REI Camp Blanket Review

Bottom Line

The REI Camp Blanket is our runner-up pick for the best synthetic puffy blanket in our guide to the best camping blankets of the year. While it offers ample coverage at a light weight, it still packs down to a smaller size with the included stuff sack. Unlike some of the other stuff sacks that other blankets came with, this one is easy to use on your own due to the wide and unrestricted opening of the bag. 

The REI Camp Blanket material is comfy and plush and performed equally well as the other puffy blankets in our tests when it came to durability. It is easy to clean and water beads on the fabric without immediate absorption due to the DWR finish. Further, the blanket is made from certified Bluesign materials, which support healthy and safe environmental standards.

While REI didn’t add many features to this blanket, there is one attached corner loop that allows you to hang up the blanket for storage or to dry. Further, the REI Camp Blanket wasn’t the warmest or thickest one in our tests, though it is still a high-performing option that we recommend.

How We Tested

We spent a lot of time wrapped up in this blanket during the winter months in Northern California. It came on a field test while hiking through oak woodlands and along forested trails.

We were intentionally rough with the blanket; we got the blanket wet and dirty to compare its water resistance and ability to shed debris.

Back in the lab (aka home), we completed a standardized warmth test where we wrapped the blanket around a heated hot sock for 30 min to track the loss of heat over time and rank its insulating properties. 

Durability

In regards to durability, the REI Camp performed similarly to other puffy synthetic blankets in our test. It is made of high quality nylon that showed no noticeable wear after taking out on the trail.

During our shake test, the REI Camp shed all debris easily, leaving no snags or particles left on the fabric. With machine washable material, this blanket is easy to clean if it does need a more thorough wash.

When we poured water over the blanket to challenge its water-resistant DWR finish, we found its performance to be quite impressive. It sheds moisture easily, with water rolling right off the fabric rather than absorbing into it.

Even when it did get wet, the REI Camp tried quicker than other models in our test. Overall, this blanket ranked high in all aspects of durability, making it a competitive choice when looking for your perfect all-around camping blanket.

Warmth

The REI Camp Blanket was one of the least warm and insulating puffy blankets we tested. However, it still performed better than the wool blankets. 

Aside from subjectively determining its relative warmth in cold outdoor environments, we completed a standardized and controlled test, where we wrapped each blanket around a hot sock (136F) for 30 minutes in a 60F room.

We then took the final temperature with an infrared thermometer and determined the amount of heat loss that the hot sock experienced to quantify the insulating ability of each blanket. 

The REI Camp had a difference of 8.6 degrees; while it was decently warm, it lacked the same thickness and performance as other synthetic blankets. However, with its generous coverage and polyester synthetic insulation, we still felt that it cut the chill and provided the desired warmth when out on the trail.

Size to Packability

The REI Camp blanket comes with competitive packability and generous coverage than other blankets we tested. Spreading to a full size of 70” x 54” and packing down to 7” x 9,” the REI Camp is ideal for taking out on the trail in your day pack or when space is limited when out on the road. It provides plenty of coverage for one person to stay comfy and warm. While its packed size wasn’t as small as some of its competition, the larger blanket size made up for its slightly bulkier stuff sack.

We prefer the stuff sack of the REI Camp over the other blankets we tested. The stretchy synthetic bag cinches closed, making it easy to use with just one person, as well as more efficient and convenient. The REI Camp blanket can also be stuffed into the bag without careful rolling, while the other puffy blankets are much easier to pack away when they have been rolled to the correct size. There is also a handle on the bottom of the REI carry bag.

Comfort

The REI Camp is soft and comfy. Although it isn’t quite as thick or plush as some other brands we tested, it still is a decent thickness to feel cozy and warm. It provides adequate coverage and can be fully wrapped around an average-sized adult body, though still doesn’t quite reach the same warmth rankings as some of its competitors.

The REI Camp is made using bluesign approved materials, supporting safe and ethical environmental practices. REI is also a Climate Neutral Certified Brand, for those who strive to invest in products from companies that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Features

The REI Camp isn’t overcomplicating a…blanket. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more unique blanket designs, and for most, that’s ideal. As mentioned above, it uses Bluesign-approved materials and comes inside of a stuff sack.

Unlike the other synthetic puffy blankets we tested, the REI Camp does not come with a cape clip for hands-free wearing. However, it does come with one corner loop from which the blanket can be hung up on a branch or coat hanger to dry or store. While this is a handy feature for keeping the blanket off the ground but still allowing it to air dry at camp, we found that the corner loop was a bit small for most adequate branches. We would prefer a larger loop for easier hanging.

Should You Buy the REI Camp Blanket?

The REI Camp comes at a competitive value for those looking for a simple blanket that is high quality, durable, and packable. REI members will reap additional benefits from purchasing through the company and also have opportunities for discounts during REI sales throughout the year.

Overall, those looking for a blanket to take out on the trail or stuff in their pack for camp will find the REI Camp an excellent companion. But for the most part, we use it for car camping, picnics, beach hangs, fireside chats, and public park lounging.

Those desiring top-notch and unparalleled warmth will see higher performance in other blanket models. Campers who prefer features such as a hands-free wearing option (cape-clip or poncho-style) may want to consider the other puffy synthetic blankets in our best camping blankets gear guide.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Similar to the REI Camp Blanket, we would also recommend taking a look at these other puffy blankets from our best camping blankets gear guide:

Horizon Hound Trek Review: The Horizon Hound Trek offers a budget-friendly price and a more packable blanket option for more warmth, coverage, and comfort than the REI Camp Blanket. It also comes with a cape clip, allowing it to be worn hands-free. However, it does require more specific care and storage instructions due to its down insulation. 

Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Review: The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho is more versatile and warmer than the REI Camp. It boasts more features and can be used as a pillow or blanket and worn as a poncho. However, it comes at a slightly higher price point and is about the same packability.

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket Review: Lastly, we suggest you take a peek at the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket, a similarly priced option to the REI Camp. The REI Camp comes in a more user-friendly and packable stuff sack, yet lacks a cape-clip option and the same level of warmth as the Rumpl.