Engaging in multi-day camping often involves spending time in cold conditions. While most campers prefer opting for different types of sleeping bags for the nights, some people still love to use camping blankets for sleeping, or as additional protection for emergencies, be it to get extra warmth around the fire, or to sit outside in open or just to have an additional layer of warmth while sleeping.
So which are the best camping blankets? Read on to find out.
Picking the best camping blankets for your trip can often be a challenging task. In this article, we will list out some of the best camping blankets available in the market. We will focus on wool and synthetic-fabric thermal blankets and also look at ultralight pocket blankets and emergency blankets. We will also will look at some of the most important factors to consider while picking the best camping blankets for your trip and share our top picks for each category.
List of the best wool and fleece camping blankets
Our picks for the best wool camping blankets and fleece camping blankets in the market.| Picture | Product | Size (LxW) Weight | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Pendleton Twin Camp Blanket with Carrier | 84” x 66” Wt.: 3.3 lbs. | Material: 86% premium wool, 14% cotton. Finished edges. Leather strap for carrying. Addl. Features: Made in the US. Dry Clean only. Waxed cotton layering for water resistance. High wool content means blanket is mildew, static and fire retardant. Available in Excellent, rustic vintage look. Backed by Pendleton Lifetime warranty. | |
  | Woolly Mammoth Explorer Wool blanket | 90” x 66” Wt.: 3.9 lbs. | Material: 80% premium virgin Merino wool, 20% synthetic acrylic fiber. Finished edges. Addl. Features: Double stitching on edges for durability. Dry Clean only. High wool content means blankets are mildew and fire retardant. Manufactured in India. Backed by a 30-day money back warranty. | |
  | EKTOS Wool Blanket | 90” x 66” Wt.: 4.4 lbs. | Material: 90% pure wool, 10% synthetic fibers. Loom woven with finished overlocked edges. Addl. Features: Hand or machine washable. High wool content means they are mildew, static and fire retardant. Manufactured in India. 100% Wool option also available. | |
  | Mambe Extreme Weather Polar Fleece Blanket | Small: 58” x 48” Wt.: 2.4 lbs. Large: 84” x 58” Wt. : 3.6 lbs. | Material: 300gsm 100% Polartec fleece on one side and waterproof Nylon on the other side that acts as a heat reflective lining. Addl. Features: Made in the US. Machine washable in cold water. Comes with a premium stuff sack for convenient storage and transport. Backed by a lifetime guarantee. | |
  | Utopia Bedding Polar-Fleece Thermal Blanket | King : 90” x 102” Wt.: 3.7 lbs. Queen : 95” x 90” Wt.: 2.9 lbs. Twin : 90” x 66” Wt.: 2.3 lbs | Material: 250gsm 100% Polyester brushed polar fleece. Double brushing makes it extra soft. Addl. Features: Machine washable in cold water. Double stitched around the edges for durability. Available in 4 plain colors. | |
  | Pratico Outdoors Premium Fleece Outdoor Blanket | 80” x 58” Wt.: 1.3 lbs. | Material: 220gsm 100% polar fleece with reinforced polyester back for water and wind resistance. Addl. Features: Premium model is Machine Washable. Includes carrying buckle & handle for easy transportation. A cheaper, standard version is also available. |
List of the best synthetic fabric camping blankets
A list of the best synthetic fabric camping blankets out there.| Picture | Product | Size (LxW) Weight | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Genuine US Military All Weather Poncho Liner Blanket | 82” x 62” Wt.: 1.3 lbs. | Material: Double-layered 100% Nylon on one side with 100% polyester on the other. Stitched sides. Addl. Features: Made in the US and army issued "Woobie" blanket. Comes with tie-out cords. Waterproof and Multi-purpose - can be used as a liner, poncho, tarp, shelter or hammock. Protects in extreme cold, rain and extreme heat. | |
  | Snugpak Jungle Blanket | 76” x 64” Wt.: 1.56 lbs. | Material: 100% Polyester water repellant fabric on outer side and anti-bacterial treated, travel soft insulated polyester on the inner side. Addl. Features: Windproof and waterproof with an antimicrobial treatment on the fabric. Comes with a compression sack and compresses to 6" x 6" for easy storage and transportation. | |
  | Voited Ripstop Outdoor Pillow Blanket | 80” x 54” Wt.: 1.9 lbs. | Material: 20D ripstop polyester REPREVE fabric with water and stain-resistant Teflon Eco-Elite coating. Recyled material and eco-friendly. Addl. Features: Versatile to be used as a pillow, blanket, sleep sack, even a poncho. Water and weather proof with 55-degree insulation. Machine Washable. Comes with a built-in stuff sack for easy transportation. Available in nine vibrant designs and colors. A costlier, warmer Voited CloudTouch blanket is also available from same manufacturer. Special Offer: Use the code GEARHOSE20 on Voited.com or Voited.eu to get 20% off. | |
  | Kelty Bestie Blanket | 75.5” x 42.5” Wt.: 1.2 lbs. | Material: 75D Polyester Taffeta on one side and 190T Poly Pungee liner on the other. 1" thick Addl. Features: Double stitched seam with cross wire stitching throughout. Water and weather proof with cloud loft insulation. Comes with a stuff sack for easy transportation. Available in four vibrant colors. Costlier, Shindig blanket is also available from the same manufacturer. | |
  | Therm-A-Rest Proton Blanket | 75” x 57” Wt.: 1.15 lbs. | Material: 20D ripstop polyester with a Thermacapture reflective coating on the inside for temperature control. Addl. Features: Water and weather-proof with hollow microfiber loft insulation. Tapered, weight-reducing shape and can snap to a quilt. Packs into its own pocket. | |
  | Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket | 80” x 54” Wt.: 1.1 lbs. | Material: 100% waterproof ripstop nylon, with 80% down and 20% feather filling. Addl. Features: Lightweight and packable to 12" x 5. Comes with a waterproof stuff sack.. Popper buttons allow it to also be worn like a poncho. Available in two vibrant colors. |
List of best pocket and emergency blankets
A list of the best pocket and emergency blankets out there on the market.| Picture | Product | Size (LxW) Weight | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0 | 63” x 44” Wt.: 0.22 lbs. | Material: 100% woven hyperlight nylon with a Satin, DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Addl. Features: US-patented, original pocket blanket design. Wind and Water proof, puncture resistant. The latest 2.0 model features integrated metallic corner weights that can act as stakes. Each to pack and comes with storage pouch. Available in two colors. Backed by a 1-year warranty on material and workmanship. | |
  | Montem Premium Pocket Blanket | 60” x 55” Wt.: 0.37 lbs. | Material: 100% ripstop polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Addl. Features: Water, mildew and puncture resistant. Features built-in corner pockets and loops for wind tie-out. Comes with attached storage pouch. Available in 4 vibrant colors. Backed by a one-year limited warranty. | |
  | Bearz Outdoor Compact Pocket Blanket | 55” x 60” Wt.: 0.50 lbs. | Material: 100% woven ripstop polyester fabric with water-resistant DWR coating. Addl. Features: Lightweight. Water, mildew and puncture resistant. Features stretchable corner looks. Comes with a storage pouch that also has a carabiner for easy carry. Available in 6 vibrant colors. | |
  | TITAN Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets | 82” x 52” Wt.: 0.10 lbs. | Material: Aluminized Mylar. Double sided and Reusable. Addl. Features: American, Vet owned business. Pack of 5 blankets, each blanket individually packed in a vacuum-sealed bag. Waterproof, windproof and preserve 90% of body heat. Can be used as blanket, reflector, poncho, ground cover and shelter. Backed by a lifetime warranty. | |
  | Kangaroo Emergency Thermal Blankets | 84” x 55” Wt.: 0.10 lbs. | Material: Thin, Aluminized Mylar. Disposable Addl. Features: Pack of 10 blankets. Made in China. Waterproof and windproof. Can be used as blanket, reflector, poncho, ground cover and shelter. Perfect for emergencies. | |
  | Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets | 82” x 52” Wt.: 0.12 lbs. | Material: Military grade Aluminized Mylar. Double sided and reusable Addl. Features: Pack of 4 blankets, with one extra space blanket free. Individually packed in zip-lock bags. Waterproof and windproof. Can be used as blanket, reflector, poncho, ground cover and shelter. Perfect for emergencies. Available in 8 vibrant colors. Backed by 100% money back guarantee. | |
  | Grabber All Weather Blanket | 84” x 60” Wt.: 0.79 lbs. | Material: Double Sided - waterproof Polyethylene on one side and reflective Aluminum on the other Addl. Features: Water and weather proof with grommets on each side. Works as a blanket, rain-shelter or a tarp. Available in four vibrant colors. |
Types of camping blankets
Before we delve deeper into the factors to consider while picking the best camping blankets, let us briefly look at the most common types of blankets used in camping and other outdoor activities:
- Wool blankets: Natural wool is one of the warmest material and wool blankets are probably the warmest camping blankets out there. They are however heavy and do not compress well beyond their size. Still, wool blankets are durable and can last a lifetime with proper use. Wool is naturally mildew, static and fire resistant. Wool blankets are relatively water and weather-proof, though they do wick moisture in wet weather and can take a long time to dry. Before the advent of sleeping bags and synthetic quilts, wool blankets were the go-to gear for warmth during camping and backpacking.
- Fleece blankets: Fleece is a synthetic polyester variant that has thermal properties to maintain warmth. It also absorbs body moisture to keep you dry. Fleece blankets are lighter than wool blankets and more packable. They are also reasonably water and weather resistant and relatively easy to maintain when compared to the wool blankets(most are machine washable). These factors make such blankets a popular choice for stadiums, picnics and family outdoor trips.
- Synthetic fabric blankets: Synthetic fabric blankets are generally made of polyester, nylon or their ripstop versions, which are more tear resistant and durable. The fabric is weatherproof and dries quickly. Such blankets are useful in cold as well as rain and warm weather. Most of the options that we listed are versatile and can also be used as ponchos, liners, shelters or tarps. They are often used as summer camping alternatives to the heavier sleeping bags. Some of them can, however, be inflammable, so have to be kept away from the fire.
- Pocket blankets: Pocket blankets are variants of synthetic fabric blankets and generally made of proprietary ripstop polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for water protection. Such blankets are not very warm, but provide excellent water and wind protection. And they are very lightweight and packable enough to carry in a pocket. This makes them suitable for picnics, beaches and outdoor parties.
- Emergency blankets: Emergency or space blankets as they are sometimes called are made from Aluminized Mylar, a material that was built specifically for NASA space exploration. Mylar is water and weatherproof, though it is not as durable as other materials. Such blankets are characterized by extremely lightweight, compact with a reflecting surface and are perfect for emergency situations. You should always consider carrying a few with you for distress situations.
As discussed above, wool and fleece blankets make excellent cold weather camping blankets, while synthetic fabric, pocket, and emergency blankets are decent all-weather choices. In the next sections, we look at how you can pick the best camping blankets for your next outdoor trip and share our top picks for each type of blanket.
How to pick from the best camping blankets for yourself?
Picking from the best camping blankets can often be a challenging task. Depending on the weather, purpose, and preference, you can opt for woolen, fabric or ultralight blanket. In addition to these considerations, there are a few factors that are worth considering before picking the best camping blanket for your next wilderness adventure. These major factors are listed below:
- Building material of the blanket
- Size and weight of the blanket
- Weather support provided by the blanket
- Accessories and miscellaneous considerations
Building material of the blanket
The building material of the camping blanket is an important criteria to consider. Typically, for woolen and fleece blankets, the percentage of wool/fleece in the blanket can indicate how warm the blanket would be. However, a higher percentage of wool means that the blanket would wick moisture and can get damp quickly. To avoid this, blankets such as Pendleton Twin Camp Blanket contain a layer of waxed cotton on them. This layer helps in making the blanket weatherproof.
The nylon and polyester fabric blankets have a distinct advantage of being reasonably lightweight and still provide protection against inclement weather conditions be it extreme cold or extreme heat. These blankets are also waterproof and dry very quickly.
The ultralight blankets are generally made up of high-grade ripstop polyester making them very lightweight and collapsible to fit in a pocket. The exception to this is TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets which is made from proprietary Aluminized Mylar.
Check out the manufacturing material and fabric blend of the blanket before picking the best options for your needs.
Size and weight of the blanket
The size and weight of the blanket are often one of the most important considerations while choosing the most suitable camping blanket, especially if you are backpacking. Most people prefer to go for large-sized blankets which are around 6 feet in length. Blankets such as Utopia Bedding Polar-Fleece Thermal Blanket and Pendleton Camp Blankets offer multiple sizes. Fabric blankets are generally twin sized and can provide cover to two people. Lightweight pocket blankets are generally smaller in size and can suitably provide cover to one person only.
The weight of the blanket is also important, but largely dependent upon the purpose for which the blanket is being purchased. Woolen blankets are considerably heavier with the weight going up to 3.5 pounds. Fabric and polyester all-weather blankets such as Genuine US Military All Weather Poncho Liner Blanket weigh no more than 1.5 pounds. Pocket blankets are the lightest of all, with the weight as low as 1.6 ounces for one TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket. They are, however, not the ones that can provide you the warmth you would need during a cold night in the wilderness.
Weather support provided by the blanket
The woolen/fleece blankets are primarily cold weather blankets, because of the content of wool and fleece. These blankets are also generally not totally waterproof as wool/fleece tends to absorb moisture. Smart design improvements have, however, made such blankets considerably weatherproof by providing an external coating on the surface of the blanket. All weather blankets can typically be used in all weathers, including rain as they are waterproof and summer where they act to protect the user against heat. The ultralight pocket blankets are also generally waterproof and weatherproof as they too tend to work by preserving body heat.
For serious camping or backpacking, look at getting a wool, fleece or synthetic fabric blanket and put in a pocket or emergency blanket as a backup.
Accessories and miscellaneous considerations
Some camping blankets come with useful accessories which make them comfortable to store and use for all outdoor activities such as camping, beach, sports watching etc. Most pocket blankets come with carrying pouch and contain corner pockets and loops (and hinges) for windy conditions.
Also, most all weather and pocket blankets are double-sided such as the Grabber All Weather Blanket and TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket
In addition, some blankets offer usages beyond using them as camping blankets. For example Genuine US Military All Weather Poncho Liner Blanket can be used as a jacket liner, shelter or even a hammock. Similarly, TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets can be used for ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, ponchos, tarps, and shade.
Which are the best camping blankets and what our picks are?
Pendleton Twin Camp Blanket with Carrier review – Editor’s choice pick for the best wool blankets for camping
Pendleton Twin Camp Blanket comes with more than 150 years of tradition of manufacturing woollen blankets. The Camp blanket is made of 86% wool, mixed with 14 % cotton to provide maximum heat with the comfort of cotton.
The twin sized blanket is 84-inch x 66-inch in size making it comfortable for 2 persons to fit in. The blanket is around 0.25 inches thick, so can function as a replacement for a sleeping bag in cold weather conditions.
The waxed cotton layering on the blanket allows weatherproof usage of the blanket. You can even place the blanket on a slightly damp ground. In addition, the leather carrier available with the blanket is made of soft genuine leather with a very nice touch and feel.
Mambe Extreme Weather Polar Fleece Blanket review – Editor’s choice pick for the best fleece camping blanket
If you are looking for a high-performance cold weather fleece blanket that can keep you warm, then look no further than the Mambe Extreme Weather Polar Fleece Blanket. This blanket is specifically designed to help your body retain the heat and remain warm in cold weather conditions on camping trips, outdoor picnics or stadiums.
This made in the US, all-purpose blanket is made with 100% genuine, super-soft 300GSM PolarTec fleece on one side, with an innovative fully- windproof and waterproof, heat reflective Nylon on the other side. This setup helps you stay dry and warm and maintain your body temperature even on the coldest nights in the outdoors.
The Mambe Extreme Weather blanket is available in small and large sizes. The Small sized blanket has dimensions of 58 x 48 inches and weighs a tad lower than 2.5 lbs. The Large blanket is 84 x 58 inches and weighs a manageable 3.6 lbs. The blanket is available in eight vibrant colors, so you have a lot of options to pick from.
The Mambe Extreme Weather blanket is machine washable and dries quickly. Just make sure you wash it alone in cold water settings. Furthermore, the Mambe blanket comes with a storage sack for easy transportation and is backed by a limited lifetime.
And if you are looking for a poncho-style fleece blanket, do not forget to check out the Mambe Extreme Weather Hooded Blanket, which is also 100% waterproof and windproof and excellent for all-weather camping.
Genuine US Military All Weather Poncho Liner Blanket review – Editor’s choice pick for best all-weather camping blanket
Genuine US Military All Weather Poncho Liner Blanket, popularly known as the “Woobie”, is an official US Military all-weather gear available to general public. The blanket is made with two layers of high-grade nylon with Genuine U.S Military Issued poncho liner made with polyester. The blanket is stitched along the sides and crosswise to make it extremely durable.
The blanket is 82-inch x 62-inch in size, making it suitable for two persons. The blanket is pretty light and weighs only 1.3 pounds.
The blanket offers multiple uses like using it as a jacket liner, tarp, shelter or even a hammock. The blanket offers protection against extreme heat as well as extreme cold and dries quickly when wet, making it the best choice for all weather conditions, including rain.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0 review – Editor’s choice pick for the best pocket camping blanket
Matador is credited with bringing pocket blankets to the fore for camping, picnics, beaches and other outdoor activities and the Matador 2.0 Pocket Blanket is a worthy flag-bearer for these types of lightweight camping blankets.
The Matador 2.0 is made from patented 100% ripstop hyperlight nylon fabric with a satin, durable water repellent (DWR) finish. This techno-material makes the blanket water repellent and puncture resistance while being extremely light in weight. Each blanket is 63 x 44 inches and weighs a mere 3.2 ounces (0.22 pounds).
The latest Matador pocket blanket model features integrated corner weights (rust-proof metal stakes) that are hidden and can be stretched out and pinned to act as stakes. This makes the blanket a perfect choice for beaches and other outdoor places with windy conditions. The blanket comes with an integrated storage pouch with stitching done along the folding points to make it extremely easy to pack.
The Matador blanket is available in two vibrant colors – Original Red and Alpine Green. The Matador 2.0 is backed by a 1-year warranty on material and workmanship.
TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket review
TITAN Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blanket set comes with 5 survival blankets, each weighing as little as 0.10 pound (1.6 ounces). Each blanket is individually packed in its own zip-lock bag inside a larger zip-lock package. Each emergency survival blanket is double sided and made with aluminized Mylar.
Each blanket measures 82-inch x 52-inch and is 12u thick. The blanket is both weather and waterproof. Its unique manufacturing makes it tear resistant as well.
Originally designed by NASA for space exploration, these blankets can be used for ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, ponchos, tarps, and shade and can retain up to 90% of user’s body heat. The blanket is perfect for emergency situations in which immediate warmth or protection from inclement weather conditions is required.
Helpful Tip: It is worthwhile to carry a survival pocket blanket during the cold season, even if you are not going to use it. Such a blanket can provide immediate protection from cold in inclement weather conditions.
Camping Blankets Vs Sleeping Bags
You would often have to take a call on whether to carry a camping blanket or a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. In fact, before sleeping bags became popular, wool blankets were the sleeping gear of choice. Nowadays, it is generally a split between the two as both of these types have their relative advantages.
While a full comparison would warrant an article on its own, let us briefly look at some of the basic considerations before deciding the sleeping cover to use.
Sleeping bags tend to provide better insulation and protection against drafts and cold spots with their enclosed design and hoods and all. Moreover, because of their closed-bound design, they offer better protection against mosquitos and critters.
Camping blankets are less restrictive (especially if you are a side-sleeper) and generally more durable(there is no zipper and insulation does not lump to one place). Syntehtic camping blankets are lighter too. Furthermore, Wool blankets are especially useful in wet weather as they dry reasonably quickly and are fire resistant.
So if you are looking for a warm weather camping or backpacking trip, you are better-off carrying a lightweight synthetic blanket and sleeping pad instead of a sleeping bag. But if you are in for a cold-weather trip with chilly nights, you should consider carrying a adequately-rated sleeping bag.
Final thoughts on best camping blankets
To have maximum fun during your camping or hiking trip, keeping yourself comfortable in whatever weather you encounter is important. Camping blankets are an excellent item to supplement your clothes and sleeping bags to manage the body temperature in different weather conditions. Some of these blankets are also useful for outdoor trips, beaches, picnics, stadiums and other outdoor activities.
In this article, we looked at some of the best camping blankets available in the market. We looked the different types of camping blankets – wool and fleece blankets as thermal camping blankets, synthetic blankets as all-weather blankets and pocket and emergency blankets as lightweight blankets for camping and emergency situations. We also looked at some the factors to consider while picking the best option as per your needs and preference and shared our top picks.
We hope that you found this article useful. Do let us know how you found this article and if you would want us to consider anything else. Until then, have a great sleep in your favorite blanket!
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