Best Camping Blankets of 2024

In case you are trying to coax a cherished one or good friend into the outside with you, it is likely to be time so as to add a tenting blanket to your arsenal. Whereas not a conventional camp standby, it has the facility to show a cold morning, a too-thin sleeping bag, or impromptu stargazing into one thing snug and downright cozy. To search out the most effective tenting blankets to raise your house base setup, I took 12 of the highest choices accessible in the present day and narrowed it right down to seven of the most effective. 

How I Examined the Finest Tenting Blankets

My testing for tenting blankets assorted relying on every product’s supposed goal. Artificial- and down-filled tenting blankets (and one poncho), together with the Klymit Versa, Thermarest Argo and Honcho Poncho, Get Out Gear Down Tenting Blanket, iKamper RTT Blanket DPL, and Rumpl Unique Puffy, have been evaluated for heat (by sitting out on a wet-cold spring morning the place temps hovered within the mid forties with out my puffer jacket), packability, and water resistance. Wool blankets, from Ibex and Filson/Pendleton, have been evaluated for pores and skin really feel and suppleness, to see whether or not it might operate in addition to a blanket to wrap your self in as to put on the bottom or over in your knees within the conventional model. For the 2 picnic blankets in my take a look at, the Dometic GO Camp Blanket and YETI Lowlands Blanket, I evaluated water resistance on the underside, ease of cleansing on the highest aspect, in addition to flexibility and heft. The Kammok Mountain Blanket, which was in a category of its personal, was examined on plenty of the above metrics. 

I’ve continued to check the most effective tenting blankets (including some new choices into the combination) over quite a few tenting and backpacking journeys, together with wanting a variety of quilts as a part of OL‘s take a look at of the best backpacking quilts.

The Finest Tenting Blankets: Opinions & Suggestions

Finest General: Kammok Mountain Blanket

Key Options

• Dimension: 84 x 50 inches
• Packed dimension: 15.5 inches x 9.5 inches x 9.5 inches
• Supplies: 40D nylon ripstop shell and polyester
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• As heat as any tenting blanket we examined
• Versatile
• Stuff sack can be utilized as a pillow

Cons

• Much less water-resistant than others in my take a look at (I wouldn’t use this on something wetter than a lightweight morning dew)
• Cumbersome

I used to be absolutely anticipating one of many puffer blankets—crammed with light-as-air down feathers or state-of-the-art artificial fill—to say the highest spot. However ultimately, it was a fleece blanket that impressed me most. Not simply any fleece blanket, although: a fleece blanket lined with an impressively hardy 40D nylon ripstop material on one aspect that I had no hesitation throwing on the bottom. One with a large snap-button opening within the heart that you could poke your head into, poncho model. And that fleece? I grew up within the PNW, so I do know fleece, and that is some high quality fleece. Nevertheless it wasn’t till I used to be stuffing this one away after testing that I lastly observed the element that received my coronary heart. The stuff sack is lined on the within with fleece. I instantly noticed myself turning that sack inside out and stuffing it with my puffer jacket and a spare shirt. Who must deliver a pillow? The area financial savings pays for itself.

Surprisingly — even with its comparatively small quantity of puffer insulation—this supplied as a lot heat as any tenting blanket I examined. That being stated, I’d not advise utilizing this as an alternative choice to a real sleeping bag except you’re assured that nighttime temperatures received’t dip beneath 60 levels. Past wishing that there was only a tad extra insulation with this tenting blanket (a typical theme in my take a look at), I additionally discovered that the stitching on the nylon aspect, a few of which appeared extra for adornment than baffling, allowed extra water to seep into the blanket than others. 

Finest for Sleeping: HEST Down Comforter

Key Options

• Dimension: 88 x 58 inches (single), 88 x 80 inches (double)
• Packed dimension: 8 x 12 inches (single), 9 x 14 inches (double)
• Supplies: 40D polyester
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Very snug
• Heat sufficient for even chilly sleepers

Cons

Personally, I don’t like sleeping baggage a lot. Not solely are they’re annoying to get into and out of, they’re additionally fairly claustrophobic. However for many years, they have been all that was on provide in case you needed to sleep outside.

So I used to be excited to check out the Hest Down Comforter, which is a down blanket constructed for sleeping outside. It boasts virtually two kilos of 650 fill energy down for the double model and, unusually, in practically a 12 months of utilizing it I’ve but to see any down plumes poke by way of the 40D outer material. Even higher, this one has an ideal, snug pores and skin really feel along with being filth and water-resistant. I initially examined it whereas tenting within the fall within the Pacific Northwest, and got here away so impressed with its heat and luxury that I began utilizing it at house. Whereas I sleep heat, I’m assured that even chilly sleepers will discover the Hest Down Comforter greater than sufficient in the course of the cool nights of the summer season months.

Key Options

• Dimension: customizable (4 completely different lengths and three completely different widths)
• Packed dimension: customizable
• Supplies: 7D to 10D nylon and 850fp down, 950fp down, or artificial fill
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Customizable dimension and temperature rankings right down to 0 levels
• Nice pores and skin really feel
• Will be closed up or unfold out flat

Cons

• Not particularly sturdy 
• Expensive
• Technically not a tenting blanket

Earlier than the Hest Down Comforter arrived on the scene, the overwhelming majority of tenting blankets barely supplied sufficient heat to throw over your legs on a typical summer season evening, when temperatures battle to dip to the fifties. Whilst you may use them so as to add a smidge of additional heat to your sleeping bag setup, they weren’t applicable to make use of on their very own, even for the warmest sleepers. Luckily, you possibly can at all times snag one of many best backpacking quilts in case you have been making an attempt to get away from the strait-jacket really feel of a sleeping bag.

I’ve used the Enlightened Gear Revelation in all method of situations, from late summer season snow to early spring rains to backpacking at over 10,000 ft in Colorado, and it’s been one of many best sleeping bags for that goal. I selected a 20-degree bag, which retains me heat to about freezing in actuality, however you can even select temperature rankings as little as 0 levels. In truth, the one time it wasn’t the only option to make use of was when nighttime temperatures acquired caught within the higher 70s in late July in Northern California. Then I might need most popular a tenting blanket. 

One other upside to Enlightened Gear is that provide a wholesome diploma of customization, with 4 completely different lengths, three completely different widths, and 6 completely different temperature rankings.

Key Options

• Dimension: 76 inches x 56.5 inches
• Packed dimension: 20 inches x 18 inches x 6 inches
• Supplies: wool
• Dry clear solely

Professionals

• Comfortable to the contact
• Heat 
• Massive sufficient for 2 individuals to take a seat beneath
• Can be utilized on the bottom in the suitable situations

Cons

If in case you have a reluctant camper you’re engaged on changing, this could be the most effective tenting blankets for you. Not solely is it tremendous cozy and excellent for throwing over your legs across the campfire or layering over your sleeping bag for a bit of additional heat at evening, however it additionally simply seems to be nice, so it has a contact of glamp that can elevate nearly any setup. 

Wool has a status for being scratchy, and there’s a motive for that: wool fibers have pure scales on them, however this Ibex blanket bucked that pattern with wonderful pores and skin really feel. Until you might have a wool allergy, you’ll discover this blanket snug.

Whereas this blanket is a lot sturdy for floor use, I’m not recommending it for that goal, particularly because it’s costly to purchase and clear. 

Finest Down: Kelty Galactic Down Blanket

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Key Options

• Dimension: 72 inches x 55 inches
• Packed dimension: 7 inches x 12 inches
• Supplies: 50D polyester with 550fp duck down
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Comprises 550 fill energy down
• Excellent layer for decent summer season nights

Cons

• Cloth pores and skin really feel is much less snug than others I’ve examined

There aren’t many tenting blankets that use down fill as an alternative of artificial, so I used to be stoked to take a look at the Kelty Galactic Down Blanket. Whereas it seems to be rather a lot just like the artificial choices I’ve examined up to now, my household observed that it delivered noticeably extra heat (and extra rapidly) than its artificial counterparts. It was heat sufficient that my three-year-old even opted to sleep beneath it for a part of the when temperatures have been on the excessive aspect.

Whereas the colourful colours of the Kelty Galactic make this tenting blanket a pleasure to have a look at, the precise pores and skin really feel leaves one thing to be desired. After tenting with it for 10 days within the humidity of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula it began to really feel cheesy to the contact, in comparison with the extra silky pores and skin really feel of the Enlightened Gear quilt or the fleecy Kammok Mountain Blanket. However assuming you toss it within the wash frequently, the value level on this down-filled possibility is tough to beat.

Key Options

• Dimension: 75 inches x 52 inches
• Two-person dimension accessible
• Packed dimension: 16 inches x 7 inches
• Supplies: 30D polyester ripstop shell and polyester stuffed
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Incorporates 60 recycled bottles per blanket
• Cheap value
• Tremendous water-resistant
• Small packed dimension

Cons

• Ran colder than most of the tenting blankets in my take a look at

Let’s begin with the elephant within the room: this simply isn’t a really heat blanket. Should you want a ten diploma enhance, this may get the job finished (assuming you don’t run chilly), however in case you’re on the lookout for some actual insulation, you’d be higher off with one of many different picks on this listing. 

OK, now that we’ve acquired that out of the best way, let’s transfer on to what’s to like right here. First off, the shell and insulation is 100% recycled polyester, the one product in my take a look at to include recycled supplies. Subsequent there’s the 30D ripstop shell, which was simply probably the most water-resistant material within the take a look at (plus, it is available in an enormous variety of fabulous colours). Lastly, its low profile and low value (though neither have been as little as my finest finances choose) make it possibility for anybody with a extra minimalist setup. 

Key Options

• Dimension: 77 inches x 50 inches (I measured at 73 inches x 50 inches)
• Packed dimension: 12 inches x 5 inches
• Supplies: 20D nylon ripstop shell 
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Low value
• Smallest packed dimension in my take a look at
• Heat sufficient to make use of by itself throughout summer season months
• Nylon exterior had an ideal pores and skin really feel

Cons

• Small footprint
• Much less water-resistant than different tenting blankets 

Down continues to be thought-about the gold-standard in insulation in comparison with artificial options and this tenting blanket exhibits why. Whereas my arms have been nonetheless chilly with bulkier artificial choices, the Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket blocked the nippiness from my arms surprisingly quick, and by the tip of my 15-minute testing interval was downright cozy. I’d really feel snug sleeping beneath this one as long as temps didn’t drop beneath fifty-five levels, however that’s solely as a result of I’m on the shorter aspect. Whereas the producer states that this one is 77-inches lengthy, I measured it at 73 inches (I additionally confirmed the 50-inch width measurement). 

The nylon shell, whereas easy and gentle towards my pores and skin, additionally proved much less water-resistant than different choices. Hold this one within the tent if a drizzle seems to be imminent. Nonetheless, for the value and high quality this budget-friendly blanket makes an ideal addition to your setup.

Sadly, throughout ongoing testing with this merchandise sturdiness issues have began to come up. Particularly, the snap buttons can tear the material once you pull them aside, revealing the down innards of the tenting blanket.

Finest All-Terrain: YETI Lowlands Blanket 

Key Options

• Dimension: 78 inches x 55 inches
• Packed dimension: 20 inches x 9 inches x 8 inches
• Supplies: polyester and rayon
• Machine cleanable

Professionals

• Waterproof backside
• Material material on prime cleans simply
• Its heft and weight received’t blow round within the wind

Cons

Coloration me skeptical after I first took out the YETI Lowlands Blanket — a picnic blanket? At that value? Can’t I simply use a ten greenback tarp? However after taking this tenting blanket alongside on a three-day spring tenting journey that noticed every part from sleet to 25 mile per hour gusts, contemplate me a convert. 

The very first thing I observed was this blanket’s heft. We threw it right down to put our toddler onto whereas we arrange the tent, however even because the wind blew the poles and nylon out of our palms, the Lowlands didn’t transfer in any respect. Then we simply left it on the bottom for the remainder of our journey, haphazardly strolling over it to retrieve provides out of the again of our SUV, lugging it nearer to the hearth to take a seat on, or watching it flip into an imaginary boat for the toddler’s stuffed animals. On the final day, sleet and freezing rain meant we have been motivated to pack issues up in a rush, and we merely tossed the Lowlands on prime of the remainder of our gear earlier than heading out to search out some sizzling espresso (that didn’t come from our camping percolator). However after we acquired house, all of the filth and particles that had been on the blanket simply form of fell off. No mud, no residue. We didn’t even have to scrub it. With that, the Lowlands made its approach into my everlasting rotation.

Be aware that this isn’t a blanket to throw on prime of your sleeping bag for additional heat; if that’s what you’re on the lookout for, try a number of the different choices on this listing.

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for a Tenting Blanket

Function

We regularly ask tenting blankets to drag double-duty, to guard us from the moist and dust on the bottom whereas having lunch noon after which additionally maintain us heat as twilight units within the night. And whereas some blankets are each powerful and heat, sometimes sturdiness and luxury don’t go hand in hand. Earlier than buying a tenting blanket, contemplate what you’re most certainly to make use of it for. 

Supplies

Tenting blankets might be made out of a variety of various supplies: from fleece, to wool, to down, to synthetics. Whereas the latter two are sometimes seen as standalones, they differ in how properly they operate in numerous situations, and the kind of care they want. Fleece, which tends to be cheaper, has a reasonable warmth-to-weight ratio, and may repel some water earlier than turning into saturated (and shedding a lot of its skill to insulate). Wool, however, is a wonderful insulator, and continues to offer a substantial amount of heat even when moist. It additionally does a greater job blocking wind than different supplies. It’s, nevertheless, costlier than different supplies, and it requires specialised care, comparable to dry cleansing.

Down is definitely the most effective insulator out of any of those and offers extra heat for weight than simply about another materials utilized in out of doors gear. Should you have a look at a down feather, you’ll see that it’s made up of innumerable wisps related to a brief shaft. The dearth of construction to those feathers creates small air pockets, which entice warmth out of your physique and insulate it from the chilly exterior air. Down-feather high quality is measured by fill energy (fp), or how a lot down it takes to fill one cubic inch of area. As an example, one ounce of 550fp down will fill about 9 liters, whereas one ounce of 900fp will fill virtually 15 liters. The Achilles heel of down feathers has at all times been moisture—when down will get moist, the pockets of air disappear, eliminating nearly all of its insulating properties. In recent times, producers have began utilizing down feathers handled with a water resistant coating, typically known as DownTek, however there are a number of completely different names. With down merchandise, it’s additionally price trying to whether or not the product is RDS (Accountable Down Normal) licensed, which helps be sure that no geese or geese have been unnecessarily harmed (comparable to reside plucking). 

The sleeping baggage of slumber events are instance of artificial fill. With high-end artificial fill mimicking the qualities of down, these use quick filaments that create pockets to entice your physique warmth. Additional, artificial fill retains warmth whereas moist with out the necessity for extra therapy. The very best high quality artificial fills can method the insulation-to-weight ratio of 550fp down, however these synthetics additionally method the price of decrease high quality down. 

Down and synthetics are sometimes encased by both polyester or nylon of various thicknesses, which is measured in denier (D). Most tenting blankets use materials between 20D and 50D. And nylon is usually a stronger materials than polyester.

Dimension

There are two sizes to consider—the sq. footage the blanket covers when unfold out and its packed dimension. The previous measurement will enable you to decide whether or not a blanket is finest used for a single individual or a pair, maintaining your legs heat on chilly mornings, or sleeping beneath it on heat nights. The latter, nevertheless, is essential when you’ve got restricted area, particularly in case you’re planning to take your tenting blanket out on a backpacking journey. 

FAQs

Closing Ideas on the Finest Tenting Blankets

Whereas there are a selection of outstanding gear producers making tenting blankets, together with Klymit, Thermarest, Kammok, YETI, Ibex, Dometic, Filson/Pendelton, iKamper, Get out Gear, and Rumpl, the standard and worth of those merchandise varies significantly. Typically, I used to be dissatisfied with the standard of the artificial blankets that I examined—in the end neither the iKamper RTT, Klymit Versa, nor the Thermarest Honcho Poncho or Argo have been heat to incorporate on this roundup (though the latter got here shut). However after testing and evaluating the completely different tenting blankets available on the market to at least one one other, I really feel assured that each Get Out Gear and Kammok make a number of the finest tenting blankets available on the market. Equally, the burden and suppleness of the YETI Lowlands, although costlier, in the end made it the higher possibility over the Dometic GO Camp Blanket, and the softness of the Ibex blanket made it my most popular alternative over the comparatively scratchy Mackinaw Wool Blanket.