An emergency poncho made from layered polyethylene and metalized aluminum, with a hood and reinforced seams. One size fits all, 39 in. x 42.5 in.

This is two pieces of kit in one. The metalized aluminum layer makes it a heat reflector as well as a rain shell — Coghlan's describes it as a heat reflector in poncho style. An ordinary poncho keeps the water off and lets your body heat straight out; this one sends it back.

That matters because the thing that actually hurts people in the outdoors is not rain, it is being wet and cold at the same time. Wind and wet strip heat faster than cold air alone.

Reinforced seams, which is what a survival blanket normally lacks — a mylar sheet tears at the first gust, and a torn one is useless.

Shorter than the standard poncho at 39 x 42.5 in., so it sits closer to the body and traps less air to be blown through. This is survival kit, not a walking garment.

This belongs in the emergency bag, not the day pack. For a wet walk buy the PEVA Rain Poncho; for the worst day of your year, buy this.