A tactical blanket is a high-performance, specialised blanket made for harsh conditions and emergencies. It is more durable, compact, and has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than a regular blanket.
There are two primary varieties: insulated, long-lasting blankets made with advanced synthetic fillings for fr equent use in training, camping, or as a multipurpose piece of survival equipment, and heat-reflective “space” blankets used to prevent hypothermia.
Emergency-use Heat-Reflective Tactical Blankets
- Purpose: To reflect body heat back to the user, preventing heat loss and providing protection from cold or burns.
- Features: Usually composed of thin, foil-like material, lightweight, and compact.
- Main Use: Crucial in emergency personnel’s medical supplies, rescue operations, and any other case where avoiding hypothermia is vital.
Insulated Tactical Blankets
- Purpose: To offer outstanding insulation, warmth, and wind and moisture protection in challenging environments. Features include a lightweight, packable design, a long-lasting, windproof, and breathable fabric shell, and high-performance synthetic insulation.
- Main Use: For training, outdoor activities, and as a dependable part of a bug-out bag, military personnel, preppers, hikers, and campers use it.
Advantages of general tactical blanket
Tactic blankets are made to be more durable, long-lasting survival and emergency equipment than the typical, thin Mylar emergency blanket.
- Superior thermal retention: Tactical blankets may contain several layers, including synthetic fillings, to give significantly greater warmth and improved insulation, whereas emergency blankets only reflect around 90% of body heat.
- Increased durability: Tactical blankets are made to withstand repeated, heavy use in challenging conditions using materials that are resistant to tearing and abrasion, such as Paratex fabric and reinforced polyester.
- Weatherproof protection: Compared to standard foil blankets, many tactical blankets are more weatherproof and windproof.
- Multipurpose adaptability: A tactical blanket can be used as a makeshift shelter, a protective tarp, a ground cover, or an alternative to a sleeping bag. Features like snaps to create a sleeping bag or grommets to create a tent might be included.
- Concealment: Many tactical versions of emergency blankets are available in low-visibility hues like olive drab or camouflage to help blend in with the natural environment, in contrast to shiny, reflective ones.
- Portability: Many types are made to be lightweight and extremely compact, making it easy to carry them in a backpack or bug-out bag even with their enhanced warmth and durability.
Advantages of specialized tactical blankets
There are extremely specialized versions of the tactical blanket for military, law enforcement, and security applications in addition to the general-purpose one.
- Ballistic protection: Made of several layers of high-strength ballistic materials, including Kevlar or high-density polyethylene, these are also referred to as bomb blankets. In high-risk scenarios, they are made to guard against shrapnel, gunfire, and bomb fragments.
- Heat dissipation: In desert or tropical settings, specialized “tactical excellence” blankets promote evaporative cooling and moisture management by utilizing cutting-edge materials. This helps prevent heatstroke.
- Reduced heat signature: To provide thermal concealment for military activities, many military-grade survival blankets are designed with unique coatings that lessen their optical and infrared (IR) signature.
- Resistance to chemicals and fire: Some industrial or tactical protective blankets provide extra defense against fire, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
Effective Use of Tactical Blankets: Some Useful Advice
After learning about the benefits of Tactical blankets, let’s look at some useful advice for their efficient use:
Preparation for Use
A thorough preparation is essential before you find yourself in an emergency. A tactical blanket should always be part of your equipment while you are packing for outdoor activities.
Wrap It Correctly
To reflect your body heat back toward you, make sure the reflective side of your tactical blanket is facing inward. Heat retention will be maximized in this way.