On this page
To use an emergency blanket, wrap it around the body with the reflective side facing inward, tuck the edges to seal in warmth, and keep it in place as a wrap, shelter, ground cover or signal. The steps below show how to use emergency blanket in the cold, as a shelter and as a signal, using the blankets in the gear section.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
How to use an emergency blanket: how to use emergency blanket
An emergency blanket works by reflecting radiated body heat back toward the body and blocking wind and moisture from outside. The three mylar blankets here reflect up to 90% of body heat, and the wool blanket traps body heat in its fibers instead. The steps below cover wrapping, sealing, shelter and signaling, in that order.
Step 1: Wrap it with the reflective side in
Unfold the blanket fully and hold it with the shiny, reflective side toward the body. Drape it over the shoulders like a cape, then wrap the sides around the torso and under the arms so the reflective surface faces the skin and clothing. For the wool blanket, either side works, since wool traps heat in its fibers rather than reflecting it. See how do emergency blankets work for the reflection detail.
Step 2: Seal the edges
Tuck the bottom edge under the feet or seat, and fold the top edge around the neck and shoulders. Hold the front edges closed with the hands, or tuck them under the arms, so wind cannot get under the blanket and carry the warmth away. A blanket that flaps open loses the seal, so keep the edges tucked whenever the wind picks up.
Step 3: Use it as a shelter, ground cover or signal
The same blanket serves other jobs once the wrapping step is done. Tie the corners to branches or poles for a lean-to shelter, lay it under a sleeping bag as a ground cover, or hold the reflective side toward the sun or a light to flash a signal. The table below shows the size and stated uses for each blanket here.
| Blanket | Size | Stated uses | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| SecuCaptain 75-Pack Blanket | 84 by 63 inches | Shelter, poncho, shade, ground cover, signal | View on Amazon |
| Altland 50-Pack Foil Blanket | 52 by 82 inches | Signal, sunshade, trail marker, ground cover, shelter | View on Amazon |
| Phafaloop 6-Pack Mylar Blanket | 84 by 64 inches | Shelter, rain cover, ground cover, sun shade, signal | View on Amazon |
| EverOne 80% Wool Blanket | 66 by 90 inches | Camping, emergencies, everyday use | View on Amazon |
Step 4: Fold it and pack it again
Shake off dirt and moisture, fold the blanket along its creases and slide it back into its bag or pack. The SecuCaptain blanket (on Amazon) folds to credit card size, and the Altland blanket (on Amazon) folds into a resealable plastic bag, so both pack down small for a kit. The wool blanket folds like any blanket and suits a car or cabin shelf rather than a pocket. Check the blanket stays dry in storage, since a damp blanket packs poorly and tears more easily when unfolded.
Blankets for the job
The blankets below handle the wrapping, shelter and signaling steps above: the mylar blankets fold to pocket size for a kit, and the wool blanket suits a car or cabin where weight matters less.
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  SecuCaptain 75-Pack Blanket | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  Altland 50-Pack Foil Blanket | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Phafaloop 6-Pack Mylar Blanket | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  EverOne 80% Wool Blanket | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
SecuCaptain 75-Pack Blanket
A 75-pack of 84 by 63 inch mylar blankets that reflect up to 90% of body heat, fold to credit card size and weigh 2 ounces each.
Pros
- 84 by 63 inches, 23% larger coverage than standard size blankets
- Reflects 90% of body heat
- Folds to credit card size at 2 ounces per blanket
- Reusable, and serves as a shelter, poncho, shade, ground cover or signal
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated
- Spec table weight is for the whole 75-pack, not one blanket
- No thickness figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 75-pack of extra large mylar blankets measuring 84 by 63 inches, with 23% larger coverage than standard size blankets, reflecting 90% of body heat. The material is described as double-stretched and tear-resistant, blocking wind and moisture, and each blanket weighs 2 ounces and folds to credit card size. It serves as a shelter, poncho, shade, ground cover or emergency signal, and the listing states it is reusable. The spec table lists a size of 75 Pack, with the weight given for the whole pack. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: campers, hikers and car kits that need a pocket-size blanket for the wrapping and signaling steps, with full-body coverage at 84 by 63 inches. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a single heavy blanket for a cabin or car.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 72 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 84 x 63 inches |
|---|---|
| Heat reflection | Up to 90% of body heat |
| Weight | 2 oz per blanket |
| Pack | 75-pack |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Altland 50-Pack Foil Blanket
A 50-pack of 52 by 82 inch foil blankets that reflect up to 90% of body heat, each folded in a resealable bag.
Pros
- 52 by 82 inches for full-body coverage
- Reflects up to 90% of body heat
- Each blanket folded in a resealable plastic bag
- Serves as a signaling device, sunshade, trail marker, ground cover or shelter
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated
- Smallest blanket here at 52 by 82 inches
- No reuse claim is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 50-pack of silver foil emergency blankets measuring 52 by 82 inches, designed to reflect up to 90% of body heat. The aluminized foil material is described as tear-resistant, blocking wind and moisture, and each blanket is folded and packaged in a resealable plastic bag. Uses stated include a signaling device, sunshade, trail marker, ground cover and makeshift shelter. The spec table lists 0.125 pounds and 82.0 by 52.0 by 0.01 inches. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: care packages, car kits and group supplies that need a blanket per person for wrapping and signaling. Who should skip it: anyone who wants the largest blanket here or a stated reuse claim.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 70 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 52 x 82 inches |
|---|---|
| Heat reflection | Up to 90% of body heat |
| Weight | 0.125 pounds |
| Pack | 50-pack |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Phafaloop 6-Pack Mylar Blanket
A 6-pack of 84 by 64 inch mylar blankets that reflect up to 90% of body heat and fold for a backpack or first aid kit.
Pros
- 84 by 64 inches for full-body coverage
- Reflects up to 90% of body heat
- Tear-resistant mylar that blocks wind and moisture
- Serves as a shelter, rain cover, ground cover, sun shade or signal reflector
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated
- 6-pack, the smallest pack here
- No reuse claim is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 6-pack of mylar blankets, each measuring 84 by 64 inches for full-body coverage, reflecting up to 90% of body heat. The tear-resistant mylar material blocks wind and moisture in rain, snow and harsh outdoor conditions, and each blanket folds into a compact size for backpacks, first aid kits, glove compartments and emergency bags. Uses stated include a survival blanket, emergency shelter, rain cover, ground cover, sun shade or signal reflector. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: hikers and campers who want a large blanket in a small pack for the wrapping and shelter steps. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a bulk pack for a group or a stated reuse claim.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 19/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 68 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 84 x 64 inches |
|---|---|
| Heat reflection | Up to 90% of body heat |
| Material | Mylar |
| Pack | 6-pack |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
EverOne 80% Wool Blanket
A 66 by 90 inch olive drab blanket of 80% wool, fire retardant, that traps body heat for camping and emergencies.
Pros
- 66 by 90 inches, the largest blanket here
- 80% wool, softer than synthetic material per the listing
- Fire retardant material stated
- Traps body heat even under extreme conditions, per the listing
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated
- 3.45 pounds, the heaviest here
- No heat reflection figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states an olive drab military-style blanket of 80% wool, measuring 66 by 90 inches and weighing 3.45 pounds. Unlike the three mylar blankets here, this is a woven wool blanket, not a foil one. It is described as fire retardant, designed to trap body heat even under extreme conditions, and softer and more comfortable than blankets made of synthetic material. The listing states it is large enough to use alone or with another person, over seven feet long. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: car and cabin kits where weight matters less and a heavy woven blanket suits the wrapping step. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a pocket-size mylar blanket or a stated heat reflection figure.
Its Solar Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 23/35, build 21/25, value 18/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 62 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 66 x 90 inches |
|---|---|
| Material | 80% wool |
| Weight | 3.45 pounds |
| Fire retardant | Fire retardant material stated |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Which side of an emergency blanket faces the body?
The reflective side faces the body. The SecuCaptain, Altland and Phafaloop listings all state their mylar blankets reflect up to 90% of body heat, so the shiny side goes inward.
Can an emergency blanket be reused?
The SecuCaptain listing states its blanket is reusable. The other listings here do not state a reuse claim, so treat reuse as stated only for that blanket.
How big is an emergency blanket?
The SecuCaptain blanket measures 84 by 63 inches, the Phafaloop blanket 84 by 64 inches, the Altland blanket 52 by 82 inches, and the EverOne blanket 66 by 90 inches.
Can an emergency blanket be used as a shelter?
The listings state the blankets serve as a shelter, ground cover, sun shade or signal reflector. The SecuCaptain listing also lists poncho and shade use, and the Altland listing lists a trail marker use.
Related solar guides
See every Camping and Emergency Gear guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides.
More picks: how do emergency blankets work, best 12 volt heated blanket for camping, best 12v blanket.
