Question 1

Reduces infrared signature, sure, but does it protect from Predators, or do I still need cool mud from a stream bed?

Accepted Answer

I'm not an expert on infrared technology, but I went and dug up this comment somebody made on ModernSurvivalBlog about caveats when using "space blankets" (which is what the back of this survival blanket is made of) to hide from a Predator drone. Basically, there are THREE kinds of technology you need to hide from ... the camera ... the infrared (heat seeking) camera ... and something called the "FLIR system" which measures how the heat is emitted. Here's the comment from ModernSurvivalBlog ... it should give you someplace else to dig for more high-level information.
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Don’t underestimate the capability of FLIR systems. While people have been lead to understand these as detecting differences in temperature, that is not technically correct. They detect the emission of heat from an object and create images from the differences in heat emissions. There are actually two factors to the IR emission from an object: the object’s temperature AND the coefficient of emissivity for the object. Color, texture, surface material and more cause variations in the emissivity for something. If this was not the case, then IR pictures of say the woods would just be one solid image — but you have all seen IR pictures or videos and indeed you can discern trees, roads, leaves, out buildings, fences, utility poles etc. How can that be when all those items are at the exact same temperature at night? They all release differing amounts of IR based upon differing emissivity for those. Even if the outside temp is exactly 98.6 degrees F you can still be seen on FLIR because your clothing, skin, hair etc will likely stand out against trees and leaves because of different emissions of IR heat. Hiding under a space blanket or silvered tarp may indeed shield detection of a person beneath it, but the poncho/tarp/blanket will quite likely stand out from it’s surroundings. It actually needs an emissivity camo pattern to blend into the woods.

Question 2

How reusable is this?

Accepted Answer

I wrote a review of this three months ago, stating that it seemed strong and durable, but NOT SO! Just last month it ripped to shreds under a strong wind, so for the long term, not durable at all, hence hardly reusable.

Question 3

If I were to use this as a ground barrier when camping, is the reflective side noisy that would make it hard to sleep on?

Accepted Answer

It's a little noisy when wrapping it around your body, but I think if it were flat on the ground it would make little to no noise.  I would give you a more definitive answer, but we just got ours and haven't had the chance to use it as a ground barrier yet.

Question 4

Has anyone compared this to the Space all weather blanket? I'm also curious to how durable the reflective side is?

Accepted Answer

The reflective side is about as durable as a traditional tarp. Strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear if you're walking on it at camp but liable to tears if subjected to sharp object. Thanks!

ASIN	B081XW8YZR
Additional Features	Waterproof
Age Range Description	Adult
Best Sellers Rank	#4,680 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #5 in Camping Emergency Blankets
Blanket Form	Emergency Blanket
Brand	Arcturus
Brand Name	Arcturus
Color	Black
Customer Reviews	4.7 out of 5 stars 9,588 Reviews
Fabric Type	Nylon
Fabric Warmth Description	Lightweight
Fill Material	Polypropylene
Global Trade Identification Number	00855142008410
Included Components	Carry Bag
Item Dimensions L x W	82"L x 60"W
Item Weight	12 Ounces
Manufacturer	Arcturus Camo
Manufacturer Part Number	AO-AWSB-BK
Material	Ripstop 2-Layer Polypropylene & Mylar
Material Type	Ripstop 2-Layer Polypropylene & Mylar
Model Number	NC-AO-AWSB-BK
Number of Items	1
Pattern	Abstract
Product Care Instructions	Hand Wash Only
Recommended Uses For Product	Backpacking, Camping
Seasons	All
Size	all
Special Feature	Waterproof
Sport Type	Camping, Hiking
Style	Modern
Style Name	Modern
Theme	Plain
UPC	855142008410
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant

Arcturus Insulated Tarp, Reusable Heavy Duty Thermal Survival Blanket – 60x82in, Reflects 90% Body Heat, Waterproof, Windproof, 3-Layer Design, Reinforced Grommets, Black

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