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Best Camping Blankets

Updated March 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
USGI Industries Woobie Blanket
USGI Industries
Woobie Blanket
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Durable & Versatile
Bottom Line

This military-grade survival blanket provides warmth and protection from most weather elements.

Pros

Made of polyester and nylon. Nylon is tightly woven and reinforced with wave patterns that allow for quick drying. Great insulation. Includes a military-style compression stuff pack. Can be used for various outdoor activities, such as a canopy, hammock insulator, etc.

Cons

Some complain it takes up space even when compressed.

Best Bang for the Buck
REDCAMP Large Waterproof Stadium Blanket
REDCAMP
Large Waterproof Stadium Blanket
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Affordable water- and wind-proof camping blanket that will protect you from the elements.

Pros

Available in multiple colors for a budget-friendly price. Features a fleece side and a side with oxford material. Includes 4 anti-slip loops. Repels water and wind. Great for spending time outdoors and machine-washable.

Cons

May be difficult to wash. Some users found it better for sitting on than for warmth.

Kelty Bestie Blanket
Kelty
Bestie Blanket
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Great for Casual Cozying
Bottom Line

A comfortable blanket that is great for casual relaxation.

Pros

Soft, comfortable underside that does not slide. Compresses into an easy-stuff sack. Decent at holding spills and easy to clean. Great for both indoors and outdoors. Front-loading machine-washable.

Cons

Blanket runs small. Not weatherproof and easily collects hair.

Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
Get Out Gear
Down Camping Blanket
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Light & Cozy
Bottom Line

A packable outdoor blanket that is portable and super light without giving up coziness.

Pros

Available in several colors. Weighs 1 pound and includes a bag to store it in. Nylon material protects you from wind, and the blanket is filled with 650 fill power down insulation for added warmth. Includes snaps. Resists water. Super convenient for any outdoor activity.

Cons

Some users didn't think there was enough filling—blanket is thin. Expensive.

Down Under Outdoors Large Waterproof Extra Thick Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket
Down Under Outdoors
Large Waterproof Extra Thick Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket
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Extra-Warm Comfort
Bottom Line

From cold camping to outdoor sporting events, this fleece-lined blanket will keep you warm and toasty.

Pros

Large, heavy-duty blanket measuring 82 inches by 55 inches. Available in 3 colors. Polyester backing is wind-resistant and features a moisture-blocking barrier to protect your clothes or furniture from spills. A discreet pocket is great for storing valuables. Machine-washable and has anti-pilling material.

Cons

This blanket is rather bulky and may be difficult to fold up or transport.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
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Buying guide for Best camping blankets

Getting a good night’s sleep is important even when you’re on a camping trip. While many campers give careful consideration to sleeping bags and air mattresses, they often forget to pack a high-quality camping blanket to stay warm.

Even if you’re camping in mild weather, it can get pretty cold inside a tent at night. Camping blankets are designed to keep you warm and cozy in the great outdoors. They can also withstand different types of weather, with many blankets offering a durable, water-resistant shell. The best camping blankets are easy to pack, so they won’t weigh down your backpack if you’re hiking to your campsite.

On the hunt for a comfortable, warm camping blanket? You’ll need to figure out the right type of blanket, understand the different materials, and consider the weather to find the ideal camping blanket for your next trip.

Camping blanket
If you have allergies or skin sensitives, a hypoallergenic fleece camping blanket is your best option. These blankets are much less likely to irritate your skin than wool, acrylic, nylon, or polyester.

How to buy the best camping blanket

Camping blanket types

Different types of camping blankets are suitable for different camping conditions. Lightweight camping blankets are incredibly easy to pack and won’t weigh down your backpack. They work well not only for camping but hiking, picnics, and other outdoor activities. These blankets are usually extremely warm and can even replace sleeping bags for camping trips.

Sleeping quilts feature an ultralight design that makes them easier to pack for camping trips than sleeping bags. They’re similar but lack the hood and back of sleeping bags, allowing them to take up much less space in your pack. Despite their lightweight design, many sleeping quilts can work in three seasons, providing warmth even in temperatures as low as 20 degrees.

Emergency blankets aren’t generally used for sleeping at night. Instead, they help prevent heat loss in situations where it’s difficult for your body to regulate its temperature on its own. They’re usually made of Mylar and fold down to an extremely thin size. They work best as first-aid blankets on camping trips.

What weather are you camping in?

The weather you’re camping in plays a critical role in what type of camping blanket is best suited for your trip. When you’re camping in cold weather, you’ll want a heavy camping blanket that can keep you warm even in low temperatures. To stay comfortable, you won’t want to sweat under your blanket, though. That’s why a camping blanket that’s highly insulating but moisture-wicking is best.

In warmer weather, you’ll want a lightweight camping blanket that provides some insulation and protection from bugs and the elements. Your blanket should also be lightweight and moisture-wicking so you remain comfortable on your camping trips.

In rainy weather, it’s crucial to have a waterproof camping blanket that keeps you from getting wet and cold. Moisture-wicking materials are also a good option.

Camping blanket materials

Camping blankets come in various materials that work in many conditions. The most common materials for camping blankets include:

  • Wool: As far as natural materials go, you won’t find an option warmer than wool. Wool blankets are moisture-wicking to move moisture away from the skin and can even provide effective insulation when wet. That’s why they work especially well when camping in wet conditions. They’re fire-resistant, too, which can be an important safety benefit at a campsite. Wool can be scratchy, though, so it may irritate sensitive skin. Look for a Merino wool blanket to avoid itchiness.
  • Cotton: Cotton blankets are usually very soft and comfortable against the skin, but they’re not moisture-wicking and can get very heavy when wet. Cotton is also flammable, so it can be a safety risk when camping. Some blankets feature a blend of cotton and synthetic materials, which is typically a better option for camping.
  • Fleece: Fleece is a synthetic material designed as an alternative to wool. Fleece blankets are warm and insulating like wool and can wick away moisture. However, unlike wool blankets, they dry quickly when wet and have a lightweight feel. Fleece is highly flammable, though, making it a safety risk around campfires.
  • Polyester: Polyester is a fire-resistant synthetic material, making it a great option for camping blankets. Polyester blankets are incredibly lightweight and highly insulating even when wet. They’re also moisture-wicking and highly durable, so they work well for most types of weather.
  • Acrylic: Acrylic is another moisture-wicking synthetic material that can keep you dry and comfortable. Acrylic blankets are stain- and mildew-resistant but also extremely flammable, so you have to take care when using them around campfires.
  • Nylon: Nylon is one of the strongest synthetic materials and offers some heat resistance. It’s waterproof, too, making it an ideal option for camping in wet conditions. You can also find blankets made of nylon ripstop, which is tear-resistant. 
  • Mylar: Emergency and safety blankets feature this foil-like material. It’s lightweight and easy to pack. It’s also very effective for trapping body heat in hazardous conditions. 
st1-camping blanket
Staff Tip
Your camping blanket can also serve as a sunscreen or windscreen for your campsite. This can be very helpful if you’re having trouble lighting your campfire.
Staff
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Features of camping blankets

Size

Camping blankets are available in several sizes. Most are large enough to fit the average adult comfortably, but there’s still some variation. For example, some camping blankets are as large as a queen-size mattress, with a width of about 55 inches, so you can easily wrap them around your body. However, the smallest blankets are typically 42 inches, so they may not fully wrap around your body to trap heat.

If you usually go camping with your partner, you may want to look into a double or two-person blanket. These blankets are generally 69 to 72 inches wide, so they easily cover two people. Keep in mind that double blankets are often heavier, though, so they aren’t as easy to pack. You’ll also pay more for two-person blankets.

Weight and ease of packing

Some camping blankets are very lightweight and compact so that you can fold them easily for packing. These blankets are ideal if you’ll be biking or backpacking on your camping trip. You can find blankets that weigh as little as one pound and roll up tight, so you can throw them in any backpack.

Larger blankets can weigh more than five pounds and take up more space inside your pack or bag. However, these blankets offer other benefits, such as highly durable materials and total water resistance.

Most blankets fall somewhere between these two extremes, weighing about two pounds and rolling up to a fairly compact size that won’t take up too much space in your backpack or bag. These blankets work well for most campers who aren’t backpacking or biking on their trip.

Waterproof

You never know when you might run into rain and other wet conditions on a camping trip. That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for a camping blanket with a waterproof finish. This is especially important if you plan to use your blanket outside your tent or any other shelter. A waterproof blanket won’t absorb any water, so it can keep you dry and won’t get too heavy when it’s time to pack it.

Durability

Many camping blankets feature a fabric shell that protects the internal layer of insulation, which helps improve the blanket’s durability. This ensures that your blanket can withstand many camping trips without tearing, ripping, or wearing down.

The strength or thickness of a blanket’s fabric is measured in denier. The higher a blanket’s denier rating, the more durable it is. Some camping blankets feature up to a 75D rating, but these can be difficult to pack. For the most durable but still packable camping blankets, look for those with a rating between 20D and 50D.

You can find some camping blankets that can be worn as a poncho so you can keep your hands free. This makes it easy to do things around your campsite while staying warm.

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Accessories for camping blankets

Camping cots

Sleeping on the floor of a tent can be uncomfortable, particularly if you have a bad back or are camping on rough, rocky ground. A camping cot elevates you off the ground to make you more comfortable, provide more support, and offer better air circulation.

Camping sleeping pads

If you don’t want to pack a heavier cot for your trip, a camping sleeping pad can provide some cushioning from the floor of your tent to make you more comfortable. A sleeping pad also provides additional insulation to warm you in a cold tent.

Camping hammocks

If you really want to experience the beauty of nature on your camping trip, sleeping outside with your camping blanket allows you to look up at the stars as you drift off. A camping hammock is a perfect place to sleep in mild weather with your camping blanket.

2-camping blanket
Did You Know?
Some camping blankets feature a pouch at the bottom that you can tuck your feet into to keep them warm.
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How much do camping blankets cost?

Inexpensive

The most affordable camping blankets typically feature fabrics like cotton, fleece, or other non-waterproof materials. You can also find some thinner nylon, polyester, or other water-resistant blankets in this price range. However, these blankets aren’t usually warm enough for camping in cold weather. Inexpensive camping blankets generally cost between $30 and $60.

Mid-range

Mid-range camping blankets are usually made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, so they offer some water resistance. You can also find some wool blankets in this price range that can work well in wet conditions, too. These camping blankets generally cost between $60 and $175.

Expensive

The most expensive camping blankets are usually extremely lightweight, compression styles that are easy to pack. Despite their lightweight design, they offer quite a bit of insulation, so they work well in colder conditions. They’re highly waterproof and durable, too. These camping blankets generally cost between $175 and $400.

Tips

  • Layer your camping blankets for extra warmth. It can be a good idea to bring a couple of blankets on your trip so that you can add a second – or third – blanket if you find one is not enough to keep you warm at night.
  • Roll up your camping blanket for use as a pillow. That way you don’t have to bring separate pillows, but you’ll still be comfortable at night. You can even use your rolled-up blanket as a cushion for your feet or under your knees.
  • Use compression bags to pack and store your camping blankets. If you’re concerned about fitting your blanket into your pack or bag, these storage bags can reduce the amount of space that a camping blanket takes up. They can also be helpful when you’re storing your blankets at the end of the season.
Blanket camping
Camping blankets aren’t just for camping trips. They also double as excellent picnic blankets.

FAQ

Q. How warm are camping blankets?

A. It depends on the blanket you choose. Some camping blankets feature insulation that makes them warm enough for very cold weather, while others are thin and lightweight, making them a better choice for mild weather.

Q. How should I wash a camping blanket?

A. Always consult the care label on your blanket to determine the proper way to clean it. Most camping blankets are machine-washable, so you can wash them just as you would other blankets. Some wool blankets may not be safe for the washer, though, and may require dry cleaning or hand-washing.

Q. What’s the best way to fold a camping blanket for packing?

A. Some camping blankets are designed to be highly packable, so they’re lightweight and compressible. That means you can fold the blanket as you would most bedding, but it compresses to a much smaller size for easy packing. If your blanket isn’t as small as you’d like or isn’t compressible, rolling it up is often the best way to maximize space in your backpack or duffel bag.