You're out camping when the temperature drops faster than expected. Your sleeping bag isn't warm enough and the cold starts creeping in. Or maybe you got caught in unexpected rain and everything's soaked. This is exactly when an emergency blanket can save your camping trip or even your life.

Emergency blankets reflect up to 90% of your body heat back to you. They weigh almost nothing, pack down to the size of a deck of cards, and typically cost less than fifteen pounds. But not all emergency blankets work the same way. Some are quieter than others, some won't tear at the first snag, and using the wrong type or deploying them incorrectly can actually make your situation worse rather than better.

This guide shows you what emergency blankets actually do, which ones UK campers should buy, and how to use them properly outdoors. You'll learn when an emergency blanket fits your camping needs, what features separate decent blankets from rubbish ones, and the right techniques for packing and deploying one when weather conditions turn against you.

What to know about camping emergency blankets

Emergency blankets are thin sheets of metallised plastic, usually made from polyester film coated with aluminium. The shiny surface reflects radiant heat back towards your body rather than letting it escape into the cold air around you. This makes them effective at preventing hypothermia in survival situations, but they work differently than your sleeping bag or wool blanket at home.

How emergency blankets work

Your body constantly radiates heat as infrared energy. When you wrap yourself in an emergency blanket, the metallic coating bounces this infrared radiation back towards you instead of letting it dissipate. This principle keeps you warmer without adding insulation or bulk. The blanket doesn't generate warmth itself, it simply traps the heat your body produces. Think of it like putting a mirror around a candle; the light reflects back rather than spreading out into the darkness.

Emergency blankets reflect heat but don't provide insulation like traditional camping blankets do.

What makes them different from regular blankets

Regular camping blankets and sleeping bags work through trapped air pockets that insulate you from cold temperatures. An emergency blanket for camping provides zero insulation value on its own. It only reflects your existing body heat. This means if you're already cold and not generating much heat, the blanket won't warm you up magically. You'll also notice they're waterproof but not breathable, which causes condensation to build up inside when you use them for extended periods.

Step 1. Decide if an emergency blanket fits

You need to assess your specific camping situation before adding an emergency blanket to your kit. Emergency blankets work best as backup safety equipment rather than primary shelter or warmth solutions. Consider your trip duration, expected weather conditions, and what other gear you're already carrying.

When emergency blankets make sense

Emergency blankets suit short camping trips where you need lightweight backup protection. If you're doing a weekend hike in variable UK weather, a blanket provides peace of mind without adding weight. They're also perfect for day walks that might extend overnight unexpectedly. A fell walker caught out after dark benefits hugely from a compact emergency blanket for camping tucked in their pack. Similarly, festival campers who want protection from sudden temperature drops find them useful.

When to skip them

Skip emergency blankets if you're doing multi-day expeditions in remote areas where proper sleeping systems matter more. You shouldn't rely on them as replacements for adequate sleeping bags or shelter. Budget campers sometimes think an emergency blanket can substitute for proper gear, but this approach risks hypothermia in genuinely cold conditions.

Emergency blankets complement your camping gear but never replace core equipment like sleeping bags or tents.

Step 2. Choose the right emergency blanket

You face dozens of emergency blanket options in outdoor shops and online. Most look identical but perform very differently in actual camping conditions. Focus on material quality, size, and specific features that separate reliable blankets from ones that fail when you need them most.

Material quality matters

Look for blankets made from 12-micron polyester film or thicker. Thinner materials tear easily when you snag them on branches or rocky ground. Better emergency blankets use reinforced edges and corner grommets that let you tie them down without ripping. The cheapest blankets cost around £3 but often shred after one use. Spending £8 to £15 gets you a blanket that survives multiple deployments and packs away properly.

Size and weight considerations

Standard emergency blankets measure 210cm by 130cm, which covers one person adequately. Larger blankets at 240cm by 150cm work better if you need to share warmth or create a ground shelter. Weight varies from 50 grams for basic models to 85 grams for durable versions. The extra 35 grams buys you a blanket that doesn't sound like crinkling crisp packets every time you move, which matters during actual overnight use.

Choose blankets between 60 and 85 grams for the best balance of durability and packability.

Essential features to check

Buy emergency blankets in bright orange or reflective silver so rescue services can spot you easily. Some blankets include one orange side and one silver side, giving you visibility options. Avoid plain silver blankets for camping because they blend into natural surroundings. Check that your emergency blanket for camping comes in a resealable storage pouch rather than a disposable wrapper, as you'll want to repack it after inspecting or practicing deployment.

Step 3. Pack your blanket in your camping kit

Store your emergency blanket for camping where you can reach it quickly in deteriorating conditions. The blanket does you no good buried at the bottom of your rucksack when rain starts pelting down or darkness catches you off guard. Position it in an accessible external pocket or near the top of your main compartment where fumbling with cold fingers won't turn into a frustrating search.

Where to position your blanket

Keep your blanket in these priority locations based on your camping setup:

• Side mesh pocket on your rucksack for instant grab access
• Hip belt pocket if you're doing long day walks that might extend
• Top lid compartment of your main pack alongside your first aid kit
• Jacket pocket during shoulder seasons when weather changes rapidly

Check your blanket stays dry and accessible before each trip. Wet emergency blankets lose effectiveness and damaged packaging makes repacking difficult after inspection.

Step 4. Use your emergency blanket safely outdoors

You must deploy your emergency blanket for camping correctly or risk making your situation worse. Improper use traps moisture against your body, leading to dampness that accelerates heat loss rather than preventing it. Learn the right deployment methods and understand limitations before you face actual emergency conditions in the outdoors.

Deploy your blanket correctly

Wrap the blanket around your entire body, leaving only your face exposed for breathing. Tuck the edges under your body weight to seal heat inside and prevent wind from sneaking through gaps. If you're sitting or crouching, pull the blanket over your head like a tent and sit on the bottom edges. Never seal yourself completely inside because you need fresh air circulation to prevent carbon dioxide buildup and suffocation risk.

For ground protection, place the blanket silver side up to reflect your body heat back towards you. When using it as an overhead shelter, position the silver side facing down towards your body. The reflective surface always needs to face the heat source, which means pointing at you in both configurations.

Always leave an opening for air circulation when wrapping yourself in an emergency blanket to prevent suffocation and carbon dioxide buildup.

Prevent condensation buildup

Your breath and body moisture create condensation inside the blanket within minutes. Wipe accumulated water droplets off the interior surface every fifteen to twenty minutes during extended use. Wet fabric against your clothing conducts heat away from your body, defeating the blanket's purpose. Keep a small cloth accessible to manage moisture buildup, or periodically open the blanket to release trapped humidity before it soaks through your layers.

Stay safe and prepared

You now know how to choose and use an emergency blanket for camping properly. Add one to your outdoor kit today alongside your other safety essentials. Check your blanket before each trip and practice deploying it at home so you're confident when conditions deteriorate outdoors. Browse our full range of camping safety gear at Take a Hike UK to build a comprehensive outdoor kit that keeps you protected in British weather. Your next camping adventure deserves reliable equipment that works when you need it most.