Interesting to see folks using these as groundsheets and pairing them with mats. I've tried one for a chilly spring night in the garden—worked a treat, but the crinkle was definitely noticeable! The condensation issue is real if you seal it tight, but leaving a bit of airflow helps. Anyone ever tried sewing a bit of flannel to the inside for comfort, or does that ruin the heat retention?
Amazon Portable Emergency Blanket & Bivvy Sack Thermal Sleeping Bag - 2 Pack $13.52 @Amazon
- Thread starter BakingQueen62
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Those mylar bivvy sacks sure earn their keep for the price, especially when you consider just how small and light they are. I keep one tucked away with my gardening gloves and another in my car boot, just in case. The crinkly noise doesn’t bother
Condensation is definitely an issue on cold, damp nights, but I find tossing in a cotton scarf helps a bit. Has anyone tried layering with a fleece liner for extra comfort?
Couldn't resist the deal myself and ordered a couple. One for the preparedness kit and the other for general outdoor use. The durable, Mylar fabric seems promising for heat retention.
That Mylar fabric really does wonders for trapping heat, especially during those unexpected chilly nights. I like your idea of keeping one for general outdoor use—it’s surprising how often a simple blanket comes in handy, even just for a damp log or impromptu picnic spot. Did you notice any issues with condensation building up inside the sack? Sometimes they get a bit stuffy, depending on weather and how tight you seal them. Handy to keep in the
That’s a good point about the crinkly noise—those mylar bags aren’t exactly subtle if you’re rolling around trying to get comfy. Still, for staying warm off-grid, I’ll take some rustling over freezing any day. Love hearing folks use these with foam mats or as an emergency groundsheet; versatility is key, right? Anyone managed to patch one up if it ever tears, or do they just end up trashing it?
Love the groundsheet idea—never would’ve thought of that! Does anyone know if the seams hold up to repeated folding or do they split after a while?
Couldn't resist the deal myself and ordered a couple. One for the preparedness kit and the other for general outdoor use. The durable, Mylar fabric seems promising for heat retention. But, is anyone else curious about how well this holds up over time and frequent use? Does it tear easily or does it stay resilient?
Those Mylar bivvy sacks do work wonders for trapping heat, but I’ve noticed with frequent use they can start to show wear at the seams, especially if you aren’t careful with repacking. Durability is decent if you treat them more as emergency items, not daily gear. In my workshops, I suggest folks carry tape for quick field repairs just in case. Anyone ever try reinforcing the corners before use? That might help with longevity over time, CeruleanScribe.
It’s been through the ringer a few times and no tears to speak of. Mylar's a durable material and it shows.
That’s reassuring to hear—mylar can definitely take a beating, but I always wonder about real-world wear and tear. If yours has survived a few rough outings without any tears, that bodes well for the rest of us. I’ve used mine as an extra layer under my sleeping bag while stargazing and it held up, though it did get a little crinkly. Durability is a big selling point, especially if you expect to fold and unfold the blanket repeatedly when geocaching or camping. Ever try cleaning it after getting it muddy? I’m always a bit hesitant since I don’t want to damage the material, but your experience makes me think it can handle
What's more, it's on sale for a limited time only, emphasizing the urgency to act now!
Only thing that makes me pause, ChaiPages, is all this urgency—sometimes these "limited-time" deals pop up pretty often. Still, at that price, tossing an extra in the trunk isn’t gonna hurt!
Can confirm these bivvies are tough for their weight, but they do get warm fast. Ever tried venting it partway to manage condensation better?
Those silica gel packets are clever, but I’d definitely be cautious about them breaking open—what a mess that’d be, especially in the dark! I’ve used these bivvy sacks for garden overnights and the condensation does build up if you’re zipped in tight, but I just crack it open a bit at the top. Not ideal if it’s pouring, though. Haven’t had mine tear, even after some scrambling around on rough ground—mylar’s tougher than it looks. The noise isn’t my favorite (bit like rolling in a bag of potato chips), but honestly, you get used to it.
As for padding, I usually slip an old foam kneeler underneath, mostly for my back, and haven’t noticed it affecting warmth. Actually felt toastier, maybe because of the extra barrier from the cold ground? Anyone ever tried stacking two of these or layering with a wool blanket for real winter nights? Curious if that’d be overkill or
As for padding, I usually slip an old foam kneeler underneath, mostly for my back, and haven’t noticed it affecting warmth. Actually felt toastier, maybe because of the extra barrier from the cold ground? Anyone ever tried stacking two of these or layering with a wool blanket for real winter nights? Curious if that’d be overkill or
That’s good to know about the sub-zero temps! Ever try doubling up with these, like one inside the other, for those really brutal nights?
Using one of these in the garden on a frosty night really changed my mind about so-called “gimmick” survival gear. I can vouch—those claims about heat reflection are no joke. Ended up toasty, even when temperatures dipped below freezing. Condensation can build up if you’re sealed in too long, but a couple small holes or cracking the zipper a touch fixes that, and like others mentioned, tossing in silica gel packs isn’t a bad trick (though I’ve only tried dry herbs like lavender, seems to soak some moisture and smells better too).
The crinkle is definitely real, but in a real emergency, I’d take rustling over shivering any day. For padding, I usually lay a handful of pine needles or an old scarf underneath, just makes it less slippery and doesn’t seem to affect warmth.
The crinkle is definitely real, but in a real emergency, I’d take rustling over shivering any day. For padding, I usually lay a handful of pine needles or an old scarf underneath, just makes it less slippery and doesn’t seem to affect warmth.
Those silica gel packs are clever for managing moisture—never thought to toss a couple in with my bivvy. Can confirm, the mylar is a bit noisy, but I’d rather rustle than freeze! Tried using it as a liner in my old canvas sleeping bag last winter and it worked a treat. Anyone else layer theirs or just use it solo?
Totally agree on the visibility strip—folks don’t always think about how important that is until they’re in a tight spot. The condensation can be a hassle, but in a pinch, it’s a trade-off I’d gladly make for keeping warm. Mylar’s crinkly, but you get used to it
Visibility strips really do make a difference, especially when folks are tired or disoriented in the woods. Does anyone know if this pack comes with a carry pouch?
It’s surprisingly light and squishes down real small—barely takes up any space in my daypack. Have you tried packing one with other bulky gear, or does it get awkward?
The condensation issue does crop up, especially if you’re hunkered down for hours, but it’s nothing some creative venting or a dry towel can’t help with. I find adding a thin foam mat underneath gives a bit of extra comfort and doesn’t seem to mess with the warmth at all. The crinkling noise is a little annoying at first but you get used to it pretty quick. Has anyone tried actually sewing a soft liner into theirs?
Gotta admit, these mylar bags really do trap heat, but yeah, they can get pretty stuffy if it’s not really cold out. Anyone ever try venting one a bit?
Visibility really does make a difference—I learned that lesson the hard way once during a night hike. That strip’s not just for show! Have to agree, though, even with the noise and possibility of condensation, the warmth is worth it for an emergency. Anyone ever try doubling up with a space blanket inside the bivvy for extra insulation, or is that just overkill