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2022-07-22 20:22:27 By : Mr. Vion P Zheng

Call it a movement or a longing for creature comforts, but camping blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years. What was once a nonessential item reserved for glamping (or the living room couch) has evolved as designs embrace a growing numbers of nature-ready styles and materials. We’re talking breathable fabrics, warmth, quick drying, durability and, of course, good looks. Whether you’re in a camping tent at the local campground or putting in miles on the trail, the best camping blankets will improve your experience outdoors, no matter the occasion.

For all-season comfort from the backyard to the backcountry, cozy up in one of the best camping ... [+] blankets.

Of course, finding a camping blanket with equal measures of style and technical features isn’t an easy task now that options abound, and a traditional throw blanket simply won’t cut it beyond the home. That’s why the following eight blankets are top picks in their respective categories, built for adventures from the backyard to the backcountry. Find the one that meets your needs and enjoy it season after season.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Recycled polyester | Weight: 1.8 pounds

Camping blankets wouldn’t be as popular as they are today were it not for Rumpl. The Oregon-based label got its start back in 2013 when Kickstarter funding delivered the Original Puffy Blanket which, as its name implied, was essentially the first camping blanket to grace our gear closet. Years later, the NanoLoft was added to the roster where it earns top marks for insulation, packability, water resistance and a post-consumer recycled shell. Unlike its complementary predecessor that uses traditional siliconized insulation, the NanoLoft blanket’s recycled fill mimics the qualities of down to efficiently trap warmth no matter the conditions. Its water-resistant shell keeps moisture at bay in the event of a light shower, and strategic clips allow you to wear it as a cape for hands-free comfort. Find it in numerous colorways to compliment your outdoorsy style.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester taffeta | Weight: 1.5 pounds

Indeed, camping blankets can be a pricey purchase when you consider investing in high-quality fabrics and premium insulation, but a no-frills option like the Kelty Bestie still provides loads of comfort and warmth when you need it most. The blanket’s polyester-blended shell delivers next-to-skin comfort while Cloudloft insulation supplies lightweight warmth. It’s durable, lightweight and easy to transport thanks to an included stuff sack. As is tradition for Kelty, the Bestie comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that meet the needs of any outdoorist, and it makes for the perfect companion whether you’re camping in the backyard or tailgating before the big game.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Ripstop nylon, waterproofing | Weight: 4.4 pounds

Traditional throw blankets can’t handle dirt, spills and the looming muddy dog, but Kammok’s Mountain Blanket takes on these obstacles with ease. Like a throw blanket, it features supersoft fleece on one side that’s incredibly cozy, but the fabric receives an additional DWR treatment to shed unwanted moisture. Meanwhile, the other side calls attention to a diamond weave ripstop nylon that’s waterproofed to shrug off every last ounce of dirt and debris. Use it as a poncho, sleeping bag, top quilt or ground blanket, and throw it in the wash every time it gets dirty. If temperatures really start to fall, consider layering it with Kammok’s other adventure blankets via a loop-and-snap system to stay extra toasty.

Insulation: 800-fill down | Shell: Nylon | Weight: 1.56 pounds

If you’re one of the many hikers that struggle to fall asleep in the confines of a sleeping bag, consider upgrading to a blanket alternative like the Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter. Weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, it packs 800-fill power down in a box stitch construction that evenly distributes feathers to prevent unwanted clumping. Available in three sizes (twin, queen, king), the shell fabric is just as soft as it is durable, and that durability comes backed by an unlimited warranty. If you have intentions of replacing your sleeping bag with this blanket, don’t be surprised if you never switch back—countless backpackers tout the wonders of camping blankets that retain warmth with the well-known restrictions of a mummy bag. And when the time comes to cozy up for the night, simply use the blanket’s corner ties to attach it to a cover or pad.

Insulation: 650-fill down | Shell: Recycled polyester taffeta, waterproofing | Weight: 2.2 pounds

Steamboat Springs-based Big Agnes is perhaps best known for making lightweight and revolutionary backpacking tents that defy the laws of physics. But they also make some innovative snoozing equipment, from sleeping bags to pads, and the Camp Robber is a standout. Made with recycled fabric and filled with 650 DownTek water-repellent down, it’s surprisingly light in spite of its doublewide size. The lofted, quilted construction traps heat whether you’re tucking into bed after a long day on the trail or tossing back a cold one to celebrate another summit. An included mesh storage bag prevents the down from compressing when it’s hanging in your gear closet, and a stuff sack packs it away when you’re ready to hit the road.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester, waterproofing | Weight: 1.6 pounds

There’s nothing worse than a camp blanket that leaves you fighting for every last inch of fabric, so consider upgrading to the Argo if you need extra real estate. It’s big enough to swaddle you like a baby but still compresses into a built-in pocket when the time comes to pack up camp. Synthetic eraLoft insulation reduces weight (without sacrificing warmth) and a polyester lining delivers unrivaled comfort. If you’re smart, you’ll convince others to invest in the Argo so you can use the perimeter snap loops to daisy chain blankets together. But even if you’re the sole owner of such a spacious camp blanket, the unique colors and patterns will have others asking to borrow it on every trip.

Insulation: Wool | Shell: N/A | Weight: 5.25 pounds

If you thought a Pendleton blanket wasn’t going to make the list, then you were sorely mistaken. Sure, Rumpl may have reinvisioned the camping blanket as we know it today, but explorers were breaking out Pendleton goods over 100 years ago, and the label’s woolen Camp blanket might be its most iconic piece. Seriously durable fabrics (wool and cotton) pair with classic styling that look as good in your friend’s A-frame as it does around the campfire. And while modern camping blankets boast countless features worth poring over, the simplicity of Pendleton’s rendition makes for a refreshing change of pace.

Insulation: Synthetic | Shell: Polyester, rayon | Weight: 5.8 pounds

Austin-based outfitter Yeti is best known for its indestructible coolers, but who’s to say it can’t take the same approach when building a blanket? Unlike other camping blankets that receive water resistant treatments, the Lowlands blanket inherits a completely waterproof layer that shields the underside (Yeti calls this the utility side) from mud, moisture and debris. Meanwhile, the top side blends polyester and rayon to deliver comfort whether you’re using this blanket as a ground cover, seat protector or a traditional blanket. When it gets dirty, simply toss it in the wash to bring the fabrics back to life and hang it (or stake it) via six utility loops to dry it out (or tumble dry on low). Available in four outdoorsy colors, we dare you to find an environment in which this blanket doesn’t thrive.