Although my husband and I are in a safer area, and mostly now stay at home, our entire large family hikes and climbs in the wilderness and several have either work or homes that put them right in the middle of areas prone to fire, floods and sudden evacuations. And of course California, where all but one of us live, is earthquake central!

When I saw this item for review, I knew it was right for us. With luck, we won't need to test it under true disaster conditions, but at least two members of my family will find one in their stocking this holiday. The ponchos are rolled up tightly and are inside a tiny duffle. The picture in the item description makes it look as if the duffles are large, like sleeping bags, but they are only about five-six inches long and maybe three inches in diameter. The whistle is attached to the end of the cord on the duffle. I tried blowing it, and it sounds fine, but it would take a younger person with more lung power than mine to get the full effect, I think.

The only tiny flaw I found was that the stitching on one duffle started to come apart as I opened it up to take out the poncho. I can restitch it easily by hand. It obviously was not fastened securely on the end when sewn.

I did not completely unroll the poncho or try it on. Frankly, although it was carefully folded to roll up and insert into the duffle, I think refolding it would be enough trouble that I didn't want to have to do it. It's quite simple to see when you take it out and unfold it slightly that there is mylar inside. You can also tell that the ponchos would be very light weight, and would be handy for waving, with the mylar outside, to attract attention from an overhead plane, or from someone coming through the woods with a flashlight searching for you.

I remember when one of my daughters and her family were stuck overnight in their car going home from our house at Christmas. The famous Grape Vine in the Southern California mountains was snowed in and everyone was stranded on the highway. Ponchos like these would have been very welcome!

If you live anywhere like California, almost in any area now, and travel, camp or hike, I suggest these are a good addition to your gear. And carrying them in a backpack adds very little weight and takes up almost no space at all.

Very small .pack away decent and a def must for just leave in a hiking bag and.leave . The 1 time u need its great to have . Used mine a few times. Very big and will fit over u and a hiking back pack

The product met my expectations.

A bit smaller than a beverage can, this poncho is a must-have for a car emergency kit--for handling that roadside issue in the rain, or in the cold. The Mylar keeps your loss of body heat minimal, and if you know how, the poncho can easily be turned into a makeshift shelter. Just wish it had grommets on the four corners and on the edge at the shoulder level, but can add those myself.

I am impressed with the size and durable material! I love the compact bag! Very pleased.