images/AFM Inc.

Advanced Flexible Materials Inc. in Petaluma, California, the parent company of Heatsheets, has a select number of products geared for backcountry emergencies including the Heatsheets Blanket and Emergency Bivvy.

The Blanket and Emergency Bivvy are out of this world – literally. Both use technology derived from the Space program and carry the Certified Space Technology stamp. Heetsheets incorporates vacuum-metalized, heat-reflective (IR-reflective) material into its products.

The Blanket and Emergency Bivvy are advertised as being capable of retaining 90% of your body heat and decreasing the chance of hypothermia. This has made the Heetsheets Blanket a popular choice at the finish line for marathons and triathlons.

The Blanket or Emergency Bivvy are a precaution for long day hikes. Your GPS batteries go dead and your replacement batteries are nowhere to be found. You are lost and the sun is dipping below the horizon and the temperatures are noticeably dropping.

What you do in this situation will determine whether to pack the Blanket or Emergency Bivvy. If you would throw on your headlamp and go to the ground to find your way to familiarity, The Blanket works great. Wrap it around your upper body and make tracks. The Emergency Bivvy is ideal for making a temporarily camp and waiting for daylight to find your way.

The Blanket was tested in the cooler spring weather on a 60 degree day with sporadic rain storm. The Blanket kept water off all covered areas, and the retention of body heat was noticeable. The Blanket or the Emergency Bivvy is highly recommended as an extension of your first aid kit. The Blanket packs down to 2.4 ounces and the Emergency Bivvy to 3.8 ounces.

The Heatsheets Blanket lists from $19.95 depending on size. The Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy retails for $32.