The best camping blanket can give you extra comfort and warmth while you are in the wild. Traveling without one is possible and acceptable. However, if you want additional coziness from the cold weather, then these specialized blankets are essential.
Needless to say, camping blankets have different properties as to the blankets you use in your bedroom. With these outdoor blankets, you are going to consider the insulation they provide, as well as their packability.
Below are some of the top-rated blankets that you can use while camping or traveling.
| Material | Size | |
| REI Co-op Camp Blanket | Pertex nylon | 1-person (70 inches x 54 inches) / 2-person (82 inches x 88 inches) |
| Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket | Recycled ripstop polyester | 72 inches x 52 inches |
| Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket | Wool/cotton | 84 inches x 66 inches |
| NEMO Puffin Insulated Blanket | Ripstop nylon | 1-person (85 inches x 57 inches) / 2-person (85 inches x 85 inches) |
| Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket | Ripstop nylon | 75 inches x 52 inches |
| ALPS Mountaineering Wavelength Blanket | Ripstop nylon | 80 inches x 54 inches |
| REI Co-op Down Camp Blanket | Recycled polyester/polyester | 70 inches x 54 inches |
The quality of the REI Co-op Camp Blanket is definitely off the charts. It is a simple yet effective amenity that can provide you extra comfort and insulation while you are sleeping inside or outside your tent. It is made from a supple ripstop nylon shell that features durable water repellent treatment. In this way, the blanket doesn't retain stains, dirt, water, and other forms of debris.
With its quilted construction, its polyester fiber insulation has been distributed equally and efficiently. While clad in this blanket, you won't experience cold spots. Since it has a stuff sack, packing it is a lot easier. Moreover, its maintenance is hassle-free because it is machine washable.
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One of the notable features of the Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket is the fact that it complies with sustainability standards. From its name alone, you can guarantee that this one offers an environmentally friendly solution to your chilly problems. Specifically, this sleeping blanket is tailored from the similar fabrics and insulating materials used by puffy jackets and sleeping bags. Given the fact that it uses synthetic insulation, this means that you can wash it using a front-load washing machine.
The Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket also features corner loops. They let you anchor the blanket on the ground so that they remain in place. But of course, you need to purchase the stakes separately. Meanwhile, the patented Cape Clip enables you to feel the coziness that this blanket brings without touching it.
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This blanket is quite different from the blankets that I've featured here. The Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is not made from polyester or other synthetic materials. Instead, it is tailored from the combination of wool and cotton. Because of this, it can give you the "feel" that you are being embraced by the very blanket you have in your bedroom. But at the same time, you can guarantee that this one isn't flimsy. It is rugged enough for outdoor applications.
Furthermore, its thick construction enables it to provide a degree of insulation to counteract the effects of frigid nights at the campsite. However, keep in mind that this blanket isn't as portable and lightweight as other blankets here. It is somewhat heavy, which disables it to become an option for ultralight packers and campers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
If you want a camping blanket that provides extra cushion and softness, the NEMO Puffin is the perfect choice for you. This blanket is constructed from micro-ripstop nylon and has been embedded with super lofty premium synthetic insulation. Aside from the superior fluffiness that you can feel from this blanket, you can also benefit from its heat-trapping mechanism. During cold nights, the NEMO Puffin can help you feel sheltered and rested.
The blanket also has a notable catenary shape, which is ergonomically better than rectangular ones. Specifically, this unit has curved sides so that it can wrap your body as completely as possible. Its proprietary Foot Nook system enables a buttoned-up pocket on the blanket's bottom. It is a space where you can tuck your feet and prevent them from getting chilly.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Many would argue that down insulation is better than synthetic ones. If you share this belief, then the Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket is an excellent blanket for you. Whether you are on the road, in the wild, or in your yard, this blanket can wrap you with warmth and coziness. It has a 600-fill-power duck down, after all, enabling it to generate insulation without being too heavy and bulky. The loft is also water-resistant and can dry quickly; you can expose it to the elements without the fear that its performance will deteriorate.
Packing the blanket is a lot easier because of its supple construction. It comes with a stuff sack for travel convenience. And if you are asking, this blanket is machine-washable, so cleaning it wouldn't be a problem. The main shell of this blanket is crafted from tear-resistant 20-denier nylon; it also has a durable water repellent finish to resist the entry of moisture, water, and dirt.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The ALPS Mountaineering Wavelength Blanket is a favorite choice of many campers and backpackers due to its durable and packable construction. It features a dirt- and water-resistant nylon fabric shell that can handle the ordeals of outdoor pursuits. When it comes to durability, I can say that this blanket is among the toughest that you can get today. Furthermore, it has an excellent defense against the elements. It sheds water and dirt from its surface.
Also, let's not discount the fact that it has TechLoft Silver synthetic insulation. This one offers superior warmth retention whenever you are in cold areas or settings. This insulating material is machine washable, which, in turn, lets you maintain its cleanliness and quality. The Wavelength Blanket includes a stuff pack for carrying and storage convenience.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The REI Co-op Down Camp Blanket is another fantastic option for a camping blanket. This one features a recycled composition. One of its sides is tailored from recycled polyester, and the other is made from a highly rugged polyester shell. Both sides have been treated with a durable water repellent so that they can be impervious to dirt, debris, and elements.
Since the blanket has a quilted architecture, you can expect that it will not burden you with its weight. Furthermore, it is ultra-compressible, thanks to its 600-fill-power down insulation. The down is distributed equally throughout the blanket's structure, effectively removing any cold spots. With the inclusion of a hang loop on its construction, cleaning and air-drying this down blanket is just a breeze.
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Camping outdoors is essentially fun. But it requires some preparation to ensure that you'll be comfortable and safe while in the wild.
Sleep, for instance, is one of the things that you need to secure while camping or backpacking. The proper rest can help you recover your strength from the day-long hikes and plays. While having a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad might be enough, you can have more comfort if you bring a blanket with you.
Of course, these blankets aren't the same as the blankets you have in your bedroom. These outdoor-oriented blankets are generally lightweight, compressible, and offer a degree of insulation.
Here are some of the considerations whenever choosing a camping blanket.
The weather impacts the kind of equipment that you are going to bring to the campground. Hence, it is logical if it will also play a factor in your effort to narrow your choices regarding these camping blankets.
Essentially, insulated blankets are great if the weather is frigid. For example, if you are going to decide to have winter camping with your family and friends, you need your clothing and utilities to have a form of cold resistance. In these applications, synthetic and down insulations are crucial features that a camping blanket should possess.
If the weather is warm, then added insulation might not be as appealing as it is when you are camping in cold settings. You may also want a blanket that has waterproofing if you are expecting vertical waterfalls in your trip.
Next, you need to inspect the construction of the blankets. In this way, you'll be able to determine if they can withstand the challenges brought by the outdoors.
One of the most common materials used in camping blankets is polyester. The latter is a type of synthetic fiber that offers decent water resistance (or waterproofing in some cases). It is also lightweight and excels in heat retention. Sometimes, these polyester blankets can provide moisture-wicking capabilities. Moreover, polyester has a nice texture on its surface.
Durability-wise, nylon is considered to be among the strongest fabrics. It is extremely resilient and exudes high strength that can handle heavy loads. Compared to standard nylon, ripstop nylon features are sturdier. This material has been woven using the crosshatch pattern, enabling it to resist wear and tear. Aside from that, it is also waterproof, easy to clean, and non-absorbent.
Cotton is superior when it comes to comfort and feel. It is extra cozy and supple as compared to other materials used in tailoring camping blankets. However, one of its downsides is its weight. It is quite heavy. When it gets wet, more weight is added to it. Moreover, it is susceptible to clumping and quite flammable. It is one of the reasons why cotton isn't that great for outdoor applications. Even cotton clothes are discouraged, too.
Wool is naturally warm; hence, it is always a good choice if you need the extra warmth while you are outside. Even if the wool blanket is wet, its insulating capabilities are still there. The reason for this is because wool tends to trap heat within its fibers. Once the wool gets wet, drying it is not difficult. You simply have to wring and air-dry it. But since it is made from sheep hair, wool can be itchy to the skin. The only exception is the Merino wool since it is free from potential itches.
Fleece is somewhat identical to wool. It has insulating capabilities since it also traps heat in its fibers. Additionally, fleece camping blankets can also wick moisture. Its key difference from wool is that it can dry quickly. It is lighter, too.
You should also be mindful of the weight of your camping blanket. As much as possible, you should pick ones that have a lightweight construction, especially if you are going for a hike. Additional loads can become a burden to you, even if you say that you are strong and muscular. Camping with an extra load isn't that recommended.
Also, you should mind the size of the camping blanket. Make sure that it fits your size. Most of these camping blankets are intended for single-person use only. But you can always find two-person alternatives.
The best camping blankets enable you to have a cozier sleeping experience while you are in the wild. These blankets ensure that you can sleep peacefully without mind the elements around you. If you want a hassle-free means of acquiring the ideal camp blanket for you, then you should consider the options that I've included in this post.
That's it for now. If you have related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.
