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A History Of The Survival (Space) Blanket
45th Anniversary of the space blanket: There's a reason NASA-inspired heat sheets have survived for so long
Photo by Headcase Design
Like many sportsmen, I packed a space blanket for years before ever having to use it. When I finally did unwrap the crinkly Mylar sheet, it wasn't to save my life but to make a clean job of ending an animal's. An elk I'd shot had fallen in a shintangle in Idaho's Centennial Range, and I spread the blanket to keep the meat free from debris while quartering. By necessity I made camp nearby. When my fire died, I retrieved the blanket from where I'd stashed it—the Centennials being prime grizzly country—and wrapped myself up, frozen blood, bits of guts, and all.
It wasn't a promising start to a working relationship, but I continue to carry the “miracle ounce,” not only because it can keep my heart beating through a cold night but because nothing else in my pack can be put to so many practical uses.
From the Bathroom to the Moon This year marks the 45th anniversary of the space blanket's introduction. But the material—essentially plastic sheeting vapor-coated with metallic particles—was first used commercially in the 1950s as an avant-garde wall covering in bathrooms. The fad might easily have died in the loo, but NASA saw the advantages of a material that could at once repel the intense heat of the sun and protect the dark side of a spacecraft from the subzero cold of space. By the time Apollo 11 touched down on the moon in 1969, the fabric had advanced; Neil Armstrong's space suit was made of space-blanket material that included a layer of pure gold.
Civilians have always had to settle for aluminum. But while the metal may be cheap, the results aren't. No other material has the ability to reflect body heat so efficiently, and because life insurance never came at such a minimum weight and low price, the space blanket rapidly became a staple in nearly every outdoorsman's pack.
More Uses Than Duct Tape There are countless ways that a sportsman can configure a space blanket to his advantage. It is best known as a wraparound blanket; in addition to slowing sweat evaporation and blocking wind, it reflects 90 percent of body heat, minimizing cooling through convection and radiation. To explore some other uses, I recently spoke with David Deigan, the CEO of Advanced Flexible Materials (AFM), which supplies the blankets to Adventure Medical Kits. Deigan points out that, to be effective, a space blanket must be used properly. Place the shiny side next to your body, as the dull silver side reflects only 65 percent of radiated heat. Carry duct tape to snug it in place. I know a caribou hunter whose sole reminders of surviving a night on the Alaskan tundra are the frostbitten fingers where he pinched his space blanket together.
Space blankets also serve as a great footprint under a tent and as a cover to increase the warmth of a sleeping bag (AFM's bivvy sacks work best here). You can also use one as a signal mirror. Just wrap it around a green limb bent into a circle and face it into the sun. And one of the most practical applications of a space blanket is using it to make a lean-to.
As I mentioned, a space blanket even makes a clean drop cloth for field dressing game. Just don't make the same mistake I did. Not unless your intent is to provide a grizzly bear a hot meal.
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Comments (32)
The survival blanket was one of the first items I added to my mini survival kit when I was 10. I have never had to use it but my grandfather told me of all the important benefits of the blanket.
I've had one in my tackle box for years now, haven't had to use that one yet. I also keep one in my hunting drybox in case of emergency.
Why has that material never been incorporated in the insulation of coats or bibs? It is such an inexpensive, effective and lightweight material. Seems like a good idea to me...
Never had the need to use one yet, but I do carry one.I think stacking the odds in your favor can't hurt. They don't weigh that much!
that's a good question gerb...anyone know?
On a muledeer hunt in N.M. During pouring down rain i used my space blacket kept me dry and warm for a while then came thunder and where there's thunder came lighting. I hesitated till the next lightning strike then I let my warm spaceblanket fly in the wind. When I reached the truck my boots were half full of water & I was soaked. The next day I had another one in my daypack out of my sons backpack.
Gerb - here's my 2 cents on that question - which is a good one. (and bear in mind I'm no expert here...just thinking)
One of the main reasons I'll bet is breathability. Space blankets don't breath and are designed to cover and protect you while motionless. Put that stuff into clothing where you're moving around and you'd probably sweat up fast. Thus, the Gortex and Thinsulate type materials have their place here.
Just my guess.
the_golf_guy
Hey I see that you are asking why is there not more things made out of this fabric. The good news is there will be. The CEO David Deigan of Advanced Flixible Materials the Heatsheet parent company is steeped in R&D with a new fabric called Silver Lining- both breathable and non breathable versions, that can have many outdoor applications to existing apparel and products. Pretty slick-- look for it in 2010/2011--it take a while to get to market...
I am a hunter, backpacker and caver. In caves the temps don't drop past 60 but I carry a garbage bag (50 gal. drum size) to crawl into to stay warm. The space blankets I carry backpacking are too small to be as effective as I wish. I wonder why I could not but a man sized space blanket-sleeping bag. Is such a thing available?
I looked into it and the Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag is what I need! Cheap and compact. Nevermind...
dagriggs cheaperthandirt.com has them 11 bucks I think
I remember from Boy Scouts that a space blanket was one of the things on the list for a survival kit. I guess I need to add one to my gear as well.
Way back when they first came out I bought one just before two other guys and I took off to hike the Appalachian trail. We only had wool blanket bedrolls instead if sleeping bags. If it weren't for the teeth chattering and whining of my fellow hikers I would have slept great. That space blanket made all the difference. I have a pocket size mylar version in the glove box of each vehicle and one in my day pack. It is one of the main items in my basic trail kit, right up there with fire starters and water.
Cheaper than dirt has a two man pup type tent made of this material for sale.They have a website that you can order from.
Good luck in your pursuit of comfort
I have always thought that they were bogus untill now. After reading everybodys comment on here i will buy one for every car and every survival kit i have.
Thanks for the info guys..
I have carryed a space blanket for over 30 years and haven't had to use it. I now carry 2 and hope not to need them either. Glad to read that they really work and with the addition of a $1.00 roll of duct tape (which I carry) putting 2 together makes a sleeping bag. I would also consider one of the emergency sleeping bags & one man emergency tent if walking/hiking/hunting in bad weather conditions. The Smith & Wesson Survival Kit includes 2 space blankets with the revolver or 4 with the family urban survival pack. So even the big companies enclude them in their kits.
One of my hunting partners had to spend the night in a space blanket. We were in the mountains of Washington on the high hunt, and he couldn't make it back to camp before dark. It was lightly raining which changed to snow during the night and he says he was cold and uncomfortable, but that space blanket got him through the night.
I took a pair of emergency blankets (aluminized on 1 side, OD green on the other) and 100mph taped them together for a super light sleep sack - can fit 1 person in a sleeping bag or 2 people who need to cozy-up.
I got one that is reusable and can cover 2 people for about 17 bucks. It has orange on one side too and grommets. If you have a little extra room its well worth it.
I started my first survival kit when I was ten.( im eleven now)but I always keep it in my back pocket with the duct tape wallet that has won me infamy at my school. P. S. Great for fishing camping trips.
does it rip easy?
Several issues were brought up:
The reason the tradition SB material isn't used in clothing is the breathability of the material. It doesn't, which means you'd be drowning in you own juices in short order. However, these issues are currently being address and new base materials are being found. It's almost certain that in the near future we WILL see clothing utilizing space blanket technology.
The original mylar type SB's were an odd kind of tough. The didn't tear in use, and they were relatively hard to puncture. HOWEVER once a tear or puncture was there, the things tore like crazy. If you carry duct tape, you could radius a tear, then edge it with tape. We many ponchos this way many times.
Further, SB's are great for a variety of shelters. A simple lean to, with the SB's ability to reflect radiant heat, can keep the occupants of the lean to significantly warmer than with a simple fire. With the advent of SB material Tube Tents, a amazing new survival tool is available. Again, if you carry duct take. close one end of the tube and build your fire 6 ft in front of your "door." You'll be astounded at the gain in heat in the tent. Two people fit easily.
Space blanket sleeping bags are readily available.
There are some things one should be aware to avoid. If you're using your "real" sleeping bag, you don't (capitol letters) want to cover the bag with a SB. The proper place for the SB is INSIDE your sleeping bag. The reason for this is, again, breathability. With the SB out the outside the condensation cannot escape and wets your sleeping bag. You thought you were cold before, wait until the bad is wet. With the SB insides, YOU will be basting like a turkey, but you'll be warm!
There are some new developments in space blanket technology, brought to use in the form of "heatsheets" brand products by AMT/Tender Corp. The flashed on reflective coating is placed on a different type of material than the standard mylar. To me the stuff feels rather like a thin, but strong air mattress material. This stuff is flexible and stretches, unlike mylar. It's also silent and much less prone to puncher/tearing. They make a variety of Bivvy Bags and "heatsheets" (their name for space blanket) in a variety of sizes.
These people are worth watching closely!
I never go into the woods up here in Maine without my space blanket and a good method for fire.
my bag cantains a space blaket and a space sleeping bag from cableas, it has a velcrow closure to keep it around you. (yes i know my spelling sucks)
I first used a space blanket as a door to a snow cave that I was using. It worked great to keep the wind out and the temperature inside up. Sure it was still cold inside but I can only imagine what it would have been without that temporary door. I've always carried one in my pack when I go hinting. You just never know when you'll need to use it.
useing a space blanket as clothes would be like boxers or wrestlers who use those rubber or plastic overalls to make wieght before a fight you will sweat non stop. EMTs also use it for shock victams
Space blankets are great reflectors too. We drape them over our shoot n-c targets so my nearly blind father-in-law can still fire down range. He's still a pretty good shot!
I had one and had to use it to insulate the inside of a snow dugout. and stayed warm all three days and nights I was there. sure glad i had the survival blanket.
I would think that another problem for using this material for hunting clothes is noise - I know the time I used my space blanket, it crackled a lot with my movements. And while it kept me alive, I was still pretty cold.
I spent a night out in 40' temps and rain in a sleeping bag type space blanket. I was so warm I ended up pulling off a couple layers. I always carry one with me in the woods.
I always pack a space blanket in a survival kit when I canoe the B.W.C.A.W.
If this really takes off, I will soon be able to decide whether I'd like this new material in boxers or briefs.
gerb is right, i think that is the concept behind columbia's Omni-HEAT brand of outerwear (to bad its so expensive)
Post a Comment
Why has that material never been incorporated in the insulation of coats or bibs? It is such an inexpensive, effective and lightweight material. Seems like a good idea to me...
The survival blanket was one of the first items I added to my mini survival kit when I was 10. I have never had to use it but my grandfather told me of all the important benefits of the blanket.
I've had one in my tackle box for years now, haven't had to use that one yet. I also keep one in my hunting drybox in case of emergency.
Never had the need to use one yet, but I do carry one.I think stacking the odds in your favor can't hurt. They don't weigh that much!
Gerb - here's my 2 cents on that question - which is a good one. (and bear in mind I'm no expert here...just thinking)
One of the main reasons I'll bet is breathability. Space blankets don't breath and are designed to cover and protect you while motionless. Put that stuff into clothing where you're moving around and you'd probably sweat up fast. Thus, the Gortex and Thinsulate type materials have their place here.
Just my guess.
the_golf_guy
that's a good question gerb...anyone know?
On a muledeer hunt in N.M. During pouring down rain i used my space blacket kept me dry and warm for a while then came thunder and where there's thunder came lighting. I hesitated till the next lightning strike then I let my warm spaceblanket fly in the wind. When I reached the truck my boots were half full of water & I was soaked. The next day I had another one in my daypack out of my sons backpack.
I looked into it and the Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag is what I need! Cheap and compact. Nevermind...
dagriggs cheaperthandirt.com has them 11 bucks I think
Several issues were brought up:
The reason the tradition SB material isn't used in clothing is the breathability of the material. It doesn't, which means you'd be drowning in you own juices in short order. However, these issues are currently being address and new base materials are being found. It's almost certain that in the near future we WILL see clothing utilizing space blanket technology.
The original mylar type SB's were an odd kind of tough. The didn't tear in use, and they were relatively hard to puncture. HOWEVER once a tear or puncture was there, the things tore like crazy. If you carry duct tape, you could radius a tear, then edge it with tape. We many ponchos this way many times.
Further, SB's are great for a variety of shelters. A simple lean to, with the SB's ability to reflect radiant heat, can keep the occupants of the lean to significantly warmer than with a simple fire. With the advent of SB material Tube Tents, a amazing new survival tool is available. Again, if you carry duct take. close one end of the tube and build your fire 6 ft in front of your "door." You'll be astounded at the gain in heat in the tent. Two people fit easily.
Space blanket sleeping bags are readily available.
There are some things one should be aware to avoid. If you're using your "real" sleeping bag, you don't (capitol letters) want to cover the bag with a SB. The proper place for the SB is INSIDE your sleeping bag. The reason for this is, again, breathability. With the SB out the outside the condensation cannot escape and wets your sleeping bag. You thought you were cold before, wait until the bad is wet. With the SB insides, YOU will be basting like a turkey, but you'll be warm!
There are some new developments in space blanket technology, brought to use in the form of "heatsheets" brand products by AMT/Tender Corp. The flashed on reflective coating is placed on a different type of material than the standard mylar. To me the stuff feels rather like a thin, but strong air mattress material. This stuff is flexible and stretches, unlike mylar. It's also silent and much less prone to puncher/tearing. They make a variety of Bivvy Bags and "heatsheets" (their name for space blanket) in a variety of sizes.
These people are worth watching closely!
Hey I see that you are asking why is there not more things made out of this fabric. The good news is there will be. The CEO David Deigan of Advanced Flixible Materials the Heatsheet parent company is steeped in R&D with a new fabric called Silver Lining- both breathable and non breathable versions, that can have many outdoor applications to existing apparel and products. Pretty slick-- look for it in 2010/2011--it take a while to get to market...
I am a hunter, backpacker and caver. In caves the temps don't drop past 60 but I carry a garbage bag (50 gal. drum size) to crawl into to stay warm. The space blankets I carry backpacking are too small to be as effective as I wish. I wonder why I could not but a man sized space blanket-sleeping bag. Is such a thing available?
One of my hunting partners had to spend the night in a space blanket. We were in the mountains of Washington on the high hunt, and he couldn't make it back to camp before dark. It was lightly raining which changed to snow during the night and he says he was cold and uncomfortable, but that space blanket got him through the night.
I got one that is reusable and can cover 2 people for about 17 bucks. It has orange on one side too and grommets. If you have a little extra room its well worth it.
I first used a space blanket as a door to a snow cave that I was using. It worked great to keep the wind out and the temperature inside up. Sure it was still cold inside but I can only imagine what it would have been without that temporary door. I've always carried one in my pack when I go hinting. You just never know when you'll need to use it.
I remember from Boy Scouts that a space blanket was one of the things on the list for a survival kit. I guess I need to add one to my gear as well.
Way back when they first came out I bought one just before two other guys and I took off to hike the Appalachian trail. We only had wool blanket bedrolls instead if sleeping bags. If it weren't for the teeth chattering and whining of my fellow hikers I would have slept great. That space blanket made all the difference. I have a pocket size mylar version in the glove box of each vehicle and one in my day pack. It is one of the main items in my basic trail kit, right up there with fire starters and water.
Cheaper than dirt has a two man pup type tent made of this material for sale.They have a website that you can order from.
Good luck in your pursuit of comfort
I have always thought that they were bogus untill now. After reading everybodys comment on here i will buy one for every car and every survival kit i have.
Thanks for the info guys..
I have carryed a space blanket for over 30 years and haven't had to use it. I now carry 2 and hope not to need them either. Glad to read that they really work and with the addition of a $1.00 roll of duct tape (which I carry) putting 2 together makes a sleeping bag. I would also consider one of the emergency sleeping bags & one man emergency tent if walking/hiking/hunting in bad weather conditions. The Smith & Wesson Survival Kit includes 2 space blankets with the revolver or 4 with the family urban survival pack. So even the big companies enclude them in their kits.
I took a pair of emergency blankets (aluminized on 1 side, OD green on the other) and 100mph taped them together for a super light sleep sack - can fit 1 person in a sleeping bag or 2 people who need to cozy-up.
I started my first survival kit when I was ten.( im eleven now)but I always keep it in my back pocket with the duct tape wallet that has won me infamy at my school. P. S. Great for fishing camping trips.
does it rip easy?
I never go into the woods up here in Maine without my space blanket and a good method for fire.
my bag cantains a space blaket and a space sleeping bag from cableas, it has a velcrow closure to keep it around you. (yes i know my spelling sucks)
useing a space blanket as clothes would be like boxers or wrestlers who use those rubber or plastic overalls to make wieght before a fight you will sweat non stop. EMTs also use it for shock victams
Space blankets are great reflectors too. We drape them over our shoot n-c targets so my nearly blind father-in-law can still fire down range. He's still a pretty good shot!
I had one and had to use it to insulate the inside of a snow dugout. and stayed warm all three days and nights I was there. sure glad i had the survival blanket.
I would think that another problem for using this material for hunting clothes is noise - I know the time I used my space blanket, it crackled a lot with my movements. And while it kept me alive, I was still pretty cold.
I spent a night out in 40' temps and rain in a sleeping bag type space blanket. I was so warm I ended up pulling off a couple layers. I always carry one with me in the woods.
I always pack a space blanket in a survival kit when I canoe the B.W.C.A.W.
If this really takes off, I will soon be able to decide whether I'd like this new material in boxers or briefs.
gerb is right, i think that is the concept behind columbia's Omni-HEAT brand of outerwear (to bad its so expensive)
Post a Comment