No matter what time of year it is, a high-quality outdoor blanket can always come in handy. They can be used for family beach days, romantic picnics, or even camping trips. So when it comes to choosing one, the optimal choice is a blanket that is versatile and suitable for all seasons. Outdoor blankets are made out of a variety of materials such as polyester and nylon (which tend to be the most durable and lightweight) as well as thicker materials like fleece and wool (which are ideal for colder weather).
The best outdoor blankets are waterproof, easy to clean, durable, portable, and large enough to fit multiple people. And if they’re being used a lot in the colder months, a good outdoor blanket should be thick enough to help retain body heat. Check out the list below for the best outdoor blankets on the market today.
Our Top Picks
The best outdoor blankets provide the right amount of thickness and are durable enough to last throughout the year. While they are available in various colors and materials, top-quality blankets can make a huge difference during your outdoor adventures.
The recommendations below are based on a range of categories to help find the best outdoor blanket for you.
Photo: amazon.com
When it comes to all-purpose outdoor blankets, the DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS blanket takes the cake. This ultra-thick blanket is made with anti-pill fleece and polyester backing that is water- and wind-resistant. Each side of the blanket is quilted to prevent sliding and maximize safety. While the fleece side of the blanket is not waterproof, the polyester side will prevent any water from leaking through.
This blanket also comes with a secret zippered storage pocket that can be used to hold keys or a wallet. At 82 inches long and 55 inches wide, it’s one of the larger blankets on the market. This affordable blanket is available in three colors, is machine-washable, and comes with a stuff sack that can be used to fold up and store it while traveling.
Photo: amazon.com
The Angemay Outdoor & Picnic Blanket is easily one of the most affordable blankets available online—and it still comes with a lot of nifty perks. Its large size of 60 inches long and 80 inches wide will accommodate four to six adults. Its built-in handle makes this blanket easy to carry around.
This compact blanket is made of high-quality polyester and PVC that’s both durable and comfortable to sit on. It’s also waterproof and sand-resistant, which makes it a great option for those beach days.
The downsides to this blanket are that it comes in only one color option—blue and yellow stripes—and it is not machine-washable. If it gets dirty, it can only be spot cleaned with water and mild soap.
Photo: amazon.com
Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to the Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket. This puffy blanket is more expensive than most, but that’s because it’s filled with down insulation designed to retain body heat and keep the person using it warm and cozy. In fact, it’s wearable—with just a few snaps, this blanket can be transformed into a cozy poncho.
The exterior of the blanket is made of nylon shell that blocks out wind in addition to being dirt-, sand-, and water-resistant. And even though it looks puffy and large—measuring 80 inches long by 54 inches wide—it weighs only 1.1 pounds. It also comes with a stuff sack for easy storage, is machine-washable, and is available in six color options.
The only downside to this blanket is the price, but with all the versatile features you get, it might be worth it.
Photo: amazon.com
Most outdoor blankets are water-resistant. Water-resistant material can prevent water to a degree, but if enough water gets on it, it will get through. The Oceas Outdoor Blanket, however, is waterproof, meaning that it is impervious to water.
Designed with polyester, polar fleece, and a polyurethane coating, this blanket allows no water to seep through, and its double-coated backing makes it ready for any kind of weather. At 79 inches long and 58 inches wide, it can fit up to three adults comfortably on its plush fleece-insulated surface.
This lightweight blanket also comes with a portable storage bag and is available in three colors. It’s a little pricier than some models, but the waterproof material will help it last a long time.
Photo: amazon.com
Fleece blankets are a great option for winter camping and other cold-weather activities. The Brawntide Large Outdoor Blanket is not only waterproof but also windproof and sand-proof, making it a good pick for summer days, too. Its extra-thick, anti-pill fleece top layer provides ultra comfort and warmth, while the polyester fabric bottom prevents water from seeping in. And the strong quilting of the two layers keeps the blanket from slipping and sliding around.
At 82 inches long and 55 inches wide, it’s large enough to wrap around two people. It also comes with a stuff sack that the blanket rolls into. The sack has a shoulder strap, a zippered pocket, and a handle, so it’s easy to carry. This affordable blanket comes in five colors, is machine-washable, and weighs 2.9 pounds.
Photo: amazon.com
While all of the blankets on this list come with a storage bag, the BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket is absolutely the most compact. While this blanket folds out to 55 inches long and 60 inches wide, it rolls and folds up into a small, lightweight pocket that’s 3.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide.
Made of polyester, this blanket is waterproof, puncture-resistant, and extremely durable. While it can be used any time of the year, it’s ideal for the beach thanks to its four-corner sand pockets designed to either secure the blanket to the ground (instead of using stakes) or hold your belongings.
This blanket comes in six colors and is lightweight and affordable. The downside is that it’s not machine-washable. To clean it, you have to hand-wash it with cold water and hang it to dry.
