Whether you’re stargazing in the backyard or hanging at camp on a chilly morning, a blanket is a great way to stay cozy. But you don’t have to drag your comforter from home outside – the blankets on this list are packable, durable, and made to shed debris and dirt for using outdoors!
Our team has tested over 30 camping blankets on over 100 nights in every season of the year to narrow down the best blankets when it comes to price, weight, warmth, and material. We own and test every blanket on this list, using them extensively on trips throughout the year. From lounging around the campfire to concerts at the park, the blankets on this list can do it all, and we’re certain you’ll find your new favorite for all your outdoor adventures.
If you need a new throne for chilling with your blanket, plop down in one of our favorite camping chairs, or get your swing on in a top-tier hammock. For the ultimate lounge fest, add in a camping pillow for unparalleled comfort.
Quick Picks for Camping Blankets
Check out this quick list of our favorite camping blankets if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Best camping blanket overall: Rumpl Original Puffy ($125-1 person / $220-2 person)
Most affordable down blanket: Horizon Hound Trek ($70)
Versatile, waterproof blanket: Oceas Sherpa Fleece ($60)
Luxurious wool blankets: Pendleton Yakima ($149) & National Parks ($349)
Best picnic blanket: Nomadix Festival ($70)
Best budget wool blanket: EKTOS 100% Wool ($75)
Best lightweight camping blanket: Therm-a-Rest Stellar ($100)
Best camp rug: NEMO Victory Patio Blanket ($100-M / $140-L)
Best beach/river blanket: CGear Sandlite ($75-M, $90-L)
Best travel blanket: Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Puffy ($95)
Stylish wool-blend blanket: Sackcloth & Ashes ($120 – 140)
Best poncho: Poler The Poncho ($100)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been snuggled up around the campfire night after night, testing the most promising new camping blankets against our time-tested favorites. This list has seen some big changes:
- The warm, durable and water repellent Rumpl Original Puffy takes the top spot as an excellent value camping blanket with tons of upbeat patterns and colorways.
- When it comes to the best bang for your buck, the Horizon Hound Trek Blanket is one of the most affordable, lightweight, and versatile options on this list – snaps on the sides allow you to wear this blanket like a poncho.
- We’re big fans of the waterproof and wind-resistant Oceas Sherpa Fleece Blanket as a stellar option for picnics or concerts on wet grass or blustery evenings at camp.
- We added the heavy and ultra-cozy EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket as a warm, durable all-wool blanket at an outstanding price.
Rumpl Original Puffy
Best camping blanket overall
Price: $125 – 1 person / $220 – 2 person
Weight: 2.1 lb. / 3.7 lb. (1 Person/2 Person)
Pros
- Excellent value
- Warm
- Durable materials
- Water repellent
- Machine washable
- A ton of color / pattern options
- Lots of sizes
Cons
- Heavier than down blankets
- Packs a bit bulky vs down
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is like a cozy comforter that’s made for the outdoors. It’s highly resistant to moisture and dirt, so it easily sheds spills, debris, or pet hair with a quick shake. We like this blanket for wrapping up in camp or to use on top of a summer sleeping bag for extra warmth when temperatures dip. While there are more packable blankets out there, the Original is still pretty lightweight and convenient enough for most car camping situations, and it’s easy to fit the Original back into it’s large-enough stuff sack. It’s no wonder the Original Puffy is an industry favorite – it’s affordable for the quality, and it comes in a huge variety of attractive colors from subdued to bright.
Pros
- Affordable
- Warm
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Converts to a poncho with snaps
- Packs small
- Water resistant
- Excellent stuff sack
Cons
- Not as durable as some
- Down requires special care
Down has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any material, but high-quality down products can be costly. That’s why we were pumped to find the Horizon Hound Trek Blanket for such an affordable price! This blanket is incredibly warm when it’s fluffed up. But, it packs down small into an excellent stuff sack with a roll-top and snap closure for ease of compression, and only weighs a pound so you can take it anywhere. We also love that it has snaps down the front so you can wear it poncho-style if you need your hands free and don’t want to step out of the cozy cocoon that is the Hound Trek. With so much versatility for such a great price, we think everyone should own a Trek Blanket. It also makes a really great gift. If you don’t mind paying a bit more, you can also get the GR-20 blanket (1 lb. 6 oz.), which is stuffed with more down to keep you even warmer in cooler conditions.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Soft and cozy fleece
- Easy to roll up and store
Cons
- Crinkly sound
- A bit bulky
- Debris clings to fleece
The Oceas Sherpa Fleece Blanket is one of our all-time favorites because it’s waterproof for use as a groundcover, cozy for bundling up, and awesomely affordable! This Editor’s Pick took a little getting used to at first since the waterproof lining makes it a bit crinkly and noisy, but the more we used it, the more we fell in love with it. We keep this blanket in the car to protect the seats and warm the dog up after rainy hikes. It’s also awesome for picnics in the park and concerts on damp grass, or as windproof insulation over a camping chair. The one downside is that debris can stick to the fleece, so the Oceas Sherpa isn’t necessarily our go-to for heavily forested or wooded areas, but it’s easy enough to clean it up once you’re home since it’s machine washable.
Pendleton Yakima Camp
Luxurious wool blankets
Price: $189 (Twin) / $259 (Queen)
Weight: 4.68 lb. / 6.5 lb. (Twin/Queen)
Pros
- Very warm
- Stylish designs
- Large (perfect for sharing)
- Odor-resistant
- Very high quality construction
- Versatile for patio or campsite
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Very expensive
- Debris clings
- Wool requires dry cleaning
The Pendleton Yakima is an Editor’s Pick, because it’s what we consider a forever blanket – the type you use for many years, then pass down as a family heirloom. The wool is the best in the industry: an extraordinarily heavy and thick blend that’s warm but highly breathable, so this blanket is always the perfect temperature whether it’s a breezy night under the stars or a cold, windy, stormy evening. We love our Yakima Blanket so much that we carry it from room to room at home, whether we’re lounging on the porch or curling up in front of the TV. We’re also huge fans of the National Parks Blankets, which are made from even finer wool. Both of these beautiful blankets are expensive (and high maintenance) to be dragging around a dirty campsite, but they’re phenomenal for outfitting your van or cabin. We’re also willing to bet you’ll look past any downsides and take your blanket outdoors anyway after you fall in love. We did! Pendleton blankets are just that good.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Durable
- Machine Washable
- Water resistant
- Bright colorways
- Corner loops for stakes in high winds
Cons
- No stuff sack or closure
- Not as warm as some
- Smaller dimensions than others on this list
If you’re in the market for a great groundcover blanket to stay comfy while relaxing at the park or the beach, check out the Nomadix Festival Blanket. It has a soft, stylish top layer that’s just satiny enough that debris won’t cling to it. And the underside is made with black water-resistant material, so you’ll stay dry and never have to deal with grass stains. We also like that it has loops in the corners so you can use stakes to keep it in place, which is perfect for windy days at the beach or when there’s a lot of activity around your blanket. The Festival Blanket folds down small enough to easily pack in a picnic basket or tote bag, so we often keep it in the car or a go-bag for adventures. We wish that it had some kind of closure to keep it rolled up when not in use, but it’s easy enough to use a simple elastic band as a strap.
EKTOS 100% Wool
Best budget wool blanket
Price: $75 (often on sale for less)
Weight: 5 lb.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Affordable
- Warm
- Durable
- Large
- Versatile for camp, RV, or home
Cons
- Heavy
- Scratchier than some wool
- Debris clings
When it comes to wool blankets at a stellar price, you won’t find a better deal than the EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket. This thing is seriously warm and durable, and it’s a steal for the price considering it’s made with quality, natural fibers. It’s big and heavy, which makes it feel very protective and comforting, although it’s sheer bulk is its biggest downside – at about 5 pounds, it’s not a small or lightweight option. That said, it’s awesomely versatile. The texture also helps it stay put on top of a slippery sleeping bag at night. This blanket could be considered a tad scratchy compared to the Pendleton Yakima or Sackcloth & Ashes blankets, but it’s not a big deal unless your skin is really sensitive to wool. The EKTOS is an awesomely tough, utilitarian blanket that’s safe for use around the campfire – and it’s so affordable that you could outfit your whole crew on a budget.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Packs into its own pocket
- Machine washable
- Cinch cord at the foot
Cons
- Not as warm as some
- Not as durable as some
If you like the idea of having a cozy blanket to use around camp but also want to keep your gear streamlined, the Therm-a-Rest Stellar Blanket might be the perfect fit for you. It’s a little thinner than some other blankets, but we like that it’s not bulky, and we were pleasantly surprised by how warm it is. Like any high-performance, synthetic puffy jacket, this blanket uses hollow fibers to trap heat and disperse moisture, so it’s perfect for misty mornings and damp evenings, since it dries incredibly fast. We love that it packs into its own pocket so there’s no chance of losing the storage bag as well. The Stellar is an excellent value for the price and strikes a balance between luxury and minimalism for frontcountry trips. The Therm-a-Rest Juno is also great. It’s very similar to the Stellar, but it’s smaller and lighter weight (12.8 oz).
NEMO Victory Patio Blanket
Best camp rug
Price: $100 – M / $140 – L
Weight: 5 lb. 3 oz. / 7 lb. 2 oz.(M/L)
Pros
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Stash pocket for small items
- Bottle opener included on buckle
- Excellent roll up storage
Cons
- Expensive
- A bit heavy
The NEMO Victory Patio Blanket is the best choice on our list if you’re looking for a heavy-duty and waterproof blanket to use as a dedicated camp rug. It creates a clean and comfortable space to chill outside of your tent. And the corners of the Patio Blanket accept tent poles (not included), so you can use it as a base for a shade canopy. NEMO thought of everything with the Victory, namely a zippered stash pocket that’s perfect for containing your small items like sunglasses, keys, chapstick, and a lighter. The Patio Blanket is a little spendier than a basic ground cloth, but it’s worth the cost if you want something with an inviting texture that’s stylish and compact for easy transport. This blanket is super durable, so we expect it to handle a lot of foot traffic, UV exposure, and regular washing for years to come.
CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat
Best beach/river blanket
Price: $75 (Medium)
Weight: 1.7 lb. / 2.3 lb. (Small/Medium)
Pros
- Open weave allows sand to fall through
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as versatile as some
- Gets wet on damp ground
If you’re a beach bum or river rat, you’ll appreciate the unique CGear Sandlite Mat. It’s designed to let small sand and dirt particles fall through, so you can stay comfortable and grit-free while you relax. So, if the kids or dog come bombing in to disturb your sunbathing, all you have to do is brush the mat with your hand to clear the chaos. And the Sand-Free Mat is made with lightweight material with an open weave, so it won’t absorb moisture or get mildewy if it’s not 100% dry before you toss it in your trunk.
Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Puffy
Best travel blanket
Price: $95
Weight: 0.7 lb.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Very compact
- Warm
- Water repellent
- Machine washable
Cons
- Small
- A bit expensive
We like the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Puffy Blanket because it’s efficient and super compact. This handy blanket is made with tiny clusters of synthetic fiber that perform similarly to down. It packs into a stuff sack roughly the size of a Nalgene Bottle, so it’s easy to stash in your backpack or travel bag. And the lap-size dimensions make it really convenient for flights, the car, camp, or anywhere you find yourself needing a little extra insulation. Larger NanoLoft Blankets are also available. They’re excellent but more expensive than some of our other full-size faves.
Sackcloth & Ashes
Stylish wool-blend blanket
Price: $120 – 140 (depending on pattern)
Weight: 3 lb.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Stylish designs
- Warm and soft
Cons
- More expensive than basic wool blankets
- Debris clings
- Frills can bunch and fray
Sackcloth & Ashes Mountain Blankets are very warm for how lightweight they are, and the blend of wool and recycled materials is super soft and cozy. They also have a ton of style and are designed by artists, so they look just as great in your home as they do in your campsite. Plus, your purchase helps a great cause – for every blanket purchased, Sackcloth & Ashes donates a blanket to a local houseless shelter. It’s a win-win! Sackcloth blankets are a great happy medium for anyone that wants the luxuriousness of a Pendleton Blanket, but needs something that’s easier to care for and has a more approachable price.
This product is no longer available.
What’s Most Important to You in a Camping Blanket?
PRICE
There’s no way around it: some of the camping blankets on our list are spendy, but they’re well worth the cost if you’ll use them a lot. A high quality blanket is a camping staple and will last for many years of enjoyment with minimal care. However, you’ll see below that there are excellent options to fit any budget – you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get the cozy blanket of your dreams.
Best value blankets
- Rumpl Original Puffy
- Horizon Hound Trek
- Therm-a-Rest Stellar
- NEMO Victory Patio Blanket
- Sackcloth & Ashes
Best budget blankets
Best high-end blankets
WARM BLANKETS VS. GROUNDSHEETS
The term ‘camping blanket’ can mean multiple things. Some folks will think of a warm, insulating blanket to snuggle up in while stargazing, while others think more of a picnic blanket that you lay on the ground at the beach or on a lawn. Most of the blankets we tested are good for one or the other, but occasionally a blanket fits into both categories.
Best warm blankets
- Rumpl Original Puffy
- Horizon Hound Trek
- Pendleton Yakima / National Parks
- EKTOS 100% Wool
- Therm-a-Rest Stellar
Best ground cloth blankets
Works well for warmth & groundcover
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
Weight isn’t our top concern for car camping, although heavier blanekts are usually more bulky. That said, if you’ve got the room in your car and in storage, a big heavy blanket can be super luxurious. But if you plan to carry your blanket any significant distance or you’re tight on space, go with a blanket that’s lightweight and small for portability.
Best light/compact blankets
Medium weight/size blankets
Heavier/bulkier blankets
MATERIAL
Most camping blankets are made with synthetic materials that are durable, quick-drying, and low cost. Synthetic fabrics can also be waterproof or can mimic down for efficient warmth, although they tend to be heavier and bulkier. Down blankets provide the best warmth for the weight and pack down small for portability, although the down requires special care that synthetic and wool blankets don’t. Wool blankets tend to be heavier and bulkier, but they’re great for thermoregulation, resistant to odors, and naturally flame retardant – a big plus for those who like to hover around a campfire.
Best synthetic blankets
- Rumpl Original Puffy
- Oceas Sherpa Fleece
- Nomadix Festival
- NEMO Victory Patio
- Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Puffy
- CGear Sandlite
Best down blankets
Best wool-blend blankets
RUMPL ORIGINAL PUFFY – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
PENDLETON YAKIMA & NATIONAL PARKS BLANKETS – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
SACKCLOTH & ASHES – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
NEMO VICTORY PATIO BLANKET – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
Horizon Hound Trek – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
THE PONCHO FROM POLER – Photo credit: Heather Eldridge
Critical Camping Blanket Considerations
BLANKETS VS. SLEEP SYSTEMS
The camping blankets on this list are made for bundling up or to use as a barrier on the ground. If you’re looking for a sleep system, our Best Sleeping Bags (backpacking / camping) or Best Backpacking Quilts lists can help you find what you need.
DWR
Many of the blankets on this list have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment that causes water to bead up on the outside rather than soak in. DWR will wear off and need to be reapplied over time, but it’s a nice feature to have. DWR alone won’t make a blanket anywhere near waterproof, but it does add a little extra protection. If you’re re-treating a down blanket, make sure you use a treatment that’s made specifically for down.
STORAGE
Never store a down (or synthetic down) blanket compressed. Always take it out of its stuff sack, fluff it up, and store it in a dry location. You can simply fold your blanket, hang it up, or keep it in a large stuff sack with room to spread out. Storing your blanket in a compressed state can damage the insulation and hurt its ability to hold heat over time.
WASHING DOWN
Down is a durable material, but it loses some of its efficiency when it gets oily or dirty over time. A good wash will refresh your down blanket and make it like new. Use a special soap like Nikwax Down Direct or a gentle non-detergent to wash your blanket by hand or in a front-loading washing machine.
After it’s washed, take your time tumble-drying it on low heat in the dryer. Adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer will help break up clumps in the down and redistribute it evenly. For more details on down care, visit our How to Repair, Wash, Store, & Care For Your Sleeping Bag.
WASHING WOOL
Wool is highly durable, but it can shrink or get misshapen if washed improperly. Wash your blanket with a wool-friendly detergent like Woolite that’s free of enzymes or bleach. You can expect a little shedding and shrinkage the first few times.
Use cold water to hand wash your blanket in a bathtub, or use a delicate cycle in a washing machine without a center agitator. Air dry your wool blanket by hanging it or laying it on a flat surface. After it’s 100% dry, you can use your dryer’s spin cycle with NO HEAT to remove loose fibers and make it softer. You can also dry clean wool blankets if you want to prolong their life.
We’re happy to share our experience to help you narrow down the best blankets for you and your lifestyle.
Honorable Camping Blanket Mentions
The following camping blankets didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these blankets might be perfect for you:
A super portable groundsheet to keep you clean and dry wherever you go. It’s basic but very compact as well as affordable.
Another great warm and lightweight down blanket with a water-repellent coating. It costs significantly less than other down puffy blankets, but it’s still quite a bit more than the Horizon Hound Trek.
A high-quality and durable waterproof groundsheet that’s a bit too expensive for its limited use.
