Intriguing new blanket for disaster victims

[Newb]

These sound like they might be great for hikers, too:

http://wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,69752,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_8

"A lightweight, non-woven blanket engineered by a South Carolina company is keeping disaster victims dry and warm from the Gulf Coast to the mountains of Pakistan to the tsunami-ravaged areas of Southeast Asia.
The blanket developed by the Polymer Group is warmer than traditional blankets woven of cotton or wool. One side is soft and provides comfort next to the body; the other has a backing to provide a barrier from moisture, dirt and debris..."

[fiddlehead]

Doesnt' look like they'll sell you one to check out. I'll see if i can get one in Phuket if they have them there. But it's always hot in Thailand so i don't really know why they would send them there.
It sounds like the possible future of lightweight sleeping bags and perhaps clothes too. (but it also might be the future of the throw-away sleeping bag and clothes, ugh)

[Tim Rich]

Doesnt' look like they'll sell you one to check out. I'll see if i can get one in Phuket if they have them there. But it's always hot in Thailand so i don't really know why they would send them there.
It sounds like the possible future of lightweight sleeping bags and perhaps clothes too. (but it also might be the future of the throw-away sleeping bag and clothes, ugh)

Try going to Church World Service's website at http://www.churchworldservice.org/ and then look at their kits to help fundraising. Among other things, they sell a blanket for $5 (plus $3 shipping) to use as an object lesson for missions. Whether it's the new type blanket or an old style wool or cloth one, I don't know. You might want to call them first about it, 800-297-1516.

https://secure.churchworldservice.org/catalog/display.php?product_id=30

If anyone takes the time to check this out, please update this thread with the information. It sounds pretty interesting.

Take Care,

Tim

[Lanthar Mandragoran]

The blanket highlighted on wired doesn't sound like much more than microfleece (or something similar) bonded to a waterproof substrate / backing.

A great idea, but not particularly revolutionary. The key is that they are using 'non-woven' materials that won't absorb water.

Actually... now that I type that out, I wonder if the material is similar to what zyflex (http://www.zyflex.com/store/productDetail.asp?id=70-Thermal+Shirt) is using on their thermal shirt, except made non-breathable. (http://www.zyflex.com/store/productDetail.asp?id=70-Thermal+Shirt)

[DLFrost]

"The blanket developed by the Polymer Group is warmer than traditional blankets woven of cotton or wool. One side is soft and provides comfort next to the body; the other has a backing to provide a barrier from moisture, dirt and debris..."
I use the Adventure Medical Bivy bag during hot summer camps in place of a sleeping bag. It's a non-woven polyester with a heat-reflective non-metallic coating. (About 6 ounces.) A lightweight, long-sleeve silk shirt provides extra warmth for sleeping and at breakfast.

Doug Frost

[SloHiker]

I've got one on the way....we'll see when it gets here.

[HikeLite]

Don't ya think it will be some non woven material such as that thermolite bivy or even similar to the neat sheet?