Solar blankets were first developed for use in space.
Solar blanket wraps, better known as space or Mylar blankets, were first created for astronauts in space. The wraps are extremely versatile and can be used for many things, but the main function is to keep the body warm. Solar blankets are made out of a double sided reflective material and generally weigh only 1 1/2 oz. This makes them light and flexible as well as reflective and waterproof.
Keeping Warm
One of the main reasons someone uses a solar blanket is to stay warm. When the body temperature drops, wrapping yourself in one will immediately begin raising your body temperature. Not only will the blanket reflect sunlight, or other light, it will also keep your own body heat under it. This means instead of losing body heat, you’ll start retaining your own so the wrap can work no matter the weather.
Convection/Evaporation
Another reason to use the solar wrap is its ability to reduce evaporation. The wrap is actually able to cut back water evaporation by 95 percent which means your body stays hydrated longer. For this reason, you’ll often see marathoners or other athletes wearing the solar blankets after events if the weather is cold. Not only is it warming their body, it’s maintaining hydration for the athlete and keeping the wind from cooling them even more.
Protection
By reflecting sun, the solar blanket also reflects UV rays away from your body. You’ll feel warm without the risk of burning. Because of this, you can use the blanket as a shelter.
Other Uses
Besides warming the body, solar wraps have many other uses and can be especially useful while camping. If placed on the ground underneath your tent, your tent bottom will never get wet. If it is raining, placing the wrap over dry firewood will protect it for later. Another use is to shine light against the blanket in a small area in order to reflect even more light.
By Stacy McCullough
