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Frequently Asked Questions
To keep warm, put the silver side towards your body so it reflects your heat back. Arva's instructions say that in strong sun you can reverse it, with the silver side out, to reflect the sun away and let your own heat escape. Leave some airflow, and keep it away from flames.
A blanket is a flat sheet you wrap around yourself or someone else. A bivvy is a sack you climb into, so it stays closed around you in wind. A blanket is lighter and cheaper; a bivvy is the better choice if you may be out all night.
Yes, if it is a reusable design. Arva makes its Emergency Bivvy from aluminium-coated polyethylene rather than thin mylar, for repeated use, and the breathable Bivvy Lite can be used as a regular bivvy cover. Replace any thin foil blanket that has torn.
Blanket, bivvy or poncho?
• Emergency blanket: the lightest option. TheBlanket, bivvy or poncho?
• Emergency blanket: the lightest option. The Arva Emergency Blanket comes in 55 g and 70 g versions, with a silver side that reflects body heat back to you. The Bob Cooper Help Blanket (70 g, 2 x 1.3 m) adds a bright yellow side printed HELP, to lay out for a search aircraft.
• Emergency bivvy: a sack you climb into, so wind can't strip the warmth away the way it can with a loose blanket. The Arva Emergency Bivvy is reusable, waterproof and windproof.
• Breathable bivvy: the Arva Bivvy Lite lets body moisture escape, so you don't wake wet inside. At 200 x 90 cm it fits over a sleeping bag, and also works as a planned bivvy.
• Poncho: the Arva Emergency Poncho is worn, so your hands stay free to walk or help someone. 80 g, hooded, red outside.
Using an emergency blanket
For warmth, put the silver side towards the person and wrap them up, off the ground if you can. Get them out of wind and wet clothing. Keep the blanket away from flames, and don't use it in a thunderstorm.
Who needs one
Bushwalkers, trail runners, ski tourers and anyone heading out of phone range. A blanket or bivvy is backup, not a plan: carry a first aid kit, tell someone your route, and carry a PLB in remote country. See first aid and safety.
Why buy from Oz Backcountry
Free shipping Australia-wide over $150 (T&Cs apply), sent from our Helensvale warehouse on the Gold Coast.
Related: First Aid & Safety · Arva · Bob Cooper · Avalanche Kit & Safety Gear · Head Torches · Hiking Gear