Tempted by an RAC thermal blanket

[swright81076]

I've struggled for a good while now keeping my back warm in my hammock. There are solutions such as a sheepskin (cheers to Chiseller) but they are bulky.
Emergency blankets are hit and miss, but definitely not for winter. Then under blankets, for me a bit bulky, pricey and a one trick pony. (Don't get me wrong, I'm buying one this year).

So, I came across these RAC thermal blankets at halfords for a tenner.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...&productId=735861&categoryId=165664&langId=-1

I've not seen one in person yet, but they might just be perfect for hammocks. I'm gonna pick one up and see what I can do with them. I'm thinking.... Jerven bag, tarp, ground sheet.

Of anyone's got one or messed with one, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Steve.

touched by nature

 

[swright81076]

On further investigation, they look very interesting.

http://www.medicalinnovations.co.uk/hospitals/mediwrap/mediwrap-technology.html

 

[Corso]

does indeed look interesting - are they the same? cant see much info on the halfords page

 

[mountainm]

I'm guessing it isn't breathable though, which may lead to a damp hammock. Something you don't get with an under blanket. Does look good though.

 

[swright81076]

does indeed look interesting - are they the same? cant see much info on the halfords page

I've been googling mediwrap, there correct name. They are used extensively in hospitals and emergency services. They seem to be the same thing.

touched by nature

 

[swright81076]

I'm guessing it isn't breathable though, which may lead to a damp hammock. Something you don't get with an under blanket. Does look good though.

That's something I'd overlooked but saying that, I've used normal survival blankets with no damp issues.
I'm off into town tomorrow, I'll pick one up and have a look. Hope it doesn't end up in the same pile as my NBC casualty bag.

touched by nature

 

[Shovel]

What about a US poncho liner? Those've been put to good use as UQ's.

 

[presterjohn]

The big question is how big are they when open and how small will they fold back down to after first use.

 

[sycamour]

That's something I'd overlooked but saying that, I've used normal survival blankets with no damp issues.
I'm off into town tomorrow, I'll pick one up and have a look. Hope it doesn't end up in the same pile as my NBC casualty bag.

touched by nature

Keep us posted, looking for something for under the bivvy.

 

[Man of Tanith]

interesting..... can see a use for it

 

[swright81076]

I've collected the blanket. Don't have any scales to weigh it, but I'd say it's the weight of a pair of arctic socks.

Size beside a load of bread. Roughly 1m x 2ish m

It seems to be a thick survival blanket bonded to a soft paper like material.

Quite sturdy. It folds back up well.

I stood outside with it wrapped around my top half wearing a t shirt while having a fag. It does stop the wind, and was toasty. I know it's not particularly cold today but it was with a try.

When I get chance I'll rig it under the hammock to try as a cold barrier. First thoughts. Quietly impressed.

touched by nature

 

[Chiseller]

Nice work steve, might invest ?

 

[mountainm]

I've collected the blanket. Don't have any scales to weigh it, but I'd say it's the weight of a pair of arctic socks.

Size beside a load of bread. Roughly 1m x 2ish m

It seems to be a thick survival blanket bonded to a soft paper like material.

Quite sturdy. It folds back up well.

I stood outside with it wrapped around my top half wearing a t shirt while having a fag. It does stop the wind, and was toasty. I know it's not particularly cold today but it was with a try.

When I get chance I'll rig it under the hammock to try as a cold barrier. First thoughts. Quietly impressed.

touched by nature

Great stuff - do you think it will last? If the paper stuff get's soggy perhaps?

 

[Elen Sentier]

That's something I'd overlooked but saying that, I've used normal survival blankets with no damp issues.
I'm off into town tomorrow, I'll pick one up and have a look. Hope it doesn't end up in the same pile as my NBC casualty bag.

touched by nature

Yay, I'd like to know how you like it, might get one, sounds a very good idea.

 

[swright81076]

I've had a corner submerged in a glass of water for 5 minutes. Just come back to it. It seems to have soaked up a fair amount. The backing hasn't come away, degraded nor is it dripping or leaking. It only feels a little damp.

As I've been typing this it has dried out. Strange stuff.

I'd be happy to try this still under my hammock, but don't think it will be strong enough to tie down as a tarp, but I'll try that to o anyway. Still hopeful it has some good uses.

touched by nature

 

[presterjohn]

I wonder how much cheaper it would be to buy these in quantity as if for a group buy or something? The Mediwrap website does not give prices sadly.

http://www.medicalinnovations.co.uk/contact/

 

[Scopey]

Interesting, used them at work but liking the thought of using it with my hammock...

 

[oldtimer]

I wonder how much cheaper it would be to buy these in quantity as if for a group buy or something? The Mediwrap website does not give prices sadly.

http://www.medicalinnovations.co.uk/contact/

I can see other applications for this other than hammocking. One in the and/or one in the rucksack for emergencies looks like a sensible option. Summer bivouacs too. If the price is right, I'd be up for a group buy.

 

[presterjohn]

I can see other applications for this other than hammocking. One in the and/or one in the rucksack for emergencies looks like a sensible option. Summer bivouacs too. If the price is right, I'd be up for a group buy.

Yes I was thinking more in the line of keeping one in the glove compartment of the car or in a daysack.

 

[Jared]

I wonder how much cheaper it would be to buy these in quantity as if for a group buy or something? The Mediwrap website does not give prices sadly.

http://www.medicalinnovations.co.uk/contact/

St Johns seem to flog them for a fiver each.

http://www.stjohnsupplies.co.uk/products/default.asp?productId=F06156