7 Best Emergency Blankets for Survival, Hiking, and Car Kits

If you are looking to outfit multiple kits at once—say, one for the car, one for the home, and one for each family member’s backpack—Swiss Safe is the industry standard. These come in packs (usually 4 or 10) and offer a dual-sided design: one side is gold (to absorb heat) and the other silver (to reflect heat).

They are significantly thicker than the dollar-store variety, meaning they won’t shred the moment you unfold them. While they aren’t as cozy as cozy blankets for the living room, they are lifesaving tools that fit in the palm of your hand.

The Arcturus takes the reflective properties of a space blanket and marries them with the durability of a tarp. One side is reflective Mylar; the other is two layers of polypropylene. This sandwich construction means you can use it as a ground cloth, a lean-to shelter, or even a picnic mat on damp grass (a rugged alternative to the best blanket for beach trips).

It features four reinforced grommets, allowing you to tie it down in high winds—something impossible with standard Mylar sheets.

The biggest issue with Mylar is condensation. You seal in heat, but you also seal in sweat, which can eventually freeze and make you colder. The SOL Escape Bivvy solves this with a proprietary fabric that reflects heat but allows moisture to escape.

This is a sleeping bag style system (bivvy), meaning you climb inside it. It pairs perfectly with a travel pillow and blanket set for emergency layovers or unplanned nights in the woods.

Sometimes the old ways are the best. Unlike synthetic materials, wool retains its insulating properties even when wet. The Ektos blanket is 100% wool, making it fire-retardant and exceptionally durable. It is ideal for bushcraft or keeping in a vehicle where weight isn’t an issue.

While it lacks the immediate heat-reflection of Mylar, it provides better long-term comfort. For a deeper understanding of why wool is superior for insulation, read about Merino wool benefits.

Most emergency blankets are bright silver or orange for rescue visibility. However, military personnel or hunters often need to stay hidden. Titan Survival offers a Woodland Camo version that blends into the forest while still providing the reflective silver interior for heat retention.

These are individually packed and fit easily into blanket storage bags or tactical vests. Titan claims their Mylar weave is quieter than standard competitors, reducing that “crinkling chip bag” noise.

Trying to hold a blanket around your shoulders while walking, gathering wood, or tending to a child is difficult. The Delmera Poncho solves this by adding a hood and arm openings. It acts as a windbreaker and a heat reflector simultaneously.

This is an excellent addition to a family kit, especially if you have children in a stroller who might need coverage in a sudden downpour (see stroller blanket options).

Standard emergency blankets are often 52″ x 82″. This option provides significantly more surface area, allowing you to wrap it around your body multiple times or share it with a partner. The extra height is crucial for tall individuals who find their feet sticking out of standard blankets.

It comes with a durable nylon stuff sack, making it easier to repack than the Swiss Safe options.