Best Camping Blankets 2022

2022-12-20 16:52:47 By : Mr. Daniel Tsui

Whether you’re gathering with family in the backyard or setting up camp with friends in the backcountry, comfort remains the number one consideration when you’re spending time outdoors. And while we’ve always packed sleeping bags and camp slippers for evenings aways from home, a camping blanket will also go a long way towards keeping you warm and cozy. What was once thought of as a nonessential item reserved for glamping (or more likely, the living room couch) has evolved as designs embrace a growing number of nature-ready styles and materials. While options continue to multiply with each passing season, only the best camping blankets will improve your experience outdoors, no matter the occasion.

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Best Camping Blankets 2022

Of course, finding a camping blanket with equal measures of style and technical features isn’t an easy task now that options abound, and the old throw you bought years ago simply won’t cut it beyond the home. That’s why the following nine blankets are top picks in their respective categories, all built for adventures near or far. Find the one that meets your needs and enjoy it season after season.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Recycled polyester | Weight: 1.8 pounds

Camping blankets wouldn’t be as popular as they are today were it not for Rumpl. The Oregon-based label got its start back in 2013 when Kickstarter funding delivered the Original Puffy Blanket which, as its name implied, was essentially the first camping blanket to grace our gear closet. Years later, the NanoLoft was added to the roster where it earns top marks for insulation, packability, water resistance and a post-consumer recycled shell. Unlike its complementary predecessor that uses traditional siliconized insulation, the NanoLoft blanket’s recycled fill mimics the qualities of down to efficiently trap warmth no matter the conditions. Its water-resistant shell keeps moisture at bay in the event of a light shower, and strategic clips allow you to wear it as a cape for hands-free comfort. Find it in numerous colorways to compliment your outdoorsy style.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester taffeta | Weight: 1.5 pounds

Indeed, camping blankets can be a pricey purchase when you consider investing in high-quality fabrics and premium insulation, but a no-frills option like the Kelty Bestie still provides loads of comfort and warmth when you need it most. The blanket’s polyester-blended shell delivers next-to-skin comfort while Cloudloft insulation supplies lightweight warmth. It’s durable, lightweight and easy to transport thanks to an included stuff sack. As is tradition for Kelty, the Bestie comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that meet the needs of any outdoorist, and it makes for the perfect companion whether you’re camping in the backyard or tailgating before the big game.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Ripstop nylon, waterproofing | Weight: 4.4 pounds

Traditional throw blankets can’t handle dirt, spills and the looming muddy dog, but Kammok’s Mountain Blanket takes on these obstacles with ease. Like a throw blanket, it features supersoft fleece on one side that’s incredibly cozy, but the fabric receives an additional DWR treatment to shed unwanted moisture. Meanwhile, the other side calls attention to a diamond weave ripstop nylon that’s waterproofed to shrug off every last ounce of dirt and debris. Use it as a poncho, sleeping bag, top quilt or ground blanket, and throw it in the wash every time it gets dirty. If temperatures really start to fall, consider layering it with Kammok’s other adventure blankets via a loop-and-snap system to stay extra toasty.

Insulation: 800-fill down | Shell: Nylon | Weight: 1.56 pounds

If you’re one of the many hikers that struggle to fall asleep in the confines of a sleeping bag, consider upgrading to a blanket alternative like the Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter. Weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, it packs 800-fill power down in a box stitch construction that evenly distributes feathers to prevent unwanted clumping. Available in three sizes (twin, queen, king), the shell fabric is just as soft as it is durable, and that durability comes backed by an unlimited warranty. If you have intentions of replacing your sleeping bag with this blanket, don’t be surprised if you never switch back—countless backpackers tout the wonders of camping blankets that retain warmth with the well-known restrictions of a mummy bag. And when the time comes to cozy up for the night, simply use the blanket’s corner ties to attach it to a cover or pad.

Insulation: 650-fill down | Shell: Recycled polyester taffeta, waterproofing | Weight: 2.2 pounds

Steamboat Springs-based Big Agnes is perhaps best known for making lightweight and revolutionary backpacking tents that defy the laws of physics. But they also make some innovative snoozing equipment, from sleeping bags to pads, and the Camp Robber is a standout. Made with recycled fabric and filled with 650 DownTek water-repellent down, it’s surprisingly light in spite of its doublewide size. The lofted, quilted construction traps heat whether you’re tucking into bed after a long day on the trail or tossing back a cold one to celebrate another summit. An included mesh storage bag prevents the down from compressing when it’s hanging in your gear closet, and a stuff sack packs it away when you’re ready to hit the road.

Insulation: 850-fill down, synthetic | Shell: 7D Arato (nylon) | Weight: 0.89 pounds

While many outdoor enthusiasts have heard of Arc’teryx, less are familiar with its System_A collection of disruptive performance apparel. Case in point, you probably didn’t know the Canadian label offered a down blanket, but this versatile, premium throw is a hot release in more ways than one. For starters, it’s filled with 750-fill RDS down while other areas prone to moisture are packed with synthetic fill. The 7D Arato shell, a silky form of nylon, is incredibly soft yet durable, and it’s fitted with snap closures and a zippered pocket that allows the blanket to pack away in the midst of travel. And because this is a Rebird good, it uses raw threads and fabrics saved from waste that might otherwise end up in a landfill. At less than a pound, you can take it almost anywhere without adding weight to your pack.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester, waterproofing | Weight: 1.6 pounds

There’s nothing worse than a camp blanket that leaves you fighting for every last inch of fabric, so consider upgrading to the Argo if you need extra real estate. It’s big enough to swaddle you like a baby but still compresses into a built-in pocket when the time comes to pack up camp. Synthetic eraLoft insulation reduces weight (without sacrificing warmth) and a polyester lining delivers unrivaled comfort. If you’re smart, you’ll convince others to invest in the Argo so you can use the perimeter snap loops to daisy chain blankets together. But even if you’re the sole owner of such a spacious camp blanket, the unique colors and patterns will have others asking to borrow it on every trip.

Insulation: Wool | Shell: N/A | Weight: 5.25 pounds

If you thought a Pendleton blanket wasn’t going to make the list, then you were sorely mistaken. Sure, Rumpl may have reinvisioned the camping blanket as we know it today, but explorers were breaking out Pendleton goods over 100 years ago, and the label’s woolen Camp blanket might be its most iconic piece. Seriously durable fabrics (wool and cotton) pair with classic styling that look as good in your friend’s A-frame as it does around the campfire. And while modern camping blankets boast countless features worth poring over, the simplicity of Pendleton’s rendition makes for a refreshing change of pace.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester, rayon | Weight: 5.8 pounds

Austin-based outfitter Yeti is best known for its indestructible coolers, but who’s to say it can’t take the same approach when building a blanket? Unlike other camping blankets that receive water resistant treatments, the Lowlands blanket inherits a completely waterproof layer that shields the underside (Yeti calls this the utility side) from mud, moisture and debris. Meanwhile, the top side blends polyester and rayon to deliver comfort whether you’re using this blanket as a ground cover, seat protector or a traditional blanket. When it gets dirty, simply toss it in the wash to bring the fabrics back to life and hang it (or stake it) via six utility loops to dry it out (or tumble dry on low). Available in four outdoorsy colors, we dare you to find an environment in which this blanket doesn’t thrive.

While camping blankets look incredibly similar from one model to the next (after all, each one is essentially a square stuffed with insulation), differences exist that dictate which one is right for you. These include dimensions, insulation types, warmth ratings, weight, packability, durability and more. When rounding up and ranking the best camping blankets, we took these factors into consideration before reviewing customer reviews and third-party testing results. Vetted staffers also own several blankets on this list, and we relied on their opinions when differentiating one blanket from another. Those recommended here are a result of hours of thorough investigation.

This piece is updated regularly with new picks and relevant, helpful information. It was last updated in December 2022.

When the time comes to invest in a camping blanket, you’ll want to keep certain specifications in mind to narrow down your options. Consider these variables as you search for a blanket that meets your needs.

There may be no feeling worse than pulling out a blanket for the first time and throwing it over yourself only to discover it’s too small. Before you invest in a blanket, take a closer look at the dimensions and consider whether or not it’ll cover you from head to toe. Generally speaking, we recommend keeping an eye out for options that measure at least 84 inches long by 48 inches wide. If you’re taller than said dimensions, be sure to size up accordingly, and if you’re camping as a couple, consider investing in a blanket that’s designed for two.

The insulation type will directly impact your blanket’s ability to keep you warm, and the most popular forms of insulation include synthetics, down and wool.

Each insulation type offers a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Synthetic insulation retains its loft even when wet to keep you warm no matter the weather, and it’s more affordable and durable than a natural insulator. That said, it weighs more as well, and some consider this a hindrance when backpacking. Down insulation, meanwhile, offers the greatest warmth-to-weight ratio and packs well for trips that take size and weight into consideration. The only downsides to down (sorry) are that it tends to clump when wet and it’s more expensive than synthetic options. Wool might be a less popular option but it’s become more popular in recent years thanks to the natural properties of the fiber that fight odor, wick moisture and offer next-to-skin comfort. That said, wool is also heavy, difficult to pack and a pain to clean, so we only recommend it if you’re looking for a casual camping blanket.

A camping blanket’s overall weight is a direct result of its materials. Unless you’re using your camping blanket primarily for backpacking, weight is of little concern, but the differences from one model to the next still vary widely. For instance, Western Mountaineering’s ultralight blanket weighs under two pounds while Yeti’s durable blanket weighs over five pounds. Most options fall between one and two pounds, but you’ll only need to keep the blanket’s weight and packability in mind if you’re already counting every ounce in your pack and trying to save space.

While any camping blanket worth its salt will keep you warm outdoors, the warmest blankets for camping are likely those filled with down. As a natural insulator, the loose structure of down feathers trap warm air and retain it for long-lasting heat. Down is also easily compressible, and it’s breathable in the event that you get a little too warm by the campfire. Keep in mind, however, that down shouldn’t get wet and because down products are usually made with thinner materials, they might not be as durable.

We find ourselves enjoying the soft, lovable qualities of fleece on a regular basis, especially as cold, wet weather moves in. While fleece isn’t as warm as a natural insulator such as wool or down, it’s still incredibly versatile for its weight, and it’s durable too. You can get it wet without worry or let it fall in the dirt only to shake it clean in seconds. Wear your favorite fleece blanket like a cape or pair it with a cold weather sleeping bag and you’ll be comfy through the night. Just don’t let your fleece blanket get too close to the fire—as a synthetic polyester material, it’s particularly sensitive to heat.

I’m a digital media executive recognized for building engaging content experiences that delight and inspire audiences. As Chief Product Officer of Forbes, I lead a team of world-class product managers, designers, e-commerce leaders, and other experts focused on building the products that shape the Forbes brand across the web, mobile, social, and emerging platforms.

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Best Camping Blankets 2022

Dry Bag Rucksack As a shopping editor at Forbes, I create inclusive shopping content featuring brands that resonate with every type of consumer and interview the entrepreneurs who created them. Before joining Forbes, I was the associate beauty editor at Essence Magazine, where I chronicled Black Women's unique approach to style and beauty.