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A group of people are climbing a snowy mountain, some wearing yellow jackets and helmets, equipped with hiking poles.
Managing Director Alpin Loacker
Felix Loacker loves the mountains and has several years of experience in mountain sports. He has been fascinated by peaks and untouched nature for as long as he can remember. He feels free and alive in the mountains. They are his home and a place where he leaves his comfort zone, hikes, ski tours, climbs & rides his mountain bike.
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You hopefully carry it around in your rucksack for years or even your whole life in the mountains, always have it with you and still fervently hope you never have to use it - the rescue blanket. And if you do need it? The big question is often: "How do I even use the rescue blanket?" Normally, you never practice using it. 

Find out everything you need to know about using the emergency blanket and which side is facing outwards in the following blog post. So you'll be well prepared in an emergency. 

How does a rescue blanket work? 

A rescue blanket consists of two different sides

  • One side cools. 
  • The other warms. 

It can not only protect you from cooling down, but also from overheating. As the name suggests, conventional rescue blankets consist of a simple sheet. These emergency blankets are included in every first aid kit. 

However, rescue foils are not particularly robust. A long stay in your hiking rucksack they would hardly survive undamaged. This is simply due to the material used and the original area of application.

These Rescue foils are actually only for one Short-term application thought. On a long hiking tour, however, it may take a long time for help to arrive. Especially if you want to use the emergency blanket as protection against the cold, you should use the right hiking equipment. 

These rescue blankets may be more expensive, but they are designed for extreme use. Don't save money at the wrong end!

Why should you carry a rescue blanket when hiking? 

Hiking is actually about clearing your head and getting rid of all your everyday worries. Doesn't carrying an emergency blanket get in the way of that? It is understandable that some hikers consider emergency blankets to be completely superfluous. At best, they actually are. 

But what if you have to spend the night outdoors in an emergency? A change in the weather or an injury can take the best hiker by surprise at any time. It doesn't even have to be you. 

There are also other creatures out and about in nature. Anyone may need help at some point. It is therefore always advisable to be prepared for all eventualities in life. 

Expert tip: It's better to pack too much than too little.

Application: Which side of the rescue blanket is for what?

Depending on how you use the emergency blanket, it can protect you from the cold or the heat. This of course raises the question: if I use the emergency blanket, which side do I use? 

Which side of the rescue blanket is cooling?    

As you know, there are rescue blankets and rescue foils. The rescue sheet has a silver and a gold side. To take advantage of the cooling properties, the silver side should face outwards.

If you want to use a high-quality outdoor emergency blanket as heat protection, the silver side should also face outwards. This reflects the sun's rays.

Which side of the rescue blanket warms?    

And to protect against the cold? Which side of the emergency blanket is used here? To take advantage of the warming properties, the silver side should be inside. Especially in winter, protection from the cold ground is also important. However, two emergency blankets are rarely available. 

A great solution is our bivouac sack. The ultra-light emergency blanket, with its low weight and pack size, offers optimum all-round protection. The highlight: the orange pack sack serves as a practical reminder tool. It shows you how to use the rescue blanket. To protect you from the cold, the orange side also faces outwards.

Step-by-step guide: How to use a rescue blanket correctly

Step 1: Use the rescue blanket

Step 1: Open the pack and unfold the rescue blanket

Remove the rescue blanket from its packaging and unfold it carefully. Most rescue blankets are available in a compact, folded form. Gently shake the blanket to fully unfold it and make sure it is ready for use. Check the blanket for any damage or holes before you use it.

Step 2: Use the rescue blanket

Step 2: Select and position the protective side

As you now know, a rescue blanket has two sides - one silver and one gold. The choice of color is important because each side has different functions. Choose the side based on the current weather conditions and situation.

Step 3: Use the rescue blanket

Step 3: Wrap the rescue blanket around the body

Hold the rescue blanket close to your body and wrap it around you. Make sure that it covers your entire body surface to provide the best possible protection against cold or heat. The blanket should fit snugly to minimize heat loss. However, leave enough room so that you can still move around comfortably.

Step 4: Use the rescue blanket

Step 4: Cover your head and hands

To ensure additional protection, you can place the rescue blanket over your head. Form a kind of hood to completely cover your head and trap heat. Make sure that your breathing is not restricted. You can also wrap your hands in the rescue blanket to keep them warm and protect them from hypothermia.

Step 5: Use the rescue blanket

Step 5: Ensure wind and rain protection

Üeck that the rescue blanket fits properly and that there are no open areas through which wind or rain could penetrate. If necessary, you can weigh down the edges of the blanket with stones or other objects to ensure that it stays in place. This will help to improve protection from the elements and keep your body dry.

Step 6: Use the rescue blanket

Step 6: Stay calm and wait for help

After you have properly applied the rescue blanket, stay calm and wait for help. The blanket provides some protection from the elements, but it does not replace the need to get help as quickly as possible. Keep warm and try to use as little energy as possible until rescuers arrive.

Conclusion 

The Alpin Loacker bivy sack is packed in a practical pouch and can be repacked several times. The bag fits into any rucksack. It is only about the size of a fist. As this is safety equipment, we would urge you not to skimp on this point. Neither in terms of size nor price. 

It's better to carry something around for years and never need it than to have an accident and not be able to help yourself or others. Another plus point for the orange color ⇒ it can be recognized by the rescue team from a distance during helicopter rescues.

FAQ

Is a rescue blanket reusable?

Conventional rescue sheets are intended as disposable protection and must be disposed of after use. Our high-quality outdoor rescue blanket, on the other hand, can be used several times if used properly. However, it should only be stored when dry.

What material is a rescue blanket made of?

As you know, a rescue sheet consists of a thin film with two different coatings. Our emergency blanket in a practical bivouac sack shape is made of high-quality materials. The inside has an aluminum-coated side that protects you from the cold by reflecting your body heat. The orange-colored outer side is made of a sustainable material mix with waterproof and windproof properties.

Can a rescue blanket replace a sleeping bag? 

A rescue blanket is designed for emergency use. It can reflect approx. 90 % of your body heat. However, it is less suitable for continuous use. A high-quality hut sleeping bag is the better choice here.