I'm not sure I'd like to rely on these for an emergency but as something to keep heat (or coolness) from escaping they seem to work fine. I bought these to use in conjunction with a cool box. The silvery surface is fine at reflecting heat away and keeping the temperature as it should be. Not going to give it five star overall as I don't think it's a perfect product. For my food it's fine but for humans (unless they are very small) I doubt one would be enough. That said, they are cheap and seem to last. Keep a few packs in the car and one in a go bag. Or if you're me, one in the cool bag!