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When it comes to enjoying outdoor adventures, having the right picnic blanket can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a romantic lunch in the park or a beach barbecue with the family, a travel-friendly picnic blanket is a must-have item on your packing list.
But what makes a picnic blanket travel-friendly? Look for lightweight, portable, and compact designs that are easy to carry and store in your luggage. Durability is also important to ensure your blanket can withstand outdoor use and frequent washing.
At Travel + Leisure, we understand the importance of finding the best picnic blanket for your outdoor activities. That’s why we tested and reviewed 30 popular options to bring you the top picks for travel picnic blankets. From cozy blankets for camping to waterproof options for the beach, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a lightweight and portable picnic blanket for easy travel.
- Look for durable materials that can withstand outdoor use.
- Consider waterproof options for beach outings or camping trips.
- Opt for compact designs that can easily fit in your luggage.
- Find a blanket that offers both comfort and ease of cleaning.
Best Overall: L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
The generously sized L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is the ultimate all-rounder, perfect for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the campground, or an open-air concert, this blanket has got you covered.
One of the standout features of this picnic blanket is its soft and cozy polyester fleece top layer. Not only does it offer enough cushioning to make sitting on small rocks comfortable, but it also provides excellent insulation in chillier climates.
The polyurethane-coated nylon backing is 100 percent waterproof, ensuring that you stay dry even on damp ground. During our water resistance test, we were impressed by how easily the blanket wiped off, with no trace of moisture soaking through to the fleece. You can relax and enjoy your picnic without worrying about dampness.
When it comes to cleaning, this blanket is a breeze. It is machine-washable, making it easy to remove any spills or stains. We were particularly impressed by how well it performed during our spill test, with the fleece easily blotting out a considerable amount of liquid.
The build quality of the L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is top-notch. We didn’t find a single loose thread, and the vertical seam acts as a helpful guideline for folding and rolling the blanket neatly. Plus, it’s available in a practical and stylish bright navy color.
In summary, the L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is the best overall picnic blanket. Its combination of comfort, durability, waterproofing, and easy cleaning make it an excellent choice for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re picnicking, camping, or enjoying a concert, this blanket will ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Best Lightweight: Oniva Blanket Tote
Weighing in at just over two pounds, the Oniva Picnic Blanket Tote is the perfect travel companion. It’s eminently packable, since it folds up easily into a compact tote that you can sling over your shoulder using the adjustable strap. We particularly loved the tote flap with its integrated, zippered pocket that’s large enough for essentials, including your credit card and phone.
The blanket boasts a soft, polyester fleece top layer with enough cushioning that you won’t feel small rocks through it. And don’t worry about spills – the water-resistant backing passed our tests with flying colors. While we did notice one superficial imperfection in the seam alignment, we found the blanket to be sturdy and reliable.
With styles ranging from black tartan to blue stripe, the Oniva Blanket Tote combines lightweight portability with comfort and practicality, making it an excellent choice for your next picnic or outdoor adventure.
Best Waterproof: Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket
The Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket is the ultimate choice for those seeking a reliable and cozy waterproof picnic blanket. Made with meticulous craftsmanship, this blanket boasts a flawless design with zero loose threads or imperfections. It features a ripstop polyester backing that is fully coated with polyurethane, ensuring complete waterproof protection. On top of that, the blanket is lined with soft and comfortable polar fleece, providing the perfect blend of warmth and comfort.
The Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket is not only waterproof but also remarkably flexible. Its soft and supple texture allows for easy wrapping around the shoulders, providing warmth and insulation on chilly evenings. However, due to its larger size, shorter individuals may find it slightly challenging to shake out the blanket alone. During our ease-of-cleaning test, we did find that it required a few vigorous shakes to remove sand from the fabric.
In terms of practicality, the Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket is machine-washable and dryer-friendly, making it incredibly convenient for regular use. Whether you’re picnicking at the beach or hosting a backyard barbecue, this blanket can withstand spills and stains, ensuring hassle-free cleaning. Speaking of spills, while most of the grape juice blotted out successfully, a slight stain did remain on the fabric.
To make transportation a breeze, the Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket comes with an attached elastic strap and a handy carry pouch. This allows you to conveniently take the blanket on all your outdoor adventures without any hassle or bulk.
Best for Camping: Yeti Lowlands Blanket
The Yeti Lowlands Blanket is the ultimate camping companion, offering exceptional quality and durability. Made with a soft polyester and rayon top layer, this blanket provides a cozy and comfortable surface for relaxing outdoors. The polyester insulation ensures optimal insulation, keeping you warm even on frigid nights under canvas.
One of the standout features of the Yeti Lowlands Blanket is its durable Hydrobarrier Layer. This layer passed our waterproofing test with flying colors, making it the perfect choice for camping in all weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, dew, or spills, this blanket will keep you dry and comfortable throughout your camping trip.
The Yeti Lowlands Blanket is not just limited to being a standard camping blanket. It can also double as a ground sheet, offering protection from moisture and dirt on the ground. Additionally, it features six utility loops, allowing you to stake it down or hang it up for use as a shade canopy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester and rayon top layer |
| Insulation | Polyester insulation for added warmth |
| Waterproof | Durable Hydrobarrier Layer for excellent waterproofing |
| Multi-purpose | Can be used as a ground sheet or shade canopy |
| Easy to clean | Machine-washable and dryer safe for convenience |
If the Yeti Lowlands Blanket gets dirty during your camping adventures, simply toss it in the washing machine for a thorough clean. It also comes with a high-quality zippered carrying case with straps, allowing you to attach it to your backpack using a carabiner for easy transport.
When it comes to camping, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket is the best choice for its exceptional quality, durability, and versatility. Invest in this high-quality blanket to elevate your camping experience and enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.
Best for Cold Weather: Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket
If you’re planning a winter adventure and need a picnic blanket that can keep you warm, the Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket is an excellent choice. This blanket is specifically designed to withstand cold weather while providing exceptional comfort and functionality.
The standout feature of this blanket is its non-pilling, 350 grams-per-square-meter fleece top layer. This high-quality fleece material ensures that the blanket remains soft, cozy, and durable, even after frequent use. The thick blanket offers optimal insulation and warmth, making it perfect for chilly outdoor conditions.
In addition to its cold weather performance, the Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket is also waterproof. It features two internal coatings of polyurethane that effectively block moisture and wind, keeping you dry and comfortable in wet conditions. During our testing, we placed water on the polyester backing for 15 minutes, and none made it through to the cozy fleece side.
While the blanket provides some cushioning from rocks, you may still feel them to some extent. However, the integrated, zippered pocket allows you to conveniently store your phone, snacks, or other picnic essentials.
When it comes to cleaning, the Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket is easy to maintain. It took a few good shakes to dislodge all the sand during our cleaning test, while any spilled juice soaked quickly into the fleece but was easy to blot out. And when your blanket gets dirty, simply throw it in the washing machine for a fresh and clean result.
Key Features:
- Non-pilling, 350 grams-per-square-meter fleece top layer
- Waterproof with two internal coatings of polyurethane
- Integrated, zippered pocket for convenient storage
- Easy to clean with machine-washable materials
For travelers seeking a reliable and comfortable blanket that excels in cold weather conditions, the Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket is the perfect choice. Its warmth, durability, and waterproof features make it an ideal companion for winter picnics, outdoor events, and camping trips.
Best Compact: Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket
The Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket is the perfect choice for those seeking a compact and lightweight picnic blanket. This versatile blanket comes in three different sizes, with the smallest measuring 60 x 60 inches. While it may not be long enough to lie down on, it comfortably accommodates two adults sitting.
One of the standout features of the Little Unicorn blanket is its exceptional portability. It folds easily into a compact package that can be effortlessly carried using the included shoulder strap. Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or a music festival, this blanket is a breeze to transport and store.
Despite its compact size, the Little Unicorn blanket doesn’t compromise on durability. It is made from high-quality materials that are resistant to stains and dirt, ensuring that it remains in great condition even after multiple uses.
Not only is the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket a practical choice, but it also offers a stylish design. With a range of attractive patterns and colors to choose from, you can find the perfect blanket to suit your personal taste and style.
Overall, the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket is an excellent option for those in search of a compact and lightweight picnic blanket that is easy to pack and carry. Its durability, portability, and stylish design make it a top choice for outdoor gatherings and picnics.
| Product | Size | Weight | Portability | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket (Smallest Size) | 60 x 60 inches | Lightweight | Folds into a compact package with shoulder strap | Durable materials resistant to stains and dirt |
| Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket (Medium Size) | Size 2 | Weight 2 | Portability 2 | Durability 2 |
| Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket (Large Size) | Size 3 | Weight 3 | Portability 3 | Durability 3 |
Best Budget: RedCamp Picnic Blanket
The RedCamp Picnic Blanket is a fantastic option for those seeking a budget-friendly picnic blanket without compromising on quality. While it may not be the softest blanket available, its durability and functionality make it a reliable choice for outdoor activities.
Made from polyester fabric, the RedCamp Picnic Blanket is resistant to dirt, water, and stains, ensuring easy cleaning after a picnic. It is particularly well-suited for beach picnics, where sand can often be a challenge. Both sides of the blanket are waterproof, allowing for effortless cleanup of any spills or accidents.
The RedCamp Picnic Blanket features an easy-to-fold design, making it convenient to pack up and transport. It comes with a velcro closure and a top handle, providing added ease of use. Additionally, it includes a drawstring bag that allows for backpack-like carrying, enabling you to take it on your outdoor adventures with ease.
While it may not be the largest blanket available, the RedCamp Picnic Blanket offers enough space for couples or individuals to stretch out comfortably. Its affordable price and reliable construction make it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Overall, the RedCamp Picnic Blanket is a practical and cost-effective option that provides water resistance, easy cleanup, and portability without breaking the bank.
Best for Families: Oniva Blanket Tote
Busy families will appreciate the simplicity and thoughtful design of the Oniva Blanket Tote. It’s an affordable outdoor blanket that can be used to picnic in the park or even at the beach. We found the fleece front soft to the touch, and its thick design was extremely comfortable to sit on, masking the feeling of rocks underneath. The reverse side is made of a waterproof material that staved off dampness in our testing, and despite the blanket’s substantial size, it’s lightweight and easy to transport. It’s well-cushioned and comes in an extra-large size, making it perfect for accommodating the whole family. Dirt and sand fell off this blanket after just a few shakes during our testing, and though liquid does soak into the fleece fabric, it’s fairly easy to blot out. The carrying case for this blanket is also quite impressive, yet compact, so you could leave it in the trunk of your car for impromptu picnics and outdoor fun.
| Features | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Soft fleece front | Comfortable and cozy |
| Thick design | Absorbs rocks while sitting |
| Waterproof material | Staves off dampness |
| Extra-large size | Accommodates the whole family |
| Easy to clean | Dirt and sand shake off easily |
| Compact carrying case | Convenient storage and transportation |
Best Splurge: Yeti Lowlands Blanket
If you spend a lot of time outdoors and value top-tier quality, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket is the perfect splurge item. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-quality picnic blanket offers the ultimate in comfort and durability.
The Yeti Lowlands Blanket features a luxurious polyester-rayon front fabric that is both soft to the touch and incredibly durable. It also boasts a thick layer of polyester insulation, providing exceptional warmth on chilly evenings.
What sets the Yeti Lowlands Blanket apart is its exceptional performance in various conditions. It is completely waterproof, ensuring that you stay dry even on damp ground. The blanket is also stain-resistant and repels dirt and pet hair, making it easy to keep clean.
Durability is a key factor, and the Yeti Lowlands Blanket is built to withstand heavy use. It is designed to resist snagging and tearing, ensuring that it lasts for years of outdoor adventures.
In addition to its functionality, this picnic blanket is incredibly cozy and comfortable. It effectively blocks wind, providing warmth on even the coldest of nights. Its generous size allows it to double as a ground sheet or shade canopy.
Despite its bulky and heavy nature, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket comes with a high-quality zippered carrying case that has convenient straps for easy transportation. This ensures that you can take it with you wherever you go.
Key features of the Yeti Lowlands Blanket:
- High-quality polyester-rayon front fabric
- Thick polyester insulation for warmth
- Waterproof and stain-resistant
- Resistant to dirt and pet hair
- Durable construction, resistant to snagging and tearing
- Cozy and comfortable, blocks wind
- Can double as a ground sheet or shade canopy
- Includes a high-quality zippered carrying case with straps
When you invest in the Yeti Lowlands Blanket, you’re investing in a high-quality picnic blanket that will enhance your outdoor experiences for years to come.
Conclusion
After thorough testing of 30 popular travel picnic blankets, we have compiled a summary of the top picks to help you make an informed buying decision. When choosing the best travel picnic blanket, it is crucial to consider factors such as compactness, durability, easy cleaning, and comfort.
Our top overall pick is the L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket. This blanket stood out for its soft and cozy fleece top layer, waterproof backing, and easy cleaning. It is a versatile option suitable for camping, picnicking on the beach, or attending concerts.
Remember to take your specific needs and preferences into account when selecting a travel picnic blanket. The right choice can enhance your outdoor experiences, providing a comfortable and clean space for relaxation. With our guide and top picks, finding the perfect travel picnic blanket for your next outing becomes a breeze.
FAQ
Why do I need a travel picnic blanket?
Travel picnic blankets are essential for outdoor dining and relaxation. They provide a clean and comfortable space for picnicking, beach trips, camping, concerts, and more.
What features should I look for in a travel picnic blanket?
When choosing a travel picnic blanket, consider factors such as compactness, durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort. Look for blankets that are lightweight, portable, waterproof, and machine-washable.
Can I use a travel picnic blanket for purposes other than picnicking?
Absolutely! Travel picnic blankets can be used for various purposes, such as making camping grounds more cozy, wearing them as insulating wraps at outdoor concerts and sports games, or even as a ground sheet or shade canopy.
Are these picnic blankets machine-washable?
Yes, most of the recommended picnic blankets in this list are machine-washable, making cleaning them a breeze.
Can these picnic blankets withstand spills and stains?
Yes, these picnic blankets are designed to be water-resistant and stain-resistant. They can withstand spills and are easy to clean, ensuring a hassle-free outdoor dining experience.
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