Colin Snow
Emergency blankets, also known as space blankets, are thin, heat-reflective sheets that are popular outdoor emergency items. They are designed to reflect body heat and prevent it from escaping due to radiation and convection. While they are effective insulators, they do not prevent conduction-based heat loss. In this paragraph, we will explore the optimal ways to use emergency blankets in conjunction with sleeping bags to maximise warmth during outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Emergency situations |
| Type | Thin, heat-reflective sheet |
| Material | Plastic, Mylar |
| Features | Waterproof, windproof, reflective |
| Advantages | Retains warmth, prevents body heat from escaping, increases bag warmth on successive days, prevents heat loss due to radiation and convection |
| Disadvantages | Non-breathable, fragile, noisy, acts as a moisture barrier, reduces moisture accumulation in the sleeping bag |
| Ideal placement | Around the body, around the sleeping bag, or around the bivy sack |
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What You'll Learn
Emergency blanket placement
Emergency blankets, also known as space blankets, are thin, heat-reflective sheets designed to prevent body heat from escaping. They are popular outdoor emergency items due to their versatility and effectiveness in retaining warmth. While they are intended to address radiative heat loss, they do not prevent conduction-based heat loss.
When considering the placement of an emergency blanket in relation to a sleeping bag, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Firstly, using the emergency blanket inside the sleeping bag can create condensation and moisture issues. The non-breathable nature of the blanket will trap perspiration, leading to a damp and uncomfortable experience. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use the emergency blanket around the sleeping bag or over your body, rather than inside it.
The placement of the emergency blanket depends on the specific situation and available gear. If you have a bivy sack, it is suggested to use the emergency blanket around the bivy sack itself, reflecting heat back towards your body. This setup helps retain warmth without the condensation issues associated with placing the blanket inside the sleeping bag.
In terms of specific orientations, there are a few options to consider. If you have a narrow or single-width emergency blanket, you can lie over or under it. A wider or double-width blanket can be folded over so you can lie inside. Additionally, you can wrap yourself in the blanket like a "backpacker burrito," pulling the hood over your head, tucking the end under your feet, and wrapping your body tightly.
It is worth noting that while emergency blankets can provide significant warmth in emergencies, they may not substantially increase the warmth of your sleeping bag setup in milder conditions. Additionally, the crinkly sound of the blanket can be bothersome to light sleepers. Some users have also reported mixed results when placing the blanket under the sleeping pad, with some suggesting that it might conduct cold from the ground into the bag. Therefore, it is generally recommended to place the blanket above the sleeping pad or directly around the body.
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Heat retention
However, it is important to note that space blankets are not breathable and do not prevent conduction-based heat loss. As a result, condensation can build up within the sleeping bag, leading to a damp and uncomfortable experience. This is a significant drawback, especially in less critical situations, as it can cause discomfort and even make the user feel colder over time.
To mitigate this issue, some users opt to place the space blanket around the sleeping bag or bivy sack, rather than inside it. This allows the heat-reflective properties of the blanket to still be utilised while reducing the amount of condensation that builds up. Additionally, space blankets can be used in conjunction with other items, such as a bivy sack, to create a more effective heat-retention system.
The effectiveness of space blankets in retaining heat can also depend on the specific conditions and other gear being used. For example, in very cold environments, the blankets may not provide sufficient warmth on their own, and additional layers or thicker blankets may be required. Furthermore, the material of the sleeping bag itself may already provide adequate coverage for "radiant" heat loss, rendering the addition of a space blanket less impactful.
Space blankets are most effective when used to block wind, reflect heat, and trap warm moist air. They can be especially useful in emergency situations, providing a lightweight and packable solution to help prevent hypothermia. However, for conventional backpacking, other solutions may be more suitable, such as VB clothing or a simple trash bag, which can address both convective and evaporative heat loss.
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Breathability
To maintain breathability, it is recommended to use the emergency blanket outside the sleeping bag rather than inside it. Wrapping the emergency blanket around the sleeping bag or the bivy sack can reflect heat back towards the sleeping bag, creating a warmer environment without compromising breathability. This approach prevents condensation and moisture accumulation inside the sleeping bag.
In some cases, individuals have suggested placing the emergency blanket between the sleeping pad and the sleeping bag. This can help improve the insulation value, especially if the sleeping pad has a low R-value. However, it may not make a significant difference in all situations and can be noisy due to the crinkly nature of emergency blankets.
It is important to note that emergency blankets are designed for survival in extreme conditions rather than comfort during camping trips. They excel at blocking cold wind and deflecting rain, but they are not ideal for managing condensation and breathability. For more extended periods in milder conditions, it is recommended to invest in a proper sleeping bag liner or a fleece blanket for added warmth while maintaining breathability.
Additionally, addressing other aspects of your sleep system, such as wearing base layers, utilizing a hat, or choosing an insulated sleeping pad, can significantly impact overall warmth and comfort without compromising breathability. These options provide more sustainable solutions for managing temperature regulation during outdoor adventures.
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Moisture accumulation
The accumulation of moisture in a sleeping bag is a common issue faced by outdoor enthusiasts. This can be caused by external factors, such as condensation from a tent or humid environments, or internal factors, such as perspiration.
Condensation can occur when the warm vapour from your body migrates towards the cold outer shell of the sleeping bag. This vapour can then settle in the nooks and crannies of the bag and eventually condense into water droplets, a process known as "capillary condensation". This can happen even at low humidity levels, and the water droplets may freeze depending on the temperature. Additionally, condensation can form on the inside of a tent and then transfer to the sleeping bag, although most bags have a durable water repellency (DWR) that causes water to bead up and roll off. In very cold conditions, any moisture accumulation in the sleeping bag can adversely affect its insulating properties.
Perspiration is another significant contributor to moisture accumulation in sleeping bags. Normal perspiration is the body's way of cooling down, but we also perspire a certain amount even when cooling is not necessary, known as "insensible perspiration". When using a space blanket or emergency survival bag as a liner inside a sleeping bag, the non-breathable nature of the material can trap this perspiration, leading to a build-up of moisture. This can create an uncomfortable sleeping environment and may even cause the user to feel colder, especially if it results in the absorption of sweat by the insulating clothing worn inside the bag.
To mitigate moisture accumulation, it is recommended to use a breathable sleeping bag made of natural down. These bags allow moisture to evaporate under the influence of body temperature, and the down recovers its loft as it dries out. In high humidity conditions, a second outer sleeping bag with synthetic filling can be used to prevent condensation inside the down layer. Additionally, it is advisable to change into a dry set of base layers for sleeping and to avoid bringing external moisture, such as damp clothing, into the bag.
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Types of emergency blankets
Emergency blankets, also known as space blankets, are designed to reflect body heat and prevent heat loss. They are made of thin, durable, low-weight, and low-bulk plastic sheeting with a heat-reflective surface. They are often included in emergency, first aid, and survival kits due to their small size and ability to provide life-saving warmth. Here are some types of emergency blankets:
Mylar Emergency Blankets
Mylar blankets, also known as space blankets, are made of lightweight Mylar material that effectively reflects body heat. They are inexpensive and ideal for emergency situations, often included in first aid and survival kits. They are also used by outdoor enthusiasts and emergency workers due to their small size and ability to pack into a small space.
Heavy-Duty Emergency Blankets
Heavy-duty emergency blankets, such as the S.O.L. (Survive Outdoors Longer) blanket, are designed for durability and long-term use. They are made of materials that resist tearing and can be used as ground cloths, water collection basins, and emergency signaling devices in addition to providing warmth.
Casualty Blankets
Used by the United States military, casualty blankets are similar to space blankets but have a thermal reflective layer backed by a reinforcing outer layer, usually in olive drab colour. They provide greater durability and warmth than basic space blankets, but at the cost of greater bulk and weight.
Emergency Bivvy Blankets
Emergency Bivvy blankets, such as the S.O.L. Emergency Bivvy, are designed to be used as sleeping bag liners. They can help increase the warmth of a sleeping bag, especially in successive days of use, by reducing moisture accumulation. However, they may not be suitable for use with insulating clothing inside the sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Emergency blankets, also known as space blankets, are thin, heat-reflective sheets that are popular outdoor emergency items. They are usually made of mylar, a thin plastic material, and are designed to retain body heat.
Emergency blankets work by reflecting body heat back towards the user and preventing heat loss due to radiation and convection. They are also windproof and waterproof, protecting users from the elements.
There are a few ways to use an emergency blanket with a sleeping bag. One way is to wrap the blanket around the sleeping bag or place it over the bag. This will reflect heat back towards the bag and increase warmth. Another method is to use the emergency blanket as a liner inside the sleeping bag, which can help retain heat but may cause condensation and moisture buildup.
Yes, one of the main drawbacks is that emergency blankets are non-breathable, which can lead to condensation and moisture buildup within the sleeping bag. This can make the user damp and uncomfortable. Additionally, the thin material of the emergency blanket may not provide sufficient insulation against conductive heat loss.
Yes, one alternative is to use a bivy sack, which can provide more comprehensive protection against the elements. Another option is to use VB clothing or a simple trash bag to deal with convective and evaporative heat loss. For longer-term solutions, investing in a good sleeping pad with a higher R-value can provide better insulation and warmth.
