Hi, I’m Anthony.
There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire on a chilly evening. But your back always gets cold, right?
I used to drag my sleeping bag out of the tent, but it would get dirty and sparked by the fire. Then I discovered dedicated camping blankets.
Whether it’s a technical “puffy” blanket that sheds water or a classic wool throw that resists fire, having a dedicated blanket is the ultimate comfort upgrade.
Choosing the best camping blanket can dramatically improve comfort, warmth, and versatility at camp.
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Are you looking for the best camping blanket to wrap yourself in warmth while watching the stars? You are in the right place.
Standard home blankets absorb moisture and get heavy. Camping blankets are designed to be tough, water-resistant, and incredibly warm. They are perfect for extra insulation inside your tent or for staying cozy in your camp chair.
We tested the top synthetic, down, and wool blankets to find the ones that deserve a spot in your car.
🏆 Quick Summary: Top 3 Picks for Coziness
Best Overall (The Trendsetter): Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket
Why: It’s like a sleeping bag you can wear. Water-resistant, warm, and comes in amazing designs.
Best Budget (Simple & Effective): Kelty Bestie Blanket
Why: Affordable, soft lining, and perfect for keeping in the car just in case.
Best for Fire (Wool): Ektos 100% Wool Blanket
Why: Wool is naturally fire-resistant. You can sit close to the campfire without worrying about melting holes.
Which Type of Camping Blanket Is Best for You?
The best camping blanket depends on how and where you camp. While all camping blankets provide warmth, different materials perform better in different situations.
Puffy Camping Blankets
Best for: car camping, cool evenings, comfort-focused trips
Puffy blankets use synthetic insulation and feel similar to a lightweight sleeping bag. They offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and pack down small.
Wool Camping Blankets
Best for: cold weather, campfires, durability
Wool blankets are heavier, but they retain warmth even when damp and are naturally fire-resistant — a big plus around campfires.
Waterproof Camping Blankets
Best for: wet ground, beach camping, picnics
These blankets feature a water-resistant or waterproof backing, making them ideal for sitting on damp ground or using as an extra ground layer.
Lightweight & Packable Blankets
Best for: travel, minimal gear setups
If space is limited, look for compact blankets that compress easily while still providing enough warmth for mild conditions.
Choosing the right type ensures you get the most comfort and value from your camping blanket.
Table of Contents
1. Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket
Award: Best Overall / Most Stylish
The Rumpl Puffy is the blanket that started the trend. It is made from the same material as high-end sleeping bags (ripstop nylon) and filled with synthetic insulation. It sheds water, dirt, and pet hair instantly.
It comes with a “Cape Clip” that allows you to wear it hands-free like a poncho while making coffee or walking around camp.
Pros:
✅ Incredible designs and colors (looks great in photos).
✅ Cape Clip allows you to wear it.
✅ Water and stain-resistant (DWR finish).
✅ Machine washable.
Cons:
❌ Slippery fabric (slides off some sleeping pads).
❌ Synthetic material melts easily (keep away from sparks!).
Verdict:
If you want the coolest-looking and best camping blanket overall, Rumpl is the king.
2. Kelty Bestie Blanket
Award: Best Budget Choice
You don’t need to spend $100 to get warm. The Kelty Bestie is a simple, effective camping blanket. It has durable polyester on one side and soft-brushed fabric on the other (so it feels cozy against your skin).
It’s not as high-tech as the Rumpl, but it’s perfect for picnics, festivals, or adding an extra layer over your sleeping bag.
Pros:
✅ Very affordable.
✅ Soft liner feels great (not slippery).
✅ Compact stuff sack included.
✅ Lightweight.
Cons:
❌ Not waterproof.
❌ Slightly smaller than others (good for one person).
Verdict:
The best “bang for your buck.” Buy a couple of them for the kids or the dogs.
3. Ektos 100% Wool Blanket
Best for Campfires (Fire Resistant)
This is arguably the best camping blanket for safety around an open fire.
Synthetic blankets melt instantly if a spark from the fire hits them. Wool does not. The Ektos blanket is 100% wool, making it naturally fire-retardant and incredibly warm, even when wet.
It is heavy, rugged, and has that classic “bushcraft” feel. It’s built to last a lifetime.
Pros:
✅ Fire resistant (safe near campfires).
✅ Insulates even when wet.
✅ No chemicals or added flame retardants.
✅ Very durable.
Cons:
❌ Wool can be scratchy (not soft like fleece).
❌ Heavy and smells like wool when wet.
❌ Dry clean or hand wash recommended.
Verdict:
If your favorite activity is sitting right next to a crackling fire, this is the only blanket you should buy.
4. Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket
Award: Best Waterproof / Picnic
This is a heavy-duty utility blanket. One side is soft, warm fleece. The other side is completely waterproof polyurethane-coated nylon. You can lay it down on wet grass, mud, or snow, and the moisture will never soak through.
It’s perfect for picnics, changing a tire, or sitting on bleachers.
Pros:
✅ 100% Waterproof backing.
✅ Warm fleece top layer.
✅ Large size (fits 3 people sitting).
✅ Comes with a carry strap.
Cons:
❌ The waterproof layer is stiff (crinkly).
❌ Not breathable (don’t sleep under it, you might sweat).
Verdict:
Essential for families. Use it as a floor for the baby, a picnic mat, or an emergency rain shelter.
5. Snugpak Jungle Blanket
Award: Best Ultralight / Tactical
If space is tight, the Snugpak Jungle Blanket is your answer. Designed for the military, it packs down smaller than a coconut. It uses Travelsoft insulation which is incredibly efficient for its weight.
It is windproof and water-repellent. It’s great for minimalist campers or keeping in your “Go Bag.”
Pros:
✅ Extremely compact and lightweight.
✅ Antimicrobial treatment (doesn’t smell).
✅ Windproof outer shell.
✅ Very durable.
Cons:
❌ Not the “coziest” feel (tactical vibe).
❌ Thinner than puffy blankets.
Verdict:
Perfect for backpackers or keeping permanently in your car glovebox for emergencies.
🛌 Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Camping Blanket
1. Materials Used in the Best Camping Blankets (Fire vs. Water)
Synthetic (Rumpl, Kelty): Light, warm, water-resistant. BUT melts near fire.
Wool (Ektos): Heavy, warm, fire-resistant. Best for campfires.
Fleece/Waterproof (Oceas): Best for sitting on the ground.
2. Warmth
Camping blankets are usually rated for “indoor” temperatures. They are supplements, not replacements for a Best Double Sleeping Bag. Use them for sitting outside or as an extra layer on top of your cot.
3. Packability
Check your trunk space. Rumpl and Snugpak compress well. Wool and Fleece blankets are bulky and take up more room.
Final Verdict
For style and all-around performance, get the Rumpl Puffy.
For sitting by the campfire, choose the Ektos Wool Blanket.
For budget comfort, the Kelty Bestie is unbeatable.
- Overall, the best camping blanket is the one that matches your camping style — whether that’s puffy insulation for comfort, wool for warmth, or waterproof protection for wet ground.