Just after New Year’s, I purchase a few first aid thermal blankets like this one at REI.  I encourage all preparation-minded people to do the same because these are very handy yet inexpensive items that could save your life.

Emergency Blanket

The primary reason to own these blankets is to retain 80% of body heat during an emergency.  This is critical when there is a risk of hypothermia or shock after an injury.  A first aid thermal blanket is also important in cold or wet conditions to prevent hypothermia, especially when there is no shelter or fire available.  They can also come in handy in other situations.  Because emergency blankets are metalized and reflect light, they can be used as locator beacon in search and rescue situations.  They can also be used as an improvised shade during hot, sunny conditions.

All this in a small, lightweight, re-usable item that costs less $5 per blanket.  For that price you can get a few for your car, home, go bag, backpack, and other gear kits.  You may never need one but they are cheap insurance against hypothermia and other life-threatening conditions.

Click here to buy the Grabber Outdoors Emergency Survival Blanket, Gold