When we talk about emergency kits, we often think of items like water, flashlights, and canned goods. But there is one threat we usually skip: exposure to the elements. The solution? An emergency blanket.

You see, hypothermia is a real threat. On average, it kills 1,301 people every year in the US. Many people succumb to hypothermia when they get lost or stranded. Whether it’s during a blizzard or because you wandered too far off a hiking trail, hypothermia is a silent killer. 

So, how exactly can an emergency blanket help you? Does it really work? If yes, how do you use it properly? Find out below. 

What Is an Emergency Blanket?

An emergency blanket (also called a space blanket or survival blanket) is a lightweight, compact sheet that keeps you warm in cold conditions. It’s made from a thin plastic material usually coated with aluminum, which reflects body heat and helps prevent heat loss. 

NASA first developed these blankets in 1964 for space missions. They used Mylar sheets to protect spacecraft and astronauts from extreme temperatures. The same heat-reflective properties that kept astronauts safe in space are now used in survival gear on Earth.

Emergency blankets are great for hikers, campers, and anyone preparing for unexpected emergencies. If you’re stranded in the cold, using one can help retain up to 90% of your body heat and reduce the risk of hypothermia. They’re also commonly used after endurance races to help athletes regulate their body temperature.

Plus, emergency blankets aren’t just for warmth. Their reflective surface can be used to signal rescuers if you’re lost. They can also give you shade during hot weather. Some people even use them as shelters, sleeping bags, and in DIY solar projects.

Emergency blankets can resist wind, rain, and snow while packing down to the size of a soda can. This makes them easy to stash in your backpack, emergency car kit, go bag, or bug-out bag.

NASA may have created this technology for space travel, but it has been a lifesaving tool on Earth. Whether you're camping, driving in bad weather, or just preparing for the unexpected, having an emergency blanket is a smart move.

Benefits of Having an Emergency Blanket

Emergency blankets might look like simple sheets of shiny plastic, but they can save your life. Here are the top seven benefits of keeping one:

1. Prevents Hypothermia

Cold weather can be dangerous, especially if you're wet or exposed to wind. Emergency blankets reflect up to 90% of your body heat, keeping you warm and reducing the risk of hypothermia.

2. Acts as an Emergency Shelter

An emergency blanket can be a quick makeshift shelter if you’re stuck outdoors without a tent or sleeping bag. It’s windproof, waterproof, and easy to secure with rope or tape.

3. Provides Heat Reflection

The reflective surface helps trap body heat, but it can also reflect heat away. If you’re in a hot environment, turning the shiny side outward helps keep you cool.

4. Serves as a Fire Reflector

Set up an emergency blanket behind your campfire with the reflective side facing you. It will bounce heat back toward you, so the fire can keep you warm.

5. Works as a Signal for Rescue

If you're lost, the bright, reflective material can catch sunlight and make you more visible to rescuers. Some blankets, like the Hero Survival Bag, have a bright orange color that makes you more visible. Waving or laying it out flat increases your chances of being found. 

6. Acts as a Waterproof Cover

Rain and snow can soak your survival gear. Use an emergency blanket as a poncho, ground cover, or tarp to keep your survival gear dry. 

7. Can Be Used as Tools

Emergency blankets have tons of survival uses. You can cut them into strips to make ropes, use them to collect rainwater, and wrap them around food.

What Are Emergency Blankets Made Of?

Emergency blankets are made from a thin, strong plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This material is lightweight, flexible, and durable, making it perfect for compact emergency gear.

Manufacturers coat the PET film with a thin layer of aluminum to make it more effective. This coating gives the blanket its reflective properties, allowing it to trap body heat. The aluminum layer is extremely thin—only a fraction of the width of a human hair—but significantly improves the blanket’s ability to retain warmth.

The production process involves vacuum-depositing pure aluminum onto the PET film in a controlled environment. This process produces an even, thin metal layer without adding bulk or weight. Despite its delicate appearance, the material is strong and resistant to tearing.

Some emergency blankets have additional layers for durability, but the core components remain the same: a plastic film base with an aluminum coating. This combination makes the blanket waterproof, windproof, and highly efficient at reflecting heat.

NASA developed the original material for space missions, where controlling temperature extremes was crucial. Since then, this lightweight and effective material has been adapted for different survival and emergency applications.

How Does a Space Blanket Work?

Emergency blankets are lifesavers in tiny packages. They work by trapping your body heat and stopping it from escaping. Think of them like a heat mirror—when you wrap yourself in one, it reflects your warmth on you instead of letting it drift away.

Now, let’s talk about body heat loss. Your body constantly gives off heat. In normal conditions, that’s fine. But when it’s freezing outside, losing too much heat can lead to hypothermia. You lose heat in a few ways:

• Radiation: Your body naturally releases heat into the air.
• Convection: Wind steals warmth away from your skin.
• Conduction: If you touch something cold (like sitting on snow), your body transfers heat to it.
• Evaporation: Sweat cools you down by pulling heat away as it dries.

Emergency blankets mainly prevent radiation and convection. They reflect up to 90% of your radiated body heat, keeping you warm even in harsh conditions. They also block wind, so chilly air doesn’t suck the heat off your skin. However, they don’t insulate. This means they won’t stop heat loss if you’re lying on something cold. So, put a layer between you and the ground.

Plus, a space blanket isn’t just for the cold. You can flip it so the shiny side faces out. Doing this can reflect sunlight away and help you stay cool in extreme heat.

How to Use an Emergency Blanket

Emergency blankets are simple but effective. Whether you're stuck in the cold or need shade in the heat, here’s how to use one properly: 

1. Unpack and Unfold

Take the blanket out of its packaging and carefully unfold it. It’s thin and lightweight, so be careful not to tear it.

2. Wrap It Around Your Body

Wrap the shiny side inward to reflect body heat to you. Make sure to cover as much of your body as possible, especially your head. It’s because a lot of heat escapes from there.

3. Seal in Warmth

Tuck the edges in or hold them close to your body to trap heat. If you have tape or string, use it to secure the blanket around you.

4. Stay Dry and Block the Wind

Emergency blankets are waterproof and windproof. You can use it as a rain cover or wind barrier by wrapping it around yourself or draping it over a shelter.

5. Use It for Shade

Turn the shiny side outward to reflect sunlight away from you if it’s too hot. You can hold it over your body or use sticks and rocks to create a makeshift sunshade.

6. Signal for Help

Use the reflective surface so others can spot you from a distance. Wave it, lay it flat in an open area, or hang it somewhere high to attract attention.

7. Layer Your Shelter

Line the inside of a tent, sleeping bag, or ground area with a blanket to keep warmth in and cold out.

Do Emergency Blankets Really Work?

Yes, emergency blankets work. They're made from a shiny, heat-reflective material that helps trap your body heat. This can be a lifesaver in cold weather or emergencies when you need to stay warm fast. 

They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, so you can stash one in your bag or car without taking up much space. Plus, they’re affordable. But they’re not magic. They can help keep you warm, but they won't work well if they have holes or if you’re exposed to extreme cold for days. They’re more effective when used with other layers, like clothing. 

How Many Times Can You Use an Emergency Blanket?

You can use an emergency blanket as long as they’re in top shape. They’ll also last longer if you use them carefully. The material is durable and can withstand a few uses as long as it’s not ripped or torn.

Keep your emergency blanket in excellent condition by checking it after each use. You can reuse it if it’s intact and reflects heat. But if it's showing signs of wear, like holes or fading, it's best to replace it. Remember, it’s better to have one and not need it than not have one and need it. 

How Much Heat Does an Emergency Blanket Reflect?

Emergency blankets can reflect up to 90% of your body heat. It’s designed to trap the heat you give off and bounce it back to you so you don’t lose it to the cold air around you. This makes them great for emergencies like a car breaking down during winter or if you get lost while hiking.

While it’s not as comfortable as a bed, it helps you stay alive in colder conditions. You won’t feel like you’re boiling, but you’ll feel much warmer. Remember, they’re meant to be a short-term solution, not a long-term fix for extreme cold.

Why Do People Use Space Blankets?

Space blankets, also known as emergency blankets, are handy survival tools. Here’s why people rely on them: 

1. Staying Warm in Cold Conditions

The main reason people use space blankets is to stay warm. These blankets are made from a special reflective material that traps your body heat. This is important if you're stuck in cold weather or an emergency. They help prevent hypothermia when you're exposed to cold temperatures.

2. Compact and Lightweight

Space blankets are small, light, and easy to carry. You can fold and store them in your car or backpack without taking up much space. This makes them perfect for outdoor adventures and emergencies.

3. Versatile Use

Space blankets can also be used to signal for help because their reflective surface and color make you more visible in low-light conditions. This is helpful if you get lost or need to be rescued.

4. Quick and Affordable 

Space blankets are an easy, inexpensive way to stay warm. They’re not meant for long-term use, but they work great in emergencies when you need to act quickly and conserve body heat.

5. Used by First Responders

First responders also use emergency blankets to stabilize body temperature after accidents or when people are exposed to low temperatures. They can make a big difference in keeping people safe until more help arrives.

What Is a Foil Blanket’s Purpose?

A foil blanket’s purpose is to keep you warm. Also known as a space or emergency blanket, it reflects your body heat. Your body gives off heat through radiation. The shiny aluminum coating on the blanket reflects that heat toward you and traps warmth.

The blanket is made of a thin polyethylene layer that acts as a barrier to prevent heat from escaping into the air. This helps prevent the body from losing heat to the environment, especially in cold conditions.

While the blanket doesn’t generate heat, it’s great at keeping the heat you already have. It’s also lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making it perfect for emergencies. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or stuck outdoors, a foil blanket is a simple but effective way to stay warm.

How Long Do Space Blankets Last?

Space blankets can last for a long time if you use them carefully. However, they’re not made to last forever. The shiny reflective coating can also wear off over time, especially if used roughly. Space blankets also won't work well if they get ripped or torn. Even a small tear can affect how well it traps heat, so check it after each use.

The Prepared Hero Difference

Most emergency blankets are flimsy, hard to wrap around you, and tear easily. The Hero Survival Bag is built differently. It’s tougher, fully sealed, and designed like a sleeping bag to trap heat better. It’s also waterproof and windproof, so you stay warm no matter the weather. Check out its benefits below:

Conclusion

An emergency blanket is a small tool that makes a big difference. It helps keep you warm, dry, and protected in unexpected situations. Whether you're hiking, camping, or preparing for emergencies, having one on hand is a smart move. Be ready, because you never know when you’ll need it. Stay prepared, hero!