Camping is sometimes regarded as roughing it, but it doesn’t have to be. With the appropriate supplies, camping may be as pleasant as staying at home without the bother of a phone signal. When we talk about the appropriate equipment, we aren’t merely referring to the fundamentals like tents and sleeping bags. We’re talking about the little extras that give a touch of luxury, such as a camping blanket.

A decent camping blanket can go a long way toward keeping you warm and comfy in the woods. These basic yet endlessly versatile goods often include a robust shell made of PE or PVC, as well as synthetic insulation, although there are also down-filled choices that provide more warmth for the weight while taking up less room in your bag. In addition to the aforementioned options, there are a few long-lasting, traditional wool and fleece choices. Below are our top picks; see Buying Advice below to assist you in selecting the best blanket for your excursions.

Camping Blanket Comparison Table

Blanket	Insulation	Weight	Shell	Dimensions (LXW)	Packed size
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket	Synthetic	2 lb. 1.6 oz.	30D	75 x 52 in.	7 x 16 in.
Kelty Bestie Blanket	Synthetic	1 lb. 8.6 oz.	75D	76 x 42 in.	6.8 x 11.5 in.
Therm-a-Rest Argo	Synthetic	1 lb. 10 oz.	30D	78 x 72 in.	14 x 17 in.
Rumpl Featherlite Down Blanket	800-fill down	1 lb.	10D	75 x 52 in.	5 x 8 in.
Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket	Wool	5 lb. 4.3 oz.	N/A	84 x 66 in.	Unavail.
YETI Lowlands Blanket	Synthetic	5 lb. 12.8 oz.	Unavail.	78 x 55 in.	Unavail.
Nemo Puffin	Synthetic	2 lb. 6 oz.	40D	85 x 55 in.	8 x 14 in.
Kelty Galactic Down	550-fill down	1 lb. 12.6 oz.	50D	72 x 55 in.	7 x 12 in.
Therm-a-Rest Stellar Blanket	Synthetic	1 lb. 6 oz.	30D	75 x 56 in.	11 x 14 in.
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket	Synthetic	1 lb. 12.8 oz.	30D	75 x 52 in.	6 x 14 in.
Therm-a-Rest Juno Blanket	Synthetic	13.5 oz.	30D	72 x 45 in.	9.5 x 11 in.
ENO FieldDay Blanket	Fleece	2 lb. 9 oz.	70D	72 x 58 in.	7.5 x 14 in.
REI Co-op Camp Blanket	Synthetic	1 lb. 6 oz.	Unavail.	70 x 54 in.	7 x 9 in.
Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket	600-fill down	1 lb. 3.2 oz.	30D	72 x 52 in.	5 x 10 in.
REI Flannel/Fleece Blanket	Fleece/flannel	2 lb. 2 oz.	N/A	70 x 54 in.	Unavail.

Camping Blanket Buying Advice

Synthetic

Synthetic fill is the most popular insulation in camping blankets, and the advantages are self-evident: Synthetic retains its loft when wet, which is superior than down plumage that clumps up and stops insulating when wet. The advantages of synthetic fill over down feathers for year-round usage include: 

It’s more resistant to moisture and dew from the ground. Synthetic fill is also less expensive (in most cases) and has greater longevity. 

If your blanket springs a leak, it won’t scatter as easily as down feathers. 

They’re not the lightest or smallest weight blankets, but they pack down smaller than down-filled ones while still providing superior warmth and comfort. The Puffy from Rumpl’s, the Puffin from Nemo are some of our favorite synthetic-insulated models.

Down-mimicking synthetics, which have made significant advancements in recent years and are getting closer and closer to matching the packability and warmth-to-weight ratio of down, would be remiss not to be mentioned. One standout is Rumpl’s NanoLoft, which does an excellent imitation of down. It’s lofty, provides decent heat for little weight, and compresses nicely.

Synthetic fill, such as Revoloft (feather) and Prolitex, is relatively new on the market. They are not quite as light or compressible as down but are a good substitute and may save you money.

Down

Down is a naturally occurring insulator that, as we said before, holds the warmth-to-weight crown. It packs down well and is generally extremely warm and soft. Fill power is a measure of down quality; higher fill power varieties provide excellent warmth at a tiny weight and packed size. For example, Rumpl’s top-end Featherlite Blanket has 800-fill-power down and weighs only 1 pound when compressed (ideal for packing into a backpack and going into the backcountry). 

Because lower-fill-power down has a lower R-value, blanket construction with this type of insulation necessitates additional insulation (i.e.,more weight) to achieve the same level of warmth, is less lofty, and doesn’t stuff down as small as higher-fill- power down blankets.

Sleeping without a down-insulated blanket may be the most difficult decision you make as an outdoor enthusiast. With no wet weather protection, down clumps and loses its insulating properties when wet, which is a significant disadvantage for campers who spend much of their time in damp places. That said, some higher-end models, such as Rumpl’s Featherlite and Down Puffy Blanket, add a hydrophobic treatment to the insulation to allow it to resist moisture better than untreated down and keep much of its loft and insulating qualities when wet. 

Another disadvantage is that down comforters have a greater propensity to leak over time and lose their heat. If you go with down, be careful not to snag or tear the shell, and massage any projecting feathers back into place rather than pulling them out. In the end, unless weight and compressibility are high priorities, we don’t recommend down fill—the advantages just aren’t worth the price.

Wool

Along with synthetic and down, wool is another – albeit much less popular insulation material used in camping blankets. Only one wool-insulated design was included on our list (the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket), but there are several advantages to consider. Wool is naturally odor resistant, draws moisture efficiently, and is extremely soft and comfortable next-to-skin. Most significantly, it provides exceptional warmth. 

Unlike synthetic or down fill, wool isn’t light or lofty, doesn’t compress into a tiny volume, and is difficult to clean (the Pendelton listed above is dry clean-only). 

Fleece

The final insulation alternative to consider is fleece, which may be found in the ENO FieldDay and REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece blankets above. Comfort and affordability are the main advantages here: Fleeces has a naturally soft and pliable feel that is less expensive than most synthetic and down insulations.

The fleece is not as light or compressible as the competition, and it falls short of synthetics in wind and wet-weather protection. Fleece blankets are also thinner than most other options, with little to no warmth (they’re fine for summertime use or as a supplement to a good sleeping bag). However, fleece blankets can provide some level of comfort for campers who don’t want to give up comforts.

Blanket Dimensions

The majority of the camping blankets on this list provide adequate coverage for most average-sized persons, but some are larger than others. The Nemo’s Puffin blanket is one to remember at 85 inches long by 55 inches wide (roughly the size of a queen-sized bed), making it simple to fully wrap around your shoulders and body. Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket, on the other hand, is smaller at 75 x 52 inches, but we’ve had no problems with coverage.

The Kelty Bestie is one of the narrower choices on our list, with just 42 inches at the shoulders (it’s about 75.6 in long). It’s considerably more difficult to wrap around your upper body to trap heat than other models due to its narrow dimensions. If you’re taller or have a wider physique, these details may be significant. 

Double (Two-Person) Blankets

For couples or significant others who like to camp together frequently, a larger double sleeping blanket such as Therm-a-Rest’s Argo, which measures 78 inches long by 72 inches wide and provides plenty of coverage for two, might be worth considering. Rumpl also makes two-person versions of many of their popular products, including the Original Puffy, NanoLoft Puffy, and Down Puffy (their Featherlite is only available in one-person).

Finally, double blankets have their allure for people who like to go out with a partner or appreciate the additional coverage while sleeping, but they are generally heavier, less compressible, and more expensive than one-person models. A camping blanket is a personal item and a single-sized version is all you need in most circumstances—whether you’re relaxing by the fire, sitting on a tailgate, or cocooned on your porch.

Blanket Warmth

Camping blankets come in a wide range of warmth, ranging from thin and lightweight fleece designs to hefty down-insulated ones. However, taking a look at the specifications alone may be difficult. Given their more casual demeanor, most blanket manufacturers don’t provide fill weight (which indicates how much down is in a given blanket), and even the synthetic choices lack a g/m2 spec.

Comfort

Comfort is highly subjective, but there are noteworthy distinctions in hand feel between low-cost and premium variants. For instance, Kelty’s Bestie costs just $30 yet uses materials that have a less soft, luxurious feel than more costly options such as Rumpl’s Original Puffy (we all three and it’s telling that we reach for the Rumpl and Nemo most frequently). Down tends to be cozier and loftier in general, with higher-fill-power varieties (like the 800-fill in Rumpl’s Featherlite) having impressive loftiness and a pillowy-soft feel.

Fleece is also extremely soft and flexible, but blankets like the REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece and ENO FieldDay are thin and lack warmth. Wool patterns like the Pendleton Yakima, on the other hand, are highly comfy but lack the cozy feel of synthetics or down. The lesson here is that spending more money generally translates to greater comfort, but where you choose to draw the line is purely a matter of personal choice.

Weight and Packability

Unless you’re taking your camping blanket with you on a future backpacking or bikepacking expedition, weight and packability are of little importance. That said, there is a significant range among models, and certain camping blankets are significantly smaller and less cumbersome to carry around than others. For reference, Rumpl’s premium Featherlite weighs only 1 pound and fits into the size of a big burrito when packed.

On the other hand, burly wool and waterproof constructions like the Pendleton Yakima and YETI Lowlands easily weigh more than 5 pounds and take up a lot of room in your duffel bag, gear bin, or vehicle. The majority of choices fall somewhere in the middle (1-2 lbs. and approximately the size of a bread loaf), which is perfectly manageable for most applications.

Shell Thickness (Denier) and Durability

The majority of camp blankets have a shell fabric that protects the insulation, and the denier (technically the thickness of each thread) of this fabric is measured. And the models on our list range from 10 to 75 denier (“D” for short).

At the other extreme is the Rumpl Featherlite, a lightweight design with a ten-denier shell that’s worryingly thin and prone to tears and snags from trees, rocks, and pets (and definitely kids too). These blankets are incredibly light and packable, but the loss in durability is a significant disadvantage.

On the other hand, budget options like the Kelty Bestie Blanket (75D) and ENO FieldDay Blanket (70D) are more hardy and inspiring for rough usage, and we feel much more comfortable throwing them around in our tent or the back of our car. Another standout is YETI’s Highlands Premium Lowlands, which has a strongly robust and waterproof design that serves as an excellent ground tarp.

However, the extra weight and bulk may be worth it for campers that treat their gear roughly. In the end, weighing durability against weight isn’t entirely straightforward, and it all comes down to personal choice, but 20 to 50 denier appears to be the ideal balance of toughness and packability.

Regardless of thickness, you’ll want to be cautious when using your blanket around the campfire since flying embers and sparks can quickly burn through even the thiccest of shells.

Weather Resistance

Synthetic is the clear winner when it comes to weather protection, and it keeps you warm even if it gets wet. Wool and fleece insulate when wet, but if they don’t have a shell fabric for protection (like the Pendleton), they’ll absorb moisture fast.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in the rain, such as during winter tailgating or certain après ski activities, choose a blanket with a DWR-coated shell that will keep light rain and snow off the fabric. And this goes without saying, but no blanket can handle severe weather or downpours, so it’s best to avoid moisture at all costs.

Waterproof Camping Blankets

Water-repelling treatments are common in the mid-range and premium categories of camping blankets, but certain patterns go beyond that with completely water-resistant constructions. The Lowlands from YETI is one such design, offering a robust and waterproof foundation and a highly water-resistant top that readily shrugs off moisture, pet hair, and other particles. This makes it an ideal choice for use as a ground tarp or picnic blanket in rainy weather, although its solid structure isn’t as comfortable to wrap yourself in.

Finally, in our opinion, full waterproofing should be reserved for when you need protection from cold and wet ground; most campers will be better off with a more supple non-waterproof design that isn’t fully waterproofed.

Camping Blanket Features 

Camping blankets are a diverse bunch, with many of our favorite picks including useful warmth-trapping characteristics. We adore buttons or snaps that allow you to wrap the blanket around yourself hands-free, as Rumpl does on all of their products listed above and make it simple to quickly attach the blankets about you while doing camp chores. They also have ties at the corners to secure inside a tent or on windy days.

The Puffin Blanket from Nemo is made of 280 thread count pure New Zealand merino wool with 400g/m2 thickness, making it more durable than the regular models. Other features include “Foot Nook,” a series of three buttons along the bottom that form a pocket to retain warmth at your feet, and curved edges that make wrapping the blanket around your upper body and legs while sitting around the fire easier. Finally, Therm-a-Rest’s Argo and Stella both have drawstrings at their feet as well as snap loops at the border for attaching to another Therm-a-Rest blanket or quilt.

Washing and Care

The majority of the camping blankets on this list are machine-washable (the dry clean-only wool Pendleton is one exception) and can be dried with your other laundry, making caring for them simple. We always recommend consulting the manufacturer’s care instructions before laundering your blanket, and it’s preferable to use “delicate” settings whenever possible.

For down blankets in particular, we’ve discovered that adding tennis balls to the dryer may help them feel thicker and loftier. If any feathers are showing, massage them back in to reduce heat loss.

When it comes to storage, it’s best to take your camping blanket out of its stuff sac when you return and store it unstuffed in your gear bin or garage. Compressing the insulation for lengthy periods can significantly reduce its loftiness and insulating properties. This is more of a worry with down, but high-loft synthetics like Rumpl’s NanoLoft can pack out if compressed for lengthy periods.

Camping Blankets vs. Sleeping Quilts

While a blanket may be a fun and functional addition to your camping, vanlife/camper, or cabin kit, most designs are too bulky and heavy while lacking in practical features to use in the backcountry. An ultralight sleeping quilt is a better option for people wanting to go fast and light. These designs avoid the hood and back of conventional sleeping bags but many have crucial warmth-trapping elements such as rear closures that allow you to form them around yourself, foot boxes that close with a zipper or snaps, and bottom drawstrings that can be used to secure them to your sleeping pad.

We recommend that you use low-cost fill-power down, such as BA Hyperfill, in your sleeping bag. Second, many of the world’s best designs make use of high-fill-power down that is lofty and warm at a light weight, highly compressible, and keeps you toasty in most 3 season conditions (down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit). High-end versions are certainly costly with many costing over $300 but for dedicated trekkers and hikers, the expenditure may be worthwhile.