The Best Camping Blankets To Keep You Warm Outside, or on the Couch

The warmest material you can sleep under is wool. While it’s harder to pack, it will do the best at keeping you snug as a bug under the stars (or while watching Hulu on the sofa).

Pendleton is known for their heirloom-quality textiles, like this blanket that’s crafted from soft-not-scratchy virgin wool. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty, so even though it comes at a steep price, it’s worth every penny, and will stand the test of time.

What reviews say: “I was searching for the best adventure blanket, particularly something durable and very warm. The Yakima Camp Blanket kept getting near the top or every review list and I checked it out and it’s legitimately an incredible blanket… I’m very pleased I take it outside often and have it around the house as well” – Backcountry customer

Material: Virgin wool blend

Pros

• Made of natural materials
• Warm
• Available in two sizes

Cons

• Dry clean only

If wool isn’t your thing, I highly recommend Kelty’s Galactic Down Blanket, which lives up to its out-of-this-world-name. It’s filled with 550-down that’s perfectly packable and lightweight, making it easy to stow on hikes, rides, and more. The space-y print doesn’t hurt, either, and looks just as good in a tent as it does draped over your favorite recliner.

What reviews say: “I have been so pleased with this blanket. I took it out for winter backpacking and I love the weight and how small it gets in your pack… Perfect addition to my gear list” – Kelty customer

Material: Polyester taffeta liner and shell, 550-fill duck down

Pros

• Down
• Compressible
• Includes stuff sack

Cons

• Feathers may shift around

By now, you’ve probably seen these colorful puffy blankets somewhere on your Instagram feed. Yes, they really are that good. For $99, the Original Puffy from Rumpl is light but cozy, filled with a recycled synthetic insulation that’s durable and water-resistant. It’s also washable, so if you drop your S’mores or spill your morning coffee, no worrying about how the heck you’re going to clean it. And it’s made from recycled materials, making it more sustainable option compared to traditional down.

What reviews say: “Camping gear should be as beautiful as nature. Taking this blanket home is like having a piece of the sunrise to keep me warm!” – Rumpl customer

Material: 100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and insulation

Pros

• Made of recycled materials
• Stain- and water-resistant
• Machine washable

Cons

• Fabric is slippery

Hot sleeper? Go for the Argo Blanket by Therm-A-Rest. Like the rest of the brand’s signature sleeping sets, it’s a premium product you can rely on for a cool night under the stars. Best part is definitely the draw cord at the bottom of the blanket, which can be pulled around your feet for localized roasty-toastiness.

What reviews say: “We got this to use camping. Have used it as a wrap outside in the cold as well as putting it over the sleeping bag for added warmth. However, we have also used it on our bed. Looks great and is functional” – Therm-A-Rest customer

Material: Polyester shell, liner, and polyester hollow fiber fill

Pros

• Large size
• Water-resistant
• Snap loops compatible with other Therm-A-Rest quilts or sheets

Cons

• Fabric is slippery

This down blanket is super packable, fitting into a compact stuff sack, so you can bring it with you camping or even toss it into a backpack. It measures 77″x50″ and is ready for both indoor and outdoor use: it’s water- and stain-resistant and made with a durable nylon.

What reviews say: “As an experienced, long-time, year ‘round wilderness backpacker, I could not be happier with this product. It is *precisely* what I was looking for. For traveling through the woods, up and down mountains, for days and nights on end, cut off from civilization, there are three primary considerations that go into every piece of gear: Utility, packability, and weight. This blanket is, hands down, the best solution for backpacking in spring, summer, and fall. You’re not going to find anything with a better weight-to-heat retention ratio, or that packs down as small and compact as this does.” – Amazon customer

Material: Ripstop nylon, 650-fill sustainable duck down

Pros

• Sustainable down
• Water-resistant
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not enough snaps to close it completely

We’ve all been there—you’re snuggly and warm, but have to get up to pee or get a drink—and you don’t want to get cold. Enter: Poler’s nifty blanket poncho, which gives you on-the-go comfort without sacrificing your body heat. Lounging around? Unsnap the arms to enjoy blanket mode. Have to get up? Snap up the arms and off you go. If Snuggie had a waaay cool older cousin, this would be it.

What reviews say: “Amazing. Cute. Funny. Cozy. I love it so much and I am super warm” – Poler customer

Material: Synthetic

Pros

• Drawcord-adjustable hood
• Has pockets
• Wearable

Cons

• One size

Hardcore campers, check out this bad boy from Sea to Summit. It’s a 850-fill dry down quilt that comes in three temperatures ratings (50°F, 35°F, and 25°F,) so you can hone in on the time of warmth you need. Paired with its matching sleeping mat, you’ll be sleeping in luxury.

What reviews say: “I have been using my Sea to Summit Ascent sleeping bag as a quilt (unzip one side and drape it over me) for quite some time, so I finally decided to give an actual quilt a try. Most excellent experience!” – Sea to Summit customer.

Material: Nylon shell, 850+ fill down

Pros

• Baffle construction
• Foot pocket
• Sustainable down
• Three temperature ratings

Cons

• Fabric is thin

Just like their ridiculously tough coolers, this outdoor blanket is one of the most durable things you could ever own. While the lining is super soft and cozy, the exterior is completely waterproof, meaning you can spill, drip, and dip worry-free. Plus, it’s fur-proof. So if Fido or Fluffy comes along for the camping trip, pet hair just bounces off with ease.

What reviews say: “I use this all the time. Concerts, picnics, going to the beach, and even use it for extra insulation (and protection from dog claws) in my tent. It holds up every time” – Yeti customer.

Material: Polyester/rayon top layer, waterproof polyester bottom layer, polyester fill

Pros

• Pet-hair resistant
• Waterproof
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Heavier in weight

Smartwool makes another wool option that’ll let you get your beauty sleep whether you’re outside or in. It’s made from 100 percent merino wool, meaning it’s thermo-regulating and anti-microbial (something you definitely want in a good camping blanket). It’s also machine washable, no dry cleaner needed.

What reviews say: “I sleep with this blanket every night! It hasn’t left my bed since I got it. A great product and so breathable, yet warm. Super soft and cozy!” – Smartwool customer.

Material: 100% merino wool

Pros

• Breathable and thermo-regulating
• Odor-resistant
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not insulated

Car camps, summer getaways, beach trips—bring this insulated quilt wherever you roam. It’s big enough for two people to snuggle comfortably, without someone having to fight for more covers. It’s feature-friendly, too, with a waterproof exterior and tie-downs in case you want to fit it to your sleeping pad.

What reviews say: “This is light, warm and comfortable. I use this instead of a sleeping bag. I also use it at home as my house can get cold” – Backcountry customer.

Material: Ripstop nylon, synthetic insulation

Pros

• Large size
• Water-repellent
• Hanging loops

Cons

• Bulkier in size

Puffy, compact, and cozy, L.L.Bean’s camp blanket is a classic. While the ripstop exterior keeps water out, the polyfill keeps heat in, so you can relax worry-free. For less than $100, it’s worth keeping one in your pack, your car, your living room—wherever you may end up.

What reviews say: “Very warm, very light weight, comfortable against your skin and easily folds back up into its self-bag. Great to have outside on chilly and cold nights!” – L.L.Bean customer.

Material: 40-denier polyester micro ripstop shell, polyester insulation

Pros

• Lightweight
• Hanging tabs
• Integrated pocket

Cons

• Hand wash or gentle cycle

Another affordable option comes from Get Out Gear. Each blanket has everything you want in an outdoor (or indoor) staple: 650-fill that’s packable, a light weight of just 1.1 pounds, and water-resistance for worry-free relaxing. Fun fact: It also snaps down the middle, turning it into a wearable so you can walk around and stay warm.

What reviews say: “I have been so impressed with the quality, ultralight weight and warmth of this down blanket that I have been using it in place of my sleeping bag for camping. It is perfectly adequate just by itself for warmer nights, but with a few simple modifications, it keeps me warm and comfortable even when the air is 45 degrees °F” – Amazon customer.

Material: Nylon shell, 650FP down

Pros

• Down
• Spill- and water-resistant
• Lightweight
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Thin, not for colder temps

Before you plan that spring camping trip, add this trail quilt to your cart. Rated for 45ºF, it’ll keep you warm when the daytime temps are warm but the night time temps drop. You can use it multiple ways, too: as a poncho, sleeping bag, or as a Kammock hammock liner.

What reviews say: “Purchased a Bobcat quilt to use primarily as a poncho liner and very happy with the size, weight, quality and warmth. Whether car camping or backcountry hiking, staying warm and having a great night of sleep is priceless” – Kammock customer.

Material: Ripstop nylon shell, 600-fill down

Pros

• Can be used as a quilt, sleeping bag, poncho, or hammock underquilt
• Down
• Waterproof
• Machine-washable (front-loading)

Cons

• Can shed