The Best Camping Blankets
A sleeping bag can offer you a comfortable place to sleep while camping, but its cocoon-like shape makes it a poor substitute for a throw blanket. This is where a camping blanket comes in handy. Camping blankets are much like the blankets that adorn your couches at home, save for a few upgraded features that make them better suited for outdoor use. Waterproofing, extra padding, sand resistance, and convenient carrying cases are all major staples of the camping blanket. To help you choose the best camping blanket for your next camping trip, we've narrowed down the options to the very best of the best.
Fashionlive Extra Large Waterproof Camping Blanket
Carry-on convenience
If you’re tired of ruining your expensive throw blankets from home while away on camping trips, Fashionlive’s extra-large waterproof camping blanket might be the perfect pick for you. Made from high-quality PVC material and polyester, this camping blanket is both waterproof and highly resistant to tearing and scratches. Conveniently, Fashionlive’s camping blanket features multiple velcro patches and a carrying strap that allows you to fold up the blanket into a surprisingly portable roll. While Fashionlive’s camping blanket is certainly heavy-duty, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t comfortable as well. The polyester fabric is soft to the touch and will keep you warm and cozy for many nights at the campsite to come.
Pros:
- This blanket is ideal for those looking for something that they can throw down on the ground for picnics and beach days since the durable waterproof design holds its own against surf, sand, and soil.
- We were impressed by the heavy-duty feel, so we felt confident placing it on sticks, pebbles, and uneven surfaces.
Cons:
- This is best suited as a picnic blanket for the ground, rather than a blanket for warming yourself.
Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
No rain on your parade
Many outdoor enthusiasts believe that when it comes to camping blankets, you have to sacrifice durability for comfort – or vice versa. However, Get Out Gear’s down camping blanket may prove the naysayers wrong in a spectacular fashion. The combination of a 20D ripstop outer layer with ample down filling puts Get Out Geat’s camping blanket right at the ideal intersection between comfort and functionality. What’s more, the nylon outer layer has optimized windbreaking capabilities that will keep you warm when the wind gets choppy down by the campfire. Get Out Gear’s camping blanket also features a DWR (durable water repellent) coating that prevents water from seeping into the down-filling inner layer.
Pros:
- If you’re the type of person that gets colder than most during camping trips, this thing can be a lifesaver. It’s wearable, so you can bundle up your body and still join in on the campfire activities.
- We were blown away by the light weight, which is only 1.1 pounds in total. This makes it a viable option for taking on backpacking trips.
- It comes with a simple stuff-sack, so packing it up is easy.
Cons:
- It’s not the most affordable camping blanket on the market.
Giverare Picnic/Beach/Camping Blanket
Camp comfortably
When it comes to camping blankets, versatility is one of the most important features to consider. Luckily, this multifaceted camping blanket from Giverare is the perfect choice for a variety of situations and outdoor outings. Whether you’re looking for something to bring to the beach, the park for a picnic, or to the campsite, Giverare’s versatile camping blanket should be your go-to pick. With a 600D Oxford cloth top and waterproof PVC backing, Giverare’s camping blanket can withstand dew-soaked grass and wet, sandy beaches alike. Not to mention, Giverare’s camping blanket features a slew of well-placed velcro patches that allow you to fold up the blanket into a convenient carrying case no bigger than a handbag.
Pros:
- Water literally rolls right off this blanket, so it’s ridiculously easy to keep clean.
- At 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, this blanket offers plenty of space to stretch out. You can even fit multiple people, so it’s perfect for families.
Cons:
- We wish it came in more than one pattern option.
Ukeler Bohemian Soft Plush Camping Blanket
Delightful designs
Ukeler stands out from the pack with this collection of thoughtfully designed camping blankets. With 13 designs to choose from, there’s bound to be a pattern that everyone can get behind. Ukeler’s camping blankets come in a wide array of patterns including various flags and floral and bohemian-themed designs. However, these camping blankets do a lot more than just look good. The bottom layer of Ukeler’s camping blanket is made from water-resistant polyester microfiber and the top layer is warming and comforting. We highly recommend this camping blanket to anyone looking for a stylish and functional pick to bring on their next camping trip.
Pros:
- This blanket is a 10 out of 10 on the coziness scale. The top layer is made out of a super-soft plush material that’s both warming and soft.
- It’s available in various sizes, so you can even fit multiple people under its warm embrace if you select the largest option.
- You can wash it on cold in the washing machine and it doesn’t shrink or fade.
Cons:
- The plush side picks up sticks, leaves, and dirt pretty easily, so you may have to wash it more frequently compared to other camping blankets.
Our Tips and Tricks
Some people get colder more easily than others and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Camping blankets are a great way to insulate your body heat and stay warm, but there are certain steps you can take to maximize your heat retention. For starters, don’t sit or lay on the ground unless you have a reflective thermal pad underneath you. The ground holds tons of moisture and will suck heat from your body. Instead, try to find a chair, bag, log, or dry debris to sit on. Also, if you have a campfire, try to position yourself between the fire and a heat-reflective surface, like a rock wall, boulder, or tree trunk, to soak in as much of that thermal energy as possible. Finally, consider which part of the body loses the most heat: the head. Keeping your head warm with a nice hat and your neck covered with a scarf or blanket is the most efficient way to stay cozy on your next camping trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sleeping bag and a camping blanket?
Sleeping bags are usually thicker than camping blankets and feature zippers that wrap up users into a cocoon-like enclosure that recycles their body heat to keep them warm while sleeping. Alternatively, camping blankets are usually thinner, easier to travel with, and better suited to handle water, sand, and dirt. Camping blankets are typically made of more heavy-duty materials that allow users to throw them on dewy lawns or wet beaches without the worry of water damage. In terms of comfort, the combination of a high-quality sleeping bag and a first-rate camping blanket spells good things for your next camping trip.
What are camping blankets typically made of?
Common materials for camping blankets include ripstop nylon, PVC, and polyester. These materials all provide excellent protection against water damage, stains, and rips. Some camping blankets also feature down filling to make them cozier and warmer for chilly nights out at the campsite.
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