Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a "space blanket" and a "survival blanket"? Rick - Poquoson, VA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com> > Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a "space blanket" and a > "survival blanket"? The space blanket is a very thin aluminized mylar sheet, silvery on one side and gold on the other. I have an aluminized tarp that is advertised as a survival blanket and it's somewhat heavier. Rather than mylar, it is a plastic sheet woven from narrow, flat strips and top coated, similar to the cheap tarps available in any hardware store. One side is covered with an aluminum layer. It is considerably stronger and more durable than a space blanket, but also considerably bulkier. While the space blanket is suitable for wrapping a person for a short duration, the survival blanket can be used over and over and will suffice as a tarp or bivy tent in a crunch. It will handle a strong wind and is tear resistant; the pinholes in mine don't appear to affect its strength. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
SNAP > >While the space blanket is suitable for wrapping a person for a short duration, the >survival blanket can be used over and over and will suffice as a tarp or bivy tent >in a crunch. It will handle a strong wind and is tear resistant; the pinholes in mine >don't appear to affect its strength. > >Mike Depending on the definition of a survival situation I would consider a space blanket more of a survival blanket than the tarp you described. Why? I can carry a space blanket in my pfd pocket, not enough room for a tarp in there. This way I have it with me when I may need it most with everything else lost. These things are pretty tought, its just impossible to fold tham back into a nice parcel after using. For roughly 5$ a piece I can affort to buy a new one after been forced to use it, or even carry more than one (and a somewhat sturdier version somewhere in my boat). Given its price, size, and weight a piece of gear worthwhile to carry in any case...... Ulli ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Ulli Hoeger wrote: > For roughly 5$ a piece I can affort to buy a new one after been forced to > use it, or even carry more than one (and a somewhat sturdier version > somewhere in my boat). Given its price, size, and weight a piece of gear > worthwhile to carry in any case... For a few dollars more, one can get the space blanket in the form of a bag that is more efficient at retaining heat. The bag form can also serve as a vapor-barrier liner inside a sleeping bag to extend the temperature range if the weather gets colder than anticipated. Of course, the regular blanket form can also be made into a bag with application of enough duct tape. Either way, I agree with Ulli - they're definitely worth their cost and weight and I've found them to be surprisingly durable (somehow the weather frequently turns out colder than I anticipate). *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Peter Rathmann writes: > For a few dollars more, one can get the space blanket in the form of a > bag that is more efficient at retaining heat. The bag form can also > serve as a vapor-barrier liner inside a sleeping bag to extend the > temperature range if the weather gets colder than anticipated. Of > course, the regular blanket form can also be made into a bag with > application of enough duct tape. Either way, I agree with Ulli - > they're definitely worth their cost and weight and I've found them to be > surprisingly durable (somehow the weather frequently turns out colder > than I anticipate). Duct tape adhesive tends to dry out over time. I recommend black (or any other color) plastic electrician's tape, which is far less bulky and stays flexible over time. My sleeping bag vapor barrier liner, which I made for winter camping from one and a fraction space blankets and electrician's tape, is still quite usable some 15 years later. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
<snip> For roughly 5$ a piece I can affort to buy a new one after been forced to use it, or even carry more than one (and a somewhat sturdier version somewhere in my boat). Given its price, size, and weight a piece of gear worthwhile to carry in any case...... --------------- Ulli, et al: On a recent fall multi-day paddle, I encountered colder conditions than anticipated. At my lunch stop, the rain squalls were so intense that it was not only cold and wet, but making a cheese sandwich would have been a soggy experience. In too much of a hurry to get back on the water and beat the wind direction swing due any moment, and too cheap too pull out and wreck my space blanket stored in a PFD back pocket in a sealed pouch, I simply yanked out my tent's "footprint" ground sheet (coated nylon) which is the last thing to go into the front hatch. I was amazed at how quickly I warmed up, wrapped in the grey synthetic covering that offered protection from wind and rain. Ahhhh...relief, if only for a few moments (this was the trip where my drytop delaminated). One doesn't always need a space blanket to enjoy the benefits of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Anyway, I do normally carry one or two space blankets, one heavy duty survival type (but had forgotten the heavy one on the above trip. The heavy duty one is very robust, and I even use it for picnics with the family. Its also great as a quick protection liner for the back of a car or van when you have wet or dirty gear, or place it reflective side out to protect gear from UV damage in certain situations. I also use it as an extra ground sheet in colder conditions under the tent, and on storm-bound days. It also works well on muddy shores or sandy beaches for loading and unloading gear from the boat. Mine has grommets, and I've even used it as a mini tarp. Well, gotta run. My lovely wife is growling over my shoulder - she just saw the PW header. EEEEK, she's got her broom! Happy halloween everybody. Doug L *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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