SOL Emergency Mylar Blanket. How to Properly Use it in Cold Weather

[@MooseOnTheLoose99]

I would also suggest scooping the snow out of the footprint and piling it up around the outside edges near the ground to prevent wind getting inside.

[@SoloRenegade]

was thinking the same

[@robschaller9061]

I would suggest a FIRE!

[@devonknobel]

@@robschaller9061 I think he did; though good plan [if able].

[@grumpygramps1451]

It’s a blanket, not a tarp. Correctly used it’s meant to be wrapped around the body to reflect & retain body heat , it’s not initially intended as a lean to shelter as such.

[@Dibbs.]

Yeah... sure. Its what makes them 99 cents. They are not made to wrap tightly around you. Air is insulation, not a thin space blanket. You touch that metal blanket thats touching the cold your heat will be sucked right from your body.

[@mchristiansen137]

My buddy got caught in a Michigan winter storm and had one of the SOL blankets. He did find a good spot to set up by a high embankment which blocked the wind and snow. He set up his tarp then the SOL inside and packed pine branches on the ground and on the ends and built a long fire. He said that was the warmest night he spent at -7 degrees. I told him to carry at least 2 to 4 of the SOL's since they don't take up much space. We built a 2 man shelter from 2 tarps, 4 of the SOL and 3 clear shower curtains. Packed it with pine branches and used our wool blankets to lay on and built a long fire. It was -3 outside, but inside it was around 80 to 85. Even with the shower curtains up it was still in the 50's in the shelter. After a fine dinner of campfire brats and chips, and a beer or three. We loaded the fire and went to bed. We had to raise the front a little bit to keep it from cooking us like the brats! But we were warm and cozy all night. The insulated slippers kept my feet warm, his battery socks worked for him.

[@fernandochavez4312]

Great job young man. Most would just wrap it around themselves, but this is an excellent alternative. Thanks for teaching an old dog.👍

[@kurtbaier6122]

For years I have safety pinned the SOL double sized Mylar sheet to a poncho liner with the shinny side toward me. I reinforced the areas on the Mylar where it is safety pinned with clear packaging tape. I then tie and snap and safety pin the liner to create a foot box and then stick my feet into it. And then I drape the rest of the liner over me as a quilt. Condensation is not a problem when used as a quilt. Because the warm moist air that I am generating is not trapped as in sleeping bag. In the quilt configuration air always finds its way in, especially when I move and turn. I have used the poncho liner Mylar sheet as a quilt with extra clothing down to 25 F. But I would not recommend the quilt below 30 F because you really need a sleeping bag not quilt in the 30s and below. With the liner on the outside and Mylar on the inside as quilt it traps more heat making a barrier for both convection and conduction. Which is exactly what you need. And I have used the poncho liner Mylar combination as a temporary tarp for shade in low breezy conditions. For decades I’ve been a minimal kit guy. I have both loved and hated the one blanket trick as a reenactor until I realized it was part of a clothing and sleep system down to a certain temperature. Same reason why I pack rain gear, and a mid warming layer for temps in 60s, and add top and bottom thermals in the 50s and 40s, or when sleeping. As the rain gear is a convection barrier, and the mid weight fleece or wool for warmth in static position or worn alone during activity is a conduction barrier. And especially thermals for sleeping. Thermals are light weight and compact. If you are a hot sleeper that might be all you need to carry instead of the mid layer. More clothing verses bigger bag has always been a better solution for me. In moderate temps I’m either to hot or to cold with a Summer bag. I have also added a long zipper past the mid way point on the poncho liner when folded in half about 8-10 inches down horizontally, to allow me to put my head through it. I also made a corresponding cut in the Mylar and reinforced it with packaging tape. Now one or both can be worn as on over coat. If temps really drop I add my poncho to it which really helps. A belt completes the ensemble. I have also used the poncho liner and Mylar combination as a thermal break over a sleeping bag as well. In the old days 1960s and 70s we used a wool blanket over the top of the sleeping bag in cold temperatures. And the liner, Mylar, plastic and poncho can also be fashioned into a Mors Kochanski Super Shelter. I’d like to make a suggestion that you reconsider the use of the Mylar in the right sleeping configuration. I enjoyed your video. I haven’t used the Mylar sheet alone as a tarp, but I do carry an extra SOL double sized Mylar sheet to use as a tarp or for a Super Shelter in my emergency kit just in case.

[@Info-qw8vi]

> In the old days 1960s and 70s we used a wool blanket over the top of the sleeping bag in cold temperatures. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am considering all the above in making a mylar lined quilt. The fashion nowadays is to use a synthetic batting as the insulator for much lighter weight also, similar but superior to poncho liners or woobies. Since you have experience with both blanket materials I wonder how "the wool blanket over the top of a sleeping bag" worked for you in practice? i.e. wool has better moisture and thermal regulation so I imagine adding mylar would be great improvement as a moisture barrier and wind break.

[@johndarby6407]

The best survival kit is the one you have on you.. I try to always have these - your actual phone - compass, communication, map etc. I have an old belt phone holder - a cheap AA torch / a SOL blanket / 2 x1 litre bags, 6 water tablets and 2 halves plastic straws / a small fire kit with jute twine, matches and a striker. In my pocket - my car keys have a quality EDC torch / screwdrivers / a small pliers, knife, saw, multi tool, bottle and can opener / Ferro rod. My wallet - 2 more water bags, 4 water tablets / cash and cards / tiny folding knife and can opener / and ear plugs..? My coat - with hat and gloves / head torch / Kevlar twine / spare socks in the pockets It's not a comfy night, but better than if your good kit is on the other side of that swollen river... This demonstrates exactly how I see using it.. Shelter / Fire / Water / Clothing

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Add a safety pin or a straight pin and then you have a fishing hook

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

​@@larsonfamilyhouseor just carry a real hook with a barb 😮

[@SonnyCrocket-p6h]

so why not carry the BEST, hmm? is your life not worth a few more $ and ozs?

[@billjaxin]

Good video, thanks. It would have been good to mention the need to build a generous bed of dry debris. I find the 58" x 98" is a good size. Small enough to take along by habit and big enough to be useful. Two ideas I can share, for whatever they're worth. - Running tape along the edges adds a lot of strength and reduces stretch, with virtually no added bulk. It's tricky to do neatly because the material is so lightweight. I like the orange tape that builders use around door and window frames, but 1" duct tape is easier to work with. - I practice set-ups with pieces of cheap plastic sheeting cut to the same measurements. It's a kinda fun way to spend a day in the bush. And in a real emergency when maybe you're injured, it's going to be dark soon, the weather is bad and the stress is interfering with your thinking ....I'm reminded of something a concert pianist said about how much he practices. "I don't want to walk onto that stage wishing I'd practiced a bit more".

[@natashaball316]

I am huge fan of the grabber all weather space blanket! Thank you for the video!

[@ghanaboyz]

Good video and advise. Dont say you are sorry for the wind. I thought it was a good thing making it all more realistic and challanging. Setting it up when it is a bit wind can happen and what you show is what some may experience, but worse. Also, what you show kind of underlines how small many of these cheap ones can be and how much dextirety in your hands you need. Small stones, even that can be an issue to find in some situations in some areas I have been in. Stakes? Well if given time and energy yes, but actually just using anything at all to have natural material, tarp or blanket in place. I guess that many doesn't think beforehand on how these would be used and most would end up badly. They give a false sense of security for many, or so I think.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. good to know. Many do not understand the physics behind these Mylar Sheets. I avoid the term 'Blanket' as this is where the misunderstanding begins. To take full advantage of the 'Greenhouse Effect', a thin sheet of clear plastic sheeting closing off the entrance to the shelter between you and the fire will improve conditions inside the shelter (the Mors Kochanski 'Super Shelter'). Also, the fire must have visible 'flame' .. emit light to have the most effect. Good share and demo .. thanks.

[@dubc3615]

I like how you used the rocks and made toggles. Would work great in survival situation. Nice job

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Thanks bro!

[@MalleusDei275]

A bowling knot secures the loose end of your clover (square hitch) nicely.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

@@MalleusDei275 Half hitch is quicker

[@MalleusDei275]

@@buckeyebushcraft Lol, A double half hitch is adjustable...

[@MalleusDei275]

👍

[@Brian_irl]

Great video sir! These throw away space blankets are great for emergencies, and are affordable to replace; and you’ll be grateful when you find that you survived to have to buy a new one.

[@SonnyCrocket-p6h]

they are false confidence. they cause horrific levels of condensation, tear so easily that you cant believe it. Not worth 2c ,other than vs rain and wind for an hour or so, as you wait for help

[@paulhester1904]

You are all right for a buckeye, so says the wolverine.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

Important information and a great demonstration of how to use this emergency space blanket as a temporary shelter. Thank you for sharing this. - Tennessee Smoky

[@weirdmusicmixmaster]

Those reusable ones fit really well in a haversack, the Pathfinder one even has spare room in its bag for some basic kit redundancies

[@LinkRocks]

Good video, sir. You explained everything well and showed that even the cheapest survival blanket can get you through the night if that's all you had.

[@sineriafrankenstein7316]

Yeah they are quite versatile, many ways to use them especially if you have several to work with

[@MikeBius]

Like the clove hitch for tying off the corners!

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

I dont know how to knot so i just knot a lot

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

What I do on the corners is double knot them and tie my guy line above the double knot. This saves on trying to find a rounded pebble. I opted for the mylar tube tent's and mylar blanket's for my bug out bag.

[@Hoppesno9er]

Awesome video and 100 percent relevant right now.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Great presentation Jake! Well done.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Thanks brother!

[@rodrigocappato4207]

Very informative specially for beginners. Greetings from the woods in Sweden 🇸🇪

[@buckeyebushcraft]

I’ve always wanted to go to Sweden

[@rodrigocappato4207]

@@buckeyebushcraft Cool! Just let me know if you come over some day, maybe we can join for an adventure.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

@@rodrigocappato4207 Will do brother

[@mjm9145]

Great, simple advice. Thanks (from Ireland).

[@alanrice39]

Great setup, I carry those Mylar blankets in my survival kits. I need to get me one of those anorak ur wearing

[@Mark-f7o]

Great video mate. I've seen s.o.l emergency bivys and they say on the pack they are only emergency and not for reuse. And the bin liners handy. Anyway great video mate take care K.😄🤟

[@FM-fm2yq]

This one is reusable too, not as much as the one with a bigger profile, but still reusable! :D

[@sineriafrankenstein7316]

Using a clump of moss or softer plant material for the anchor points for your lines is a little easier on the blanket.

[@stuartsteele9984]

The SOL Emergency Bivy is breathable, mainly eliminating condensation when in use.

[@JeanMichelAbrassart]

I'm skeptical. Every testing videos I watched of that kind of product showed the condensation was insane!

[@ULperformance]

@@JeanMichelAbrassart Jean, the majority of heat reflective materials are unbreathable. However, both SOL and 2GO SYSTEMS manufacture Tyvek type heat reflective, breathable, wind and water resistant material for bivys and poncho/tarps. I buy Tyvek 14-S material, lighter than their materials to make anoraks, over-pants, leggings, beanies, fingerless and fingered gloves, mittens, shoulder cloaks and bivys. I can assure you that the SOL Escape Bivy is breathable as my early experiments using the product for making clothing provided it to be a practical, exceptionally light and packable material. Both my anorak and over-pants weigh a mere 6.24 ounces, breathable, wind and DWR waterproofed. We are basically talking about an exceptional improvement to true ultralight, warm and light clothing. Take any fabric such as synthetic or wool for example used as a base or second layer that is easily penetrated by wind, cold wind, rain and snow. With my Anorak and over-pants I am free from those conditions, dry and warm as well.

[@vickiblack6694]

Great video! Don’t forget need you to do my small fire kit for the car in the tin I gave you..👍

[@btrent9244]

Great video demonstration. Thanks 👍🇺🇸😎...

[@ShivSilverhawk]

Good demonstration, bit I think I’d rather opt for carrying an emergency sleeping bag so that you are protected from the elements to a much higher degree, then you can use the fire to heat up water/ rocks and keep them close to your body. They are usually made of even sturdier material, also reflective on the inside. If need be, you can just cut one open to form a blanket or a poncho.

[@billjaxin]

The Mylar emergency bivy "sleeping bag" can kill you through hypothermia unless you cut some slits in it for ventilation. I tried one at half a degree above freezing and it was wet inside within an hour. (Head outside, of course). I opened it up into a tarp, draped it over an overturned root with a bit of brush alongside the log to lie on, and tucked it in enough to reduce draft to tolerable levels. As a tarp it worked, as a bag it didn't.

[@ShivSilverhawk]

@@billjaxin You are absolutely right. I made that comment a year ago, as a keyboard warrior in that matter, because I usually use a tent. Since then I tested both a bivvy bag and a “survival bag”. I was swimming in my own sweat after six hours. I’m now carrying a few large Mylar blankets together with my tarp, just in case, but then again: I never venture into the wild unprepared. Happy travels friend, and thanks for the insightful response.

[@OCDbrand]

Oh man I'm a GBOB, I would probably need a 55 gallon drum liner but with mylar

[@anthonygomez446]

Love the rock's for toggle awesome.

[@spicyguacc]

Subscribed!! Thank you for the content king!!

[@mikekraut7643]

I’ve been looking to the advantages vapor barriers bring, such as eliminating evaporative heat loss and preventing any excess sweat from escaping into your outer insulation layers. If you’re sweating, you have more than enough insulation and need to ventilate your insulation layers!

[@billjaxin]

We always perspire, even when not noticeably. Without enough ventilation the humidity from your body will condense. Try all the ideas out, in various weather conditions and with your vehicle close by. That's the only way to know what will work for you in an emergency situation.

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@FiveElementsTactical]

Great video Jake!!! Keep ‘em coming!!!

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Thanks bro!👊🏻

[@keithhaley1907]

Good video. I’m just curious if you got a rash from touching all of those poison ivy vines when tying off to the tree?! 4:24

[@cliffh7717]

If you didn't have the bank line, you could always use some of that poison ivy growing on the tree. Vines often make good cordage but some can get itchy.

[@karlaburkett4222]

If you want to stabilize that one a little bit more you could always put clear contact paper on it it'll help support it and make it last longer are you wouldn't have to worry about it in the wind as much and you still have the lightweight footprint

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

👍👍 Great lesson,

[@blackravensolutions]

Nice info, great presentation. Keep on brother

[@EdwardHurst2323]

It only keeps your body warm because it reflects the heat

[@saltydogsays]

Good job Jake.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Thank you sir!

[@friedchicken892]

I need this for my room during winter time

[@23rejean]

great video. But i want to know what's the other heavy duty emergency blanket that you have ? What's the name brand ?

[@johnjolabushcraft8844]

Great job thanks for sharing

[@janhbhugo5085]

Useful information !

[@hawsantiago3697]

Is it recommended to use another space blanket as ground cover? Would it be effective?

[@StillVoice_]

Nice.👍

[@Crafty.Veteran.Survival]

Good stuff man!

[@guywood67]

Would that tarp prevent conduction from the ground

[@buckeyebushcraft]

It would not. You need 4-6 inches of compressed insulation to prevent conduction from the ground

[@rmat9023]

this guy is a unit.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

This video was 30lbs ago🤣

[@rmat9023]

@@buckeyebushcraft haha no worries my dude, 30 pounds no sweat!

[@cheliae8560]

Thank you!

[@Nofixedabode859]

Nice video jake good option for a mini survival kit, could you do video on the 10 piece kit you had on your live show last nite in the 5litre dry bag or let us know the contents thx big fan of testing minimal kit survival

[@buckeyebushcraft]

I will Most definitely post a video on that kit so stay tuned!

[@Nofixedabode859]

@@buckeyebushcraft thx buddy, the live show is great m8 u learn lot from peoples questions not missed one yet thx jake👍

[@buckeyebushcraft]

@@Nofixedabode859 I appreciate you watching bro! I’m now going live every Monday and Friday at 6 P.M. Eastern time!

[@Nofixedabode859]

@@buckeyebushcraft suits me better jake that’s 11 U.K. time so 2 shorter lives good 👍

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

What brand is your wool parka and how well is it true to size. I’m 6’3 240 and like a little extra movement so I usually try to get a 3x

[@buckeyebushcraft]

It’s from Lester River Bushcraft. You’re about the same size as I am so you should be okay with a large, that’s what I wear.

[@GeezerAdventures]

Would the larger version be appropriate for a footprint under a light weight tent. Silver side down?

[@kapapatence6423]

I saw one guy had done that....glued the blanket to a piece of Tyvek as a ground cover under his tent...I am thinking of doing the same thing. Have you tried it yet?

[@markdaddario1941]

A nice little video. By the way, it's marLIN not marLINE.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Where did you get that fleece?

[@Hoppesno9er]

Also, watching this video in the woods whilst making char cloth.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Nice man!

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Is that a blue heeler cross ?

[@tbsmith-ht6ej]

Finding rocks in the snow? I guess, at least there isn't a foot or more snow to contend with in the search.

[@Sir-Vivor]

Better than nothing, but I would recommend a Best Western Membership

[@AnitaGarzq]

Thank you

[@Robert31352]

IMHO, anything that will not cover a human body is useless. Also, because of the size of the emergency reusable shelter. it is on the verge of useless. I know that SRO has a good quality reusable blanket, but again, IMHO, they missed the boat when they did not have it made larger to accommodate the size of the average person, or at least offered a choice. I mean, if you are going to redesign and improve something, think out of the box. I would buy more than a few reusable emergency blankets in a heartbeat if they were built as rugged as the SRO version and it was 6X8. I know that we can all fall back on "something is better than nothing". In this case, something and nothing are pretty much first cousins.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

The SOL blanket will work if it’s all you had. A 5x7 Reusable blanket is plenty big enough for someone, I’m not a small guy and I’ve used them for years with no problems.

[@billjaxin]

There are ways to use them effectively but it depends on all the variables. What's your climate and terrain, for starters. I found that in my several layers of work clothes, rain clothes, hardhat with plastic hanging behind it, rubber caulk boots. . . wrapping a space blanket around me didn't add anything. But sitting on a pile of branches, back against a tree, with the space blanket over my hat and partly tucked around me, that allowed me to doze off a few times and didn't interfere with the need to stand up and move around. It was a very long night though. It was after that, that I started to experiment and practice with the emergency gear that I carried. btw that was the original cheap "Space Blanket". The SOL version is a lot better, especially the 58" x 98".

[@ClaudeBohls]

I don’t know that looks iffy.. definitely better than nothing but I would hate to have to depend on it alone

[@alzathoth]

you really need to do something about your audio volume level

[@wcresponder]

As a shelter no bad but you kept switching between shelter and blanket and didn't show proper way to use as a blanket.

[@KB_Joys]

What if you didn't want to be seen? 😂

[@paulvalentine1483]

If anyone follows the advice in this video, they'll be dead by dawn. What the Hell were you thinking?

[@buckeyebushcraft]

Hmm really? Because I’ve slept just like this and was fine. I can tell you have no idea what you’re talking about.

[@JayeBright]

Are y'all should just stopped at the man said in video

[@robschaller9061]

Look, I appreciate what you are doing. But here is the cold, naked, HARD truth. If you lay down on the ground in snow with that tarp, the odds of you being alive in the morning are NIL. The body heat from you will melt the snow you are laying on turning into water and you WILL DIE of hypothermia. In a situation like that you need BOTH your tarp and the mylar. In addition you REALLY want a fire even if its a small fire the amount of warmth you will get from a fire is massive.

[@buckeyebushcraft]

4-6 inches of compressed insulation underneath of you and a fire with this setup and you’ll be more than okay

[@Poshypaws]

How to use it properly in cold weather.