Hiking and backpacking through remote areas help travelers explore unseen regions. Beautiful waterfalls, stunning cliffside views, and jungle canopies greet these adventurers. But with every expedition comes risks. Hopefully, you plan and take precautions. However, sometimes you experience circumstances out of your control. This is when a survival kit with an emergency sleeping bag is crucial.
What is an emergency sleeping bag? Let’s explore this essential item and look at seven of the best options!
What Is an Emergency Sleeping Bag?
An emergency sleeping bag is one you use only for emergencies. This is not a sleeping bag you’ll typically use when setting up camp. There are more comfortable options for tent camping. You’ll use an emergency sleeping bag for shelter or protection in unplanned situations.
When Do You Need One?
Hopefully, you’ll never need an emergency sleeping bag. However, it’s best to have one on hand. Travelers can be stranded during snowstorms. Having an emergency blanket in the glove compartment of your car ensures that you have protection if you spend hours in your car waiting on first responders.
Whenever you venture into the wilderness or go backcountry camping, you risk encountering dangerous conditions. Sometimes it’s the weather like wind, snow, or rain. Other times you might get injured and have to wait on help to arrive. A response could take hours, and if you spend the night in a desert area, temperatures may be hot during the day but can drop below freezing at night.
Are Emergency Sleeping Bags Reusable?
Although almost all emergency sleeping bags will say “reusable,” some are impossible to get back into their small carrying bag. Depending on how well you can refold the blanket, you might use it again. You can count on its durability. It won’t tear or get weather damage. So if you can get it back in the bag, it will be good to go the next time you use it.
Are Emergency Sleeping Bags Warm?
Most emergency sleeping bags retain 90% of your body heat. They aren’t insulated but include materials that keep your body heat inside the bag to protect you from cold temperatures. Many have ratings for extremely low temperatures to keep you safe in worst-case scenarios.
Pro Tip: Going camping in the cold? Make sure to pack one of these 5 Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags for Staying Warm While Winter Camping.
7 Best Emergency Sleeping Bags
An emergency sleeping bag is an item you hope you never need but are glad to have in your survival kit. Every traveler or backpacker should have one for each person in their family for “just in case” scenarios. They aren’t expensive and are worth every penny if you have to use one.
1. Esky Emergency Sleeping Bag, 2 Packs
About: The Mylar shell of this Eky sleeping bag protects you from harsh conditions. Waterproof, windproof, tearproof, and puncture-proof, this sleeping bag will do the job. The bright orange reflective surface will help first responders find you should you need emergency services. This two-pack also comes with a 120-decibel whistle and an anti-interference compass.
- 【A Life Saver in Emergencies】: This Emergency Sleeping Bag is...
- 【Durable Mylar】: The Mylar shell chases the chill out and...
- 【Ultra-bright Reflective Surface】: Trapped in the dark? Let...
Features We Like: The sealed seams keep out rain, snow, and wind. The 26UM thickness reflects 90% of body heat for a comfortable night’s sleep. This sleeping bag is 20% larger than other Mylar blankets at seven feet long and three feet wide. When packed away, the bag is only four by three inches and weighs less than four ounces, so it’s easy to attach to a hiking backpack without adding weight or taking up space.
2. Mezonn Emergency Survival Bivy Sack
About: This emergency sleeping bag can be used as a sunshade, awning, or cape in addition to a sleeping bag. It fits in the glove compartment of your car or inside an emergency first aid kit. You can choose from orange or green.
- ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT: The thermal sleeping bag is kept in a...
- STAY WARM OVER 24 HOURS: Made out of ultra-lightweight PE...
- INCREDIBLY DURABLE: The weight of this sleeping bag and the...
Features We Like: Waterproof and impermeable, this Mezonn sleeping bag can withstand whatever weather you encounter. Like the Esky sleeping bag, the Mezonn reflects 90% of body heat for a comfortable night’s sleep. It measures 37-inches-by-80.7-inches, large enough to wrap two adults as a blanket or surround an adult as a sleeping bag.
Fun Fact: Some people like to use bivy sacks for camping even when it isn’t an emergency!
3. Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag
About: With over 3,900 reviews, the Go Time Gear emergency sleeping bag is one of the most popular choices. Like the Esky sleeping bag, the sealed seams keep out rain, snow, and wind. The 26UM thickness reflects 90% of body heat. It also comes with a 120-decibel whistle to alert rescuers up to one mile away. You can choose from orange or green.
- Versatile- The Go Time Gear Life Bivy Sack is a must-have in any...
- Ultra Durable- This reusable bivy bag isn’t just wind and...
- Escape The Elements - Need emergency shelter? Our survival bivy...
Features We Like: The bag is durable waterproof nylon material, and the paracord drawstring is made of 9-strand, 550-pound para-synch technology. It will stay securely attached to your hiking backpack without fear of unraveling or breaking. Weighing 4.1 ounces and measuring seven by three feet, it surrounds one adult or wraps around two adults for an emergency blanket or windshield.
4. EVERLIT Bivy Sack Mylar Thermal Blanket
About: This Everlit sleeping bag is an entire survival kit. Like the previous sleeping bags, this one is durable 26UM Mylar material and retains 90% of your body heat. Tear and puncture-resistant, you can trust that you can use it again if needed. It measures seven by three feet and weighs 12 ounces.
- ✅【Bivy Sack Emergency Blanket Sleeping Bag】-Compact and...
- ✅【Durable, Reusable, Weatherproof】Survival bivy is...
- ✅【Mini Survival Kit EDC Kit】- The kit contains a durable...
Features We Like: In addition to the sleeping bag, this kit includes a six-inch emergency glow stick for up to 12 hrs of illumination, a whistle, a wallet-sized multi-purpose tool card, and a military-style tactical EDC (every-day carry) pouch. There’s even extra room to add your tools. The pouch is 600D water-resistant polyester. The tool card includes a mini saw, hex wrench, flathead screwdriver, twine knife, and more.
You Should Know: In an emergency, you might not have lots of options for food. Learn how long you can go without food so you can plan accordingly.
5. Delmera Emergency Sleeping Bag
About: Featuring 26UM Mylar fabric that keeps 90% of your body heat inside the bag, this Delmera bag is similar to the previously mentioned options. It’s also waterproof, windproof, and tear-resistant. It measures 3.08-feet-by-6.73-feet and weighs a little more than four ounces. You can choose from orange or green.
- Ultra Lightweight & Compact Sleeping Bag—Delmera’s emergency...
- Stay Warm and Alive in Extreme Conditions—Originally designed...
- Emergency Use and Extra-Thick Tear—Delmera Emergency Thermal...
Features We Like: The sleeping bag comes with sealed seams that keep out rain, snow, and wind. You can use this emergency sleeping bag for multiple purposes, from signaling for help with the reflective coating to wrapping up if injured to reduce the risk of shock. Like the others on this list, it’s not just a sleeping bag. The green color can camouflage you until you want to be found.
6. Don’t Die In The Woods – Freakin’ Huge Emergency Blankets [4-Pack]
About: Amazon’s Choice for camping emergency blankets, this Don’t Die In The Woods emergency blanket has over 5,400 reviews. Since it comes in a 4-pack, it’s an excellent purchase for families who travel or hike often. Like the others, this emergency blanket is waterproof, heat-reflecting, and durable. The Don’t Die In The Woods brand also gives back 1% of every purchase to conservation efforts worldwide.
- EXTRA LARGE FOR FULL BODY PROTECTION – Our massive 7x5 foot...
- PERFECT FOR HIKING, RUNNING, & FIRST AID KITS – NASA-designed...
- DURABLE, ULTRALIGHT, COMPACT PACKAGING – Includes 4 extra large...
Features We Like: These blankets are 23% larger than standard emergency blankets, yet the entire set weighs only 9.5 ounces. They unfold into five by seven feet of Mylar thermal blankets. The camouflage also keeps you hidden if waiting for rescuers. The bags are only three by 1.5 inches, and you can easily clip them onto a backpack or store them in the glove compartment.
7. Bearhard Emergency Sleeping Bag Bivy Sack with Paracord
About: Unlike other sleeping bags on this list, the Bearhard sleeping bag is polyethylene, making it softer and less noisy than the Mylar options. It weighs a bit more than the other bags at six ounces. Available in four color options, it also comes with a 120-decibel whistle on the end of the drawstring. Bearhard gives customers a lifetime warranty with a 100% money-back policy.
- 🐻Bearhard Tracker Series. All made of polyethylene, not the...
- 🐻High-Performance Material. 90% heat preservation, put it in...
- 🐻Upgraded Bearhard Bivy. Added hood design to protect your...
Features We Like: This sleeping bag features a 1.6-by-3-foot hood. The entire bag measures eight by three feet. It also comes with a tinder cord, which can signal for help or start a fire if needed. Like the other sleeping bags, it is 100% waterproof and features 90% heat preservation.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for any type of emergency by having a survival bag packed and close by. Learn more: What Is a Bug Out Bag? And What Should Be in It?
Is Carrying an Emergency Sleeping Bag Worth It?
An emergency sleeping bag is worth it. It’s an affordable insurance policy to clip a bag to your hiking backpack or keep one in your vehicle. Hopefully, you never have to use one, but the minimal cost of $10-25 is worth providing emergency protection in hazardous conditions.
Do you have an emergency sleeping bag? If not, which one will you be adding to your cart? Tell us in the comments!
Become A Mortons On The Move Insider
Join 10,000+ other adventurers to receive educating, entertaining, and inspiring articles about RV Travel Destinations, RV Gear, and Off-Grid Living to jump-start your adventures today!