Do Mylar Sleeping Bags Work?

Last Updated on July 17th, 2023

We may earn commissions for purchases made through links on our site. Learn more on our about us page.

When it comes to earth’s coldest temperatures, they will be at the poles and those places above twenty thousand feet in altitude.

These places are made all the more bearable when carrying a mylar sleeping bag with you because they work, even in the coldest reaches of the solar system.

The material is lightweight, even in the thicker mils range, and is the toughest to make in the world. Mountaineers, astronauts, and other extreme cold weather scientists will have these sleeping bags designed to keep a person warm in even the coldest reaches of space.

How Do They Work?

The Mylar material is known for shielding the elements and is commonly used for packaging for long-term food storage needs. Equally as useful is the ability of the thin tin foil-like material to act as an insulator layer that will prevent air movement through it.

This means that when a body is wrapped up in one of these blankets or sleeping bags, the Mylar will trap the body heat inside, which then keeps the person using it nice and warm.

This basically allows a person to heat and warm themselves up, reducing energy burning to keep the body warm.

What is a Mylar Sleeping Bag Made of?

Most of these bags are made of the barest of materials, including simple aluminized OPP film and some with the NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, designed Mylar materials used to shield astronauts from the cold of space.

The list is thin, only needing the aluminized polyethylene film to keep the body heat, perfect for emergencies.

As for the camping setup, there will be a need for a nice sleeping bag, which does not need to be fancy; use the Mylar as a blanket of insulation layer inside the sleeping bag for the warmest possible design.

Are Mylar Sleeping Bags Waterproof?

Mylar materials, especially when considering bags designed for food storage when at a thickness of over five miles, are well known for having waterproof properties. They are even well-made and considered air-tight, long-term storage solutions.

With that in mind, be certain that the mylar materials will provide a waterproof barrier for those that enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in the more extreme places on earth.

Even those looking to climb mountains like Everest should consider having a bag (or two) made of Mylar to keep precious body heat from escaping.

What are the Pros and Cons of it?

The overwhelming pro of having Mylar insulation or bags for sleeping in will have a matching con that will be just tremendous.

When you are in cold weather, there is nothing better than having the body heat-trapping, energy-conserving benefits of having the mylar materials in place.

When it comes to the opposite, it will be warmer weather; mylar insulation will be too much in warmer weather, to the point that it could make the occupant uncomfortable.

Therefore, consider the weather and temperatures before taking winter-ready gear when using this material for an outdoor situation.

Is Mylar Better than Aluminum Foil?

This will depend on the purpose of the foil. These two will be very close in capability when it comes to cooking and keeping food. Aluminum foil will be the better choice when it comes to cooking and, arguably, when it comes to keeping leftovers edible.

Mylar bags are the best material on the market currently when it comes to the storage of dry foods for the long term.

Plus, they make nice options for insulation when winter camping or performing an extreme weather activity. In this matter, the Mylar bag will be the better option for foil.

Final Thoughts on Do Mylar Sleeping Bags Work

Mylar material-made items have been relatively new on the market ever since NASA revealed Mylar to the world. For the outdoorsman, these blankets and bags will be essential for any cold emergency situations or winter camping excursions.

For the prepper, Mylar bags will be irreplaceable for the storage of dry goods, foods, and other items in need of long-term storage.

Not to mention the smaller, thinner bags make excellent pouches for snacking when out on a backpacking trip or on a simple hike out on the trails.

Keep in mind that Mylar insulation will be a hindrance for those staying out there in warmer weather, be sure to separate any cold and warm-weather sleeping bags.