Snugpak Insulated Travel Blanket

One thing I like to find in pieces of equipment is versatility. If one piece of kit can perform several roles, then it is of more value to me than a piece of kit that just does one thing. The new Insulated Jungle Travel Blanket from Snugpak is simple, straightforward and extremely versatile, and so scores highly with me!

Made from an outer fabric of Micro Diamond lightweight water repellent fabric and a Paratex antibacterial inner fabric to reduce the need for washing and keep it smelling fresh, the blanket has Travelsoft insulation which, recovers quickly from being compressed. The blanket measures approx. 162 x 193cm, weighs about 700g and packs down into its stuffsack to about 17 x 15cm for transport. There are no ‘bells and whistles’ to the blanket’s design. It is simply an insulated rectangle that comes in a solidly built compression stuff sack. In its simplicity lies its versatility. Boasting a ‘comfort’ rating of 7°C and an ‘extreme’ rating of 2°C, in warmer weather, the blanket could be your only bedding, or in cooler times it could be used to upgrade a sleeping bag or quilt – but it does not stop there! You can also snuggle into the blanket of a chill evening, using it like a cloak or watch coat, lash it up as a windbreak, or just use it as a seat pad. It can even be used in all of these roles in one day! The blanket drapes well to avoid cold spots, is big enough to tuck in well when used as bedding and the smooth polyester fabric is comfortable against the skin, as well as being breathable. The outer is wind and water-resistant as well. I have found the blanket dealt well with splashes and when wet it dried quickly and is small and light enough to wash in a domestic washing machine.

You may think that the lack of eyelets would restrict the blanket’s versatility, but an old bushcraft trick of twisting a nut, smooth pebble or marble into the fabric and tying a bit of paracord around the neck so formed allows you to make attachment points anywhere on the blanket, as and when wanted – and leaves the blanket without hard and heavy lumps for when you want it to be cosy and soft. The blanket is soft enough to allow this ‘nut trick’ to work very well.

So there you have it – the Snugpak Insulated Jungle Travel Blanket is simple, practical, versatile, and lightweight, packs small and yet can play a huge role in keeping you comfortable in a wide range of situations.

Available in Black or Olive, the Snugpak Insulated Jungle Travel Blanket costs around £24.95. For more information call on 01535 654 479.