Best Outdoor and Camping Blankets of 2026
Puffy Blankets, Picnic Blankets, Waterproof Blankets, and Fleece and Down Blankets for Camping, Travel, Festivals, and Cabins
October 1st, 2026, updated with four new winners
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Camping blankets are not just about staying cozy. They are built for the dirt, mud, spills, and damp conditions that come with spending time outside. Unlike the old sheet or bed comforter many of us used to haul along, a good outdoor blanket should be easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and compact enough that you will actually bring it.
I first encountered puffy outdoor blankets at a trade show in 2016 and have been using and evaluating them ever since. For this update, I took them on 40 flights, desert trips in Joshua Tree and the Mojave, a month-long summer camp in the Eastern Sierra with other testers, five-day fishing trips in Montana, and outdoor festivals in Oregon. We compared water resistance by suspending each blanket like a hammock, pouring half a liter of water onto it, and timing how long it took to leak through. Some held the water for more than six hours without fully wetting through.
We evaluated each blanket for warmth, water resistance, weight, packed size, durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. We also considered whether it worked best as an insulating layer, a ground cover, or a blanket that could reasonably do both.
Top Pick: The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for its water resistance, durable recycled construction, easy machine washability, and useful balance of warmth and packability. In our spill test, it did not begin leaking through the stitching for 15 minutes and was still holding most of the water three hours later. Corner loops make it easier to secure in windy conditions, while its range of sizes and designs works for solo camping, festivals, road trips, and everyday outdoor use.
Note: This guide includes insulated blankets designed primarily for warmth, durable ground blankets for picnics and damp campsites, and versatile options that can handle both jobs.
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Comparison table
| OUTDOOR BLANKET | TREELINE AWARD | BEST USE | MSRP | WEIGHT | SIZES AVAILABLE | FILL MATERIAL | SHELL MATERIAL | WATER REPELLENT | MACHINE WASHABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket | Best Overall Read why |
Camping, picnics, festivals | $99, $199 | 9.6/ 33.6/ 59.2 oz | 28 x 40" (junior)/ 75 x 52" (single)/ 84 x 80" (double) | 100% recycled 3D hollow fiber siliconized synthetic | 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric | DWR | Yes |
| Nomadix Festival Blanket | Best Picnic Read why |
Picnics, camping, lawn sitting, festivals | $70 | 32 oz | 72" x 60" | N/A | 88% recycled polyester | Water resistant base | Yes |
| Rumpl Backcountry Puffy Blanket | Warmest Read why |
Camping, backpacking, travel | $149, $249 | 24/ 35 oz | 74 x 52" (single)/ 84 x 80" (double) | Synthetic | 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester | PFAS-free DWR | Yes |
| Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho | Best Wearable Read why |
Camping, sleep system layering | $160 | 24 oz | 79 x 56" | 85% recycled polyester hollow-fiber synthetic | 100% recycled 20D nylon ripstop | PFAS-free DWR | Yes, with specific care instructions |
| Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down | Best Down Wearable Read why |
Camping, sleep system layering | $260 | 19 oz | 48 x 42" | RDS-certified 650-fill hydrophobic down | 100% recycled 20D nylon ripstop | PFAS-free DWR | Yes, with specific care instructions |
| Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter | Best for Cold Weather Read why |
Backpacking, travel, cot or hammock use | $412 - $695 | 25/ 43/ 49 oz | 87 x 55" (twin)/ 92 x 87" (queen)/ 102 x 92" (king) | 800-fill European goose down | Nylon | DWR | No |
| Sackcloth and Ashes Camp Blanket | Best Wool Read why |
Cabins, indoor-outdoor use | $140 | 40 oz | 72 x 60" | N/A | 50% acrylic/ 25% polyester/ 20% wool/ 5% other | None added, but hydrophobic fabrics | Yes |
| Matador Pocket Blanket | Best Packable Read why |
Festivals, travel | $35 | 3.8 oz | 63 x 44" | N/A | 20D nylon/ 70D Bluesign span/ 70D polyester | PFAS-free PU coating | Yes |
| Rumpl Stash Mat | Best Waterproof Read why |
Camping, sitting by the fire, picnics, beach | $90/ $130 | 41.6/ 64 oz | 75 x 52" (large)/ 84 x 80" (XL) | 100% post-consumer recycled synthetic | 100% recycled synthetic | Oxford canvas + DWR | No |
| SOL Emergency Blanket | Best Emergency Read why |
Backpacking, camping | $7/ $11.50 | 2.5/ 3.2 oz | 84 x 56"/ 98 x 58" (XL) | N/A | Polyethylene | Waterproof plastic | No |
The Winners
Best Outdoor Blanket: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Best uses: Camping, picnics, festivals
Sizes available: 28" x 40" (mini) / 38" x 52" (compact throw) / 52" x 75" (1-person/full) / 84" x 80" (2-person)
Insulation: 100% recycled 3D hollow fiber siliconized synthetic insulation; 240 gsm
Shell material: 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Machine washable
What we liked: refined stitching and quality, fun designs and colors, variety of sizes, eco-friendly company, corner loops
What we didn't like: price, face material is shiny
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is what you think of when you think of a puffy blanket for outdoor use. It's soft, comes in beautiful designs, is well-stitched, and comes with a convenient tote bag that makes it pack down to a small size. It works well to break the chill around a campfire (or on the couch!). It's a shareable alternative to a sleeping bag on warm days and adds extra warmth on top of a sleeping bag on cold nights. We even used it as a picnic blanket at festivals because it's so packable.
Best yet, Rumpl is one of the most eco-friendly outdoor brands and is a Climate Neutral Certified brand where 100% of the shell and insulation are post-consumer recycled materials and 100 plastic bottles are recycled for each double blanket.
There are still more color and print options with Rumpl than other brands, so we still think it's the best camping blanket.
Compare prices of the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
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New for this year, the Rumpl Original is available in mini and throw sizes designed for kids or pets.
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The Rumpl Original Puffy blanket is available in three sizes—a junior, a single (75x52 inches) and a double (84×80 inches). In our experience, the single can easily be shared with two people when using it as a picnic blanket. If the couple is sharing a double camp chair like the Kelty Low, the single should be fine, too. But if you're looking to use the blanket at night instead of a sleeping bag, you'll want the double, no matter how well you know the other person!
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The biggest advantage of the Rumpl over other blankets is that it has the most options, colors, patterns, and designs. Camping blankets are large and many people make a statement with them. From the RAD (Rumpl Artist Division) that supports outdoors artists to their National Park line, there are colors, patterns, and designs for everyone. We tested a blanket with a design by Crystal Worl, a Tlingit and Athabascan artist.
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Another less obvious perk of the Rumpl blanket over other puffy blankets is the Cape Clip, which allows you to turn it into a cape for walking around camp. You can even use it as a changing poncho in a pinch, though we used it for a month at the camp's outdoor shower and it required getting creative.
The Rumpl is one of the few blankets we tested that has corner loops to stake out your blanket on windy days.
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The Rumpl Original sits in the middle of the pack in terms of warmth. It isn't the warmest blanket, but it's noticeably warmer than others we tested, including the similar looking Cascade Mountain Tech. We used it as an alternative to a sleeping bag while camping by hot springs in the Eastern Sierra in the peak of summer and didn't find it warm enough for a night in the 40s. But we found it perfect for sitting around a campfire, sitting on the porch of a cabin for sunset, or watching an outdoor movie.
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The Rumpl Original is also among the more water-resistant camp blankets we tested. When we dumped a 0.5 L Nalgene bottle on it, it took 15 minutes to start to leak through, and that was only at the stitching. We cut the experiment off after 3 hours, but even then, it was still holding most of the water. Since it has synthetic insulation, the Rumpl stays warm, even when it's misty or wet, unlike down blankets.
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The Original Puffy Blanket is made of easy-to-wash synthetic insulation that can be thrown in the washing machine, which is handy since we always used our blanket around the campfire and wanted to remove the smoke odor.
For its balance of warmth, price, sustainability, ease of washing, packability, and cool patterns and designs, the Rumpl Original is an easy overall winner for best camping blanket.
Best Picnic Blanket: Nomadix Festival Blanket
Best uses: Picnics, camping, lawn sitting, festivals
Sizes available: 72" x 60"
Insulation: n/a
Shell material: 88% post-consumer recycled polyester
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Yes
What we liked: waterproofness, dimensions, grippiness, repels sand, recycled material, designs, corner loops
What we didn't like: price, does not come with stuff sack or stuffable pocket
The Nomadix Festival Blanket is our winner for best picnic blanket. It's so waterproof, it never wetted out or leaked in over 3 hours of testing supporting half a liter of water. It’s made of a durable material that doesn’t stretch or warp over time and washes. It's grippy enough to use as a hot yoga mat. It has corner loops so it doesn't blow away. I had always thought an old sheet was sufficient enough for a picnic blanket until testing the Festival Blanket, and now that I've seen how good things can be, I never want to go back.
We like that the Nomadix packs down small. Like the Rumpl Everywhere Mat, it also has loops on the corner to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Our one wish for it is that it had a stuff sack or folded into its own pocket. Still, the size, waterproofing, eco-friendly material, and price all make it a winner.
Compare prices of the Nomadix Festival Blanket
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The Nomadix is slip resistant, which it claims makes it good for hot yoga. To test this claim, we took it to our studio. While this blanket isn’t a typical hot yoga mat or hot yoga towel and I felt a little weird doing it, the Nomadix blanket stayed grippy even when wet. That grippiness also proves useful outdoors, such as when you're using it as a beach blanket if your feet are still wet coming out of the water.
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The backside of this blanket is black, so it doesn’t show stains where it is against the ground. In our testing, sand and dirt didn't stick as much to the bottom material as the top material. The top side (where others will see it) comes in fun prints. We wish there were more colors, though.
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The Nomadix Festival Blanket is made of Global Recycled Standard-certified post-consumer recycled plastic. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) considered environmental impacts as well as social impacts like conditions for workers.
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The Festival Blanket and Rumpl Everywhere Mat (review below) have many of the same features including corner loops. Main differences we found were in size, weight (32 oz vs 19 oz) and price ($69 vs $80). The Festival Blanket is less expensive and bigger, which is why we recommend it. However, it does not stuff into its own pocket, a feature you can find in the Everywhere Mat.
We liked the Festival Blanket's size better for gatherings with more than three people. We liked the Festival Blanket better for using as a porch with 6-person tents.
My biggest issue with the Festival Blanket is I wish it had more color and design options (admittedly, the Rumpl Blanket has about the same offerings). The price is steep as well. Still, its waterproofness is impressive and I have a hard time imagining buying this for myself, but it's the sort of item I would be thrilled to receive as a gift.
Warmest Outdoor Blanket: Rumpl Backcountry Blanket
Best uses: Camping, backpacking, travel
Sizes available: 74 x 52" (1-person) / 84 x 80" (2-person)
Insulation: Synthetic
Shell material: 100% post consumer recycled shell
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Yes
What we liked: Very warm for its weight and packability, balances price, weather-proofness, machine-washability, and warmth
What we didn't like: warmer options exist made of down (but they are not as affordable or as easy to wash)
The Rumpl Backcountry Blanket is Rumpl's newest blanket and the warmest in their line-up. After trying dozens of blankets that aren't warm enough, we finally found one that keeps off the chill. The only other blankets that were warmer were nearly double the price and harder to wash because they were made out of down. We think if you want a warm blanket, the Backcountry Blanket is the warmest that balances price, packability, weather-proofness, and machine-washability.
Rumpl says it is 20% warmer and 25% more packable than the Original Puffy Blanket and while we can't discern down to the percentage point, we agree with the sentiment.
We also liked the color and pattern options on the Backcountry Blanket, which often aren't available with the heavier-duty camp blankets. The Backcountry blanket also comes in one of the easiest-to-use stuff sacks with a secure buckle. Plus, Rumpl is one of the most sustainable and ethical brands.
Compare prices of the Rumpl Backcountry Blanket
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While the Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter (below) technically is warmer, we think most campers and travelers will find the Backcountry Blanket to be a much more affordable and easier to use option. We’ve used it on ridges in freezing temperatures with 35 mph winds in snow flurries and light rain. It kept us warm and the weatherproofing kept us dry as we hiked in these conditions while wearing it, using the Cape Clip over our backpack to keep it in place.
The Backcountry Puffy is designed to be more packable and weather-resistant than Rumpl's previous models of warm blankets, including their (now discontinued) Down Blanket.
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In our waterproof testing, the Rumpl Backcountry kept 0.5 L of water from coming through for more than 6 hours (we stopped the test before it ever broke through).
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As with other Rumpl Blankets, the Backcountry Puffy comes with the Cape Clip to make it wearable as well as Corner Staking loops in case you want to turn it into a picnic blanket.
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We also liked that the stuff sack is a roll-top dry bag-style, which is much easier to stuff than the traditional stuff sack found on the Rumpl Original blanket. You could easily attach it to a backpack with a carabiner or lashing if you wanted extra warmth. It also has a zip pocket in the corner so you don’t lose the stuff sack when in motion.
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The Backcountry Blanket is made of post-consumer recycled content and the brand is a B-Corp that is Certified Climate Neutral and also a member of 1% for the Planet.
Best wearable outdoor blanket: Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho
Best uses: Camping, sleep system layering
Sizes available: 79" x 56" (synthetic) / 48" x 42" (down)
Insulation: 85% recycled polyester hollow fiber / RDS-certified 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
Shell material: PFAS-free DWR-coated and 100% Recycled 20D Nylon Ripstop
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Synthetic version is easier to wash, Down version requires special washing instructions
What we liked: Extremely warm, very packable, stylish, fits in its own pocket
What we didn't like: Price, difficulty of washing down
The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho is the best wearable outdoor blanket. While other outdoor blankets come with hooks or clips to turn it into a cape or hands-free blanket, the Honcho Poncho leans into being wearable above all else.
Now available with more affordable and water-resistant synthetic fill or as a down poncho, the Honcho Poncho is one of the most fought over items around our campfire.
The synthetic version opens into a rectangular blanket, while the down version doesn’t. But you may not want to take either version off.
Yes, the Honcho Poncho has a select use case scenario, but we love this blanket so much, we strongly considered it as the best overall camp blanket.
Compare prices of the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho
Down
Synthetic
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The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho got an update with two options available: a synthetic and a down version. The synthetic version is more affordable and turns into a blanket.
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Both the down and synthetic versions use a PFAS-free DWR waterproofing on the recycled nylon shell material. The Honcho Poncho impressed us with its ability to keep 0.5 L of water from pouring through and wetting out the down insulation over more than three hours.
The synthetic version is made with a hollow-fiber synthetic insulation. As with other synthetic insulation, even if the shell material were to wet out, it would still maintain much of its insulating properties, even if it were to get wet. See Which is better: down vs. synthetic? for more information.
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It’s made of soft down and silky sleeping bag material that is more delicate than the nylon shell on other blankets, but feels better against the skin. The design of the poncho itself is thoughtful—three clip buttons on the side to reduce the flap and a generous half zipper around the neck and chest for ventilation. It also has a hood, so you don’t have to run back to get your hat.
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I’ve used this on cold nights around the campfire. I’ve also brought it in my carry-on while traveling and it was a lifesaver while working from an outdoor patio at the San Francisco airport during a cold and foggy layover in August (if you know, you know).
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It’s even kind of fashionable. At a backcountry “fancy” party in the Eastern Sierra, I won the unofficial prize for best dressed while wearing the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho as a puffy dress with a festive belt (beating out a guy who picked up a 3-piece baby blue suit from the June Lake thrift store!).
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The best part is that the Honcho Poncho fits into its own kangaroo pocket, so it can be stashed away in a carry-on or backpack. Packed in its pocket, it can even be used as a pillow. The downside is this blanket is expensive, but with quality sleeping bag-grade materials, I expect this poncho to last as long as a down sleeping bag, which means 10 years or more.
Best for Cold Weather: Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter
Best uses: Camping, travel
Sizes available: 87" x 55"(twin) / 92" x 87" (queen) / 102" x 92" (king)
Insulation: 800-fill European goose down
Shell material: Nylon
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Requires special washing instructions
What we liked: Warmth, softness, waterproofness, comfort, high-quality materials
What we didn't like: Price, corner ties, lack of color options
For campers and backpackers who want the warmth of a sleeping bag without the restrictiveness (or awkwardness) of a mummy bag, the made in the USA Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 is the best camp blanket for cold weather.
The Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 is a luxurious and thick puffy blanket that packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. Its rectangular shape is available in twin, queen, and king sizes–to reflect that it is trying to be the anti-mummy bag–and is completely non-constricting just like your bed at home.
I've been using my Cloud 9 comforter on my bed at home for almost a decade because I like how fluffy and comfortable it feels. It's also a great addition to bring on cold plane and train trips because it is so compact.
Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter
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The Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter is stuffed with 800-fill European goose down, which is the same insulation found in Western Mountaineering's high-end sleeping bags. Each square sewn through baffle is as puffy as a cloud. It's a joy to snuggle with and does its job of being an extremely effective insulator. You can read about down fill and how down works for insulation in our guide to Best Down Jackets or Best Sleeping Bags.
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The Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter is designed to be an alternative to a down sleeping bag. It is made of the same high-end materials you'd find in a Western Mountaineering down sleeping bag, but with a rectangular shape. This makes it excellent as a camping sleeping bag or as an alternative to a backpacking quilt.
While camping in Oregon, I found its size and shape worked particularly well with a camping cot. It was much easier to work around the edges compared to the sleeping bag I also brought (and subsequently pushed to the side).
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The Western Mountaineering Cloud Comfort has straps on each corner so you can tie it closer to your body or secure it to your sleeping pad or even to use in a camping hammock. However, this attachment system relies on your ability to tie knots. In our testing for our backpacking quilts guide, we've found far more sophisticated and easy-to-use systems. While we appreciate the option of the tie-outs and they're better than nothing, we find them too analog to want to use except in the colder conditions.
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Like all down blankets, the Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 is not the easiest to wash. It's also quite expensive. But if you're looking for a down comforter for camping that you can also use for home, it's the best blanket.
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If you're looking for a warm and compact blanket to use for travel, we also think the Western Mountaineering is the best option. It packs down to a 6"x10" size stuff sack (4.5L). It isn't the lightest blanket at 25 oz, but it is not even in the same league of warmth as the lighter-weight blankets we tested. 25 oz is excellent for a down sleeping bag or a backpacking quilt and that is the level of warmth you'll get with this bag.
Best wool camp blanket: Sackcloth and Ashes Camp Blanket
Best uses: Cabins, indoor-outdoor use
Sizes available: 72 x 60"
Insulation: n/a
Shell material: 50% acrylic /25% polyester /20% wool /5% other fabric
Packable: Yes, rolls into stylish leather cloth
Water-resistant: Yes on grass, no when pouring a water bottle on it
Washing: Machine-washable
What we liked: Incredibly stylish, beautiful art, eco-friendly, ethical company donates to homeless shelters, versatility at home and outdoors, affordable for a wool blanket, machine-washable
What we didn't like: Not as packable or water-resistant as other blankets
The Sackcloth and Ashes outdoor blanket receives rave reviews and we decided to test it based on a Treeline reader's recommendation. This is a beautiful blanket that you'd expect to see on some outdoor Instagram influencer's account as they sit atop a mountain looking at sunset.
But it turns out, looking good doesn't mean something isn't functional. After almost 3 years of testing the Sackcloth and Ashes, we found even more to love about it even beyond its attractive style.
It's the softest blanket we tested. The Sackcloth and Ashes is warm, it's water resistant, it's eco-friendly and the brand donates to shelters for people experiencing houselessness. And unlike most wool blankets, it's not itchy and is actually washable.
So yes, the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket shows it is possible to look good and be a functional outdoor blanket, too.
Sackcloth and Ashes Camp Blanket
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There's no ignoring the Sackcloth and Ashes outdoor blanket's style. For context, you can get this blanket at Saks Fifth Avenue. Still, the price is reasonable, especially considering that it is made in Italy and finished in the US and a blanket is donated to a homeless shelter for every one you purchase.
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As mentioned above, Sackcloth and Ashes donates a blanket to a homeless shelter for every blanket that is purchased. The material itself is made of recycled acrylic and recycled polyester. The wool is made from remnants from other factory floors to divert it from the landfill. The brand says each blanket is made of 75-100% recycled materials.
The brand says their blankets are "intentionally and responsibly made," and this seems to be one of the better examples I've seen in the outdoor industry.
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Ok, this is where I'm putting a "stretch" to the award of Best Wool Blanket. This blanket has only 20% wool. Normally, I would ding myself for that error, but this blanket looks like a traditional wool blanket. And by not having more wool, it means you can actually wash it in a washing machine. It also isn't itchy like wool.
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For the beauty of patterns (including designs by indigenous artists), eco-friendly materials, and ethical donation of blankets–as well as the functionality of this blanket, we think it's worth getting if you want something that looks and feels luxurious that you can feel good about purchasing.
Best packable camp blanket: Matador Pocket Blanket
Best uses: Travel, festivals, picnics, hiking
Sizes available: 63" x 44"
Insulation: n/a
Shell material: 20D recycled nylon, 70D Bluesign span, 70D upcycled polyester (everything PFAS-free)
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Machine-washable
What we liked: Fits in its own pocket, small enough to fit in your pocket, lightweight, folding directions printed right on the blanket, water-resistant, eco-friendly materials
What we didn't like: small size, minimal padding isn’t as luxurious-feeling as padded blankets
The best packable blanket is the Matador Pocket Blanket. At 3.8 oz and packing down to the size of (you guessed it) a pocket, this blanket was designed for on-the-go travel.
The Matador Pocket Blanket was originally designed for staying dry while sitting on wet grass at music festivals. It folds into its own attached storage pouch that can easily fit in a jacket pocket. When you get to where you want to sit, it unfolds to 63" x 44", which can seat 2-4 adults depending on how comfortable you are with each other.
Matador Pocket Blanket
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The Matador Pocket Blanket comes with a sewn-in pouch. The entire blanket fits inside. The pouch also has a loop so you can attach the whole system to a pack via carabiner.
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The Matador Pocket Blanket is the only blanket we've seen that has the folding lines and order of the folds directly printed on the blanket. This means you never have to guess how to get the blanket to fit back into the pocket.
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We tested at music festivals, on numerous hiking trips in the Sierra, and on urban hikes across Los Angeles. I wasn’t expecting it to be so handy on an urban hike in a dry climate, but the Matador Pocket blanket was a game changer. The only places to take breaks were lawns in front of elementary schools. The sprinklers had just gone off and the Matador blanket kept us all dry while we rested our cement-pounded legs.
Best waterproof outdoor blanket: Rumpl Stash Mat
Best uses: Festivals, picnics, camping
Shell material: 100% recycled VersaWeave™ 30D ripstop polyester fabric
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Spot-clean; hang dry
What we liked: Waterproof on the bottom, soft on the top, folds into easy carrying case with pockets, includes shoulder-strap so you can use your hands to carry other stuff
What we didn't like: Outer pockets don't zip
The Rumpl Stash Mat is the best waterproof camp blanket.
The Rumpl Stash mat is two-sided with a soft, puffy blanket on top and extremely waterproof ground mat on the bottom. It's soft (but not slippery) on top but rugged and waterproof on the bottom.
The Rumpl Stash mat is extremely packable, fitting into its own zip pouch that has a shoulder sling.
We are obsessed with the Rumpl Stash blanket and bring it nearly everywhere with us. Simple, practical, multi-use, and easy to grab-and-go, the Rumpl Stash nearly took our best overall blanket award. Not only have I told all my friends about it, the Rumpl Stash will be winning this author's nomination for Gear of the Year.
Rumpl Stash Mat
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New for this year, we spent the past 6 months using this camp blanket from wet and foggy Redwoods National Park to Big Sur beaches and next to alpine lakes. We used the Rumpl Stash Mat on wet grass at parks and music festivals.
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The whole blanket easily folds into itself and zips into an integrated carrying case. Every time I pack it down, it feels like magic. We like blankets with integrated stuff sacks but often they mean a sewn-in pocket hanging off the edge of the blanket. Not the end of the world, but not quite aesthetically-pleasing. With the Stash Blanket, the whole thing zips into a pocket, which means there isn't a weird pouch sticking off the side.
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It comes with a shoulder strap so you can carry this blanket without using your hands.
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On the outside of the case are two more open pockets to store things like towels, sunscreen, or drinks. The outer pocket doesn't zip, but it has a paracord key loop so you don't have to worry about your key falling out.
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The bottom of the Rumpl Stash is a 250D polyester outer shell designed to shake off moisture, dirt and debris. This is a super rugged 100% postconsumer recycled polyester oxford canvas bottom layer. Aside from maybe our winner for best picnic blanket, this is the most tough-feeling, waterproof material we tested for a camp blanket. It's not soft, but you won't be sitting on the bottom part, so it's ok.
The top part is a 100% postconsumer recycled insulated padding that feels as soft as the Original Rumpl blanket. It's not slippery. You can't feel pine needles poking through it. It's just a great blanket with an even more durable bottom.
Both the top and bottom PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR).
Best Emergency Camp Blanket: SOL Emergency Blanket
Best uses: Backpacking
Shell material: Plastic
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Cannot wash
What we liked: Warmth for weight, packability, bright orange increases visibility
What we didn't like: Emergency blankets as a genre aren't comfortable, this is a more expensive emergency blanket option
The SOL Emergency Blanket is the best outdoor blanket to keep around for emergencies. It’s small, lightweight, and compact, and is designed for situations where you really don’t want to carry a sleeping bag but should probably have a source of warmth, just in case.
While most emergency blankets are very similar, one distinction that makes the SOL Emergency Blanket stand out is that one side is bright orange, making you more visible in case you need to be found.
SOL Emergency Blanket
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I tested the warmth capabilities of the SOL Emergency Blanket on an ill-fated alpine climb in Yosemite’s high country where we summitted at sunset and then had to rappel slowly down in the dark. It was surprisingly warm given its weight and thin material. Like all emergency blankets, the SOL uses vacuum-metalized polyethylene and is not very durable.
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All emergency blankets are fairly similar and the technology hasn't changed significantly since the early days. One advantage of the SOL over other blankets are its dimensions and that it is made of recycled material.
Still, I carry one with me on almost all my winter day hikes in snowy conditions because I have seen how much they really do work when you need it.
We also liked how the SOL emergency blanket is available in an XL size as well as in 4-packs. This just makes emergency blankets more useful for bigger bodies and for families.
Other Outdoor Blankets We Tested
Best uses: Camping, picnics, beach
Sizes available: 52" x 38" (mini) / 75" x 52" (full)
Insulation: n/a
Shell material: 5K TPU laminate bottom, 300 TC ripstop polyester
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Machine-washable
What we liked: Extremely waterproof, stain resistant, easy to wash, soft and comfortable
What we didn't like: Could be bigger, price
The Rumpl Everywhere Mat builds on the traditional beach blanket by adding a waterproof underside, loops to stake it out on the side, and a packable pocket for easy transport. It's similar to the Nomadix Festival Blanket, but is slightly smaller and more expensive. We still think it is a great blanket, we just think the Nomadix is a better deal.
Compare prices of the RUMPL EVERYWHERE MAT
We've used the Everywhere Mat as a “porch” to our camping tent (a place to take off shoes) on trips from Montana to the Mojave desert. We also used it extensively almost every day this summer for hanging out in a moist and grassy aspen grove. The notorious Jenny stick seed plant couldn’t embed in the blanket and its thorns couldn’t poke through. It is made of a sturdy 300 TC ripstop polyester that is puncture resistant and tear resistant, making it better suited for use on rocky beaches than typical bedding.
The corner loops to stake out the blanket proved to be useful on windy days. I left it laid out in my campsite in the Mojave Desert while I went hiking for the day. When I came back that evening, it stayed in place even though the wind knocked down our camp kitchen equipment.
The Rumpl Everywhere mat is made of 5K TPU laminate bottom that adds to the waterproofing. In our waterproofing tests, after pouring a 0.5 L Nalgene on it, it never wet out or leaked in 3 hours of testing.
Unlike the Rumpl Original, the Rumpl Everywhere only comes in a few colors and designs. We wish there were more.
It's also small. It's hard to fit more than 3 people on it comfortably. When using it as a tent porch while camping, it works better with 4-person tents than with 6-person tents.
Best uses: Camping, sitting by the fireplace
Sizes available: 52 x 38"
Insulation: NanoLoft recycled synthetic fibers
Shell material: Modacrylic/cotton ripstop
Packable: yes
Water-resistant: yes
Washing: machine-washable
The Rumpl Campfire Puffy Blanket is a favorite in our Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist. It's very lightweight and packable and one of the most compact blankets we tested.
Still, the reason it is so compact is it doesn't have as much insulation as other blankets. It wasn't as warm as other blankets we tested on moderate summer nights into the 50s in the Eastern Sierra. Our star-watching session was a little chillier than we liked. We recommend this blanket for summer camping in places with warm nights or for when you're sitting close to a fire and don't need the extra warmth.
Rumpl Campfire Puffy Blanket
Best uses: backpacking, camping
Sizes available: 78" x 54"
Insulation: synthetic
Shell material: 20D Ripstop nylon and DWR Shield
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: yes
We were intrigued by Wise Owl puffy blankets, which are the #1 camping blanket on Amazon. They're puffy blankets that look similar to the Rumpl Blankets, and pack up into a small stuff sack like the Rumpl blanket, but are about half the price.
View the Wise Owl Outfitters Puffy Blanket
To test the Wise Owl, we used them while camping near the beach in California in February before starting the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.
We used them to warm up around the campfire while waiting for tacos to be ready on the grill. While we were happy to have the Wise Owl, we didn't find it as thick or warm as the Rumpl blanket. The blanket weighs 18.24 oz. It's got generous dimensions compared to other blankets (78" in length and 54" width–about 2" more than comparable blankets). Ultimately, that means the insulation is spread thin across the large surface area of this blanket.
Best uses: Camping, picnics, festivals
Sizes available: 74 x 55"
Insulation: recycled polyester
Shell material: 100% post consumer recycled polyester
Packable: Yes
Water-resistant: Yes
Washing: Yes
The Nomadix Puffer Blanket is another great camping blanket option that feels similar to the Rumpl Original.
Ultimately, after a lot of testing and comparing specs, we say if you're on the fence between the Rumpl and the Nomadix, choose the one that has the design you like the best.
View the Nomadix Graphene Puffer Blanket
They're the same price. They're both made of 100% recycled material. They're both made by certified Climate Neutral brands who are also 1% for the Planet members.
Size-wise, the Nomadix is 74 x 55" vs. the 75" x 52" on the Rumpl. So the Rumpl is slightly taller but the Nomadix is wider. But we're talking inches here. The weight of the Nomadix is 1.6 oz lighter. But this wasn't a make-or-break in the decision, either.
There are two main differences we noticed. Rumpl has 2-person sizing and junior sizing, whereas Nomadix only has 1-person sizing. The other is that during testing, the Nomadix blanket did not hold 0.5 L of water from breaking through as well as the Rumpl, showing a lack of waterproofness at the stitching. There wasn't much leaking, but it was definitely letting water through.
The Nomadix Graphene Puffer is puffier than the Rumpl Original. This makes it feel soft but some testers found it soft like a too-soft pillow. They'd fall through and found it slippery and less supportive. Some testers also found the very soft material to not block the feeling of pine needles and rocks under the blanket.
What To Look For In An Outdoor Blanket
Material
Camping blankets are available in many materials–from synthetic shells to fleece to wool. To decide which material is best for you, think about how you're going to use your camping blanket. If it's going to get wet, you will likely want something that dries quickly. If it's going to be used on the ground, on the grass, or in the mud, you likely want a material that washes easily. Lastly, how do you want the blanket to feel against your skin? If you have an allergy to wool, for example, that's likely not the material you want.
Durability
The camping blankets we tested have different levels of durability depending on how they're supposed to be used. Picnic blankets and beach blankets, for example, are designed to be used on the ground, in the mud, or on uneven surfaces. As a result, they're abrasion resistant and puncture resistant so they can last a long time.
On the other hand, insulated puffy blankets have some level of durability on the ground, but ultimately are best used when layered on top of a person for insulation instead of against the ground. A good camping blanket should be able to last a decade of use without needing replacing.
Size
Some camp blankets are available in single, double, or even bigger sizes. Depending on how you're using the blanket and how many people are in your family (or typical camping group), you'll want to size accordingly.
Weight
If you plan to backpack with your camping blanket or are using your blanket at a beach or festival where parking is far away, weight will be a concern. Think about how you'll use your camping blanket and how much weight matters to you. Lighter-weight camping blankets tend to be either more expensive (like the Western Mountaineering Comforter) or less warm because they have less insulation.
Portability
One of the major differences between a camping blanket and a blanket on your bed at home is portability. Most camping blankets are made of packable materials and insulation that compresses well like down. Most camp blankets we tested have either a stuff sack or pocket that they stuff into to make carrying them easier.
Weather Resistance
Sometimes, your picnic or camping trip is going to be in the rain. While camping blankets usually aren't designed for use in precipitation, if it's a light rain or mist that is intermittent, many blankets come treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). This is enough to have water droplets bead up and roll off so you can pay attention to your campfire or the outdoor music festival or movie.
For blankets that are designed for use under you–like picnic blankets and beach blankets–you want the blanket to resist mud or water that might be under you. Look for a waterproof blanket that keeps water out on one side, but feels soft on the other side (the side you'll be on!)
Insulation And Warmth
I'd argue that the most important feature of most outdoor blankets is keeping you warm. However, warmth is a balance between price, packability, and weight. Think about what season and where you'll be using your camping blanket. What are the average temperatures? Will you be using it overnight? We rank each blanket according to warmth so you can choose the blanket according to your needs. Pair a camping blanket with a fleece jacket for the ultimate in coziness.
Machine Washable Vs Hand Wash
For blankets that you sit on, like picnic blankets and beach blankets, machine washable is a must since they are likely to encounter dirt more frequently than other camp blankets. Even for camping blankets, machine washable is nice since chances are you'll be getting campfire smoke on the blanket with some regularity.
Stain Resistance
When you're outdoors, stains happen to your gear. Whether it's mud or grass stains or accidentally dropping the s'mores on the way from the campfire to your mouth (oops!), I've developed a number of stains on my camp blankets during testing. The best camp blankets have some Durable Water Repellent(DWR) treatment that prevents some of the staining, though in my experience, that doesn't seem to be quite enough for all types of stains.
Outdoor Blanket Care And Maintenance
Always check the care label before washing an outdoor blanket. Puffy blankets, down comforters, fleece-lined blankets, and waterproof-backed picnic blankets may all require different treatment.
Shake off dirt, sand, pine needles, and other debris after each trip. Small spills are often easier to wipe away or spot-clean before they soak into the fabric, so you won't need a full wash every time.
Most machine-washable synthetic blankets can be cleaned with cold water, mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. A front-loading washer is the safer choice for puffy blankets, since a central agitator can catch or damage lightweight shell fabric. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and harsh stain treatments unless the manufacturer specifically permits them.
Down blankets need more care. Use the washing and drying method listed by the manufacturer, and make sure the down dries completely so the fill doesn't clump or develop mildew. Our guide to washing a down sleeping bag has more detailed instructions for down-filled outdoor gear.
Dry every blanket fully before packing it away. Some can go in a dryer on low heat, while others should be air-dried, so follow the label rather than using one method for every product. Store insulated blankets loosely when possible instead of leaving them compressed in their stuff sacks for long periods.
Check the shell, stitching, corner loops, and waterproof backing for damage before storing the blanket. Small holes in puffy fabrics are usually easier to repair with a proper gear patch before they spread or insulation starts escaping.
Ways You Can Use Outdoor Blankets
We used camp blankets while camping, staying at cabins, at outdoor festivals, and outdoor movies and everything in between.
Outdoor blankets earn their keep well beyond the campfire. Once you have a good one, you start finding reasons to bring it everywhere.
Camping. Beyond warmth, a blanket adds a layer between your sleeping bag or pad and the ground, which is especially welcome on colder nights.
Pets. A blanket gives dogs and adventure cats a designated, cozy spot to settle in your tent or van rather than curling up directly on cold ground or gear.
Seating. Spread out, a blanket creates an instant gathering spot around a campfire or campsite, giving you a soft, insulated place to sit and socialize instead of the bare ground.
We tested outdoor blankets side-by-side while on camping trips in peak summer as well as in cooler conditions.
Style. With the range of colors and designs available now, a blanket can be as much a style statement as a functional piece of gear.
Protection. A blanket is handy for protecting things beyond yourself, too. Toss it over car seats after a muddy hike, or wrap it around something fragile to keep it from bouncing around on a rough drive.
The more you use an outdoor blanket, the more uses you find for it. It's the kind of gear that starts as a camping essential and ends up living in the car, on the couch, and in the trunk for good.
FAQ
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Camping blankets are specifically built for outdoor conditions that household blankets are not. They repel water and mud, dry quickly, resist odors, shake off sand and debris more easily, and pack down to a fraction of their size for transport. Most are also easier to machine wash than standard comforters or throws, which makes them genuinely more practical for camping, festivals, and travel even though they cost more upfront.
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Warmth varies widely depending on insulation weight, fill type, and blanket size. None of the camping blankets we tested carry standardized temperature ratings like sleeping bags do, so comparisons between brands rely on fill weight and real-world testing. As a general guide, lighter blankets under 20 oz work well for campfire sitting and mild summer nights, while heavier insulated options like the Rumpl Backcountry Blanket can handle cold ridgelines and frosty desert mornings.
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Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses smaller than synthetic fill, but it loses insulating power when wet and is far more difficult to wash, often requiring specialty detergent and hours of drying time. Synthetic insulation stays warm even when damp, machine washes easily, and costs less, but is bulkier for the same warmth. For blankets that will see regular outdoor use and washing, synthetic is the more practical choice. For travel or home use where packability matters most and washing is infrequent, down is worth the tradeoff.
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Waterproofness varies significantly by type. Puffy camping blankets with DWR-treated shells repel light moisture and beaded water but will eventually soak through. Purpose-built ground blankets and picnic blankets, like the Nomadix Festival Blanket, are closer to fully waterproof and are designed to sit on wet grass or damp ground. In our testing, the best picnic blankets held 0.5 liters of water for over three hours without leaking through.
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Most camping blankets are not fireproof and can melt, scorch, or develop burn holes from stray embers. Standard synthetic and down shells are particularly vulnerable. The exception is the Rumpl NanoLoft Flame Resistant Blanket, which uses a modacrylic and cotton shell specifically designed to resist sparks and flame contact, making it the only blanket in this guide we would confidently recommend for sitting close to an open fire.
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Generally not in cold or unpredictable conditions. A camping blanket works well as a standalone sleep layer on warm summer nights or as extra warmth layered on top of a sleeping bag when temperatures drop. Unlike a sleeping bag, a blanket does not seal drafts along the sides and provides no insulation beneath your body, where heat loss to the ground is significant. For use below 50 degrees, pair it with a sleeping bag or a high-R-value sleeping pad.
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A backpacking quilt is designed specifically as a sleep system component, with sewn baffles optimized for consistent loft, often a footbox or snap closures to seal out drafts, and attachment points to secure it to a sleeping pad. A camping blanket is a more general-purpose rectangle without those sleep-specific features. Quilts are generally warmer per ounce and better suited as a primary sleep layer, while camping blankets are more versatile for sitting, lounging, and layering but less efficient as a standalone sleep system in cold conditions.
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You can, but most puffy camping blankets are better suited for use over your body than under it. The thin ripstop nylon shells on most puffy blankets can snag, puncture, or abrade against rough ground surfaces, and many are not waterproof enough to block moisture from damp grass or soil. If you need a blanket that works on the ground, a dedicated picnic blanket or waterproof ground mat is the more durable and practical choice.
To test waterproofing, we suspended the blankets side-by-side and poured 0.5 L of water into each blanket. Then we timed to see how long it took for the blankets to leak through. We also compared how outdoor blankets performed compared to regular bedding: sheets and fleece blankets.
How we researched and tested
We've spent the past four years testing camping blankets in all four seasons:
11 testers used these blankets side-by-side during a month-long summer camp in the Eastern Sierra, including during meetings three times a week in an aspen grove, camping at the hot springs, and hanging out in the Pinyon-Juniper forest
camping on 5-day fishing trips in Montana
outdoor festivals in Oregon
camping in the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree, and Anza Borrego deserts in the winter
Loading up all the blankets for a camping trip with 7 people in the Eastern Sierra.
We also tested each blanket under controlled conditions for water resilience.
For each blanket, we suspended them like a hammock on a clothes line. Then we poured 0.5 L of water to simulate a spill and measured how long it took for water to leak through to the other side. We ran the test for 3 hours and even then, some blankets held all their water with no leaks.
We also sprayed each blanket with the misting function of a spray bottle to simulate less moist conditions, like setting up a blanket on a wet grassy field. Each blanket received 1 pump of water. We noted how long it took the water to stop beading up and to collapse (wet through).
To measure ease of washing, we washed each blanket at least once. Sometimes it was as easy as throwing it in a machine. Sometimes (in the case of down blankets), it was a multi-hour effort.
- Side-by-side summer camp testing
- Five-day fishing trips in Montana
- Outdoor festivals in Oregon
- Winter camping in three deserts
- Controlled water and washing tests
- Warmth and insulation
- Water resistance
- Weight and packed size
- Durability and comfort
- Ease of cleaning
Liz Thomas spent 4 years testing camping blankets on camp trips to festivals to travel and everything in between. Photo by Kate Hoch.
About the author / why you should trust us
Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, Liz came to Treeline Review from New York Times/Wirecutter, the New York Times’ product review site, where she was a staff writer on the outdoor team.
Liz has talked gear on Good Morning America (TV), in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Men’s Journal, Women’s Health, Gizmodo, and Outside Magazine.
She first encountered puffy blankets at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in 2016. While she didn't have a chance to write about it then (the assignment went to her colleague…grr), this story reflects her 10-year obsession with outdoor blankets.
To test the outdoor blankets, she essentially lugged them around with her everywhere–including 40 flights. You can read more about Liz at her Wikipedia page here or on her website. See all her Treeline Review articles on her author page.
