In extremely cold weather, unable to start a fire, what is the best way to survive?

Utilizing a thermal foil blanket is an effective way to retain body heat in extremely cold conditions. These blankets are designed to reflect the body’s warmth back towards you, significantly reducing heat loss. When faced with cold weather, keeping your body temperature stable is critical for survival, and a thermal blanket provides a lightweight and efficient method to achieve this.

In contrast, changing from wool to cotton clothing would be counterproductive. Wool is known for its insulative properties and ability to retain heat even when damp, whereas cotton can absorb moisture and lose its insulating capabilities, making you colder.

Similarly, while exercising might seem like a way to generate heat, vigorous physical activity can lead to sweat, which increases your risk of hypothermia by causing you to cool off rapidly once you stop moving.

Covering yourself in snow may also appear to be a way to retain warmth, but it can actually lead to greater heat loss. Snow does provide some insulation, but it can also conduct cold and moisture against the body, which is not advisable in life-threatening conditions.

Overall, the thermal foil blanket stands out as the best option for preserving body heat and enhancing your chances of survival.