One blanket, many jobs
An outdoor blanket sits at the center of camp life. It is a picnic spread, a place to sit by the water, a mat for kids, a layer over your knees at a cool evening fire and a ground cover in the shade. The best ones are easy to carry, quick to shake clean and tough enough to survive sand, grass stains and spilled drinks. The wrong one soaks up dew, slides around or makes you sweat.
Types of outdoor blankets
| Type | Typical construction | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic blanket with waterproof backing | Soft top fabric over a water-resistant layer | Keeps you dry on damp grass; wipes clean | Can be less breathable; backing may crack with age |
| Packable nylon blanket | Thin, ripstop fabric that stuffs into a pouch | Very small and light; dries fast | Less cushion; can feel slippery |
| Fleece blanket | Synthetic pile | Warm, soft, inexpensive | Pills and holds crumbs; slow to shed water |
| Wool or wool-blend blanket | Dense natural fiber | Warm even when damp; durable | Heavy; needs gentle washing |
| Cotton blanket or quilt | Woven cotton | Breathable, easy to wash | Soaks up moisture and dries slowly |
| Beach blanket | Large, thin, quick-drying | Roomy; sheds sand | Light; blows around without weights |
| Stadium or camp blanket | Insulated or heated throws | Warm for sitting still | Heavier; heated types need power |
Picking a size
Makers describe sizes in different ways, so look at the actual dimensions in inches or feet. As a rough guide, a blanket about 5 by 5 feet is a snug place for two people and a basket. About 6 by 6 or 7 by 7 feet gives room for a small family. Bigger blankets are better for kids and groups, but they weigh more, pack larger and are harder to shake out. If you need to carry it, choose the smallest that suits your group. Measure your trunk or pack if space is tight.
Features that help
- Water-resistant backing. Keeps dew and damp soil from soaking through. Look for a material that is flexible, because stiff coatings crack with folding.
- Corner stakes or pockets. Loops or pockets let you stake corners or add stones, which helps on windy days.
- Carrying strap or pouch. Makes it easy to carry and keeps it clean in the car.
- Machine washable. Check the care label. Some waterproof-backed blankets can be washed on a gentle cycle, while others should only be wiped.
- Bright or patterned color. Hides stains and is easy to spot in a crowd.
- Sand-shedding fabric. Smooth, tight weaves shed sand better than fluffy ones.
Using one outdoors
- Check the spot. Look for ants, thorns, sharp stones, broken glass and poison ivy. A quick sweep with your hand saves trouble.
- Lay out the waterproof side down if there is one, and weigh down the corners.
- Pick shade in hot weather, since dark blankets get warm in the sun and can burn bare legs.
- Keep food and drinks stable on a flat spot, and use a lid or cover for insects.
- Shake it clean before you fold it so that crumbs and sand do not stay inside.
Ticks and other pests
In many parts of the United States, ticks are a real concern in tall grass and leaf litter. Choose a spot in a mown or sandy area rather than tall grass, check yourself and children after outings, and follow the guidance of your state health department. Do not leave a blanket on the ground where wildlife may investigate your food.
Cleaning and care
- Shake out debris right away, and brush off dried mud when it is dry.
- Spot clean spills with mild soap and water.
- Wash according to the label, usually cold or warm on a gentle cycle, then air-dry when the label advises it. Hot dryers can damage waterproof backings and synthetic fibers.
- Dry fully before storing. Damp blankets develop mildew within a day or two.
- Store loosely in a cool, dry place.
Safety around fire
Synthetic blankets can melt and some fabrics can burn. Keep blankets well back from fire rings and stoves, and do not use a picnic blanket as a flame barrier. Do not wrap yourself in a synthetic blanket right next to a campfire.
Common mistakes
- Choosing cotton for damp ground. It soaks up moisture and stays wet.
- Using it without checking the spot.
- Storing it damp.
- Machine-drying a waterproof backing on high heat.
- Ignoring wind. Always have weights for corners.
Frequently asked questions
What size picnic blanket do I need?
About 5 by 5 feet suits two people. Families usually want 6 by 6 feet or larger.
Are waterproof-backed blankets really waterproof?
They resist dew and damp ground, but heavy rain or standing water can soak through seams. Check the maker's description.
Can I wash an outdoor blanket in a machine?
Many can, on a gentle cycle, but follow the label. Avoid high heat.
What is the best blanket for a campfire?
A fleece or wool throw is warm, but keep it back from sparks and flames.
How do I keep sand off my blanket?
Choose a tight-weave fabric, shake it out often and keep a separate towel for wet feet.
