Lifesystems Mt Thermal Bag

ben brockway
Reviewed: 28 April 2002

PUT ONE IN YOUR PACK AND FORGET ABOUT IT

Light, far more efficient than a space blanket.

Once opened not as durable as an orange bag, and not as visible either... Not breathable!

Currently IMHO the top choice for allround mountain use. In essence two space blankets joined together on 3 edges (!), thereby creating a useful product rather than a survival product with the usefulness of a 2nd hand teabag. Bags reduce heat loss dramatically over blankets (which are only any use for the couple of percent of total heat loss that is emitted as infrared radiation). This is small enough that you can leave it in your pack all year round and forget it is there until you need it. People even tape them inside climbing helmets for emergency use. The only serious competition is the heavier orange bag (which is better for tobogganing) and the new Blizzard pack, which I haven't had a try of yet.
Overall, it could save your life, or someone else's - it won't be a great night but it should make the difference.