 I actually made an effort to see if I could pack an orange bag down to something reasonable, and actually I could. Nor does it weigh as much as I thought it did (memory is a dangerous thing!). So I'll continue carrying one. Did find a few rips though, but nothing duck tape wouldn't fix
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 I bought a foil survival bag from LifeVenture a few weeks ago. I haven't used it yet, and still have the box it came in and the receipt. I bought this rather than a plastic one due to the lighter weight, but most opinions on here seem to think they're pretty useless.
So should I :
a) return it to the shop and get an orange plastic bag instead
b) buy an orange plastic bag as well
c) just stick with the foil bag ?
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 After the concerns raised here about the durability of the foil bags I'm going to keep carrying my orange plastic bag as well as my new foil space bag unless I find myself really, really trying to save weight.
So, unless you are really weight conscious, I'd plump for B!
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A! I just don't think the foil bags are much use. You might as well save some money.
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 plastic ones are better for sledging on!!!
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Ok Dave, we've established that! :)
Just need some snow to do said sledging on now :(
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 Actually you can sledge on wet grass given enough slope such as off Grindslow Knoll on kinder...
Having used both I would definitely ditch the foil and go with the big orange jobbie, once you are windproof the foil adds very little.
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 yep i'll vouch for the wet grass. was sitting inside a bag up near blea tarn and almost slid down into the lake!
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 Lol!
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couldn't be arsed to read the whole thread!!
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Erm, basically I think its been decided that: Poly survival bags are better than foil items. Foil BLANKETS are not much cop on the hill, but CAN be usefull in one or two situations. Foil bags deteriorate over time, esp when the yget wet and those blizzard bag things NEVER go back in the packet once you unpack them.
Oh, and you can sledge on a poly surv bag, on snow OR wet grass.
HTH ;-)
Si(C)
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 Lets face it, if it keeps the rain off and stops wind chill then it's gotta be worth carrying. You never know when it could be you that the helo is having to be launched for. Mobile's don't always have coverage and if a M.R. is called out it could be an uncomfortable 2 hours ubtil you're rescued
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 AND theyre useful for impromptu (drunken) bivis in car parks!
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 I always carry one. They have multiple uses....
Ground sheet.
Sledge.
Waterproof rucksack liner.
Bum insulation when you sit down for lunch!
etc.....
But should you need the shelter on the hils then they are very good a protecting you from the elements and with several of you in one you can keep quite snug!
M
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 Anyone know the record for the number of students in one?
Could this be the next Mixed Routes Partay challenge?
;)
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Oh yeah.... Phones.
Mobile phones tend not to like cold & wet conditions.... Pity really as it's usually exactly those conditions when dizaster usually strikes!
M
PS, Jeannie... I think we managed to get three AND still use it as a sledge!!!!
: )
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Hi all. Apart from sledging, and being a good place to change soaked out clothing in a wind free environment (don't forget that it can be used over your head, and not lead down or stood in). Survival bags have one massive advantage, they are orange, and thus stand out to rescuer's trying to find you. Wheras foil bags can reflect your surroundings, or mimmick water or snow, so that you don't stand out at all.
I have always encouraged my students to mark the international distress signals, as well as ground to air hand/body signals on their bags in permanent marker (as you tend not to remember them when you need them), and to also stick a bit of duck tape to them, to repair any future damage (rolled survival bags can make great basins for hair washing or foot washing, or more boringly, just store water)
To sum up, carry one, and hope you never need it for it's intended purpose, apart from sledging. As for the the most unlikely use for a bag, I was once taught that you can float inside one, in the sea to avoid shark attacks, think I'll give that one a miss.
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 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADGePPpfPvA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw8i0npQYGM&mode=related&search=
I always carry a bag, though have only ever used it for sledging or planned overnight bivvis.
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Ithink we all should carry a bivvy/survival bag for emergency use,you cannot rely on mobile coverage in hill areas,besides it maybe some time before a rescue team reaches you.Another item worth carrying is the good old plastic whistle
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 I tend to take the foil one and my orange one if there is just me or if there is a couple of us i also chuck in my mountain shelter if i havent got my tent with me.
I dont mind carrying the extra weight as id rather have them just incase
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