When you’re off on a camping adventure, you have to accept that it’s not always going to be as comfortable as at home. However, you can take things with you to increase your level of comfort and give yourself an enjoyable camping trip.
Staying warm is a must and while you’ll likely take sleeping bags, camping blankets are also a great way to stay toasty and get a better night’s sleep. They’re also ideal for sitting around the campfire of an evening or when you’re trying to warm up when you’ve just woken up.
But whatever you’re going to use them for, one thing is for sure; you’ll need a camping blanket that’s warm, durable, soft and comfortable. In this guide, we will be taking a closer look at how to pick a great camping blanket as well as showing you some of our favourite products.
Top Camping Blankets
Blankets come in all shapes and sizes but not all of them are ideal for camping. For this reason, you cannot simply grab the first blanket that you see. But if you don’t have time to trawl through hundreds of online listings, there’s no need to worry, as we have done the hard work for you. Here are our top picks of camping blankets.
OUR TOP PICK
You only need to look at the KingCamp blanket to see how cosy and warm it is. But while other blankets might end up being heavier because of this, the KingCamp is beautifully lightweight and easy to carry. In other words, perfect for on the go!
We also love that this camping blanket is super versatile. It can be used solely as a blanket or will wrap into a sleeping bag or poncho thanks to snap buttons. Furthermore, when you’re done, it packs away neatly into the included carry bag.
This blanket is perfect for outdoor use as it’s water resistant and made from durable materials. Outdoor life isn’t always gentle on you so you need something that’ll stand up to the challenge. What’s more, it’s hypoallergenic thanks to the filling which resembles down without the irritation.
Pros | Cons |
Water resistant | We couldn’t find anything wrong with this camping blanket |
Choice of colours | |
Comes with a travel bag | |
Lightweight yet very warm | |
Large enough for two adult users |
EDITORS CHOICE
Voited’s range of water-resistant blankets are definitely not cheap, but they are rather lovely and with excellent eco-credentials (made from recycled plastic bottles!) and customer care.
They come in a stuffsack and also transform into a press-stud-fastened cape or a pillow. Come in a range of funky patterns too.
Pros | Cons |
Water resistant | We couldn’t find anything wrong with this camping blanket |
Choice of patterns | |
Comes with a travel bag | |
100% Recycled materials | |
Multi use 4 in 1 |
BEST VALUE
You never know when the temperature is going to drop so it’s essential to make sure that you’ve always got something to provide extra warmth. That’s where the Snugpak Jungle Blanket really comes into its own. This is an insulating blanket that comes in a large size making it ideal for families and couples.
The Snugpak Jungle Blanket is also very lightweight which is great when you’re camping as the last thing you want is something that’ll weigh you down. The balance between this and something that will keep you warm is second to none.
What’s more, this blanket is made from antibacterial material so even though outdoor life might throw a few bugs and germs at you, there’s no need to worry about the hygiene or stink of this blanket.
Oh and if that wasn’t enough, the Snugpak is water resistant thanks to a repellent outer shell. It’s also windproof so even on those blustery nights, you’ll still be snug and warm.
Pros | Cons |
Comes with compression bag for easy transportation | Stuffing may slip easier than other blankets |
Large size | |
Water and wind proof | |
Lightweight | |
Antibacterial |
BEST HIGH END
If you’re willing to spend a little more on your camping equipment then this blanket from Get Out Gear is ideal. While it is stuffed to the brim with real down insulation, the blanket only weighs 1.1lbs which makes it perfect for travel. And all of that snuggly stuffing will keep you warm even on very cold nights.
What we also love about the Get Out Gear camping blanket is that it’s super easy to pack. The filling, while fluffy and warm, will compress down so you can fold and roll the blanket into its carry bag with zero fuss.
For those of you who need something a little more durable that can meet the demands of an extreme camping trip, this is it. It’s made from super high quality 20D fabric that resists rips and tears perfectly. It’s also water resistant so there’s no worries if it starts raining and if you’re sitting around the campfire and feeling a little chilly, the three snap system will enclose the blanket around you, poncho style!
Pros | Cons |
Very durable | Expensive |
Waterproof | |
Easy to pack | |
Very warm thanks to real down filling | |
Turns into a poncho |
BEST FOR PICNICS
If your camping adventure involves heading out to explore a lot of locations then you’ll probably need a blanket for picnics, relaxing and other things. This lightweight and easy to carry beach blanket is the ideal solution for this type of situation.
It’s large size is great for families and it will seat up to four people. What’s more, it doesn’t matter where you are or what the weather is doing, this blanket has got you covered. It’s waterproof and made from durable materials. Moreover, if you’re heading to the coast, don’t worry about sand; it’ll shake right off.
We also love that the BEARZ outdoor blanket comes in a great choice of bright colours. Who said you couldn’t add some style to your adventures? If you’re travelling with a larger group, the amazing affordability of this one means you can easily purchase several without breaking the bank.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable | Not as warm as others |
Water resistant | |
Stays put thanks to sand pockets and loops | |
Folds into carry bag for easy transport and storage | |
Great choice of fun colours |
BEST FLEECE CAMPING BLANKET
Most of the camping blankets we have looked at so far insulate you thanks to their filling. However, if you prefer the warmth and softness of fleece then we have just the camping blanket for you. This one comes in a super large size so is great for couples and families and boasts some of the best insulation we have seen.
Even when the blanket gets wet, it will still perform as well and so is perfect for year round use. But even though it’s super warm, that doesn’t mean it’ll weigh you down as it’s also beautifully lightweight and comes with a carry bag.
The quality of this blanket is second to none. The stitching is immaculate and the waterproof is very effective. It doesn’t hold on to odours and feels amazingly soft against the skin. If you want something that brings the comfort of home out into the wild, we’d absolutely recommend this one.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and easy to carry | Tends to slip during the night |
Waterproof | |
Made from durable polyester | |
Choice of colours | |
Soft and comfortable |
BEST WEARABLE BLANKET
Whether you’re toasting marshmallows and telling spooky stories or heading off to a festival where you need to keep warm and dry while you watch the entertainment, this wearable outdoor blanket will become your new best friend. It features long sleeves, full body protection and even a hat so it’s the perfect blanket for staying cosy even when the weather takes a turn for the worst!
The Snug Rug outdoor blanket has a fleece lining which is excellent for keeping you warm as well as a waterproof outer shell to keep the rain off. If you’re not wearing it, it’ll even double up as a floor cover; nobody can say it isn’t versatile!
We also love that the Snug Rug comes with its very own carry case so it’s very easy to transport. What’s more, it’s lightweight and won’t weigh you down whether you’re carrying it or wearing it. For hands free warmth and dryness, there’s nothing better!
Pros | Cons |
Waterproof and windproof | Not great for sleeping in |
Comes with carry case | |
Great for activities where you need your hands to be kept free | |
Very affordable | |
Doubles as a ground sheet |
BONUS PICK
Is it a blanket, hoodie or dressing gown? Truth is we don't really care because it is super cosy and snug to throw on over anything on them cold nights, REALLY soft fabric I call it teddy bear fabric and lot's of room to tuck your knees under too! This oversized hoodie is great quality and is going to keep you warm, not water proof however. We have one for each of us as they do a child's size too, the day they arrived they didn't come off again. Enough said.
What To Look For When Choosing A Camping Blanket
While you might find a few different blankets from within our top picks that take your fancy, not every blanket is going to work for your needs. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a closer look and check out the features to ensure it’ll do what you expect. Here’s our rundown on what to look for.
Material
A lot of camping blankets will feature double layers but regardless of this, it’s essential to make sure that the blanket material is of the highest quality. It can be tempting to pay less for a more affordable blanket but the chances are that the material won’t be as good.
More than this, it’s super important that your blanket is soft and comfortable. Nobody wants a scratchy blanket that feels itchy on the skin. Typically speaking, dual layer blankets will have a fleece lining which is lovely and cosy and ideal for those cold nights.
Size
Camping blankets come in a variety of sizes and it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. It’s pretty simple really, choose a larger one if you and your other half want to cuddle up by the fire or something smaller for single person use.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that larger blankets will carry more weight than smaller ones so you might want to think about this, especially if you’re hiking to your campsite. In this case, you will want to look for something that is large enough but that won’t weigh you down.
Durability and Water Resistance
It’s no secret that camping can be pretty rough at times so whatever blanket you choose, you’ll want to make sure it can stand up to the challenges that outdoor life presents. Thicker materials that are well made are ideal as they will resist rips and tears more easily but it’s important to make sure that this doesn’t make them so heavy that they’re difficult to carry.
Since the UK weather is hardly the most reliable, you will also need to make sure that your blanket has some kind of waterproofing. This will eliminate any worries about the blanket becoming damaged when using it outdoors.
Moreover, even if the weather is good, condensation within the tent can cause a non-waterproof blanket to become damp and unusable.
Versatility
Camping blankets are perfect as an extra layer during cold nights and are great for when you’re sitting around the campfire of an evening and things turn a little chilly. However, you want to make sure that the product you choose is also versatile enough to use in other situations.
For example, if you can get a camping blanket that will double up as a picnic blanket, that’s a huge bonus. But you might also want to think about whether you can use the blanket in other situations such as around the home or in the car.
Conclusion
Whether you’re camping in summer and want a way to keep that chill off at night or you’re braving a winter trip and need extra layers to keep warm, camping blankets are versatile and comfortable. To keep super cosy on your camping trip, you’ll need something that’s the right size resistant to the elements, durable and comfortable. Our top picks show you some of the best products on the market right now; it’s time to snuggle!
