What makes the best blanket for minimalist camping so good? Good question. In many ways, the wool blankets you have at home will work fine as an extra layer of warmth for more casual overnight sleep outs. However, if you love sleeping outside, you should look into camping blankets, whether you like backpacking or glamping.
The best camping blankets are always warm and usually have a quilted design. They should be easy to carry because they pack up small. They can be used in a surprising number of ways, like a cushion to sit on, a blanket to wrap up in a while stargazing, or an extra layer to put over your best sleeping bag on cold nights to keep you warmer. Blankets in stuff sacks can also be used as pillows, and they’re great as throws at home or on picnics because they often have fun, eye-catching patterns.
Weight and size
Before you buy a new camping blanket, think about where and how you’ll use it. If you’re camping in the wild or only camping for a weekend at a time, your best bet is to get a small, lightweight tent that you can stuff into a stuff sack and carry in your backpack or strap to it. Look for lighter designs weighing under 500g.
If your idea of a good camping trip is to stay for two weeks in a fancy glamping tent, in your car, or a camper van, you can choose a larger but heavier blanket that weighs more than a kilogram. It will be more comfortable, but it will take up more space.
Most brands list the weight and size of their blankets, so you can figure out what size you need before you go shopping, whether you want something small for one person or big enough to fit on a double air mattress.
Materials
We usually suggest choosing a camping blanket that is quilted and insulated, preferably with ripstop material to protect the insulation. Most of the time, these are the warmest and lightest blankets you’ll find. They’re also easy to put into a stuff sack and carry. You can get a simple but soft fleece blanket if you don’t have much money. It won’t keep you as warm as insulation, but it’s easy to wash and is often made from recycled materials. Look for a design with a waterproof bottom if you need something durable that you can sit on and wrap up in.
Design
A lot of camping gear is pretty dull, but the best camping blankets seem to be an exception. They often arrive in a variety of bright and beautiful colors and patterns. You can use these colorful options to decorate your fanciest glamping tent or throw one on your couch at home. You’re likely to get better for your money if you choose a design that looks nice. There are also more simple, understated designs in our collection.
Features and uses for other
Some blankets are little more than a square of warm cotton. Others are intended to serve many purposes. Placing the blanket in a stuff bag may transform some into camping pillows. Others may be used as sleeping bags by zipping up the sides or as ponchos by attaching a neck attachment. Some blankets are water-resistant or have waterproof bottoms, making them ideal for dealing with the ups and downs of camping excursions. The more bells and whistles a camping blanket has, the more costly it is, but many of them are worth the additional money if you intend to use your new blanket often.
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Leisure Co Ultra-Portable Outdoor Camping Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS Large Waterproof Windproof Extra Thick Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: EKTOS 90% Wool Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket
- The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Utopia Bedding Sherpa Bed Blanket
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Leisure Co Ultra-Portable Outdoor Camping Blanket
The only material in this camping blanket is polyester. It is a small, light camping quilt great for hiking, beach days, backpacking, and travelling. The wind and rain can’t get through the material, which keeps you warm. You can also wear it like a cloak and walk around without holding it up. This is easy to clean because you can throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. It can be used instead as a sleeping bag during the warmer months. By making it small, you can take it anywhere.
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Brand: Leisure Co
- Special Feature: Water Resistant
- Style: Contemporary
PROS
- Lightweight
- Classy
- Multipurpose
- Excellent insulation
CONS
- The case might have been more compact.
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
The Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket is small and light, weighing only 1.1 lbs. It is made with a shell made of 20D ripstop nylon to keep wind and cold out. This material doesn’t get dirty, sandy, or full of pet hair on the ground. The 650 Fill Power-down insulation holds you warm and comfortable inside. With its high-quality snaps. The coating is resistant to water, so spills and rainwater can’t get in. The package comes with a stuff sack with a strong clasp for easy carrying and storage.
Key Features:
- Brand: Get Out Gear
- Blanket Form: Quilt
- Product Dimensions: 80″L x 54″W
- Pattern: Solid
PROS
- Lightweight
- Multipurpose
- Packing is simple
CONS
- Not completely watertight
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
The wool content of the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket is 80%. It is loom-woven and hemmed on both sides with contrast lock stitching for beauty and durability. Wool is a naturally insulating fabric. The remaining 20% of the material for washability comprises hypoallergenic synthetic fibres. Wool strands are inherently short, while synthetic fibres hold the weave together for little shedding. This mixture extends the life of the blanket. You can machine-wash this blanket to make it not just cleaner but also softer. This product contains no chemicals and is entirely safe to use.
Key Features:
- Brand: Arcturus
- Special Feature: Breathable
- Blanket Form: Throw Blanket
- Product Dimensions: 88″L x 64″W
PROS
- Excellent insulating properties
- Weighted
CONS
- Not easy to carry
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket
This pocket blanket can be used for many different things, making it perfect for your trips outside. It folds up so tiny that you can hold it in your hand. It’s easy to fold up and doesn’t take up much space. You can quickly hook it to your backpack, put it in your bag, or keep it in your car. The fact that it is watertight makes it easy to use in many situations.
On top of that, it can’t be torn or filled with sand so you can use it anywhere. It can accommodate four persons sitting and two lying down. This comes with a matching bag and is available in various colors.
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Brand: BEARZ Outdoor
- Blanket Form: Travel Blanket
- Product Dimensions: 60″L x 55″W
PROS
- Exceptionally light
- Very simple to pack
- Portable
- Waterproof
CONS
- Not suitable for cold weather
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS Large Waterproof Windproof Extra Thick Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket
This covering contains leak-proof stitching that prevents two layers from sliding on top of each other, reducing the possibility of slipping when you tread on it. The enhanced version has a 205 increase in fleece weight, increasing from 250gsm to 300gsm. It has an inside polyurethane coating that makes it waterproof and windproof. The opposite side is soft and kind on your skin, providing comfort. Two people can fit comfortably in it due to its size. There includes a hidden pocket for your valuables, such as keys and phones. A camping blanket or a beach blanket. Its adaptability is boundless.
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Color: Black and White Check / Black
- Brand: DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS
- Unique Feature: Waterproof pocket, stuff sack has to carry handle and shoulder strap
- Style: Ultrasonically quilted blanket
PROS
- Multipurpose
- Very simple to use
- Windproof
CONS
- Before use, remove stiffness.
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket
This compact Down Blanket weighs just 1.1 pounds, making it light and straightforward to transport. It’s composed of water-resistant 20D ripstop nylon for fewer stains and smells. This is appropriate for camping, trekking, festivals, or just using the inside. It may clip both corners together to make a cosy Poncho-style Stadium Blanket. It can accommodate multiple people simultaneously, measuring 77″ x 50″ when fully extended. It can fit into any pack or bag when thoroughly compacted into its stuff pouch. All materials are natural and sustainable to keep you and our world safe.
Key Features:
- Material: Feather and Down – Nylon
- Color: Black / Red
- Brand: Horizon Hound
- Special Feature: Lightweight
- Style: All-season, outdoor camping
PROS
- Excellent for hiking
- Lightweight
- Compressible
- Comfortable
CONS
- Not for snow
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: EKTOS 90% Wool Blanket
The composition of this Ektos blanket is 90% wool and 10% synthetic fabric. To minimize fraying, the veil is loom-woven and has completed edges. The rugged design renders it thick, heavy-duty, and durable. It provides outstanding warmth because wool has a high warmth-to-weight ratio and is also the finest natural insulator, efficiently retaining body heat. It is scratch-free and odourless. This blanket may be machine- or hand-washed when it requires cleaning. This product contains no hazardous substances.
Key Features:
- Material: Wool
- Color: Brown
- Brand: EKTOS
- Blanket Form: Duvet
- Product Dimensions: 90″L x 66″W
PROS
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Excellent insulating properties
- Comfortable
CONS
- Three washing is required to remove the odour.
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket
The Oceas Picnic blanket is built of high-quality materials to provide a portable, lightweight, and long-lasting product. It is entirely waterproof, unlike other outdoor blankets allowing water to leak. Its backing is double-coated and weather resistant. This blanket spans 79″ by 58″ and can accommodate three individuals when fully stretched out. The plush fleece provides insulation and comfort, similar to a warm indoor blanket. It folds and packs easily into the water-resistant bag with the kit.
Key Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Color: Grey
- Brand: Oceas
- Special Feature: Waterproof
- Blanket Form: Travel Blanket
PROS
- Lightweight
- Packs compactly
- Windproof
- Waterproof
CONS
- Fabric emits certain noises.
The Best Blanket For Minimalist Camping: Utopia Bedding Sherpa Bed Blanket
This queen-sized Sherpa Fleece Reversible blanket is 90″ x 90″. It is tastefully constructed and comes in black and grey to complete the spectacular image. It is robust and long-lasting because of the 2-sided heap and 2-inch hem with double stitching. Because it is thick and provides insulation, you will feel extra warm and comfy with this blanket. It is suitable for winter camping, trekking, and indoor usage. It may provide softness and comfort to a sofa or a bed. For your convenience, this may be machine washed.
Key Features:
- Material: Fleece
- Color: Navy
- Brand: Utopia Bedding
- Special Feature: Reversible Blanket, Lightweight, Extra Warm, Two-Sided Pile, Durable, Super Soft & Versatile
- Product Dimensions: 60″L x 50″W
PROS
- Extremely soft
- Comfortable
- Good insulation
CONS
- Not for backpackers
Final Thoughts
If you want to entice a loved one or a friend to join you in the great outdoors, it may be time to stock up on camping blankets. While it is not a conventional camp staple, it can transform a cold morning, an overly thin sleeping bag, or an unexpected stargazing session into something pleasant and warm. I picked 11 excellent alternatives available today and whittled it down to six of the best camping blankets to boost your home base setup.
Read Next:
- Best Insulated Tents For Winter Camping
- Best Military Tactical Backpack of 2022
- Best Rock Climbing Gear For Mountaineering
FAQs
How much does a blanket for camping cost?
Depending on what they are made of, camping blankets can cost anywhere from $70 to more than $250.
Should you buy a camping blanket?
Most people who want to spend the night outside consider camping blankets an “extra.” Some of the camping blankets I tried for this story did lean in that direction, going all out to make a unique product that could be used for more than one thing or using high-quality materials to create a comfortable, almost luxurious experience. But that wasn’t the case for all of them. In this category, carefully considering what you buy can significantly affect how happy you are with that purchase.
Can I replace my sleeping bag with a camping blanket?
A camping quilt, a separate product, is a better alternative to a sleeping bag when you’re camping. Camping blankets are usually just an extra layer to keep you warm around the campfire. Camping quilts, like sleeping bags, are made to keep you warm even when it’s freezing at night.
