10 Best Camping Blankets of 2025

To help you choose your perfect camping blanket, we tested 12 products including those from popular outdoor brands such as Rumpl, REI, Yeti, Therm-a-Rest, and Nemo. 

While focusing on durability, warmth ratings, packability and size, comfort, and bonus features, we thoroughly tested these blankets for their performance lounging at beaches, packing for day hikes, and snuggling at camp.

And for more info, check out some of our other most popular gear guides:

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 ($99)

Best Ground Blanket: Yeti Lowlands Blanket ($200)

Most Versatile Blanket: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho ($135)

Runner-up for the Best Synthetic Puffy Blanket: REI Camp Blanket ($100)

Best Down Blanket: Horizon Hound Trek ($67)

Coziest Blanket: Sackcloth and Ashes ($140)

Best Durable Blanket: Nemo Victory Patio Blanket ($100)

Best Blanket for Indoor Use: Pendleton Yakima Camp ($199)

Most Packable Puffy Blanket: Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel ($95)

Most Budget-Friendly Blanket: Oceas Sherpa Fleece ($45)

Most Sustainable Blanket: Nomadix Festival Blanket ($70)

Fastest Drying Blanket: CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-free Mat ($75)

DURABILITY

To determine the most durable and resilient blankets, we focused on debris-cling, water resistance, cleaning instructions, and general wear and tear after use. 

We exposed each blanket to varied environments (cold temperatures, wind, wet sand at the beach, etc) to test weather resistance and note how easily moisture soaks through the fabric. To determine debris cling, we covered each blanket in a cup of debris (sand, dirt, etc) to observe how easily it shakes off. Throughout the testing, we monitored the fabric for any signs of fraying, holes, or wear and referred to each brand’s cleaning guide for any special instructions for care.

WARMTH

We tested each blanket on its ability to maintain body temperature in cold weather through subjective experience in the field as well as standardized testing procedures. 

For each blanket, we completed a “heat sock” test, where we heated a “hot sock” (a sock filled with rice) in the microwave for 1.5 minutes or until it read 136F when using an infrared thermometer. We then placed the heat sock wrapped inside each blanket for 30 minutes in a 60F room to determine how well the blanket would insulate the heat. After 30 minutes, we retook the temperature of the hot sock with the infrared thermometer and noted the differences for each blanket.

SIZE TO PACKABILITY

We took each blanket outdoors to review its packability for adventures and tested the durability and function of each included stuff sack and storage bag. We compared the full-size blanket dimensions to its packed size to determine if its packability status was justified by the size and coverage of the blanket.

We also tested some blankets in their larger dimensions (the CGear Multimats Sandlite Sand-Free Mat and the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket) to offer perspective on blanket sizing.

COMFORT

To determine blanket comfort, we thoroughly tested the fabric for its softness on bare skin, thickness, and amount of coverage. Generally, the thicker and softer the blanket was, the more comfort it provided. If it offered more coverage, it also provided greater warmth to more of the body, making for a more cozy experience.

We also tested each blanket on hikes or beach walks to determine how noisy the fabric was. It is common for materials with waterproof linings to sound crinkly when moving.

FEATURES

We thoroughly tested and documented each feature of every blanket. We first noticed if it came with a stuff sack or carry bag and noted how efficient it was to use while on the go. We also looked for any pockets, cape clips, clasps, or corner loops for anchoring down the blanket in inclement weather. 

Many blankets that we tested are extremely versatile and can perform many different functions. We thoroughly tested those blankets in every capacity that they were advertised, such as a ground blanket, throw blanket, 2-person size, cape, or poncho.

Why Trust CleverHiker

Lead Gear Analyst Emily Parnay knows camping blankets. To provide accurate testing data she completed a controlled warmth test for each product, using an infrared thermometer to measure the before and after temperatures of a hot sock that was wrapped inside each item for 30 minutes. She completed thorough durability tests – getting the blankets wet and dirty to see how well they repelled moisture and debris. From beach days to hikes, she tested each product for its performance and noted any signs of early wear.

Through all of her experience analyzing and researching outdoor gear, Emily is confident in the process of testing and identifying quality and high-performing products.

Analysis & Results

VALUE

While we prioritize performance and quality, we are always on the lookout for gear that comes at an affordable price while still delivering competitive results. The Horizon Hound Trek makes the top of our list as a budget blanket that ranks high in warmth, packability, and comfort. The Rumpl Original Puffy comes in second for the one-person-sized blanket, with its incredible coverage, warmth, and durability. The REI Camp comes in at a close third for value boasting great packability, comfort, and coverage.

DURABILITY

When it comes to durability, the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket takes the top spot in our ranking, with the Yeti Lowlands Blanket being a close second (if not a tie). Both blankets have a waterproof bottom lining and a water-resistant top layer. They both also shed debris equally well. The materials are both incredibly high quality and received no snags or signs of wear during testing. Since ground blankets can get dirty quickly, both of these options have simple care instructions, are easy to clean, and are machine washable. The Nemo Victory has a slight upper hand due to its more affordable price (half the price of the Yeti) for just as excellent quality. 

Coming in next in terms of durability were the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho and the Rumpl Original Puffy. Both of these synthetic puffy blankets shed debris easily and resist moisture. The Honcho Poncho was slightly better at shedding water without absorbing it into the fabric. Both can be machine washed, though extra care needs to be taken with the Honcho Poncho by putting it in a gentle cycle.

While some blankets in our test noted lower quality with loose threads or lint such as the Oceas Sherpa Fleece, Pendleton, and Rumpl Nanoloft, others did not perform as well handling water or debris such as the Nomadix Festival, Horizon Hound, and CGear Multimats Sand-lite Sand-Free Mat.

WARMTH

The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho was the warmest blanket we tested through our “hot sock” test, with the hot sock losing only 0.4F after being wrapped in the blanket for 30 minutes. Due to the synthetic insulation, poncho style and excellent coverage, this warmth was noticeable in the field. 

Coming close behind, the Horizon Hound Trek and Rumpl Original both ranked high in warmth as well. The hot sock wrapped inside the down of the Horizon Hound lost only 1.8F of heat, while the one inside the Rumpl Original lost 3.2F. Both of these blankets offered insulating benefits and full coverage when wrapped around the shoulders, worn as a cape, or used as a throw blanket.

While the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy also tested very warm, with the hot sock losing only 4.5F, we reduced its warmth ranking due to its lower coverage for an average adult, which allowed more cold to seep in.

While most ground blankets generally do not insulate well, the warmest ones we reviewed were the Oceas Sherpa Fleece and Yeti Lowlands Blanket. The infrared thermometer read only a difference of 5.8F for the test with the Oceas blanket, while it read a difference of 11.7F for the Yeti. This difference was likely due to how bulky and stiff the Yeti is compared to the Oceas, which made it difficult to fully wrap the hot sock without cold air creeping in. However, both of these ground blankets performed exceptionally well compared to other ground blankets in our test (such as the CGear, Nemo Victory, and Nomadix) due to the waterproof layer and soft linings, which both contributed to increased insulation. 

As far as wool blankets go, the Sackcloth and Ashes performed better than the Pendleton Yakima Camp; the infrared thermometer noted a difference of 10.4F for the hot sock wrapped in the Sackcloth and Ashes, while there was a difference of 15.3F for the Pendleton. This could be attributed to the materials that the blankets are made of – while Sackcloth uses a mix of polyester and wool, Pendleton uses cotton and wool. Polyester is known to be better at trapping and retaining heat than cotton fibers.

SIZE TO PACKABILITY

When determining and ranking the packability of a blanket, we also took into account the coverage that the blanket offered. 

The products that scored highest in this are the Horizon Hound Trek and Nomadix Festival. The Horizon Hound is slightly larger than a 32oz Nalgene in its packed state, yet it expands to offer extensive coverage with its 77” x 50” size. The Nomadix Festival rolled up to about the size of a Nalgene, and still offered decent ground coverage at 72” x 60.”

Following close behind were the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho and REI Camp Blanket. Both of these blankets packed down to about the same size, with the REI Camp fitting into a slightly smaller stuff sack. Both of these blankets offered ample coverage with the Honcho Poncho at 79” x 56” and the REI Camp at 70” x 54.” The CGear Multimats Sand-lite Sand-Free Mat also offered decent packability in its large size, offering 78” x 78” coverage and still packing into its own carry case at a size smaller than the Nemo Victory Patio in size medium.

While the Rumpl Nanoloft Puffy also packed down to a very small size (one of the smallest in our test), its full size coverage was not enough to make it our top pick in this area. At only 52” x 38,” it was the smallest blanket we reviewed.

While other blankets in our test offered decent coverage such as the queen-sized Pendleton Yakima, Sackcloth and Ashes, Yeti Lowlands, Oceas Sherpa Fleece, Rumpl Original, and Nemo Victory Patio, they all packed into a bulkier size that didn’t make our top recommendation for packing out for long hikes or adventures.

COMFORT

Comfort is an important feature to take into account, when planning on snuggling into a blanket for warmth or lounging on the ground at the beach. 

The top ranking in our review goes to the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket, which is made from a soft, cozy wool blend that is also dye-free, chemical-free and cruelty-free. This blanket was so comfy and still offered ample coverage, making it hard to unravel from it after testing!

The next most comfortable blankets were the Horizon Hound Trek, Rumpl Original, Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho and REI Camp. All of these products were made of a similar synthetic puffy material that was soft and plush to the touch. They all offered adequate coverage and a cozy feeling when wrapped inside of them.

The most comfortable ground blanket we tested was the Yeti Lowlands. It is the thickest blanket and also the only one that was insulated in our test. Its plush top layer is soft and comfy, yet still resists water and dirt making it an ideal option for use on the ground.

Some other blankets we tested were more abrasive (CGear Multimats), a bit scratchy (Pendleton Yakima Camp) or loud with crinkly noises during movement (Oceas Sherpa Fleece).

FEATURES

The blanket that had the most features was the Nemo Victory Patio Blanket, followed closely by the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho. The Nemo Victory boasts an attached zippered pocket, bottle opener, corner loops for anchoring down the blanket, a waterproof bottom layer and the ability to roll it up into its own carry bag with a handle. The Honcho Poncho is incredibly versatile—it functions as a poncho with an attached hood and two hand pockets, transforms into a blanket when fully unbuttoned, and doubles as a pillow when packed into its zippered compartment.

The next blankets with the most features was a tie between the Rumpl Original, Rumpl Nanoloft and Horizon Hound Trek. All of these blankets come in their own stuff sack and offer a “cape-clip” option so that the blanket can be worn hands-free. The Yeti Lowlands Blanket follows closely behind with its durable carry case that comes with a side handle and shoulder strap, its waterproof bottom layer and corner (and side) loops for anchoring down the blanket.

The blankets that ranked with the fewest features are the Nomadix Festival and Pendleton, Sackcloth and Ashes which don’t offer a packable carry case option or other unique additions to the blanket. The CGear Multimats scored low in this area as well due to its main feature actually working against the performance of the blanket. Since sand could easily filter through the mat, it came up through the fabric when laying on the beach just as easily as it shook off the mat.

How to Choose a Camping Blanket

Choosing the ideal camping blanket can make your adventures all the more comfortable! Many factors come into account when making your decision and here are a few that we prioritize. 

BLANKET PURPOSE

It’s first important to determine what the main function of your blanket needs to be: a ground mat, a throw for warmth, or something you can wear hands-free. If you are in need of a ground mat, keep in mind features such as corner loops for anchoring down the blanket in wind, thickness for comfort, and a waterproof coating on the bottom layer to resist moisture and debris. If you are prioritizing warmth and coziness, focus on warmth ratings, insulated blankets, and those with ample coverage. Lastly, for wearable blankets, look for ones that offer a “cape clip” or a poncho style for ease of movement.

PACKABILITY

Along the lines of determining your blanket’s purpose, it’s important to consider how far you plan to take your blanket. If you are planning an overnight or multi-day trip, opting for a more packable blanket that comes with its own stuff sack would be ideal to save on space. However, if you are looking for a beach day, picnic or campfire blanket, then packability wouldn’t be as much of a concern unless it is a long trek to get there. However, it is still useful to opt for a camping blanket that comes with its own carry bag feature.

ENVIRONMENT

Lastly, it is important to consider the environment that your blanket will be used in. If you expect exposure to water such as rain, a rafting trip, or wet ground, choosing a blanket that offers a waterproof or water-resistant lining would be ideal to keep you dry and warm at the same time. If you plan on adventuring in colder environments, then choose blankets that prioritize warmth and thickness over thinner and lighter models.

Conclusion

CleverHiker is a team of detail-oriented, thorough, and passionate experts who strive to support readers in making the best gear decisions for their adventures. In our Best Camping Blankets Guide, we offer you the most up-to-date resources, recommendations and test results so that you can be informed and stay cozy outdoors. Our goal is to inspire and empower everyone to get outside and adventure in all seasons and in all weather.