Blizzard Bags

[wildrover]

I've seen mention of these for a wee while now and am considering one for my canoe safety/survival gear.
Has anyone here actually got or used them?

I have read that the Royal Marines, Army Air Corps and the RAF are now using them so I have no doubt they have been well tested.

They look very good

What do you think?

http://www.blizzardsurvival.com/section.php/6/51dcede470332cbef73516578754f20c

 

[crazyclimber]

Fantastic things - really really compact until you open them (can be used afterwards but you'll never get them as small). I carry one as a heli pilot in the winter, in the summer I tend to just 'dress to survive', I know a few other lads who've got their own too. Also carry it in winter for solo day trips sometimes instead of a bothy bag

 

[John Fenna]

I reviewed these for a couple of magazines.
Great kit, but quite noisy so not for non emergency use.
I carry one in my canoe kit all the time.

 

[w00dsmoke]

I've been going on about these for years pmsl and I think there is no other product on the market as good that will save your life like these. I bought the tube that will take a couple of folk and it was under £30. It's always in my canoe pack. To be honest I'm gobsmacked more folk don't have them, they really are lifesavers and zillions of years ahead of a mylar blanket and bivibag!

 

[Gailainne]

One of the first things I did after coming back from a survival course on Islay was buy one of those, orange survival bags and mylar blankets just dont cut it.

Stephen

 

[crazyclimber]

orange survival bags... just dont cut it

Though with a rucksack inside they do work marginally better as an improvised toboggan in winter

 

[MagiKelly]

I'm with everyone else on this. I have one and it lives in my canoe pack and goes in whatever pack i take with me. I hope to never need it but it would be a real lifesaver after a cold dip.

 

[Gailainne]

Though with a rucksack inside they do work marginally better as an improvised toboggan in winter

I used to use my...damn cant remember what it was called, it was a light weight clear plastic smock in weird colours with a hood and front pouch that the whole thing folded into ?

Anyway me and my mates used to use them summer and winter to slide down the local hills, thats when we couldnt get beer trays from the back of the local pub.

Stephen

 

[Limaed]

Hi
Fantastic kit for emergency use.Go for the tube or sleeping bag. I think these are better than the jacket or blanket.
I keep mine along with a down duvet jacket for out in the hills all year round. Alot of Mountain Rescue Teams and forces medics use these now as the casualty's first layer.
You could use it as a regular sleeping bag but it would be rather noisy and not that pleasant next to the skin.

 

[wildrover]

OK I'm convinced.
So where's the best place to buy from?

I've seen the main site and the cost seems reasonable.
Is there anywhere better.

 

[crazyclimber]

picked mine up on a special at ellis brigham in Aviemore. Not sure whereabouts in Scotland you are mind

 

[wildrover]

Coatbridge.
I may have a look in the new(ish) Go Outdoors place.
Failing that it will likely be the Blizzard website.

Thanks for the input.Helpful and informative as always.