I was thinking of simple basic on both counts, not an AMK heatsheet or a MilSpec poncho. MilSpec pncho with the liner would come before all of the above, and I would prefer the AMK heatsheet. The cheap poncho, one of which I do EDC and a number of which I have scattered in different places, is at the bottom of the list.

Be aware AMK has 2 sizes of the heatsheet
The Heatsheet SURVIVAL Blanket 2 person
and a
Heatsheet Blanket 1 person

To take things a step further, take a look at this AMK Heatsheet BIVI review here on ETS
Review
I carry 1 of the 2 person Heatsheet Survival Blankets, and a Heatsheet BIVI in my personal support bag

I'd say it's a false choice. It's summer. Why would I want a space blanket? In fact, I live in California, why would I want a poncho? :->

Your key statement is that each has advantages in its intended use. Keeping your space blanket in your survival kit during the summer may mean you aren't keeping your survival kit relevant to your location, your season, and your current needs.

I'm a "two bright orange high mil thickness 55 gallon bags" guy.

These are stronger than most plastic ponchos, pack smaller than any space blanket I've seen, provide both a surface to sit on and something on top to keep me dry. They can be cut up for signalling. They can be used to carry water or anything else. They can be cut to about the same size as a blanket - typically to be used as a shelter roof.

Typically while I'm out & about I'll also have my Exped Bivy Poncho in my bag, but the 2 bags per person go whereever I (or my wife/kids) go.

I've stopped carring a Heatsheet in my EDC stuff. For a while I carried a tarp/poncho and still do if I'm hiking for the same reasons Blast mentioned but for urban I've switched to an Eddie Bauer pack jacket made of ripstop nylon. It's more bulky but looks like a regular jacket when I'm wearing it and saves me from having to carry a jacket...something I was likely to do anyhow with a heatsheet in my pocket.

I also carry an tiny umbrella in my bag along side my pocket kit and first aid kit.

Without question, I would choose the 2 Person AMK Heatsheet over the poncho. The Heatsheet is nothing like the traditional space/emergency/survival/crap blankets -- they pack smaller, are reusable, are considerably more durable, and don't make a fraction of the noise that the aluminumized mylar blankets do.

Please don't take this as an insult, but based on your choice of the mylar emergency blanket shown in your kit, I'm assuming that by "poncho" you are actually referring to one of the $2.00 disposable ones, correct? I rate those just about as useful as the mylar blankets...

If you are actually referring to a nylon tarp/poncho (which is considerably larger) then it would be a somewhat tougher decision.

The Heatsheet will not only keep you warm (unlike a disposable poncho) but may also be used to keep you dry (especially if you were to hold up stationary and wait out the rain, if possible) and will provide a very reasonable improvised shelter.

Jim

Wow, thanks folks. Since the heatsheet is so highly regarded I may pick one up.

Once again though folks, I need to make this clear. This is NOT the only gear I will have on me. I usually have quality rain gear and shelter in my pack. What I need is something that will fit into my mini- pouch that will fit into my pocket.
(in case I become separated from my pack)

I have taken some time to read through some of the articles here and happened across the mini kit that Mr Ritter sells. The mini kit I have is designed for the same purpose as he intended his to be used.(I think) The only difference is that I made mine from scratch. It is just a few items put together in a kit intended to always be on my person.

I think a lot of you were getting the impression that I would only have this mini-kit on me and nothing else. I am not really that foolish.



No Jim, I took no insult my good man. I posted the stuff because I wanted honest opinions. You are correct, the space blanket in my kit now is not of the higest quality. I was indeed refering to the $2.00 ponchos because those are the only ones I figured likely to fit into the pocket kit. There is no doubt in my mind that a 2 person heatsheet or a milspec poncho would be far superior in terms of quality but they are way to large for what I intend to do with them. These things will be carried in my backpack instead. I think that even a crap space blanket would be worth its weight in gold if I needed it and thats all I had.

That doesent mean I can't find something better for the same ammount of space though. I think the heatsheet may be good if I can fit it in the pouch. If not I may be able to trim it to fit and still have it be a useful size.

For an urban environment, a poncho. More so if you need to be on the move without drawing attention to yourself.

Jeanette Isabelle

For that reason, I would take a $2 poncho over a $2 space blanket. Better as rain gear, will hold in a lot of heat...