Being warm is something we take for granted in modern society. We assume that tonight, we will be snuggling beneath a thick comforter, or if it is a warm evening, at least a light blanket. I’m feeling warm and toasty just thinking about it.
But when a disaster forces you out of your home, staying warm becomes a priority rather than an assumption. So what goes into your bugout kit to keep you nice and cozy even in the worst circumstances? Let’s take a look at a few options:
Space Blankets are ubiquitous in 72 hour kits that you buy. And there is a lot to like about them. They are the most compact option, waterproof-you can even rig them as an emergency tarp-and reflect most of your body heat back to you. Limitations are that they are so thin, there is no insulation against cold coming from the ground, being waterproof they can turn into a sauna if wrapped tightly around you, and most rip fairly easily. This makes them a better option for a few days than in the longer term.
Regular Blankets are also compact-you can roll one or two easily into a duffel bag. They last longer than space blankets, and don’t discount that warm, comfortable feeling of having a thick blanket wrapped around you. Be aware, however, that blankets are not weather proof, so to keep you warm, you will need some sort of shelter like a tent or well rigged tarp to keep out the wind and rain.
Sleeping Bags are far and away the warmest option. Properly used, they will keep you comfortable even on cold winter nights. A mummy style is the most efficient, but some folks feel claustrophobic in them, and a square bag can be unzipped and used as a quilt. Most bags will come with “temperature ratings”, which should be taken with a grain of salt, but at least give you a ballpark idea of how low you can go temperature wise with a bag. Since a bag gets it’s warmth from the loft of its filling, keep the loft maximized by storing all sleeping bags loosely, not rolled tight. This may be an issue for a compact bugout bag. You can either have a stuff sack handy, or keep the bag in the trunk of your car in a large pillowcase. The warmest and lightest bags are made of high quality goose down. Unfortunately, these are also far and away the most expensive, as well.
To really stay warm, especially when sleeping or resting, you also need a sleeping pad. If double using a pad for recreational camping, a self-inflating pad or a down-filled air mattress are more comfortable, but in an emergency, a compact, closed cell foam pad will provide the insulation you need from the cold, hard, ground.
Finally, if at all feasible, one of the oldest tricks in the staying warm book is a nice fire. A small fire that you can get close to is better than a large fire that drives you back.