Our camping experts researched over 50 of the best camping blankets before purchasing 15 to snuggle into or set up a picnic on. We spent months traveling and camping in the warmth of summer and the chill and bluster of winter. For each adventure, we trucked along our cadre of camping blankets to test side-by-side. In addition to assessing how each performed on cold nights, we measured insulative properties and packed size. Our thorough testing and research are designed to help you find the best camping blanket for your needs, while our recommendations are unbiased and can help you find a cozy option that will fit your budget.
Heading out on a camping trip requires some special gear. You'll need a top quality camping tent, a comfy camp mat or sleeping pad, and a top-rated lantern. Lucky for you, we've tested just about every category of camping gear imaginable. From the best camping cookware to the best camping cots, best tent, and our favorite camping axes, we can help you find exactly what your experience requires for fun. silica textiles
For an otherwise exceptional blanket, the Kammock Firebelly has a couple of features we wish were different. For example, the inner liner is the same ripstop nylon as the rest of the exterior. It's soft but not exceptionally comfortable, as it can get rather sticky against bare skin. These terrific features also come at a high price, so this quilt is best for those who know they will benefit from its versatility. Even with these critiques, the Kammock Firebelly is one of our absolute favorites as a basic blanket and a multi-purpose insulator. For a cozy option at a more affordable price, check out the budget-friendly Kelty Biggie or single-sized Kelty Bestie.
Read more: Kammok Firebelly review
The Kelty Biggie sports generous dimensions. As a result, it is one of the heaviest and bulkiest blankets in our lineup, which slightly limits its versatility. We like that you can purchase it in various fun and playful patterns, but this is a personal preference. It also lacks any meaningful water resistance and takes on a damp feel in heavy humidity. Nevertheless, the Kelty Biggie is a terrific blanket to have on hand for backyard cookouts or a kids' sleepover, and the value really can't be beaten. Campers searching for a lightweight, weather-resistant blanket should check out the compressible Rumpl Down Puffy.
Read more: Kelty Biggie review
Although it is available in several other sizes, the Rumpl is one of the smallest single-person blankets we tested. The material is quite protective, but it is also incredibly slippery and slides off easily. We love the poncho option, but the single clippable loop leaves your front rather exposed; this is great for getting things done, but you'll still need your hands to experience the warmth of a full wrap. Additionally, this is the priciest blanket in our review. The Rumpl is a well-rounded, durable, water-resistant blanket that's also compact, perfect for a backpacker or minimalist traveler. But if you're shopping for an inexpensive option that fully covers you and fits another person, the Kelty Biggie is a prime pick.
Read more: Rumpl Down Puffy review
The Festival has no insulation, so it isn't the warmest if you choose to wrap up in it. With its polyester bottom, it isn't all that breathable either. And though we love how lightweight it is, we wish it came with some sort of storage bag to keep it from unfolding. The Zaze Extra Large Picnic is another great picnic blanket. This option isn't as versatile but is inexpensive and durable.
The Yeti Lowlands isn't without its flaws. The burly blanket doesn't have the largest dimensions, but it takes up a significant amount of space when packed. We love that the case comes with a shoulder strap and the blanket is easy to repack, but it's simply bulky and heavy. Though it'll work in a pinch, it isn't the coziest to curl up in. It is also among the most expensive options in our lineup. However, we had no concerns for this blanket's longevity and believe it will last for many years of picnics in the park, camping, concerts, and beach trips. Should you be on the hunt for something more inexpensive, the ALPS Mountaineering Wavelength is a great option. Though you might not want to throw this on the ground as a picnic blanket, it excels at keeping you warm and comfortable.
This review began by researching 50+ camping blankets and choosing the most promising options. We purchased every model and put them to the test both in the lab and in the real world. We pushed these blankets to their limits by measuring insulation prowess and wind resistance in the lab and by taking each model outside in the wind and snow. We considered the comfort of their material, size, and weight, and we poured water on them to test their water resistance. Numerous dogs were also enlisted to test each model's warmth on cold winter days and their ability to withstand teeth and claws during playtime. We treated these blankets worse than we thought any “normal” blanket-lover would, so you don't have to guess about it before you choose your ideal cover. For more on our testing process, see our full How We Test article.
This review is headed up by Senior Review Editors, Maggie Nichols and Rebecca Glades and supported by Ben Applebaum-Bauch. An avid outdoorswoman, Maggie has guided backcountry adventures in all four seasons for over 15 years. She's spent a significant part of her life living outside on the trail, on the water, and in the true wilderness. As a global adventurer, she knows what to look for when seeking a piece of gear to bring along and isn't willing to sacrifice comfort or functionality when it comes to staying warm. Living with poor circulation while still adventuring to some of the coldest places around, like the Canadian Rockies, Midwestern plains, and snow-covered Iceland, Maggie has dedicated years of her life to chasing that warm feeling no matter where she roams. Rebecca travels to destinations far and wide but is based in the chilly Rockies. She values a versatile blanket that can go the distance on cool nights but provide some ground protection at a warm-weather picnic or beach day. Ben is an avid backpacker who has hiked several of America's iconic long trails, snuggling up under a variety of bags and quilts over thousands of trail miles. Having spent almost two decades in northern New England, he knows a thing or two about staying warm in the cold.
We chose a variety of different camping blankets designed for the outdoors. These range from options that can easily pack into a backpack to bulkier models to keep in the trunk of the car. We score each based on five crucial metrics to assess each contender, including comfort, warmth, versatility, packed size, and features. This article compares and explores the nuances of each to help you find the best for your needs. You can also check out our Buying Advice article on what to look for when you're shopping for a camping blanket.
Camping blankets range in usage from luxurious extravagance to necessary bedding, and their spread of prices shares a similar breadth. While many types of gear often correlate a higher price with better performance, we found no such relationship in these camping blankets. Some of our favorite blankets are among the least expensive and most expensive options we tested, and several fall right in the middle.
The Kelty Biggie, Kelty Bestie, and Alps Mountaineering Wavelength all score well across our tests, with price tags that are easier on the wallet, making them high-value commodities. On the other hand, the Kammok Firebelly and Rumpl Down Blanket perform very well and are extremely handy in specific situations that call for low weight and high compressibility, making them well worth the hefty investment. The Yeti Lowlands is also pricey but durable enough to last years to come.
An uncomfortable blanket probably won't get a lot of use; thus, we weighted this metric more than any other. We considered fabric feel and weight, blanket dimensions, and coverage for various-sized people while sitting, standing, and lying down. We tested these blankets in various conditions, gathering opinions and input while camping, tailgating, watching movies, and hanging out in the great outdoors.
Our favorite blankets for sheer comfort are the Therm-a-Rest Stellar, Kelty Biggie, and Kelty Bestie. While most camping blankets are made of slippery, swishy material to repel dirt, hair, and water, the Kelty models have a soft underside that's pleasant to put right against your skin. This softer side also keeps the blanket on your lap, rather than letting it slide right off with the slightest movement, like some we tested. It's great for hanging out on a crisp evening or napping in a shady hammock; we love how comfortable these blankets are.
If you're a blanket user on the move, you'll likely appreciate the comfort of a blanket-turned-cape/poncho. The Rumpl models snap around you at the neck, leaving your hands free, while the Horizon Hound Down can be further snapped to keep you bundled even as you wander. The Kammok Firebelly is unique with a zipper opening mid-blanket that facilitates the poncho conversion.
The Yeti Lowlands has a plush and soft top that is comfortable to lounge around on. While it is best used for laying on top of, it is still comfortable to wrap up in a pinch. Wool options like the Ektos and Pendleton also provide a durable yet soft layer between you and the earth.
The second most important part of a blanket is how well it keeps you warm. We employed several tests to discern which models are better for your temperature than others. We started in the lab, using hot water to test the insulation capabilities of each blanket. Then we took them all into the real world to see how they perform. We laid on snow, stood in blustery winds, cooked winter camping meals, and nestled into chairs and couches.
The down-filled blankets were the best at keeping us toasty warm. These included the Alps Mountaineering Wavelength, Kammok Firebelly, and Rumpl Down. These lofty options trap heat but not at the cost of weight or compressibility. The synthetic puffy blankets, like the Therm-a-Rest Stellar, Kelty Biggie, and Rumpl Original are also warm options, though not as packable.
As is true of many types of gear, a good camping blanket is one you can happily use in many conditions. We tested how each one performs in the wind, against rain, and in the face of dog claws and rocky grounds. We also did everything from reading books to tailgating to cooking meals (particularly the ones that can be clipped or buttoned to become a poncho) to figure out which ones can really do it all.
The Kammok Firebelly is the most versatile option we tested. It has several distinct 'modes', from regular blanket, to hammock underquilt, camping quilt, and poncho. It has good loft and decent light water resistance. Also scoring well is the Rumpl Down Puffy. It did not soak up water, even after letting it sit with a puddle on top for nearly an hour. It's also one of the most wind-resistant options we tested. Its material has a fine ripstop pattern with reinforced edges and a sturdy feel. On top of that, it clips into a poncho but leaves the front a smidge open, so you can stir the potatoes or play cornhole with your friends. The REI Camp Wrap is a great blanket that can also be used hands-free.
The Horizon Hound Down also turns into a poncho, snapping all the way down the front. When fully buttoned up, we felt a bit penned in, which could become problematic when you inevitably rip the snaps open. When unsnapping the Horizon Hound, our testing model ripped during this exact situation. The Rumpl, on the other hand, features a loop and clip design that is opened by pressing the clip release, so there's no worry of ripping the blanket in your hurry to pull it off.
Many of the camping blankets we tested come with claims about DWR treatment to repel water, wind-blocking technologies, and the power to shed every speck of dirt and hair that comes in contact with it. However, not all of them lived up to their claims or our expectations. Models that repelled all spilled water during our testing include the Rumpl Down Puffy and Yeti Lowlands. The REI Co-op Camp very nearly repelled all of our spillages but took up a little bit of water at the seams.
The Kelty Bestie initially resisted the water but ended up soaking the entire amount through several layers after a few minutes. Though both wool blankets, the Pendleton Yakima and Ektos Wool, obviously soaked up all the water we put on them, they both maintained a puddle for the amount of time it would take to grab a towel and clean it up. Wool also boasts the benefit of keeping its insulating powers even when wet.
Some blankets are perfect for picnics or as a layering pad underneath you at the campsite. These include the Zaze Extra Large, Scuddles Extra Large Picnic, Yeti Lowlands, and Nomadix Festival. The inexpensive Zaze and Scuggles blankets are really only good for picnics. In a really tight pinch, they might work as traditional blankets, but they won't keep you very warm. The Yeti Lowlands and Nomadix Festival are quite a bit more versatile. Both make excellent ground pads, with utility hoops that can be used to stake down the blankets. Neither are our top choice for getting cozy by the fireplace as they have polyester undersides, but they are both reasonable options to wrap up in.
Depending on what kind of use you're hoping to get out of your camping blanket, you might care about its packed size and portability. We weighed every model we tested. We also measured their sizes in the stuff sacks they came with and crammed each one into a compression sack to see how small we could make them. We considered the usability of each stuff sack and any features that might add to their versatility.
The apparent frontrunners in this metric are the two smallest down blankets we tested, the Rumpl Down Puffy and Horizon Hound Down. These blankets weigh barely more than a pound and can be squeezed into tiny spaces, making either of them solid contenders for a winter backpacking trip. Both also come with nearly identical stuff sacks that are narrow and thin with a roll-top that lets you compress them to a reasonably small size, even without a separate compression sack. This portability is ideal for travel where space is at a premium.
The Nomadix is quick and easy to throw in a bag. It folds up into a small rectangle, though we wish it included some sort of carrying case. The Yeti Lowlands is heavier than we'd generally like for a portable option. It's also significantly larger than any other one-person camping blanket we tested. It comes with a handy carrying case and shoulder strap, but it isn't nearly small enough to fit in a backpack.
We appreciate the included stuff sack that some models came with. Though they all stuff to a different size, the stuff sack helps keep the blanket tidy in your car or bag.
Though we assigned this metric the lowest weight, each blanket's features and design elements still impact the overall performance. We considered extra features like pockets, loops, and tie-downs, as well as those little things we noticed during testing that don't fall into any other testing area, like warranties and washability.
The Kammok Firebelly has a host of snaps, zippers, and extra included straps that enable its spectacular versatility. It also comes with a waterproof rolltop stuff sack. The Rumpl models, Nomadix Festival, and Yeti Lowland have at least four corner loops for tying or staking down on a windy day or hanging up to dry. The Horizon Hound and REI Camp also have a loop for hanging your blanket.
When it comes to cleaning them, each blanket differs in how you can treat it. Most models we tested can be washed at home in a front-loading washer on a delicate setting and air-dried. Down blankets can have their filling re-fluffed in your home dryer on a gentle, no-heat cycle with a few clean tennis balls. The Pendleton Yakima requires special care; it can only be dry cleaned. Probably the most alarming blanket we washed at home is the Ektos Wool blanket, which sheds lint and color like crazy for the first several washes. We think it will probably last longer if you can avoid washing it as much as possible.
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