Everyone who loves camping knows that camping in winter is one of the most enjoyable experiences. Especially in the winter with a fresh coolness, the materials to be preferred should be carefully and carefully selected. The most important element to protect from cold and weather conditions is the right choice of camping equipment. Among the camping equipment, the most important for the winter season is the blanket. In addition to sleeping bags, it is very important to research different types of blankets. In this way, camping experience can be lived without deteriorating camping pleasure because of the factors such as rain, snow, wind or cold weather.
Camping equipment is an important element of enjoyment while camping. Camping with the right camping equipment is very important for a comfortable and peaceful experience. In addition to basic camping equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, the choice of camping kitchen and especially thermal blankets should be meticulously made. One of the most favorite seasons of the people who really like camping is the winter season when the people who want to explore the wonderful beauty of nature and the fresh air of the winter which awakens the people. However, you must camp with suitable camping equipment for the winter season. In this way, without being affected by the cold and weather conditions, you can enjoy the beauties of the winter season while camping.
One of the main points that should be taken into consideration when choosing camping equipment is to pay attention to campsites. It is perhaps one of the most enjoyable activities to pitch tents and camp in the cold season, especially in winter or autumn. There are many beautiful and unique natural wonder places to camp in the fall which is the most beautiful season to camp. Tents are among the most important camping equipment that will not spoil the pleasure of camping in the wonderful nature and fresh air. After the tent, the most important material appears as blankets. You can find the most suitable blanket for your tent among the types of blankets.
Camping Blanket: Why Should It Be Thermal?
Camping blanket is one of the most important materials for camping in winter. Camping blanket is produced with a different technology than normal blanket types. These blankets need to be both lighter and warmer. For this purpose, the thermal blanket is the most suitable type of blanket for people camping in winter. Thermal blanket types will allow you to sleep in cold winter days and enjoy nature under a warm thermal blanket outside your tent during the daytime.
Materials from which the blanket is produced is the most important thing when researching the types of blankets. It is necessary to choose a blanket that will maintain the temperature and protect you from the cold in order to enjoy the camping pleasure in extremely cold conditions. Although a sleeping bag in accordance with the seasonal norms is sufficient, a sleeping bag in winter is not sufficient alone. For people who are very cold, they can use a thicker sleeping bag or blanket in addition. Apart from this, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that it should be easy to carry and light when choosing a blanket in cold winter months. The blankets used in the camps during the winter season must be of high quality. There are many points to consider when choosing blankets. One of the most important of these is the quality of the blanket. The design of the blanket is also important for those who pay attention to appearance after quality. In addition, another important issue is how much cold your blanket will protect you from. It is quite wrong to think that every thick blanket will provide the same effect. Because the thickness of the blanket has nothing to do with keeping it warm. In order for a blanket to warm well, it should be considered to be soft and air-breathing.
Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the blanket is produced when shopping around thermal blanket types or camping blanket models. It is very important for the blanket to protect you from the cold in the camps which are generally held in cold weather conditions. For this purpose, it is necessary to prefer tents, sleeping bags, and blankets which are specially produced for the camps for the winter season. When the season is summer or spring, classic and lightweight blankets or sleeping bags are sufficient, while specially produced blankets for the winter season should be used. Thermal blanket types or camping blanket models are produced with lightweight materials for campers should be preferred. Therefore, while the camper can carry the blankets with him/her easily, he/she can be comfortably protected from cold in cold weather as well.
For those who pay attention to appearance after quality, the design of the blanket is one of the most important details. In addition to this detail, another important issue is that you must pay attention to the protective features of the blanket. It is one of the wrongest thoughts to think that every thick blanket will provide warmth. The thermal blanket price depends on the type of blanket you prefer. There is a price difference between single or double blankets. In addition, the size, brand, and features of the blankets are determining factors for the price of thermal blankets.
What Is Thermal Blanket? How Is It Used When Camping?
The thermal blanket is a thin sheet or sheet-like material made of a material that is extremely light and low in volume, ie small footprint, coated with a reflective surface to reflect thermal radiation, ie thermal radiation.
It is also known as Mylar blanket, emergency blanket, first aid blanket, space blanket or shock blanket. It was first named by NASA as a space blanket because it was used for the thermal insulation of space shuttles and space stations. Thermal blankets are used by search and rescue teams to protect survivors from hypothermia. For this reason, it has become known in the world for search and rescue activities and emergency interventions and its names are more common such as shock blanket, first aid blanket search, and rescue blanket or thermal blanket.
Raw Material of Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are obtained by coating a kind of polyester called polyethylene terephthalate with a reflective metallic surface. It is also referred to by the brand names given by the companies that commercialized it by making small changes in the polyester, nylon material formula. These are Mylar, Melineks or Hostafan. (The material will then be referred to as Mylar.) This material is coated with a thin glossy surface using a method known as vacuum deposition. The polishing material selected is generally aluminum. In some cases, instead of silver, polishing materials resembling gold are also used.
Vacuum sedimentation is a method for coating telescope lenses and mirrors with metal at a thickness ranging from one atom to several molecular thicknesses. In other words, a thermal blanket, in its shortest definition, is a nylon sheet with a thickness of a few microns of aluminum, etc., which is covered with a reflective layer. The material called Mylar is very light, thin, volumeless, inexpensive, easy to produce and has high tensile strength due to the nature of nylon. This material used in the production of thermal blankets also used in:
- For coating glossy surfaces of photographic films;
- In the production of glossy printing paper called “lac”;
- On the surfaces of glossy book covers;
- In food packaging;
- Food storage bags and temporary containers;
- In creating a protective surface on the outside of materials such as buttons, rosettes;
- For printing on textile products such as t-shirts and sweatshirts;
- Very fine sanding paper to create an attachment surface
- Production of ornamental and party balloons
- And used in many more areas. For its use in survival and mountain extreme sports areas, it is used to produce thermal blankets or emergency blankets.
Where is Thermal Blanket Used?
Thermal blankets are used by emergency teams, search and rescue teams, soldiers, special operations troops, climbers, campers, mountain extreme sports and bushcraft workers, as they help maintain body temperature and indirect temperature. There is no need for a permit or document to purchase a thermal blanket. Anyone can easily buy this extremely cheap material. Thermal blankets do not have to be wrapped around the body just like blankets. It can also be used to provide thermal insulation while making temporary shelter and to protect from wind and water. This material is very useful and has many uses. However, the purpose of production is the ones mentioned above.
The purpose of an emergency blanket is to reflect thermal radiation. This water and windproof material are used to prevent or reduce damage such as hypothermia and cold bite. It is also very useful for making temporary shelter in nature. One or more first aid blanket can be used in the construction of temporary shelters which can be made in a very short time and can provide relatively good thermal insulation when used with other materials such as leaves, brushwood that may be found in nature.
First aid or thermal blanket made of nylon and reflector alone does not have heat-insulating properties in itself. The lightweight version of these blankets, which were produced for the purpose of being lightweight, also included heat-insulating materials in the military versions, resulting in higher protection products for the soldiers. However, these are heavier, more space-consuming and more expensive materials.
Thermal Blanket Usage
- Wrapped around the body like a blanket.
- To protect from wind, water, heat loss by stretching with tree or rope while making temporary shelter.
- In very cold environments, spreading to the base of the tent or under the sleeping bag or stretching into the tent.
- Wrapped out of the sleeping bag.
- Supported by insulators such as twigs, leaves, and branches.
- Search and rescue teams to protect survivors from the cold in cold climates.
- To avoid hypothermia.
- Cut into strips instead of a rope.
- To show your position to search and rescue teams in cases of loss or accident.
- As condensation surface to obtain water.
How Does Thermal Blanket Heat You?
The shortest answer to this question is “it does not heat”. In fact, most materials we call heaters do not have a heating feature. There are two ways to protect a person from the cold. Either heat is given to that person’s body from outside or the person’s body tries to prevent heat loss. So insulation is provided. All materials that we call heaters in daily life, such as blankets, duvets, and clothes, are actually insulating, not heating. In other words, it tries to prevent heat loss.
The only way to warm a person is to give him heat from the outside. The simplest example of this is to burn a fire and take advantage of the heat of the fire. A thermal blanket or first aid blanket also provides insulation but does so differently from a wool or fleece blanket. It tries to prevent the loss of heat energy by reflecting the thermal radiation emitted by our body. This makes it easier for the body to warm itself up.
The nylon material called Mylar, used in the production of thermal blankets is air and waterproof. This increases the thermal insulation by preventing the wind, which causes the body to lose heat very quickly. It also helps to deactivate another factor that accelerates heat loss as it can also protect the body from getting wet.
The airtightness of the thermal blanket also reduces heat loss by convection. Heat loss through convection can be summarized as follows. The warmed air rises. As the air around my body heats up and rises or moves, the cooler air replaces it, and this cold air heats up by touching our bodies. This causes our body to lose more heat and temperature. Because the emergency blanket is airtight, it breaks the air cycle when wrapped around our body and prevents the body from losing more heat, even if the material itself is not completely insulating.
What Is the Price of Thermal Blankets?
Thermal blankets are manufactured from aluminum and nylon, two of the most widely used materials in the world. Therefore they are extremely cheap materials. You can get a thermal blanket that is used by search and rescue teams at prices like 10 USD. You will find that these are also sold at prices like 100-200 USD. However, as we have emphasized throughout the entire article, the thermal blanket consists of an aluminum layer coated on thin plastic. Our suggestion is that you do not give that much money to such material.
Thermal blankets are also available in more durable and insulated materials. It is normal that they are a little more expensive. It is useful to consider them when evaluating prices. It is better to consider thermal blankets as disposable or several-use materials. Therefore, it may be useful to have more than one with you. Always have one or several thermal blankets in your camping bag as emergency equipment.
Warnings Regarding Thermal Blanket Usage
Thermal blankets are made of nylon-based material. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for them to disappear in nature. Take care not to leave these materials in nature.
The surface of thermal blankets is highly reflective. Throwing or leaving a thermal blanket in a vegetation-like forest or meadow creates a risk of fire. Be aware of the properties of the materials you use and the consequences they may have.
Warning: Thermal blankets are made of very thin plastic material and burn very easily.
Thermal Camping Blanket Utilization
Although thermal blankets have proven to be extremely useful in wild environments, you should understand that they do not provide any insulation. It will reflect some of your body temperatures back to you, but it will not work very well if you are hypothermic. Therefore, if you are using an emergency thermal blanket, you must use one of the following methods to ensure that the reflective properties work best for you.
- Combine the use of Insulation blanket and thermal blanket
Conventional blankets can prevent heat loss from causing a lower elongation than conduction compared to thermal blankets. The aforementioned properties have already been described as radiation, evaporation, and convection. To do this, wrap yourself in a woolen blanket, then place the thermal blanket out of the blanket. You can also use duct tape to secure the thermal blanket between two wool blankets. This will help you stay warm fried!
- Use of thermal blanket as shelter
The thermal blanket can be turned into a garbage shelter or pre-patterned. It is called an emergency thermal tube tent. Debris acts as an insulating layer, protecting heat loss from convection. The thermal blanket helps prevent wind and prevent heat loss from radiation. When you have to build a shelter with snowy debris during the winter months, the thermal waterproof feature is very useful when you use it to cover your shelter, as the snow starts to melt. This will prevent the melting snow from dripping on you. You can create a thermal shelter in no time by following these steps:
A) Use a long branch or rod to make a back pole that can be placed between two branches or poles stuck in the ground.
B) The thermal blanket should be placed on the back pole. Rocks can be used to secure the edges on the ground. Do not puncture the thermal blanket as it will begin to tear.
C) The fat-free branches on the backplate, thus being above their thermal blankets. These are now the structural framework of your refuge.
D) Add litter on poles to insulate.
E) Additional walls can be added to the sides of the shelter for extra protection.
As for this application, we recommend users to buy a larger size because there are many different options in size when you buy a thermal blanket. Large dimensions are more durable in terms of shelter since they do not tear easily.
- Use of thermal floor sheet
The thermal blanket does not help you stay warm if you put it on the floor without any insulation as it absorbs heat directly from the body to the floor. Similar to the combination of the traditional and thermal blankets mentioned above, if you use the thermal in combination with a pile of pine needles or another pile of vegetation, it will help you reflect some heat back to you. It also protects you from wet surfaces because it is waterproof.
To do this, first place the thermal blanket on the floor, then place the pine needles on top. You should avoid putting the thermal blanket on the pine needles. The thermal blanket in the hammock camp also works great. You can put it in a hammock and then place your traditional blanket or sleeping bag on it.
- Use thermal blanket as a fire reflector
You can use the thermal blanket to reflect the heat generated by a fire. This is one of the foundations of survival skills. Most survival experts know how to make a fire reflector using logs, but the unique properties of the thermal blanket are highly effective as reflectors and make installation easier.
- Use thermal to lining your shelter
A thermal blanket can be used to form a shelter. It can also be used to sort other shelter types. A good example would be your car. In extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard, an easily accessible thermal blanket can be used to quickly cover the interior if you are stuck in a blizzard.
- Keep it cool
The thermal blanket works in the same way as the shiny metal sheets you often see to cool cars. If you get stuck in your car on a hot day, use it to keep it cool. It can also be used to create a survival refuge in the desert.
- Use the thermal blanket for sun
Some survival experts suggest that their thermal blankets work perfectly like sun shots. It is one of the smartest ways to collect water in life and death situations.
- Signal for help
As mentioned in the first part of the article, the metallic surface appearance of a thermal blanket can be used as an improvised danger sign for searchers. Some blankets can be customized with the accessories and some have already the accessories on it.
- Use as a primer for your boots or gloves
Wet boots can be very uncomfortable. Divide the thermal blanket into two squares and wear. This keeps your feet dry. The same applies to gloves. Your hands remain incredibly warm with the thermal layer inside. This layer system works best if you use: gloves, thermal, gloves.
Other Considerations Along With Thermal Blankets When Camping in Winter
Although camping is always indispensable and full of adventure, camping in winter requires a bit more seriousness than summer camps. Financial and physical preparation for the winter camp is essential. Please note that your camp can be ruined if you do not have the necessary equipment and knowledge. I have tried to compile small but effective information that may be useful here in order to take your precautions.
1) Accurate Equipment
Camping in winter is much more enjoyable and easier than you think with the right equipment. Before you can make a winter camp, you must obtain winter supplies. Otherwise, your camp may turn into torture. Tents, minus-grade overalls (pay attention to extreme and comfort levels), underwear, leggings, etc.
2) Thermal Blanket (Emergency Blanket) Saves Life!
Thermal blankets are preferred both because they are very affordable and they are light and small. These blankets will help maintain your body heat.
3) Thermal Socks
One of the most important things when camping on cold days in winter is to keep our feet warm. It is indispensable in terms of sleep quality, especially when our feet are warm while sleeping. In this case, normal socks will not work much. Thermal socks are made of the best fit for winter camps both in terms of their quick-drying properties and their resistance to low temperatures. The important detail about thermal socks is the material used. Thermal socks made from special fabrics such as CoolMax will give you a very comfortable camping opportunity.
4) Beanie and Scarves
The indispensables of winter camps are berets and neck brace. Especially in windy weather, beanie-neck collar sets that can protect both your neck and your head will be your lifesaver in winter camp. Using a beanie while sleeping in a tent at night will prevent your body from losing heat and minimize your chills. Cotton and soft beanie and scarves on the inside will preferably keep you warmer.
5) Thermal Balaclavas
Thermal balaclava, which protects your head and face completely, is a must-have for you especially in winter camps in windy weather. The lower part of this balaclava can protect your neck much longer.
6) Heat Insulated Mat
If you use a normal mat, your job is a bit difficult in winter camps. In winter, the floor will be colder than usual, and normal mats cannot protect you from cold. For this reason, you should prefer heat-insulated mats. In addition, laying inflatable mats directly on the ground in winter camps will not protect you from the cold. You can sleep both warmly and comfortably in winter camps by laying an inflatable mat on a preferably insulated mat.
7) Consume Hot Drinks
In cold weather, you spend more energy to keep your body temperature in balance, and of course, you lose water. So much so that in cold weather, you can lose 5-7 liters of water even when you are at rest. So drink water and eat carbohydrate-weighted foods to conserve your energy. So you can stay warmer. Hot drinks will be the best choice for you. Your body temperature is thus more easily balanced.
8) Make sure that the area where you will set up a tent does not allow wind
Make sure the area where you set up your tent is flat and hard, you may need to crush snow if it is covered with snow. Otherwise, your tent may break if the snow melts. No matter how much you like to set up under trees, it can be as risky. Tree branches can break with the weight of the snow accumulated on the branches. Watch out for the snowy branches!
9) Get a sleeping bag suitable for the weather conditions of the camping area
Before you buy a sleeping bag, you should try to get in it, because a small and tight sleeping bag will ruin your holiday. Prefer synthetic sleeping bags compared to goose down filling, because if the goose down sleeping bags get wet, you cannot provide the warmth in it. The moisture generated by your breath eliminates the isolation of the sleeping bag, causing you to wake up in the morning by shaking from the wet and cold. You can provide heat with garbage bags. You can help protect the heat by putting a garbage bag on top of your socks. You can also wear surgical gloves under your gloves.
10) Tent temperature is important
A small tealight candle that you will burn inside the tent increases the temperature of the tent by 4ºC. But remember that the candle also consumes the oxygen inside. So if I do not say I’m going to burn 4-5 candles. Just light a single candle when you are very cold. Do not sleep while the candle is burning and do not burn the tent. Hand/foot/body heaters and pocket stoves working with chemical reactions are a good option for warming up in the tent. They produce heat up to 40-45 ° C and maintain this temperature for about 6 hours. One or two heaters in a sleeping bag increase your comfort. You can boil water for warming up, fill it in a pet bottle and put it in a sleeping bag or carry a hot water bag.
Best Thermal Camping Blankets That You Can Buy Online
- Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (4-Pack) + Bonus Signature Gold Foil Space Blanket: Designed for NASA, Outdoors, Hiking, Survival, Marathons or First Aid (Price: $13.99)
- Nirisha Cotton Thermal Blanket– Waffle Weave – Queen Blanket – Lightweight Warm Soft & Cozy Cotton Blanket – Luxurious Breathable Blanket – Throw Blanket – All Season Grey Cotton Blanket (Price: $35.99)
- Bedsure 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket – 405GSM Soft Blanket in Waffle Weave for Home Decoration – Perfect for Layering Any Bed for All-Season – Queen Size (90 x 90 inches), White (Price: $39.99)
- COTTON CRAFT – 100% Soft Premium Cotton Thermal Blanket – Full/Queen Grey – Snuggle in These Super Soft Cozy Cotton Blankets – Perfect for Layering Any Bed – Provides Comfort and Warmth for Years (Price: $26.99)
- Elivo 100% Cotton Hospital Thermal Blankets – Open Weave Cotton Blankets – Breathable and Prevent Overheating – Soft, Comfortable and Warm – Hand and Machine Washable – 1 Pack (Price: $18.49)
