The Best Camping Blankets To Stay Warm And Comfortable Outdoors

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Recycled polyester | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Machine washable: Yes

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 enabled them to launch the Original Puffy Blanket. To say it was a success is rather an understatement, and they’ve added many variations, and countless patterns and collaborations since, but for us, the NanoLoft hits the sweet spot for insulation, packability, water resistance and the use of post-consumer recycled materials in the shell.

Unlike its 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 avoids disaster if faced with a light shower, and strategic clips allow you to wear it as a cape for hands-free comfort. While the classic one-person size is ideal for bundling up while camping, there’s also a smaller travel version for even more packability.

Pros:

• Stylish
• Packable and practical
• Recycled content

Cons:

• The competition has caught up

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester taffeta | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Machine washable: Yes

Not to be confused with those ultra-packable camping blankets made from NASA inspired technology, 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 using the included stuff sack. As is tradition for Kelty, the Bestie comes in some fun colors and patterns, and it makes an ideal option whether you’re camping in the backyard or tailgating before the big game.

Pros:

• Bargain price
• Lifetime warranty
• Super warm

Cons:

• No-frills

Insulation: Wool | Shell: N/A | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Machine washable: No

The first Filson outfitters opened in 1897 to cater to the needs of the thousands of fortune hunters stampeding into Seattle. The Mackinaw blanket, along with the iconic Cruiser jacket, was and remains a core favorite, and it’s appearance has barely changed since the gold rush.

The blanket, whether used in the tent, camper, car or at home, offers a huge amount of warmth from the 100% USA virgin wool. It’s a seriously durable and exceptionally toasty design that offers a generous 90 x 72 inches of coverage. The Mackinaw is definitely a no-frills option, but the American-made blanket is finished with a serged edge—a continuous wrap of yarn—to prevent fraying, and will, if kept away from moths, last for decades.

Pros:

• It’s a classic for a reason
• Heavy-duty insulation
• Made in America

Cons:

• Costly
• Bulky if traveling light

Insulation: 800-fill down | Shell: 20-denier nylon taffeta | Weight: 2.1 pounds (regular) | Machine washable: Yes

Zenbivy has been making a name for itself with its innovative modular camp bed systems, featuring inflatable pads, sheets with insulated hoods and quilts. Here, we’re just focusing on the quilt as it works brilliantly as a toasty warm, soft and versatile blanket or sleeping bag. The zipper-less design has a clever drawstring foot box that converts it from blanket to semi-enclosed sleeping bag. This is a game changer for those of us who overheat easily or roll around at night and dislike the feeling of being trapped in our bags.

There’s also a series of clips for attaching to the Zenbivy sheets, and a drawstring that can cinch in the bag around your neck for added warmth. We tested the 10-degree quilt in early fall and found it to be incredibly warm, so fair weather campers should opt for the 25-degree option. It’s all extremely comfortable and versatile, and we can’t guarantee you won’t end up buying the complete set to transform your backpacking sleep. The quilt is machine washable, but with a few asterisks, as down requires a bit of special attention. Luckily, Zenbivy has thorough washing instructions for all of their gear.

Pros:

• Exceptional warmth
• Ingenious design
• Compact

Cons:

• Expensive as a complete system

Insulation: 800-fill down | Shell: Nylon | Weight: 1.56 pounds (twin) | Machine washable: Yes

If you’re one of the many hikers who 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 without 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 pad.

Pros:

• Wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio
• Generous coverage
• Sleeping bag replacement

Cons:

• Pricey

Insulation: Recycled polyester, 12V heating element | Shell: Recycled polyester | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Machine washable: No

If you’re a camper van owner toying with the idea of installing an expensive heater system to your van, this heated blanket (52 x 72 inches) could be a simple, relatively affordable alternative. It runs off a 12V battery—plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter, or via a suitable battery pack from Jackery, Anker or Goal Zero, and you can enjoy up to 48W of heat for 10 hours.

This doesn’t sound much, but a human only kicks out 75W of heat. Trust us when we say this blanket is toasty warm, and may have also made it onto this reviewer’s indoor bed.

There’s three heat zones, with extra warmth at the head and feet, the smart controller remembers your preferred settings, has safety shut off and timers and the material features a 100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and insulation. Annoyingly, however, the heating element can’t be removed to make cleaning easier, so you can only spot clean rather than machine wash.

Pros:

• Serious warmth
• Adjustable control
• Heated zones

Cons:

• Difficult to clean
• No built-in battery

Insulation: Recycled fleece | Shell: 50-denier recycled ripstop Repreve | Weight: 3.6 pounds | Machine washable: Yes

Voited, much like Rumpl, specializes in stylish, practical and super comfortable outdoor blankets. For warmer months, or when you’re looking to keep weight down, the Ripstop Blanket is highly recommended, but when you want maximum warmth and versatility, the CloudTouch is hard to beat. On one side, there’s recycled ripstop that’s insulated and water resistant, but on the other you’ll find plush fleece that’s as inviting and soft to cuddle as your Labrador, just without the slobber. It’s an ideal choice for car camping or van life, especially as there’s 33 colors to choose from and a solid 46-degree temperature rating.

It has well-positioned poppers, allowing it to be worn as a poncho, or you can fasten two together to create a large sleeping bag. The large stuff pocket means it can also be used as a superb camping pillow.

Pros:

• Stylish and versatile
• Converts into a pillow
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Bulky to transport

Insulation: N/A | Shell: Polyester, waterproofing | Weight: 0.23 pounds | Machine washable: No

Matador’s Pocket Blanket isn’t a camping blanket in the traditionally warm, campfire vibes sense, but rather, a must-have, undeniably practical extra for any backpack. This ultralight, nylon waterproof picnic blanket folds down to the size of a wallet, but offers enough real estate to keep up to four bums dry on wet or muddy ground. It even has black zinc coated corner stakes to tether it to the ground in windy conditions, and sand pockets for keeping it weighted down on the beach. There’s also a clever stitching pattern across the face that teaches you how to fold it down properly to fit inside the minuscule mesh storage bag.

Pros:

• Packs down tiny
• Practical size
• Dry bum

Cons:

• No insulation