It is really important to be prepared for emergencies when you are out on the trail or camping. The weather sometimes turns quickly, or you could get lost. One piece of equipment that can help protect us from the elements is an Emergency Blanket. Emergency blankets have many varieties, and understanding the different types and their use will assist you to survive in dire scenarios.
Types of Emergency Blankets
Mylar Blankets
The Mylar blanket is the first of type of emergency blanket. Mylar is a special type of glitzy plastic. These blankets are lightweight, which makes them easy to carry in your bag. The emergency first aid kit can reflect as much as 90% of your body heat, keeping you warm in cool weather. If you find yourself in the middle of a sticky situation, you can use a Mylar blanket to signal for help. The shiny surface allows rescue workers to spot you from afar, useful if you feel lost.
Wool Blankets
The wool blanket is another kind of emergency blanket. And while wool blankets are heavier and thicker than Mylar blankets, they can be just as effective at keeping you warm. A very positive feature of wool is that it retains the heat even in wet conditions, which is valuable when it rains or when you do get wet while hiking. Another reason wool blankets are good at keeping you warm is that they’re an incredibly durable option and can be used over and over again, making them ideal for use during outdoor pursuits.
How to Use Emergency Blankets?
Emergency blankets aren’t only for keeping yourself warm. They are applicable in many different situations to aid you in preserving your safety. If it starts raining or the sun is hot, you could utilize an box emergency kit like blanket to create shelter. All you have to do is hang the blanket from a tree branch or a pole and you have an improvised shelter to protect from the rain or the sun.
An emergency blanket can also be used to call for help if the need arises. The shiny Mylar material is very reflective so people can see it from afar. It can also be used as an emergency shelter, and you can wave the blanket around in the air so that rescue teams can find you much faster.
Choosing the Right Blanket
Be mindful about where you will be hiking when you are choosing an emergency blanket for your bag. If you hike in the cold mountains in the winter, a mylar blanket will stand great like 4 season camping shelter. However, if you hike during the summer on warm weather, a wool blanket might be suitable for you as it's comfortable.
You should also consider the size and weight of the blanket. So if you plan on a long hike, you want a blanket that is compact and light. This means it won’t steal too much room in your backpack or feel heavy while you walk.
The Importance of Emergency Blankets
One symbol of sleep is an emergency blanket. Take, for example, a situation where you may get lost in the woods, in which case you may keep warm waiting to be found by help thanks to an emergency blanket. It may also help ward off hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when your body becomes too cold. Keeping warm is critical in the cold, and an emergency blanket can be a godsend.
You can use an emergency blanket to assist an injured person too. Use the blanket to apply pressure to the wound if a friend is cut or bleeding. This can aid in stemming the bleeding. You might use the shiny side of the blanket to find a hiker who needs help, when the light reflects from its surface and shows the silhouette of the rescuers.
The Joys of Multiple Blankets
It is really useful to have a variety of these emergency blankets amongst your supplies. So, for example, you may need a Mylar blanket and a wool blanket so you maximize a range of options available to you as you are hiking or camping in whatever weather you might face. In this manner, you can select the appropriate blanket according to the situation.
Carrying extra emergency blankets is a great idea if you are hiking with friends or in a group. If temperatures become colder, all the more reason to share blankets to keep warm and cozy. It’s always best to be ready for whatever may come.
Lastly, emergency blankets in your supplies give you peace of mind.” Knowing that you are prepared for emergencies, will help make your hiking or camping trip a bit more pleasant and stress free. You get to just have fun and take in all the nature without having to think of what could go wrong.
So, absolutely make sure your outdoor survival kit has emergency blankets. Understanding the types of blankets, their use, and how to choose the one suitable for you can help you be better prepared for emergencies. Keep in mind that these blankets can potentially save lives, and different types will bring you more benefits when you need them most.