Emergency Shelters

Recent Emergency Shelter Reviews

SOL Thermal Bivvy

The SOL emergency bivvy is a potential death trap under freezing conditions on multi-day trips, as condensation will wet out a sleeping bag, which if there is no way to dry it will become useless. This review is a warning which is not given by the manufacturers, but needs to be considered by those planning to use it in these conditions. I used it at -13 C and it created so much condensation inside that it had to be abandoned. In a survival situation where no heat source is available to dry out the… Full review

SOL Thermal Bivvy

Turns a light summer bag into an impromptu "colder weather" bag. Very compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Durable, and it's NOT a mummy style for us larger guys/gals. On a recent summer outing with my son, I made an egregious rookie mistake when packing and did not account for a "cold snap" that was moving thru the area. While low temps had been in the low/mid 60's F for awhile, on our trip they dipped down into the high 30's and low 40's for several nights. I had only brought my Coleman light… Full review

SOL Escape Bivvy

Essential gear. On its own, no bag or blanket, just with a windbreak, this takes me down to 45°F. Excellent product. Part of my kit ALWAYS. Even use it at home in cool weather, under blankets or blankets inside. No idea why others have reviewed this negatively. Maybe they are really big...? Not used to UL gear? I'm 5'6" and 160. This bivy is small. Over the last two years I have spent probably 300 nights in it. Did half a 2018 PCT in it, only adding my quilt for maybe two days a week. I finally… Full review

SOL Escape Bivvy

This product is listed and marketed as an emergency bivy/shelter. However I have used this as part of my sleep system when hiking/backpacking for a few years now. It is extremely lightweight (8 oz) and packs very small. This bivy packs very smal and is extremely lightweight, making it perfect for either a bug out bag, emergency bag in your vehicle, hiking, etc. It is durable. I have used it as part of my primary sleep system on multiple section hikes over the past few years and it has held up very… Full review

Ultimate Survival Technologies Survival Blanket 2.0

I too have used this product and love it for an entirely different reason, but basically the same functionality with a twist. This is a very good light but heavy duty tarp that I use as a floor liner in my tent when I camp with my two dogs.  One of my dogs is a Dalmatian that is a total wimp about staying warm, the other is a Border Collie.  This blanket helped keep the tent much warmer than without it AND protected the floor from two dogs' toenails that I forget to keep very short. They have… Full review

Ultimate Survival Technologies Survival Blanket 2.0

Excellent to have, multiple uses. I have also used these for similar functions. In the South, they can keep your tent from becoming a radiant heat oven if you rig one or two as tarps to provide very effective shade from the afternoon sun. These are far more effective as sun shades than the usual "camping tarps" that sell for a lot more money. There are tarp poles on the market that are very good. Going desert camping, take a couple of those along to expand your options for using these. We rigged… Full review

Ultimate Survival Technologies Survival Blanket 2.0

This emergency blanket/tarp is the best bang for your buck, hands down. Tough and durable at a price that anyone can afford. The UST Survival Blanket is one piece of equipment that is a must have for anyone. I have purchased several of these to keep in the emergency kits in our vehicles, a BOB at home, and I have two of them in my pack when I am out in the woods. I am not a typical backpacker, making long treks cross country. I typically go in and set up a base camp and then spend the next few days… Full review

Ultimate Survival Technologies Base Tube Tarp 1.0

A light and simple emergency shelter. I got this as part of the 10 Essentials prize pack as a 2016 Trailspace Reviewer of the Month. I haven't used it on some emergency situation since I luckily haven't had one. But I have set it up just to get familiar with it. The color is right to get easily spoted when waiting for resque and the weight is, as expected, very low. I think it was at around 700gr. Perfect for carrying as a safety net on an imminent bad weather. All it takes is two trees to make… Full review

SOL Escape Pro Bivvy

The Escape Pro Bivvy blurs the line between an emergency survival shelter and an ultralight sleeping bag cover. While it is comfortable and functional in ways a mylar space blanket could never be, the Escape Pro can’t quite compare with full-fledged waterproof-breathable fabric bivvy sacks. In carving its own niche, it may have hung itself out to dry. Best For: Aspiring fastest-known-time record setters. Fastpackers and backpackers needing a just-in-case shelter. WFRs and WEMTs looking for an… Full review