how to use a space blanket
Connect a guy line to each tree approximately 4 feet off the ground and make sure it is taught. Use it to create a funnel into a container. In short just think of it as a mirror to reflect heat and it will simplify things for you. Medically it has been used in a mild environment next to the skin to reflect body heat back and to humidify the air around the body of a patient. It's more than just a way to keep warm. It functions much the same as a solar oven or a reflector oven, changing the direction of travel of IR radiation. Take one corner of the triangle and go under the arm and over the shoulder. The reason these blankets are … I always get a kick out of the many advertisements showing people with the blanket wrapped around them, big smiles on their faces, I think to myself, I’ll bet they’ve never used the blanket in the cold. The main idea is to cover yourself in a way that prevents water from running down into the space blanket and getting your clothing wet. NASA's insulation technology has been widely used to create slim thermal blankets. To use a space blanket for water collection, there are a number of techniques you can utilize: Use it to create a funnel into a container. To make an expedient space blanket sun shelter, follow these steps: * If four adequate trees are not available, make the best with what you have. Thanks for dropping by! … Cover the person's head with a hat or scarf to prevent further heat loss. Most are disposable in nature and will not provide long term durability. To set up a heat reflector, hang your space blanket between two poles, sticks, or other vertical structures and make sure the reflective side of the blanket is facing the fire. This material is valuable when used correctly, it is dangerous when relied upon without knowing its properties. The silver-backed crowds of runners have become a well-known symbol of having finished a race. Your email address will not be published. The idea of this list is to simply open your eyes to the many potential uses. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'optiongray_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])); In wet environments, you can use a space blanket to waterproof any gear you are carrying inside your backpack. “The only email I allow in my If you are carrying a space blanket for one of those “what if” situations, you should make sure you have any extra items needed to hastily construct whatever you’re constructed. If you need to ensure the blanket can be used for other tasks, form your fingers into a V and cast the reflected beam of light through the V. This will allow you to locate the beam and will aid in aiming. Space blankets are a great barrier against the effects of direct sunlight. HAM Radio for Beginners – Prepping and HAM Radio, Urban Survival Gear List – Urban Survival Kit Essentials. Adjust the angle as needed depending on where the sun is in the sky. Privacy guaranteed. Once the dew has formed. Make sure the splint extends above and below the joints surrounding the injured area. They are used on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft for thermal control, as well as by people. However, if that is not the case for whatever reason, you could attempt to use it as an improvised tourniquet. Today many marathons use "space blankets" to ward off the post-race chill. We’ll never sell or share your information. SMALL $ 516.00 STANDARD $535.00. You can also tie reinforcement points around the wrap at various points to keep everything together. If you have additional uses you are fond of using, feel free to share. But there are more creative ways that you can use space blankets as heat reflectors than just this. Mylar blankets are typically made from super-thin plastic and then coated with a reflective material. Keep in mind, if you use your space blanket for this application you have just removed it from being used in a lot of other applications. Emergency Blankets (4-Pack) – Mylar Survival Space Blankets Preserve up to 90% of Body Heat - emergency thermal blanket, Multipurpose, Durable Solar Foil Blanket Bundle by NeedIndeed, 83"x52" … In a nutshell, wrap your body and head the best you can in the general pattern of a poncho. Compared to a sleeping bag, a space blanket has more than one use. They are super lightweight and take up minimal space when folded up. In hot weather the blanket can be used to reflect heat away. To use a space blanket for water collection, there are a number of techniques you can utilize: If you are lost, more often than not, the best thing you can do is stay put. Cut a length of your space blanket approximately 40” square and fold it diagonally to form a triangle. There are many more ways they can be utilized and you are only limited by your imagination. Their design reduces the heat loss in a person's body, which would otherwise occur due to thermal radiation, water evaporation, or convection. Hang the space blanket over the guy line with an equal length hanging over each side. Once they are tightly wrapped, just put the bundle back into your backpack. In a nutshell, they minimize the amount of heat a person’s body is losing by utilizing heat reflective properties. Make sure it is tied tight enough to support the arm. Use something to collect water and place it in the middle of the hole. Hang the space blanket over the guy line matching the corners. When evaluating how to best utilize any tool, I like to start with its strengths.Cheap emergency blankets have several redeeming qualities we can work with in a survival situation: Take other end and bring it up to the first corner on top of the shoulder. Space Blanket – Emergency Thermal Blanket. Perhaps no one can appreciate these benefits more than victims … The plastic film is PET, the same material used in water bottles, aluminum vapor is bonded to the film in a vacuum process. To use a space blanket as a ground cover or groundsheet, place it underneath a layer of insulation like leaves, pine needles, or other vegetation. Here are a couple of ideas to get you going: If you are in need of rescue during an emergency situation, a space blanket can be used as a signaling device. It will help block cold drafts from the bottom and assist in reflecting heat back towards your body. Since it is waterproof, it can shed rain water, either wrapped around a person, or incorporated in a shelter roof. You want to keep as much of the heat in as possible while keeping out the cold. Even though you will still transfer thermal energy to the inside of the blanket by conduction and natural convection from the inside, the blanket … My favorite way to use the blanket … Today I still carry the Space Blanket and I love it, I love it for what it does so well. But having a space blanket doesn’t help if you don’t know how to use it. Cut your blanket to size and add them to the respective articles of clothing. A space blanket would effectively eliminate the thermal radiation heat loss by reflecting your emitted radiation back to you. We cut through all the nonsense to help you get better equipped for life. To make a space blanket sling, follow these steps: Use to make cordage, as noted above, and use the cordage combined with a stick, trekking pole, or another rigid item to immobilize potentially broken or broken limbs or fingers. Keep in mind, this is going back into your pack so you need to size accordingly.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-box-4','ezslot_4',123,'0','0'])); In a pinch, or on purpose, you can set up a space blanket in a number of tent or shelter configurations. Signaling for help. This is the fun part, the easy part, and the essential knowledge part! My favorite way to use the blanket is as a lean-to or incorporated in the wall or roof of a shelter that uses fire for heating, see picture at right. Grabber Outdoors Original Space Brand All Weather Blanket. A less efficient technique would be to lay the blanket out to collect the morning dew. First and foremost, make sure that your space blanket is in good shape. Cut along the fold on each side, then remove the sewing pins when you are done. They are not designed for long-term, extended, hard-use applications. Be careful to prevent too much water from being collected or the weight may cause the system to fail while emptying all of the water. Again, if your space blanket has grommets, you can use tent stakes or sticks to tightly secure each corner. After that first experience I learned more about the material, it’s nature and what it could realistically do for me. Lay the patient on the blanket, leaving about 12 inches of blanket overlapping at the 'feet' end. 3 trees can be used, you would just have one loose corner. Place your space blanket, reflective side down, over the hole and anchor it down. My number one tip is in Cricut Design Space … However, they can be very useful when you find yourself in a bad spot. To avoid mattress damage, don't tuck your … If you made marks where you want to cut the sleeves, unfold your blanket, and spread it out on the floor. If there is too much water trapped inside the blanket and it is getting too heavy, drain it until it reaches a manageable level. We were not able to get back to camp till morning. How to use emergency and space blanket. A space blanket (also known as a Mylar blanket, emergency blanket, first aid blanket, safety blanket, thermal blanket, weather blanket, heat sheet, or shock blanket) is an especially low-weight, low-bulk blanketmade of heat-reflective, thin, plastic sheeting. This should cradle the arm. Still not finding what you're looking for? Even a basic A-frame tent setup can draw the attention of others. It may not look like much, but this thin piece of Mylar film can prove useful in an emergency situation and it may even save your life one day. If not, use a weighted object, like a rock, to hold the space blanket in place. We wanted to take some time to revisit this item and discuss 19 different uses you should be aware of. Blanket to protect against the elements – carry a minimum of one per EACH member of the … Many years ago shortly after graduating from High School, I was a guide on Deer Hunt when we got trapped in the tops of some mountains by a sudden snow storm. In reality, they reduce heat loss and do not assist your body in warming up. What are the Best Bartering Items for Prepping and SHTF? The geometric shape and unnatural colors make a good contrast against mother nature. If this is the case, just fold it up into a size you can handle and follow these steps:eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',105,'0','0'])); Outside of the methods above, they can also be passively used to signal others. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',127,'0','0'])); You can line boots, shoes, gloves, or mittens, to add a layer of waterproof protection between wet clothing and your body. The added bonus of blocking the wind will aid in the prevention of hypothermia if those conditions are present. CHECK PRICE ON … Simply tie off each corner to a corresponding tree. So there’s the short story on using the Emergency Space Blanket, be sure to watch our YouTube Channel for upcoming additional videos showing various uses. Consider using … Locate two trees and tightly stretch a guy line between them. It will severely degrade the longevity of the product and render it useless for many other applications. Improve your mindset, capabilities, training, and gear. However, if you ever find yourself being forced to move, make sure you are not walking in circles. Until next time, this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival.”, Your email address will not be published. This is a … Fold the edges of the blanket inward using the sewing pin as a guide. Depending on the situation, you can cut off a small square of the space blanket for a more manageable signaling device. You will sit on the opposite side of the fire in order to be on the receiving end of the equation. If you can, add a layer of padding between the injury and the item you are using to stabilize the injury. But you can use it, for example, to keep the inside of your tent colder than if … Locate 4 trees spaced larger than the dimensions of your space blanket. Yes, I could make some stakes or pegs in the field, but I don’t really want to be wasting time on something like that if I’m trying to beat a storm or get out of the cold. Space blankets reflect your body’s radiant heat back towards you to reduce heat loss and help regulate body temperature. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',126,'0','0'])); A space blanket can be used as a rudimentary method of transporting water. Throw pillows and blankets are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add style to a space. How Cricut Design Space Makes DIY Milestone Baby Blanket Easy. Small pieces of your space blanket can be tied in trees or other locations and make excellent trail markers due to their highly reflective nature. Based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, the PHO Health Blanket represents the result of an extensive research conducted within the Russian Space Program to diminish stress and increase vital energy of the Space … We slept through the night, awaking to a nice layer of snow everywhere except our little alcove shelter. Finally, tie both corners behind the neck. Add anything that contains moisture into the hole: plants, vegetation, etc. Make sure the blanket “balloons out under the water in order to open itself up to catching more water when retrieved. Most space blankets are thin, so you need to be mindful of how much weight is associated with the water you are collecting. Oceas Outdoor Mylar Emergency Blankets - 4 Pack of Extra Large Thermal Foil Space Blankets - Designed by NASA for Camping, Hiking, and Car Use (Black) 4.8 out of 5 stars 47 $21.99 $ 21 . It can be used alone in cold but not too windy weather, here’s a link to a video on this application. If your space blanket has grommets, you can use tent stakes or sticks to tightly secure each corner. Keep all 4 corners together as you lift the blanket out of the water. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'optiongray_com-box-2','ezslot_1',139,'0','0']));Whether you call them space blankets, emergency blankets, survival blankets, solar blankets, or mylar blankets, they are useful in a lot of different scenarios. Your emergency blankets usually have a silver or gold chrome-like finish. Lift the blanket from the edges forcing all the water towards the center for collection. When you're ready for warmth, turn the controller to the desired settings. Once you are able to aim the beam of light, direct it towards the target you are trying to signal. We got through the storm very well, by making a tall circular windbreak of sage brush and building a fire in the middle. But sometimes the most effective way to protect persons or devices from leakage or gain of heat is to use … Stringing up as a signal device – not too tight – so it creates movement in the wind and increases … Be sure your blanket is far enough away from the fire to prevent damage from heat or embers. As was written, thermal insulation is based on the use of substances with very low thermal conductivity. Ideally, you could poke a hole in the middle of the blanket to aid in aiming, but this will also compromise its integrity. Feel free to join the discussion by leaving comments, and stay updated by subscribing to the. The thin nature of space blankets will determine how much and what things you can carry. Place the space blanket down in your hammock and lay your sleeping bag on top of it. See More Reviews. In a survival situation use the Space or Emergency Blanket as a mirror. Before you start shopping for blanket storage ideas, you should consider where you plan on storing them: Do you want a space-savvy way to use your pre-existing storage areas or are you … primary inbox.”. 99 It can also be used as a catch basin for rain water, when supplies are short. Roll the blanket into a tubular shape with the contents in the middle. Various people use a variety of names to describe the highly reflective, featherweight, paper-thin sheet including Mylar, emergency blanket, survival blanket and space or solar blanket. A cheap space blanket that has been in the bottom of your backpack for years may be stuck together and will fall apart when you try to unfold it. They are both functional and attractive pieces and are the perfect addition to any space… Their low weig… I get asked every time I share a larger than mat project, how I figure the size of the design. Using a space blanket when you are really cold is not the best idea. Loop the sling across the body or shoulder and you are ready for business. Tie a longer length of cordage to each end of the roll to make a shoulder or crossbody sling. When combined with the insulating layer it can help provide some warmth while adding a waterproof layer between you and the ground. There is bad information everywhere. If set up properly, a space blanket can protect you from the sun while allowing you the opportunity to take advantage of any breeze that may be present. You can use a space blanket to create a windproof barrier between the hammock and your sleeping bag. I was sorely disappointed as anywhere I had direct contact with the blanket it was freezing cold, and the wind did not help as it pressed the blanket against me. Even from above, they are easy to spot if there is enough visibility through the tree canopy. A space blanket works well for Longwave (7-12 micron) since it picks up mostly emitted heat/energy. Note that the latter doesn't work too well, because warmth is also trapped by putting the person into the blanket in the first place. When I was young what is today most often called an Emergency Blanket, was invented and it changed the world of survival and preparedness. Midwave (3-5um) is a mix and will see a space blanket in the woods…while SWIR (.7-3.0um) will see the space blanket … In anticipation of rain, take the contents you need to keep dry and tightly wrap them in your space blanket. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'optiongray_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',106,'0','0'])); To make cordage or lashing, cut the space blanket into strips of your desired length and twist it into your desired tightness. 5 Ways to Use a Space Blanket More than just a way to stay warm in emergencies by Jason Wiskerchen. If not, use a weighted object, like a rock, to hold the space blanket in place. Using duct tape alone or with pins the Space Blanket can be attached to a tarp. Because of this, they make a great addition to survival kits, first aid kits, bug out bags, get home bags, backpacking gear, and camping gear. Use the reflective surface of the space blanket to cast a reflection onto an object nearby. You can use … So what can space blankets be used for? Collect your water once the process has run its course. I did find that if there was a space between me and the blanket I could feel the warmth, I soon abandoned it however, as it seemed useless to me at the time. A space blanket is one of the most common items found in a survival or emergency kit. To carry water from a water source to a separate location, simply collect all 4 corners of the blanket and submerge it in water. Tie up both ends of the tube to prevent any contents from falling out. First of all, you should have a properly vetted tourniquet to use when the situation arises. Drop us a note so we can take care of it! Duct tape can be used to reinforce stress points. I remember pulling out my space blanket and wrapping it around me expecting to soon feel the warmth. Use the cordage from the space blanket to secure everything together. Plug the control element into the blanket and plug the blanket into the wall. Look for a location with two trees approximately 10 feet apart. This simple combination of materials allows the blanket to reflect a high percentage of radiating heat. Space blankets aren’t the strongest material on the planet so make sure your expectations are set accordingly. The space blanket was originally designed in 1964 by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for the US Space Program. Do you want something with a camouflage pattern or something with a bright color?eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',128,'0','0'])); eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',110,'0','0']));Make an educated choice based on your intended application. Thursday, June 27, 2013, 10:26 PM + A NASA developed the material in 1964 for use in the space program. It will take an age to warm you up and could even make you colder in certain circumstances. Note: Our content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links in this post that we may earn a commission. You can also pre-cut and tie appropriate lengths of paracord onto the blanket via the grommets ahead of time. Use it to line a depression or low spot in the ground to catch rainwater. While it's technically a hamper, we think of this pick as the perfect size to hold a … Wrap the blanket around the person, tucking it in on the sides and under the feet in order to keep body heat in and cold out. Space blankets, originally evolving from NASA, are constructed from a super-thin material resembling aluminum foil. There are many good space blankets … Heck, they are lightweight enough…why not get one of each? Add a small weight, like a rock, to the center of the space blanket to direct the blanket towards your collection device. NASA and National Metallizing used the space blanket in 1973 as a way to protect the … If you are in a bad spot and have to use your space blanket for other tasks as well, you may need to maintain the integrity of the blanket and use it in its entirety. Also, when you are purchasing your space blanket, be cognizant of the color or pattern you want to utilize opposite of the reflective side. This makes it much more durable and versatile. Image at right: Marathon runners use reflective blankets … It functions much the same as a solar oven or a reflector oven, changing the direction of travel of IR radiation. In other words, if you cut it up to use as trail markers, you have lost your ability to use it to create a shelter. I say “attempt” because you would need to create a way to tighten the blanket to a point where it would stop blood loss. Pull the space blanket tight and angle it at approximately 30 degrees. The material itself quickly becomes the same temperature as the environment, It is not actually a blanket, it is more a sheet or film, although I’ll refer to it that way due to common convention, It is PET film coated with a thin layer of aluminum, It can reflect as much as 90% of infrared radiation. New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk, but old, damaged, or improperly used electric blankets can pose a risk for fire or burns. First of all, do not cut a hole in the middle of your space blanket to make a poncho. The day had been warm and nice, we were in shirts and had some thin windbreakers with us. You can also tie a space blanket … Some of this may be hype and marketing, at least when it comes to just how effective they are, but they are beneficial nonetheless. Make sure you weigh the benefit of what you are using your blanket for against what you will not be able to use it for. Wilderness Innovation | The Personal Survival Gear Outfitters, It is not insulation nor is it an insulator. To be most effective, position yourself in a crouching position and wrap the space blanket around your entire body, including your head while making sure to leave enough exposure to prevent restricted breathing. Use the metallic surface to reflect back towards rescuers. Suspend it in the air with a small weight in the middle to use to funnel … Like many sportsmen, I packed a space blanket for years before ever having to use it. For me, I want to make sure I have a knife, paracord, and 4 tent stakes. Everyday Carry Essentials – Must Have EDC Items. I prefer lightweight stakes that are small enough diameter to fit through the grommets on my space blanket. Again, it is not ideal and does not replace a proper tourniquet. The blanket is most effective when used directly next to the skin - if required material blankets may be wrapped on the outside of the Emergency Blanket. If you can set up a shelter facing South with a clear view of the sun, the blanket can even be laid on the ground to reflect energy from the sun up into your shelter. Add the items you need to carry to the middle of the blanket. Get better equipped for life with the best insights from law enforcement, military, industry experts, and inspiring people. Required fields are marked *. Suspend it in the air with a small weight in the middle to use to funnel all the water to the center of the blanket. See our Privacy Policy for more information. In a survival situation use the Space or Emergency Blanket as a mirror. The storm seemed to appear out of nowhere, as can be common in the mountains. However, it’s worth a shot if it is the absolute last option you have. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'optiongray_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])); With that in mind, it makes sense that the basic function space blankets are known for is keeping people warm. Makaua Hamper. You can also wrap space blankets around you inside your sleeping bags or around your shelter so that your body heat does not escape to the outside. Whatever you call them, and whatever brand you use… This can aid in a faster setup, especially if you have an idea of how and what you’re going to build.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'optiongray_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])); In summary, space blankets are a lightweight, minimalistic tool. Dig a small hole in the ground…the bigger the more water will be collected.
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