocean Outdoor blanket makes a crinkling noise, but it’s easy to get over once you see the difference it makes on your adventure. It’s a reliable tool; even though it is noisy, it still gets the job done. This blanket is definitely worth every penny.

When you lay in the soft, plush interior, you won’t regret it.

TIPS TO KEEP YOU WARM

Wear Warm Clothing: When you’re in camp, make sure that you wear your warmest clothing. Also, keep in mind that your rain gear can be used as a vapor barrier.

Keep Yourself Warm: You shouldn’t allow yourself to even begin to get cold. Shivering is a sign that your body is starting to cool down. If you start to shiver, put on more clothes and move around. If this doesn’t get you warm, slip into your sleeping bag until your body starts to feel warm again and then return to camp life.

Eat Warm Foods: Make sure that your dinner has foods with plenty of fats and carbohydrates to keep your body warm. For after-dinner snacks, pick fatty foods like peanuts. Remember that your body heat increases during the process of digesting fatty foods.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CARRYING A DECENT BLANKET

Also known as Mylar blankets, space blankets, and camping blankets, survival blankets are an important part of the gear you carry, whether you’re off camping, hiking, or in a survival situation.

You will find a wide range of these blankets on the market with different features and benefits. No matter what type of situation you’re in, you should carry a good-quality survival blanket with you.

Survival blankets have the ability to retain heat, which is one of their most critical features. Whether you need to warm your body or cover walls, survival blankets are the best.

Although they are unable to produce heat, they are able to retain up to 90% of the heat that reaches them. They are designed to keep your body temperature stable in extreme conditions. Thus, having a survival blanket will prevent you from suffering from hypothermia.

Survival blankets are also waterproof and wind-resistant. Carrying a decent one can be extremely helpful if you’re caught in the rain or a storm.

You can use them to make a shelter so you get excellent protection from the wind and rain. Although they are thin, survival blankets are highly durable, making them poignant for building tents in emergency or survival situations.

THE TYPES OF BLANKETS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER

MYLAR BLANKET

The Mylar blanket is made out of a plastic, metalized sheet material that makes it impenetrable. No fluid will be able to creep through this long-lasting beauty any time soon.

The blanket is built to reflect 90% of the body heat we emit through our skin, which is a lifesaver when it comes to the topic of survival blankets. This helps to defeat heat-loss through the process of convection.

Mylar is famous for the reflective insulation and waterproof technology that it provides to people who purchase this kind of blanket.

The blanket combines its strong dielectric strength with moisture resistance properties to give you the perfect blanket.

It’s also extremely flexible and will not become brittle during use or after. The weather doesn’t interfere with usage, so you are free to use a Mylar blanket over a wide range of temperatures.

WOOL BLANKET

The primary purpose of a wool blanket is to regulate moisture and heat to help keep you warm on a freezing night.

Sleeping under a cozy wool blanket yields better sleep results every time and is the premier choice for anyone looking for a military-grade blanket.

Thankfully, a wool blanket is neither hard to find nor uncommon. It was also the fabric of choice in World War II.

This blanket was very dependable during the tough times at war because of its exceptional qualities and affordability.

A wool blanket can survive in your possession for decades if you take care of it properly. Sheep are primarily reared for meat; their wool is frequently the byproduct of this process.

The more luxurious the material, the more expensive it will be. Angora wool is the warmest wool because of the quality possesses. It has the best heat retention of any natural fiber on this Earth.

This makes it two times warmer than sheep’s wool while maintaining the best moisture-wicking properties a blanket can possess.

FLEECE BLANKET

A fleece blanket is a quintessential blanket for people who are allergic to wool. This blanket has bragging rights for being one of the softest and warmest blankets on the market.

The fleece blanket succeeds in wicking moisture away from your body while being more weightless than wool. This is because fleece is made up of polyester fibers woven into a thin fabric that will eventually be brushed and thickened.

Occasionally, other natural fibers will be blended into the mix. This includes wool, hemp, or rayon and helps to create a unique texture in the fabric. Fleece blankets are also hydrophobic, meaning that they retain very little water.

This allows you to stay warm and not get wet at the same time. Polar fleece is the most affordable; however, plush fleece is more appealing to the eye.

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF SURVIVAL BLANKET TO CARRY?

Mylar blankets provide the highest quality for the cost out of all the blankets mentioned because it traps your body heat like a sleeping bag instead of a blanket.

The Tact Bivvy is competing to be the best Mylar blanket on the market when you take the time to compare weight and warmth. This survival blanket is one of the most advanced tools on the market and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

The Mylar blanket is perfect for bug out bags, survival packs, or glove boxes. Since the cloak is both windproof and waterproof, you’re prepared for almost all-weather conditions possible while not breaking the bank.

Trust me, this blanket will act as a lifesaver in below zero weather. When tested in 40-degree weather, the temperature inside of the bag read 82 degrees. The person inside of the bag had to get out after 10 minutes.

I have life-saving advice for you; you can survive for weeks without food, but you will die within hours if you don’t have some type of blanket to keep you warm.

Mylar blankets are not insulation units. Instead, their primary purpose is to stop heat loss from evaporating. If you’re looking for a blanket with insulation, buy a wool or fleece throw.

To survive harsh conditions, pack a Mylar blanket and a wool blanket in your survival kit. When you sleep at night, wrap the wool blanket around you first, then cover yourself in the Mylar blanket.

The Mylar blanket could also be used as a fire deflector, a shelter, or you can cook with it.

HOW TO PROPERLY USE A SURVIVAL BLANKET?

Survival blankets succeed in keeping us warm with the heat that we are already generating and using. In a survival situation, use your blanket as a mirror.

The blanket’s primary purpose is to function as a solar or reflective oven by changing the direction of travel that IR radiation takes.

You can incorporate the blanket into the wall or roof of a shelter that uses fire as its primary heat source. This method is suitable for freezing weather, but not when it’s windy.

Make sure you use duct tape to make this extra secure. Your space banket can be attached to the actual tarp by using duct tape or pins, which makes your new structure both durable and versatile.

You could also lay the blanket on the ground to reflect the energy from the sun up into your shelter.

In hot weather, the blanket could also be used to reflect the heat away from you with the right setup. You can also use the blanket as a catch basin for rainwater when you do not have a bowl available.

Cooking is the last available use that you can have for your blanket in a survival situation. You can make it into a bowl, push it towards the sun, wrap the food in the blanket, and move it close to the fire.

Putting it too close to the fire will cause the blanket and food to erupt in flames. You can also make a fire starting the blanket, but it will be hard to maintain.

If you choose to fish with the blanket, it could be used as a lure. Fish like shiny things and will be attracted to the chrome finish on your blanket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN YOU REUSE EMERGENCY BLANKETS?

Yes, you can reuse your blanket as long as you are gentle. Cheap blankets will usually tear easier, so invest wisely.

If it does pull, patch it up with duct tape. Although most emergency blankets are disposable, many people use them repeatedly.

WHAT KIND OF BLANKET SHOULD I KEEP IN MY CAR?

You should keep a space blanket in your car or a military-grade wool blanket, although any thick weather-resistant blanket will work.

What if your car broke down and you’re stuck in a snowstorm? The only way you will survive is by carrying around a blanket in your trunk.

DO MYLAR BLANKETS EXPIRE?

If kept unopened and unexposed to light, moisture, and heat, it can last a long time. However, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how long you have to use your blanket because of storage time.

The average time is 1-2 years if there has been no harmful exposure.

WHY DO PARAMEDICS USE FOIL BLANKETS?

Foil blankets are both windproof and waterproof; this prevents hypothermia. A three-fold action facilitates this gesture, while the reflective surface inhibits losses caused by thermal radiation.

All heat loss is minimized. This heat loss is created by moisture or loss of blood in an emergency situation.

WHAT IS THE R-VALUE OF A SPACE BLANKET?

The insulation efficiency is calculated in terms of thermal resistance, also called heat flow, which is the R-value.

Every situation involving an R-Value is different; the number will correlate to that. The R-Value of a space blanket is 16. There are several factors, good and bad, that contribute to the value.

DO SPACE BLANKETS KEEP THINGS COLD?

No; the primary purpose of the best survival blanket is to trap and reflect heat. However, you should position the blanket in a way that will send the sun in the other direction.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As you can see, there are a number of excellent survival blankets on the market. While they are astounding, they aren’t perfect – each one comes with its own pros and cons.

You should consider these carefully before making a decision and buying a survival blanket. The blanket you pick should meet your needs when you are in the wilderness.

The survival blankets mentioned above are some really good ones out there today and will definitely come in handy if you’re in an emergency situation, in or out of the wild.

Get one of these blankets before heading out on your adventure and rest assured knowing that you have a blanket that will keep you warm and protect you from the elements.