Thermal blanket for ordinary life

You want a Goretex breathable bivouac sack. Mountaineering shop-will do what you want although not as cheap as a plastic bag.
 
You want a Goretex breathable bivouac sack. Mountaineering shop-will do what you want although not as cheap as a plastic bag.

A mountaineering friend we had as crew on a recent (Norway-Shetland) North Sea crossing used something similar in the cockpit at night occasionally - along with several other layers. Warmth over-riding any sweat considerations. Getting cold at night during nominally "summer " weather is a real hazard once at 60North...
 
A mountaineering friend we had as crew on a recent (Norway-Shetland) North Sea crossing used something similar in the cockpit at night occasionally - along with several other layers. Warmth over-riding any sweat considerations. Getting cold at night during nominally "summer " weather is a real hazard once at 60North...

Thanks for that :)

it s very interesting to know there are such performing fabrics/materials, amazing if one thinks about animal skins of ancient days. In my case the likelihood of being in such climates is next to nil, maybe if someone sticks a magnet on the side of the compass :)
 
Thanks for that :)

it s very interesting to know there are such performing fabrics/materials, amazing if one thinks about animal skins of ancient days. In my case the likelihood of being in such climates is next to nil, maybe if someone sticks a magnet on the side of the compass :)

Keeping the bit against the ground/deck warm is the trick as the clever filling of the bag gets compressed and is nowhere near as effective. It's well worth investing in a decent mat to sleep on as well - a yoga mat will do at a pinch but a proper one from an outdoor shop isn't a lot more and is much more effective. They roll up into a cylinder about 3' by 6 to 9" so it's not like they take up a huge amount of room.
 
A few years ago I saw advertised a "sleeping bag" type thing with arms and legs. I'll have a search and see what I can find.

Edit: Something like this:
https://www.planetcamping.co.uk/sleeping-bag-suits.html

I have an old friend with an ex German Army thing like this. it's designed for winter warfare and sleeping out so is both warm and waterproof. I don't know where he found it. He also has a set of offshore oil rig overalls that are waterproof(ish) and lined.
 
Keeping the bit against the ground/deck warm is the trick as the clever filling of the bag gets compressed and is nowhere near as effective. It's well worth investing in a decent mat to sleep on as well - a yoga mat will do at a pinch but a proper one from an outdoor shop isn't a lot more and is much more effective. They roll up into a cylinder about 3' by 6 to 9" so it's not like they take up a huge amount of room.

Yes I have one, on one side it appears like aluminium foil, sort of heat reflecting surface, the blanket as well looks like that.
My new Pavlov reflex is to immediately put a winch handle or the long tail of the genoa sheet over it to avoid them to be blown away :D
Thanks all, little by little I am building my new sleeping cockpit :)
 
Recent camping we discarded sleeping bags for a double duvet, under and over each and have never been more comfy, easy to wrap up in, no tangling, I would if pressed wrap something waterproof round the outside. I used to swear by my ex WD sleeping bag which was high quality but the duvet beats it.

That's what I use on the boat : two open sleeping bags, one below, one above.
 
Bit late here, but my father's partner in the boat business was the original importer of the 'Space Blanket' from the US, an offshoot of NASAs work. I got the first sample and used it as a shelter when hitching round France and Spain in '66.
As said, it was usually too hot. I mostly pegged out the corners and slid my lilo and bag under it if it was raining. But it did fold up well and was fairly durable.

Well done Alahol, bit more useful.
 
I have often wondered about an electrically heated suit. Don't bikers have them?

Obviously need to consider the battery drain.

Yes there are electric 'suits' for bikers (and other sports). You can get gloves, gilets, jackets, trousers, socks, boots, boot insoles, etc., etc., according to needs and depth of pocket. The various plugs, connectors and controllers add to the overall cost if your are using multiple items

I bought the first mate (who suffers from Reynauds') heated gauntlets that can be run either by plugging in to 12v or off of a small rechargeable battery that tucks into the back of the glove. They weren't at all cheap, but have been good for boating and walking, etc.

In my experience the cheapest (e.g. heated boot insoles from Maplin) are a waste of time and money. You need to spend a fair bit to get anything effective, practical and durable.*

*Still cheaper than buying a boat with a heated wheelhouse , though!;)
 
Yes there are electric 'suits' for bikers (and other sports). You can get gloves, gilets, jackets, trousers, socks, boots, boot insoles, etc., etc., according to needs and depth of pocket. The various plugs, connectors and controllers add to the overall cost if your are using multiple items

I bought the first mate (who suffers from Reynauds') heated gauntlets that can be run either by plugging in to 12v or off of a small rechargeable battery that tucks into the back of the glove. They weren't at all cheap, but have been good for boating and walking, etc.

In my experience the cheapest (e.g. heated boot insoles from Maplin) are a waste of time and money. You need to spend a fair bit to get anything effective, practical and durable.*

*Still cheaper than buying a boat with a heated wheelhouse , though!;)

I have the heated gloves as described for use driving my MGB. I've never used the built in batteries (U2 I think) just connected to the car battery via a resistor. I don't remember them being expensive.
 
I recently found myself sleeping in the cockpit wrapped inside the mainsail cover :D
Is there a thermal blanket to be regularly used while outside ?
Needs to be windproof and not get soaked with the occasional splash of sea water (so no polar fleece lining or similar); the survival things are definitely too thin and light, I would like something more resistant/stiffer, that lasts a bit longer.

I read on the other thread about the Blizzard survival blankets, though by looking at their site I cannot understand if any of their models are strong enough for regular use, rather than occasional.
Or any other types?

regards r

Hope you weren't on watch.
 
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