The "mylar type" (space foil) emergency thermal blanket is a staple of emergency preparedness. We sell them and include them in almost all of our emergency kits. They are great because they are very compact, help to retain up to 90% of body heat and provide a protective waterproof and windproof barrier.
I respect these emergency blankets for what they are and the useful (and even life saving) protection that they provide; however, for some time, I have been looking for something more, something better...
In the aftermath of an emergency or disaster, one often would want a "real" blanket - one that gives comfort, warmth and protection with "material" and not "metal." The foil-like emergency blankets have their place but just leave something to be desired. So I have considered adding a "real" emergency shelter blanket to the LifeSecure and MobileAid lines.
I have looked at small fleece and micro-fiber blankets and found the ones on the market to provide little coverage (some as small as 35" x 62") and therefore lack the ability to provide real protection to other than a small child. I considered wool blankets, like those used in some evacuation shelters and found them to be too bulky to be ideal for including in an emergency kit. Also, once they get wet, they have little value in protecting from the cold. They are really better suited to use indoors - in a shelter - one may not always be so fortunate in a catastrophic disaster.
So I kept looking for a "real" blanket that would be: lightweight, compact and water resistant while providing the warmth more characteristic of a wool or wool blend shelter blanket. I FINALLY FOUND IT! In fact, I found what I wanted plus a version that goes beyond my initial expectations and desires to also protect from nuisance and disease carrying insects.
A friend of mine connected me with some folks who have been developing and testing two Apex TechnologyTMemergency blankets for use by the US Military, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other organizations that operate in extreme conditions and provide relief in disaster and other emergency situations. They have developed two real emergency blankets that we have just introduced in the LifeSecure line...
LifeSecure Protective Emergency Blanket (Apex TechnologyTM Cover Blanket) This is a lightweight water-resistant protective emergency blanket that warms and comforts as well as a much heavier blanket while taking only 1/3 the storage space of traditional wool and wool blend shelter blankets. Patented Apex Technology makes this full size blanket (60” x 70”) water, sand, tear, and debris resistant.
This ATCB blanket is perfect for your emergency kit because it weighs less than 1 pound and fits tightly in your bag so it takes little space and still provides the comfort and warmth of a much heavier blanket.
As excited as I am about this blanket, I am especially excited for the unique insect repllent version of the same blanket...
LifeSecure Insect Repellent Emergency Blanket (Apex TechnologyTMCover Blanket with SkinTex®MRIII)
This insect repellent emergency blanket designed to protect you from nuisance and disease-carrying insects and the elements after an emergency or disaster.Repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and other insects (including those that carry West Nile Virus and Lyme disease). This blanket is safe for human contact and is 100% DEET free.
This ATCB blanket is infused with SkinTex®MRIII, an EPA approved permethrin insect repellent used by the U.S. military and World Health Organization (WHO). Repellancy remains effective for 25 washings.
Patented Apex® Technology™ delivers the same comfort and warmth of a much heavier blanket.
To protect exposed skin not covered by the blanket, use with an insect repellent approved for direct application to skin.
Look for me post more about these two unique Apex TechnologyTM Cover Blankets as I think they will begin to recognized in the emergency preparedness market as "real" emergency blankets with some real advantages.
Every Life Secure