The camping blanket is arguably the most versatile piece of outdoor gear because you can use it for a variety of applications outside of your trip.
I’ve seen people use camping blankets as grass cover at concerts and picnics, and I personally love taking it to the beach and using it instead of hiring a beach chair.
This is what makes the blanket such a worthy investment for anyone that enjoys the great outdoors, and this article is dedicated to helping you find the best camping blanket on the market.
Table of Contents
Best Blanket for Camping
When putting together this guide, we consulted with avid campers from all over the country, asking them what their favorite blanket is and why. The following is a compendium of their answers.
1. Horizon Hound Down Blanket
This versatile blanket from Horizon Hound Down is one of the few outdoor blankets that’s actually suitable for use all year round.
You can use it to keep warm and dry whether you’re enjoying a backyard picnic during the spring or you’re going out for a camping trip next to your favorite watering hole. We found that it’s resistant to most weather conditions, including wind, water, and heat, and all of this is available at an affordable price point.
It only weighs one pound which means that it’s lightweight and great for traveling with. In fact, it’s so lightweight that you can even use it during the summer without worrying about overheating at night.
All told, this blanket has all the features and qualities of a decent and practical model. Chuck it into your camping backpack and take it with you when hiking, or at an outdoor festival or even on the couch at your winter cabin.
2. Snugpak Jungle Blanket
The SnugPak Jungle Blanket measures is one of the longest blankets on the market. It feels nice and toasty but it’s breathable and lightweight as well.
This is the perfect blanket for really tall campers, who often find it hard to find a good quality blanket for camping. It’s large enough to cover your entire body – including your feet – no matter how long your limbs are.
You don’t have to worry about air pockets seeping out air while you’re tossing and turning during the night. Although it’s made from thick and durable polyester material with several layers on it, it’s not heavy. You can fold it up into a really small and compact package that’s easy to travel with.
However, like many of the products on this list, it’s not perfect. It has its caveats, chief of which is the weak stitching on the stuff sack. But, you can always replace it and it’s not really a reflection of the overall quality of the blanket itself.
3. Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
This is another wool blanket but this time from Arcturus. The one common thread between most wool blankets is that they are affordable and warm.
This one weighs only 4.5 pounds and is 550GSM thick. You can tell from looking at it and touching it that it’s well-made. The thick yet soft texture is all thanks to the woven hems and looms which are connected with lock stitching.
It’s perfect for use in both cold and hot weather conditions because it’s made from fire-retardant material. To be more specific, this blanket is 80% wool and 20% synthetic fibers that are hypoallergenic. This is great news for anyone who suffers from allergies and you’ll be glad to know that it’s machine-wash friendly as well.
This makes it easier to maintain and to keep this blanket clean. Lastly, this is the perfect blanket to take if you’re planning a couple’s camping trip or any other outdoor excursion where you know that you’re going to experience extreme weather conditions.
4. Lightspeed Outdoors Sundown Camp Blanket
Are you looking for a new blanket to use while at base camp? This outdoor blanket from Sundown is one of the best blankets on the market.
It’s made from high-quality materials with a soft texture that’s gentle on your skin. It’s light and portable, thanks to a weight of 0.85 pounds and dimensions of 77 x 55 x 7 inches.
It’s worth noting that this is a surprisingly thin blanket that you can easily fold up into a tiny, manageable package. You’ll find that even after unfolding it, this blanket is pretty light. It’s the perfect blanket to take with on a picnic or an outdoor sports outing like cricket or baseball.
However, it’s the perfect camping trip blanket because it’ll protect you from dew when outdoors in the early morning, and it’s well-insulated to suit different weather conditions as well. This is definitely the best cold weather camping blanket.
5. ATEPA 4-in-1 Travel Blanket
This is one of the most functional camping blankets on the market. You can use it for a number of different applications, including as a sleeping bag or as a cover.
You can even pull it closer to you with the included drawstrings and use it as a shawl while sipping wine on your patio on a nippy night.
Although it’s made from warm 600-fill high-end duck down, this blanket is super lightweight. It has a soft and gentle texture thanks to the 20D nylon exterior, and you can rest assured that it can handle the rigors of outdoor use without tearing up.
It’s worth noting that this blanket weighs 1.1 pounds but you can fold or roll it up into an even smaller size. In fact, you can carry it in one hand once it’s folded down and it only takes about 30 seconds to do this. Despite being lightweight, this blanket is resistant to both sand and water.
6. Zefabak Camping Down Blanket
This beautiful blanket from Zefabak will catch your eye long before you check the rest of its features. It also comes with a lot of great features. For one, it’s available in three different sizes and it’s made from 20D nylon fabric with high-grade 600-fill duck down filling. This means that it’s well-insulated to handle harsh winters and we love the neon orange lining as it pops nicely against a background of black.
This blanket has the ability to prevent odor formation and if you happen to spill something on it, you’ll find that it’s pretty easy to get rid of stains afterward. Because of its moisture-resistant qualities, this blanket is perfect for anyone who’s prone to night sweats.
But, here’s the plot twist! This blanket actually doubles as a poncho. Yep, you read that right! You can actually wear this blanket and it’s quite comfortable. This makes it ideal for those late-night stadium shows and picnic dinners. However, it’s a bit more high-maintenance because it has specific washing instructions. Basically, it requires hand washing with warm water and gentle soap.
Once folded, it has dimensions of 6.3” by 6.3” by 11”. It also comes with a convenient carry case with a reflective drawstring that makes you visible in low light conditions. Other features include hand pockets to keep your hands warm or to store your phone, flashlight and lighter when going from one camp to another.
7. Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. Blanket
Outdoor adventurers delight! Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co has created the perfect blanket for all of your outdoor activities. Because of its 4-pound weight and dimensions of 66 x 90 x 6.9 inches, you can sprawl it out on your backyard, at the park, or even at the beach. It’s perfect to take with when fishing, hiking, stargazing, backpacking and of course camping.
You can also layer it on top of your sleeping bag during winter to warm up your tent and enjoy a peaceful sleep. However, what really makes this blanket super unique is the fact that it’s made from 80% premium quality virgin Merino wool.
However, this might be a concern for eco-conscious consumers because the material it’s constructed from isn’t recyclable. But you’ll be glad to know that it’s quite durable and long-lasting, thanks to the addition of acrylic, particularly on the warp, which won’t only save you money but it means that you won’t add to the demand for new camping blankets over the years.
Not only that, but this till-woven blanket makes for an ideal utility blanket because it folds up into a manageable size that can fit into the trunk of your car. It’s dense and comes with polyester thread double-stitched edges that helped to up the durability factor. This is the best wool blanket for camping.
8. Cocoon CoolMax Blanket
Next, we have this cutting edge camping blanket from Cocoon. We say it’s cutting-edge because it features CoolMax knit technology which is designed to promote warmth while keeping you dry. This blanket is also breathable and has moisture-wicking properties.
With dimensions of 70 inches by 65 inches, we’re surprised at how lightweight this is. One of our favorite features about this blanket is the fact that it’s machine wash friendly, which is great because most camping blankets are so sensitive that they require precise hand washing.
We suspect that this blanket is insulated because it’s really warm, but it’s not so hot that you wake up sweating in the morning.
We also love the fact that it’s available in 9 different colors; some bright, some dark. All told, the soft-textured Cocoon CoolMax is the perfect road tripping, camping and beach day model.
How to Get the Best Camping Blanket
The last thing you need is to feel cold and uncomfortable during your camping trip. But that’s exactly what you’re going to get if you don’t get a good quality blanket.
Here are the most important qualities to consider when looking for the best camping blanket:
Material
The quality of the materials that are used to make a blanket is extremely important.
That’s because if you’re going to be trekking and staying out in the wild, then you need a hardy and tear-proof blanket that won’t fall apart at the first sign of a twig.
Durability
The next most important quality of a blanket is durability. It has to stand up to the elements, including dirt, sand, sharp rocks, mud, water, sun, and more.
This means that it must be built tough to withstand everything that nature throws at it. For best results, look for a blanket that’s made from polyester or ripstop nylon, preferably with durable stitching.
Portability
Unlike normal blankets, your camping blanket must be foldable so that it’s able to travel light. For best results, look for a blanket that’s compact and weighs 3 pounds or less so that it’s easy for you to pack it up.
Weatherproof
Another essential feature of a blanket is making sure that it’s windproof.
That’s because you’re going to get exposed to the wind at some point and the last thing you need is to have the wind breezing into your tent while you’re camping.
Make sure your 3 room tent isn’t only resistant to wind but water and dust as well. DWR coating is great for this because it’s what guarantees protection from the elements.
Weight
Weight is important because it determines how hard or easy it’s going to be for you to transport your blanket from and to the campsite. You might need to carry it in a drawstring bag or backpack while hiking or climbing.
Make sure that you get something that’s nice and lightweight so that you don’t end up with back pain afterward when your intention is to relax on a hammock and go diving afterward.
Versatility
The next thing you need to look for is versatility. This means that you must be able to use your blanket in a number of different outdoor applications and environments.
A good indication of versatility is usually having waterproof and sand-proof features because that means that you can place it in any environment and it’ll protect you from a number of different weather conditions when sleeping in a camping air mattress outdoors.
Warranty
There are lots of pocket blanket brands popping up every day and one way to differentiate between them is to check the warranty offered by each one.
This is in addition to customer service because this will tell you a lot about that company’s level of care.
Price
The average pocket blanket costs between $10 and $30. The price depends on things like the materials it’s made from the quality of the stakes that are used to pin it to the ground, etc.
If a blanket is stake-free, then it shouldn’t cost more than $20. But, if you want a budget option then you must be willing to make some sacrifices.
Types of Camping Blankets
Camping blankets come in all types of different varieties that are suitable for different preferences.
You have thick down blankets that are warm and well-insulated, waterproof blankets that can keep you warm at a Mount Everest base camp. Just make sure that the blanket you pick is suitable for your specific application.
Sleeping Bags
It’s important to keep in mind that you’ll most likely use your camping blanket when sleeping as well.
This is why the cocoon style sleeping bag is so popular because it’s so warm that it makes you forget that you’re sleeping outside and allows you to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars.
Pocket Blankets
The pocket blanket has a few distinguishing characteristics. It’s compact and lightweight, easy to travel with and can be used for a number of applications.
However, it’s mostly recommended for trekking because you can easily fit it into your backpack along with other items and it’s durable enough to handle the demands of sleeping outside.
Thermal Blankets
Thermal blankets are another form of an emergency blanket. They’re made from durable materials and can be utilized for a number of outdoor applications. They’re the perfect addition to your camping first aid gear.
Emergency Blankets
As the name implies, the emergency blanket is designed for emergency situations and other medical scenarios.
It’s usually made from aluminum foil-like materials and is small enough to not take up too much space. It’s the perfect form of insulation for people in extreme weather conditions and ER workers use it for rescue missions because it can quickly get you nice and warm.
But, emergency blankets can also be made from other materials such as wool and that’s because it’s the type of material that stays warm even if it’s wet. However, wool is heavy, especially when it comes across moisture so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Cold Weather Blankets
This one is another no-brainer. It’s designed for cold climates which means that it’ll come in handy for anyone who enjoys off-season camping.
Because they have to stand up to extreme weather conditions, these blankets are typically constructed from high-quality fleece or wool.
These are the fabrics you need if you want a well-insulated setup in base camp during those nippy evenings. It’ll definitely keep you comfortable when unexpected weather changes happen.
Puffed Blankets
The puffed blanket is lightweight, foldable, and compact. That’s why it’s perfect for use in a variety of scenarios, whether that’s fishing, camping, or going for a picnic. It’s the best blanket for camping overall.
Extreme Weather Blankets
This type of blanket is basically designed for extreme outdoor survival scenarios. Let’s say you decide to explore a path less traveled or embark on a risky journey to an isolated part of the jungle.
You need a survival blanket that’ll protect you from the elements so you can stay alive long enough to find your way back to civilization.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! That’s your guide to finding the best blanket on the market. If we had to choose just one option, then we’d say the Horizon Hound Down Blanket is the best lightweight camping blanket that money can buy.
Why? Because it ticks all the boxes of what one would look for in a blanket. It’s warm, moisture-proof, weather-proof, and multifunctional. We’ve put it through the ringer and found that it can stand up to all sorts of weather conditions.
We enjoy how easy it is to carry as well and you can fold it up neatly and pack it into your hiking backpack along with other gear and not break your back.
Plus, it’s suitable for height-challenged and tall individuals alike.