One Week with the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket
The Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket isn’t your typical backcountry luxury item; it’s a bare-bones, emergency-focused piece of kit from Rothco designed to keep two people alive in a pinch. At a price point that barely registers, it promises to reflect 90% of body heat. This caught my attention because I’m always looking for affordable and reliable emergency gear.
What led me to the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket was the need for a lightweight, packable emergency shelter for my day hikes and overlanding trips. I’ve used space blankets before, but they’re often flimsy and tear easily. I wanted something slightly more robust without breaking the bank.
Unboxing the blanket was… underwhelming, to be honest. It comes folded tightly in a simple plastic bag. The material felt thin, but surprisingly durable for polyester. My initial thought was: “Okay, let’s see if this thing actually works.”
I was choosing between this, a SOL Emergency Blanket (slightly pricier but better known), and a generic mylar blanket (cheaper, but notoriously fragile). I picked the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket because it claimed to be sized for two people, and the Rothco brand, while not high-end, generally offers decent value for the money.
My first impression was cautious optimism. It’s bigger than I expected, which is good, but the material doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket on a weekend backpacking trip in the local mountains. The weather was mild during the day, but temperatures were expected to drop into the low 40s at night. I used it as a ground cover under my sleeping bag and as a supplemental blanket.
The blanket performed surprisingly well in relatively dry conditions. It definitely added a layer of warmth and seemed to reflect body heat effectively. It was easy to spread out and large enough to comfortably accommodate myself and my gear.
I noticed condensation forming on the underside of the blanket in the morning, which is to be expected. I was initially concerned about potential rips, but the polyester held up without any issues. The blanket itself is not breathable, as expected from a survival blanket, so trapped moisture can become an issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket has held up better than I initially anticipated. I’ve used it multiple times as a ground cover for picnics, as a temporary shelter from light rain, and even as a makeshift sunshade.
There are no major signs of wear and tear, although some of the reflective coating has started to rub off in high-friction areas. This is understandable considering the price point and intended use. The material hasn’t ripped or frayed despite being stuffed into my pack and tossed around.
Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth. It dries quickly. Compared to some of the flimsier space blankets I’ve used in the past, the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket is a definite step up in terms of durability and reusability.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rothco.
- Dimensions: 96″ x 60″. This size is ample for one person and gear, or two people in a tight emergency situation.
- Material: Polyester. This provides decent durability and tear resistance for the intended purpose.
- Color: Silver. The reflective silver coating is designed to reflect body heat.
The specifications highlight its focus on basic survival needs. The polyester material provides a balance between weight, packability, and moderate durability, making it suitable for emergency situations. The large size is a major advantage.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket performs its primary function adequately: reflecting body heat. While it’s not a replacement for a proper sleeping bag, it can significantly improve warmth in a survival situation. Its large size adds versatility.
The main strength is its affordability and packability. The weakness is its limited durability compared to more expensive survival blankets. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly emergency blanket but don’t expect it to withstand heavy use.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward. The large rectangular shape makes it easy to use as a blanket, shelter, or ground cover. It’s lightweight and packs down relatively small, making it easy to carry in a backpack.
It’s user-friendly. There is no learning curve; simply unfold and use. The material is somewhat crinkly and noisy, which is a minor annoyance.
Durability & Maintenance
With reasonable care, the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket should last for several uses. The reflective coating will likely degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness. It should be stored dry to prevent mildew.
It’s easy to maintain. Spot cleaning is all that’s typically required. It’s not designed to be repaired, but duct tape can fix minor tears in a pinch.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no included accessories or customization options for the Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket. It’s a simple, self-contained product. However, you could pair it with duct tape and paracord for added versatility in a survival situation.
It’s compatible with any standard survival kit items, such as a fire starter, knife, and first-aid supplies. The blanket itself doesn’t require specific accessories to function.
Pros and Cons of Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket
Pros
- Affordable. It’s one of the most budget-friendly survival blankets on the market.
- Large Size. Big enough for two people or one person with extra gear.
- Lightweight and Packable. Easy to carry in a backpack or emergency kit.
- Decent Durability. More durable than basic mylar blankets.
- Effective Heat Reflection. Provides noticeable warmth in cold conditions.
Cons
- Reflective Coating Can Wear Off Over Time. This will reduce effectiveness.
- Not as Durable as Premium Survival Blankets. Not designed for heavy or repeated use.
- Polyester Material is Not Breathable. Can trap moisture and cause condensation.
Who Should Buy Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket?
The Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket is perfect for budget-conscious hikers, campers, preppers, and anyone looking for an affordable and packable emergency shelter. It’s also a great addition to car emergency kits.
This blanket is not ideal for those needing a truly rugged, long-lasting survival shelter for frequent backcountry use. People expecting high-end performance and durability should look at more expensive options.
Must-have accessories to pair with the blanket include duct tape (for repairs) and paracord (for building shelters). A small, lightweight tarp would also enhance its versatility.
Conclusion on Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket
The Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket is a solid, budget-friendly option for emergency preparedness. It’s not the most durable or feature-rich survival blanket on the market, but it offers excellent value for the price. Its large size and decent heat reflection make it a worthwhile addition to any survival kit.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s an inexpensive insurance policy that could potentially save your life.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and packable emergency blanket. It’s a no-brainer for anyone building a basic survival kit on a budget. So, grab a Rothco 2-Person Polarshield Survival Blanket and have it on hand, because you never know when you might need it!
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