Mylar Isn’t Just for Birthday Balloons

So what the heck is Mylar?

Developed in the ’50s out of a polyester film, Mylar is super-shiny and super useful. You’ll see it in your birthday balloons, kites, insulation, food storage, and, of course, all kinds of NASA space stuff.

And for our favorite: it’s in something completely necessary to include in any readiness arsenal - emergency blankets.

Costing just a few dollars each - so, cheaper than cheap - Mylar emergency blankets are lightweight, portable, and can come in handy in a variety of ways.

Here are six different ways you can use your blanket

#1. WARMTH

First things first, the most basic use of an emergency Mylar blanket is to keep you warm by preventing heat loss. Given the reflective properties of Mylar, it does this by trapping 90% of your radiated body heat that would normally be dispersed in the environment back to your body.

And hey, if you’re stuck in a snowy wilderness, you can even cut the blanket up and use it as an insulator in your shoes or gloves! Plus, these blankets are more convenient to carry in your bag instead of big, bulky wool or fleece blankets.

#2. WATERPROOFING

Oh yes, they’re completely waterproof! You can use your blanket to protect yourself from the rain as a makeshift poncho or you can also use it to keep your belongings dry by placing everything on the blanket and then wrapping it up.

#3. SHELTER

In the event that you end up stranded outside, although probably not your best first line of defense, coupled with some paracord, safety pins, and duct-tape, you can use your emergency blanket to create a make-shift tent. Given its waterproof properties, it’s a great sleeping mat too to protect yourself from the cold and damp ground.

#4. COOKING

Yup, you read that correctly! By reflecting the sun’s rays, you can use the blanket as a makeshift solar oven. You can wrap it up into a bowl shape and place whatever food you want there to let nature whip up a meal for you.

#5. FIRST AID

In addition to helping someone with hypothermia, you can also use your blanket to create a makeshift sling, a temporary splint for any injured or broken limbs, a compression bandage, or even a tourniquet!

#6. SIGNALING

Who would have thought that a silly little shiny blanket could be so helpful in not-so-silly situations! Because of its mirrored reflective surface, Mylar blankets can be used to signal help and get the attention of rescuers.

Ready for yours yet? Well, we’ve got two amazing choices for ya.