In response to my on-body article one fellow in the UK recommended the Blizzard Bag. This is essentially a video cassete sized layered aluminized mylar emergency sleeping bag.

Has anyone seen or used one?



This is made from "reflexcell" and the layers expand due to an elastic cord. This gives the "space blanket" material a cellular structure.



The UK site:

http://www.blizzardprotectionsystems.com/acatalog/detail_bag.html

Marketing in the US is by MPI and seems to be distributed under the EXTREME Pro-Tech brand.

http://www.mpioutdoors.com/extreme.htm

I have also been pretty interested in those light CountryComm bags for $40. A bit more conventional approach.

I am interested in these for my shoulder bag kit and car kit, not my on-body carry.

I have been trying to get one from the US for a while, but can't seem to locate a dealer that ships internationally. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> AFAIK, the bag is a lot more expensive in Europe than it is in the US.

Hi Schwert, I've seen those bags on the 'net too and wondered if anyone had tried them. The fact that they create dead air space, at least compared to old-school space blankets, means that they should provide pretty significant warmth. However, the aluminized surface means there won't be much breathability. Prepare to get your clothing wet during extended use.

I have one but never have use it. I comes vacume packed so it's still in its packanging. I got it at REI. It is considerably heavier then normal space blankets/sacks. Sorry that I couldn't be more helpful.

S.

Timing is everything. I just returned from an overnight trip into the mountains above Edwards AFB in the desert and a fresh snowfall. I had this unit, my Wiggys and a 4'x6' semi antique persian rug ( i'll explain later.) I'm not a big fan of space blankets in general. They are hyped because of their use by NASA. Modern space suits long ago abandoned the concept. They are usefull simply on a 'better than nothing' philosophy, are very compact and make excellent reflexive surfaces in a shelter to maximise a campfire's efficiency.Those are my personal appraisals. This unit is well made. The cellular construction provides some insulation, emphasis on some. It does drape well and was a terrific wind barrier. This is probably the #1 desired feature of a blizzard bag anyway. Like any sleeping bag the cells crush down where you contact the ground. I had this persian rug and it provided an excellent ground pad. I was also dressed in my Filsons. With this combination the bag proved an efficient, though expensive bag that met my expectations of a onetime use emergency unit. I did quickly climb into my Wiggy's. With deliberation I managed to refold the unit into a semblence of disorder. In an emergency situation it would survive the rigeurs of repeat use with care. If space is a consideration, onetime use or price not an issue, I would give it a thumbs up. If you can manage a bulkier unit get a bag. My exotic groundpad was deliberately turned upside down in the fresh snowfall. This is the traditional cleaning method. When I packed up I left a bit more than the no impact footprint. Somewhere among the pines and oaks a coyote is pondering a geometric Tree of Life made of dirt <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well, gee, no wonder you think it's expensive. Most of us get by with a foam pad. Only a horse person would be packing a Persian rug... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Chris. I had never seen these before and first hand knowledge is way better than guessing...thanks.

I think I may just order up one of the Countryman bags...not much more and certainly reusable.

I did find a US source (at least listed in their on-line catalog) for the Blizzard Bag. Liberty Mountain

I have never ordered from them.