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Survival

How to Survive With Aluminum Foil

Save your eyes, your electronics, and your life—as if you needed more reasons to start every trip with a breakfast burrito.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


Block the glare

Make glacier goggles to prevent snow blindness. Fold foil into a 6-by-2-inch bar and mold the mask to your face. Cut a space for your nose and horizontal slits for your eyes. Fold foil over at the edges to reinforce before poking holes for a cordage head strap.

Splint a joint

Wrap a broken finger in cloth, then fold several layers of foil into a bar twice the length of your finger. Fold it in half longways over your finger to create a two-sided splint. (It’s stronger than it looks.) Bend the splint to hold the finger at the most comfortable angle.

Signal for help

Wrap foil around a plate or a square frame made of twigs and reflect sunlight to signal aircraft. (Smooth out creases for best results). Too busy working that survival grind? Make sure your signal is always on: Tie ribbons of foil to trees or bushes in open areas.

Leave a trail

Lost at night? As you hike, wrap foil around trailside vegetation to catch your headlamp beam, so you can retrace your steps.

Purify water

Fashion a cup to hold water for boiling. Suspend it over coals (foil will melt in a direct flame).

Waterproof your phone

Don’t have a plastic bag? Wrap electronics in foil to protect them from heavy rain. Fold the edges over several times and crimp tightly to seal.

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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