Isothermal foil: 10 uses you may not have known about

Isothermal foil, thermofoil, aluminum foil, isofoil… Different names for the same thing, which has its permanent place not only in the first aid kit, but also in every outdoor equipment. Its primary purpose is to prevent heat loss and protect against adverse conditions. However, its practical use goes much further. In this article, we will analyze the real properties of isothermal foil, refute several of the most common myths and show how it can be used not only in emergency situations, but also in ordinary outdoor activities. Perhaps some of its uses will surprise you!

The most common myths about isothermal foil

There are many myths circulating about isothermal foils – from the color of the sides to whether it really “heats or cools”. Let’s analyze the most common of them.

The color of the isothermal foil does not affect its function – it still insulates the same way. However, you can use contrasting colors for emergency signaling.

Myth No. 1: The gold side warms, the silver side cools

Truth: The color has no significant effect on the properties of the foil. Both sides have the same insulating properties, but the gold color may subjectively appear warmer.

Different colors can be important in tactical and outdoor situations, e.g. in emergency signaling:

• The silver color of aluminum is universal.

• The gold color is better visible in winter terrain.

• The orange color is suitable for emergency signaling.

• The green color is often used by armed forces for camouflage purposes.

Myth No. 2: It is metal

Truth: Isothermal foil is made of plastic with a thin layer of aluminum on it. It therefore does not have the properties of metal (e.g. it does not attract lightning in the mountains, which is another of many myths).

Myth No. 3: It belongs in the first aid kit and is only used for first aid

Truth: Isothermal foil has a wide range of uses, which we will discuss in this article.

Myth No. 4: It is non-flammable

Truth: Up to approximately 140 °C, above this temperature its properties change. It is relatively easy to burn through it and is not suitable for sitting by a fire.

Myth No. 5: You only need one

Truth: 2 pieces are needed to wrap the entire body (e.g. when ensuring the thermal comfort of a patient).

In extreme conditions, such as strong winds, the foil can easily tear. However, damage can easily occur even during normal handling, especially when working under stress. When wrapping a patient (to ensure thermal comfort), the foil often tears, especially when you fix it with adhesive tape. Rolled foil, on the other hand, is quite strong.

Therefore, keep a few spare pieces with you. When folded, they take up minimal space and weigh almost nothing.

Myth No. 6: More expensive is better

Truth: More important than price is compliance with standards and proper use of isothermal foil.

Isothermal foil: what properties does it really have?

To get a better idea of how insulating foil works (or doesn't work) and in what situations you can practically use it, take a look at this quick overview of its basic properties.

10 ways to use isothermal foil

1) Ensuring thermal comfort

The primary use of isothermal foil is ensuring thermal comfort, whether it concerns yourself or the person you are helping. It is a very effective prevention against hypothermia, to which an injured, exhausted or otherwise weakened person is particularly susceptible. This can be achieved in various ways, for example:

• Wrap the victim in foil to ensure thermal comfort (we will explain how to do this correctly below).

• Wrap yourself in foil similar to a blanket.

• Increase the thermal insulation of a sleeping bag.

• Wrap only the part of the body where it is needed – e.g. improvised hat, shorts, wrap the hips...

• If it is not possible to change yourself or the patient into dry clothes, put the foil over the wet layer and add additional layers of dry things (e.g. jacket, sleeping bag, blanket).

How to properly wrap a patient in isothermal foil:

• You will need 2 pieces of foil to wrap an adult.

• Before you start wrapping, tell the patient what you are going to do. Do not talk to them while wrapping them – the foil will rustle and you will not be understood well.

• Wrap the body tightly so that there are no holes left for air to flow through under the foil.

• Tuck the end of the foil under your feet to prevent the formation of so-called thermal chimneys, when air flows around the body and causes heat loss.

• Always place a pad (e.g. a sleeping mat) under the patient! Isothermal foil does not insulate against the cold from the ground. Caution – do not move the patient if you suspect a spinal injury.

• Never put the foil over the patient's face and always leave a hole for breathing.

• You can fix the edges with adhesive tape.

2) Improvised shelter

By stretching the foil, for example, between two trees, you can create an improvised shelter. Be careful of sharp objects, the foil could easily tear.

3) Transporting the injured person

• Roll the foil along the longer side, create a loop and use it as an improvised seat, which can be carried between two rescuers.

• Make loops from the two rolled foils and connect them like a chain. Use in the same way as for improvised transport "in a backpack" or with a rope.

• NEVER use the foil as a stretcher! The foil can easily tear and the patient would fall to the ground.

Wrapping in isothermal foils will ensure thermal comfort for the injured person. Never use foil as an improvised stretcher – it can easily tear.

4) Carrying objects (including water)

You can use isothermal foil as an improvised bag.

5) Improvised raincoat

You can make an improvised raincoat out of foil. However, keep in mind that the foil is impermeable, and if you sweat under it, you risk overheating or hypothermia later on and the associated complications.

6) Emergency signaling

Although the color of the foil does not affect its function, the reflective surface makes it easier to locate and you can use it for emergency signaling. In the field, you can draw attention to yourself by waving a folded strip of foil or creating a signaling panel for a helicopter.

7) Eskimo goggles

A small life hack that can save you from snow blindness is Eskimo goggles.

• Cut a strip of foil that is wide and long enough to comfortably cover both of your eyes.

• Some foils are slightly transparent, in which case you can fold them and use multiple layers.

• Make small holes where the eyes are, so you can see through them.

• Attach the “goggles” to your head, e.g. with paracord.

This is what improvised "Eskimo goggles" look like, which protect against snow blindness. You can make them from wood, cardboard or even isothermal foil.

8) Ground pad, equipment protection

Forgot something important at the bottom of your backpack and had to lay everything out on the dirty ground? Need to change a tire on your car and don't want to lie down in the wet? You can use isothermal foil as a pad here too.

9) In winter, on the car window

Are the morning still freezing? Cover the windshield with isothermal foil so you don't have to scratch in the morning.

10) Improvised burn dressing

If you are far from civilization and don't have a sterile dressing, you can cover the burn with isothermal foil after it has cooled. This will prevent the wound from getting dirty and reduce the risk of infection. However, in a city or with good access to medical care, do not cover the burn and wait for the emergency services to arrive.