It wasn't actually an emergency, it just got much colder than I expected up at Lake Vernon in Yosemite in late May. I woke up at 4am, thoroughly chilled, and realized I already was wearing all the clothing that would be reasonable (skipping damp stuff). I wasn't in any real danger, but had been hoping for a good nights sleep before a long hike the next day.
Eventually I realized I had one of these emergency blankets in my gear, and although I was pretty certain it was a one-use item (more later), I decided I might as well try it -- it would also be good to know what to expect in case of a real emergency.
First, kudos for making this so light that it is almost silly *not* to have something like it in your backcountry kit. And having wandered off the track once in a New Zealand rainforest, I really really really like bright orange and bright shiny reflective surfaces, and this has both. I was able to find my own path back to the main trail that time, but the possibility of attracting a search helicopter's attention became something I've thought seriously about.
But I found two significant negatives:
* If your hands are already shaking due to the cold, simply unfolding this thing will be a problem. It expands to a big sheet, but that means the very thin material is folded so many times that it will take several minutes of careful attention and somewhat delicate handling to get it open.
* My mistake, but I didn't understand "blanket": I was expecting something like a bag. It turns out that is a different product, by the same manufacturer and also available on Amazon: look for "Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Orange" -- the "bivvy" means you can climb in directly, or slip your sleeping bag into (or, perhaps if your sleeping bag is wet, this might be better inside the bag?). In both cases, the material doesn't breathe so it will quickly collect condensation, so you'll be damp and uncomfortable but warmer.
There are emergency instructions printed on the orange side, which would mostly just make interesting reading while trying to stay warm. For example, you could use the sheet to make a solar still to gather water, but I suspect the overwhelming majority of people that might want or need something like this are fending off hypothermia, not thirst.
And the only reason you might want to try to reuse this would another night in a different location during the same emergency. I tried folding it up, but the result was at least four times as big as the original (and damp, too, from condensation).
The key problem with a blanket is that you'll want to tuck it in to enclose yourself, but such thin filmy material doesn't tuck well; this stuff is thinner than aluminum foil, but thicker than cling wrap (and stronger than both). And you'll want it under you, since you'll lose heat from that side too -- but if you want it wrapped all around you, why a sheet instead of a bag? The bivvy is twice the price, but I think would be much easier to use (and perhaps reuse, at least judging from the product picture).
The only advantage of the blanket is that it could be wrapped around two people -- but not for overnight, just for an unexpected downpour, as the product photo suggests. Preventing a cold drenching might be all you need, but the biv sack could be easily modified to do the same, whereas this product won't be nearly as good if you have to overnight it.
Recommendation: Get a "Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy Orange" for everyone in the party instead. Yes, you'll pay more, but don't scrimp on critical emergency gear.
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Adventure Medical Heatsheets Survival Blanket Two PersonProduct Description: The Adventure Medical Heatsheets Two Person Blanket reflects 90% of your body's heat to help keep you and your hiking partner warm through an unexpected emergency bivy. Carry this 2.8-ounce blanket in your pack whenever there exists the slightest chance that you won't make it back to the trailhead by sundown. Adventure Medical made the Heatsheets Two Person Blanket in bright orange, so it will be easy for a search party to spot you from a distance.
Product Features
Material: Polyethylene
Dimensions: 60 x 96in (152 x 244cm)
Packed Size: 5 x 3 x 5in (13 x 8 x 13cm)
Tie Points: None
Pole Included: No
Weight: 2.8oz (79g)
Recommended Use: Emergency shelter
Manufacturer Warranty:
Country of Origin: United States
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Not as see through as the finer black mesh (this is green) but a good practical product for the price.
I used this product on a canoe trip.In the tent, it provided excellent insulation when used as a second blanket.Out on the water it reflected heat from the sun and really warmed us up.Even when it was wet, it still kept us warm.Great product that I would definitely purchase again.
I bought this for my husband when he went to Iraq, it keeps you warm AND cool (strange but true) and it folds up to very small.I just bought 2 more for my sister (headed to Iraq) and myself because I love this liner as a blanket!We use them camping and pretty much all the time.
The good things you have read are true, but it could be modestly improvemed:
I purchased this sun shelter for my family's vacation on the Outer Banks of NC.It was over a hundred degrees that week and being outside would have been prohibitive without this shelter.It was a huge success.Although it was easy to put up, we decided to leave it up for the entire week -- including overnight.Even the breezes of the Outer Banks couldn't blow this thing down.Special note: I purchased 17 inch, sturdy anchors to keep it secure.The short, dainty anchors included with the shelter would not have worked in the sand.
I like the fact that this tent comes with a 10 yr warranty and that it uses aluminum poles. This is a great 1 person tent and an adequate 2 person tent. It is quality made and very durable and you cant beat the price! Also be sure you look for the "other" tent exactly listed like this one on amazon because they offer a cheaper price and shipping! Also always seam seal every tent you may buy, will save you a headache later!
I got one of this tents two years ago (by the way is black/olive like the one in the picture). In general terms I can say that is a very good tent but only for "not rainy days". As everything in this world it has some pros and cons.
Does not have adequate strapping to mount on Harley Tour Pack.