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10 Best Camping Blankets and Quilts Lightweight and Waterproof

10 Best Camping Blankets and Quilts in 2021

Used in conjunction with a sleeping pad, a camping quilt will keep you incredibly warm whilst having the freedom to move around.

Unlike sleeping bags, you’re able to regulate your temperature with a camping blanket and use it just like your duvet at home.

Your warmth comes from the mat below you, while the outdoor blanket rests on top.

You can stick your arms and legs out (which I personally prefer) and generally feel more relaxed and stretched when you wake up.

The best camping blankets are rugged, protective, and more durable than a regular cover from home.

 

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They are foldable and compact, waterproof, machine washable, and give you more control over your thermal levels.

More versatile than sleeping bags, you can take them to outside events, festivals, outdoor cinemas, winter sports games, and more.

We’ve compiled a guide of our top-rated camping blankets for all uses.

We’ll discuss our favorites, and provide you with all the information you need to get the best one for you based on how and why you’ll use it.

 

 

The Best Outdoor Camping Blankets Reviewed

1. Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown Sleeping Quilt

Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown Sleeping Quilt Review

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This premium blanket is perfect for backpackers and outdoor adventurers. It will keep you extra toasty thanks to the 22 ounces of high loft down with 700-fill power. It’s suitable to use in as low as 15°F weather. Weighing only 2 pounds, it’s super lightweight and won’t feel like extra mass in your bag. For durability and rip prevention, the nylon fabric ensures it will last long-term.

If you’re also using a sleeping bag, it comes with a special strap so you can attach it and customize your sleeping organization. If you’re not using one, you can zip it up and connect the snap closures for a bag-like experience.

You can also seal the foot area using the durable drawstrings, keep it open for airflow or close it for unbeatable warmth. Because it’s so versatile and you can adjust it any way you want, it’s also great for hammock camping.

Features:

  • 20D Nylon Fabric
  • Ultralight
  • Suitable for Camping, Hammocks and Backpacking

 

2. SORISON Synthetic Puffy Down Camping Quilt

SORISON Synthetic Puffy Down Camping Quilt

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The best newcomer we’ve seen, you can wrap up and enjoy the outdoors while camping, hiking, at events, watching sports, and going on picnics. Even use it around the house to save on energy bills and stay warm the good old-fashioned way.

You can truly bring this everywhere as it only weighs 2.8 lbs and packs to just 7.75″ x 7.75″ x 18″. It’s made with atomicLoft micro synthetic down which provides maximum comfort and heat.

To store your phone, tablet, book, or other valuable, there is a secret pocket measuring 9” x 9”. For trips to the beach, sitting on wet ground, or getting stuck in the rain, the nylon material is water repellent – droplets just slide right off.

One of the coolest parts of this is the fact that sand, odors, and animal hair don’t stick, so you can chill out and cuddle your dog without worrying about fur that’s usually difficult to remove. Shoulder cords on the carry sack allow you to take it around hands-free.

Features:

  • Machine Washable
  • 80” x 54”
  • 2.8lbs Weight

 

3. PUFFER WOLF Outdoor Camping Blanket

PUFFER WOLF Outdoor Camping Blanket

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Double insulated for unparalleled heat, this is long-lasting for all your outdoor antics. It’s waterproof and built to withstand all kinds of weather as it’s made with tough 20D ripstop nylon. You can wrap it around yourself and secure it using the durable buttons to walk around with coveted warmth. There are also hand pockets in case your fingers get cold, ideal for sitting and getting warm in your tent.

At 80” x 54”, multiple people can sleep underneath it comfortably. We think it’s incredibly puffy when compared to some other versions, but it still compresses down to a very small size of 5” x 5” x 12”. This makes it ideal for moving campers like backpackers, alpinists, and hikers.

In relation to its weight, it really does generate a high amount of heat. It weighs under 1.5 lbs, one of the lightest for its size, even though it’s made from the same high-quality parachute material of expensive sleeping bags. When you return home from your adventures, you can wash it in your machine.

Features:

  • Premium Featherlight Insulation
  • Dustproof, Sand proof, Windproof
  • Vivid Cyan & Dark Grey Available

 

4. Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket

Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket

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Experience unlimited warmth without all the bulk. This weighs an amazing 1 lb and packs down to just 11″ x 5.5″ x 16″ for the Trekking version. It can be your ultimate travel companion as it’s so easy to carry but delivers on puffiness and warmth.

Nylon fabric is completely water-resistant and repels odors and stains so you can use it long term. If it does start to become dirty, you can easily clean it in your washing machine.

They have used responsibly sourced down so it’s hypoallergenic and natural. This means high quality and makes it multipurpose for indoor and outdoor use.

The transport pouch is sleek and compacted with a sturdy buckle to hold everything in. You can choose from quite a few size and color options including blue, midnight blue, red, and green, to suit your style.

Features:

  • Ultralight
  • 20D Ripstop Nylon
  • Naturally Renewable Down

 

5. Snugpak Oversized Jungle Survival Blanket

Snugpak Oversized Jungle Survival Blanket

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This one is insulated and treated with antimicrobial properties to eliminate condensation build-up and the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This means you can share it with others and not worry about sharing body heat and humidity – this quilt keeps everything dry.

The overall fabric is Micro Diamond, which contributes to its lightweight and water-resistant exterior. It also gives a unique shiny look that you won’t find with many others.

The insulation is a high-loft Travelsoft which is a fine fiber that also assists with its lightweight nature. It’s stitched using strong seams, so all the cozy heat stays trapped inside.

Although it’s oversized, you’re still able to compress it down into a travel-friendly buckled sack. This pouch also has compression qualities that help keep it squished down until you’re ready to use it again. It’s rated at being suitable for 45°F, but you can comfortably use it in as low as 36°F.

Features:

  • 90” x 72”
  • Windproof
  • Complimentary Info Booklet

 

6. ZEFABAK Down Blanket for Camping

ZEFABAK Down Blanket for Camping

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With an eye-catching vibrant orange lining across the black 20D nylon fabric, this comes in 3 sizes to accommodate whoever needs to use it. The interior is a high-grade 600-fill duck down filling for superior heat retention.

The outer material helps to repel moisture and prevents stains and odors from forming. This is desirable for campers who may sweat a lot at night and need something that won’t leave them soaking when they awake.

You can wear this as a poncho if you’re out at a sports stadium or at an outdoor cinema – you can look stylish and feel serious warmth at the same time. If it gets messy, you can easily hand wash it with a block of gentle soap and warm water.

It packs down into its sack and measures just 6.3” x 6.3” x 11”. This carry case has a reflective drawstring so you can see it easily in the dark. Hand pockets are another great feature that lets you warm up your fingers without the need for bulky gloves.

Features:

  • 84” x 54”
  • Comes in 3 Sizes
  • Weighs 1.7 lbs

 

7. ATEPA 4-in-1 Multipurpose Down Travel Blanket

ATEPA 4-in-1 Multipurpose Down Travel Blanket

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Multifunctional is certainly a great way to describe this. Not only can you use it as a traditional cover, but you can also turn it into a sleeping bag by pulling the attached drawstrings. This gives you the freedom and power to sleep however you want.

You can also use it as a shawl by draping it over your shoulders. It’s not super heavy and won’t weigh you down, even though it’s filled with 600-fill high-end duck down for unlimited warmth.

The 20D outer nylon is very soft to touch but is highly durable so any tears of holes are prevented. It’s also the type of fabric that’s easy to clean. For effortless traveling, it’s 1.1 lbs and squeezes down to fit into a pouch that you can hold with one hand. You can compress it down and put it inside in less than 30 seconds. Entirely water and sand resistant, so we think it’s ideal for winter beach picnics.

Features:

  • 8” x 53.1”
  • Super Compact
  • 200g Total of Down

 

8. Big Agnes Kings Canyon Ultra-Light Quilt

Big Agnes Kings Canyon Ultra-Light Quilt

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If you’re after a premium comforter for indoor and outdoor camping, this is a perfect choice. Despite its great size, it compresses down to about the size of a loaf of bread and is extremely lightweight to carry around with you for camping and other outside events.

Using the top corner hand pockets, you can wrap yourself in this blanket like a poncho. This makes it great for cold beach hangouts, viewing sports games outside, or going for picnics in winter. Thanks to its super lightweight design, you can lay it over your sleeping bag for some extra heat without overheating.

It’s insulated with PrimaLoft Silver which is a high-performance warming system. The fabrics are breathable so you won’t sweat during the night, the water-resistant absorbs less moisture, and it’s soft to the touch which feels great while you rest.

Features:

  • Weighs 1 lb
  • 4” x 6” Compressed Size
  • Nylon Stuff Sack Included

 

9. Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket

Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket

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One of the puffiest we’ve found, this is a super cozy addition to any camping equipment. For being quite thick when fully laid out, this is extremely lightweight and packs into a smooth stuff sack for easy storage in your sports or camping gear. This sack has a strong buckle on the end which keeps everything nice and tight.

The material is 20D ripstop nylon which acts as a shell that repels cold winds. This works together with the 650-fill down that ensures comfy insulation, so you stay snug and well heated inside. If you’ll be walking around a campsite or event, this is wearable and your hands are freed to cook, read, or set up a tent.

There are durable buttons close to the edges that you can click together and wear it like a poncho. You could use this when it gets as cold as 45°F. To enhance your sleeping system, lay it on top of your sleeping bag and it will create an additional 15°F of warmth.

Features:

  • Ultralight 1lb Carry Weight
  • 80” x 54” Fully Puffed
  • Water-Resistant

 

10. The Big Blue Mtn Synthetic Down Camping Blanket

The Big Blue Mtn Synthetic Down Camping Blanket

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Another wonderfully puffy quilt on our list, this is hypoallergenic to prevent potential allergies that some traditional duck down versions can initiate. The stuffing is an alternative polyester with high-performance technology and can work better in wet conditions. It also expands its puffiness faster than alternatives.

This suits 3 season camping so you don’t have to be limited to summer or spring trips. It works in temperatures of 45-50°F. It weighs 1.5 lbs so you can take it anywhere with you without worrying about extra heaviness. We think it’s light and compact enough to take with you on the plane when traveling to provide warmth, as airplanes can often be riddled with drafts. To resist wear-and-tear, it’s constructed with 20D ripstop nylon, which is a highly durable outer cover. This material also doesn’t make crinkling or squeaking noises as some comforters can. 

Features:

  • Water Repellent
  • Machine Washable
  • 74” x 48”

 

How to Choose a Camping Quilt

The Quality

Camping can be an intense experience with rough weather than can often go into extremes. You want to be prepared for the heat and the cold, and sometimes sleeping bags won’t be enough.

Some covers are thicker or puffier than others, so this gives you the freedom to choose what you need based on your location. They need to be durable to withstand sleeping, climate conditions, and traveling with other equipment that could be sharp. We recommend ripstop nylon.

It’s lightweight but hard-wearing so it can endure even the harshest settings. Ripstop explains its meaning in the name – it means increased tear-resistance.

Most are also water-resistant, and even better if they are sand and wind repellent. You can then take it to basically any location with peace of mind that it won’t fall apart at the first gust of wind. If you find a blanket that protects against these aspects efficiently, it means the creator has put thought into ensuring great quality.

Duck Down vs Synthetic – Insulation is Important

The insulation inside is very important to consider. Most are filled with either a duck or synthetic down stuffing. Both provide undeniable warmth. If you’re worried about allergies to the duck down types, it’s possible to find hypoallergenic ones that shouldn’t provoke any reactions. 

 

Duck Down Advantages & Disadvantages

This kind is not made from the feathers of the animal. It’s created using the undercoating of duck or geese that helps keep them warm. Some consider this to be warmer than synthetic, but you can decide for yourself. One drawback is that there may be a risk of it losing its insulation power if it gets wet – therefore it’s crucial to purchase one that is built to be water repellent, based on its outer materials. As mentioned above, duck down can cause allergies in some people, so it’s something to think about if you are susceptible.

 

Synthetic Down Advantages & Disadvantages 

Recently, this has become more high-performance than in the past. The main advantage is that if it gets wet, it dries very quickly and can still emit heat. It’s easier to take care of, and usually more affordable than duck variants. One of the cons is that it can be slightly bulky, and it may not keep you as warm. This can be thought of as a positive in a different way, as it gives you the control to use it in somewhat cooler temperatures. If you use an incredibly insulated kind, you might only be able to utilize it in very cold times.    

 

Hammock or Tent? Be Serious About Size

The dimensions can entail two different aspects – how many people will be resting with it and where you will be using it.

We’ve found the average range is between 70” for the length and 60” for the width. Some even reach 90” in length if you’re very tall or just want one that is longer. To choose your size, think about how you will wear it.

Will you only be using it as a traditional sheet for sleeping?

Or do you see yourself walking around with it?

If it’s both, some of them come with button fasteners for wearing it like a jacket or poncho. Hand pockets are also a nice element that let you hold onto it without it slipping around while you wear it. In order to fit two or three people, notice the width as well as how long it goes. You need to all feel comfortable and not like you’re fighting for room.

The next factor is where you’ll be using it. One of the most popular ways is with a hammock. For this, you don’t want one that’s oversized as it may hang off the edges and get dirty easily. In a tent, make sure the length does not exceed that of the tent’s measurements. In a car, on a plane, or going out for a picnic, all require different sizes to enjoy your experience in complete warmth.

Compression Level

For traveling, it’s usually helpful to pack light so you don’t have to bring heaps of things with you everywhere. Even if you’re using a car, you still want some room to be left for your suitcases or bags. It’s essential to choose one that is lightweight, fairly small, and isn’t bulky as to not take up too much space. Look for pouches or carry sacks that the comforter can squish down and compress well without affecting its puffiness when it comes back out. It’s helpful if it has a drawstring or buckle to squeeze everything even further and ensure nothing comes popping out.

Color Decisions

This isn’t a hugely important part, but it is something to contemplate. You can find a lot of options from vibrant colors to monochrome designs, and even camouflage if you’re into an army style. We suggest obviously choosing one that you like, but also one the will stand out against others. If you don’t like vivid shades, perhaps find one with a fluoro lining that distinguishes it from the standard dark-colored ones.    

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Camping Quilt?

They are a type of blanket that is more heavy-duty than comforters for home use. While traditional sleeping bags will stop all cold drafts from entering your space, this isn’t ideal for every single location. Sometimes it’s not as cold at night as you thought and being tucked away in a tight bag can get overly hot.

You run the risk of sweating, creating condensation and disrupting your sleep. With a quilt for camping, you have the control. You can tuck it around your body when you’re cold, and let it drape over you lightly when the heat starts rising. They have great features that complement outdoor use, like water resistance, thick insulation, and durable fabric.

 

How Much are Camping Blankets?

We believe they vastly range depending on the brand and quality. In terms of changing prices, you’re looking at differences in materials used, insulation method, overall design, and size. The lower range varies between $50 and $80. These aren’t bad, but they probably won’t keep you warm in below-freezing temperatures.

You’ll find higher costing ones between $80 and almost $200. These will be suitable for freezing climates and add so much more heat to your sleeping bag. Duck down will also generally be increasingly expensive than synthetic padding. This is because it’s more difficult to source and makes than synthetic kinds. 

 

Are Camping Quilts Waterproof?

Most that you’ll find will be waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof means that absolutely no moisture will penetrate or affect the quality. Water-resistant or repellent versions will not completely eliminate all water infiltration. If there are abrasions or full-on cuts, water-resistant and repellent ones may allow some condensation to seep through and affect the insulation materials.

It’s very important for them to be water-proofed. When you’re out camping, it can be very inconvenient to get wet while you sleep and possibly feel colder. You want to stay dry with a proper thick blanket that is constructed specifically for harsh weather.

 

Are Camping Blankets Warm?

Good quality ones generate a high level of heat, and they don’t allow cold winds or wetness to leak through. Always check what temperature level the blanket protects against. You should aim for one that you can use in climates as low as 50°, any higher and it might not keep you very warm.

We love them because they allow you to adjust the way you sleep. You can drape them over you as a normal quilt or put it on top of your sleeping bag. Combined with a sleeping pad, you can have the best sleep of your life. You’ll feel as if you’re resting in your own comfy bed with your big warm duvet.

If you’re sleeping in an area that goes into the negatives, sometimes a sleeping bag won’t be enough. Or, you’ll have to buy an ultra-expensive one that might be too heavy to take backpacking or hiking. With an additional cover, you won’t have to make a separate purchase and keep the sleeping bag you already have.

 

How Are They Different from a Regular Blanket?

They offer so much more than just a piece of fabric placed over your body. The quality is very different. A specialty quilt for camping uses thicker materials and a lot of added insulation, so they are much higher in quality. They are designed to repel anything that could make you cold, in comparison to normal blankets that usually allow some breeze to get through to you underneath.

Waterproofing or repelling is another big differing factor. Ordinary quilts typically do not resist any type of moisture from leaking through and won’t keep you dry. Staying dry in low temperatures is very important for health and comfort.

Another big difference is the way that you can use them. Some specialty covers for camping can be wrapped around yourself without falling off through using clips or buttons. This is convenient if you know you’ll be moving or walking around and still need to stay warm. Some even enclose your whole body like a sleeping bag, but you still have the freedom to use it draped over to be able to move your arms and legs.

 

Conclusion

Experience comfort and warmth everywhere you go with your own camping quilt. Whether you’re mountaineering in freezing weather or attending a game of sport at a cold stadium, a lightweight camping blanket will always help you feel your best.

The ability to adapt your system for sleeping is a huge benefit that the best camping covers can provide. You won’t overheat, you can move around, and multiple people can sleep underneath its cozy embrace.

 

Resources and Sources

How to sleep well with a blanket on a cold night

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Tyler

Tyler is our editor-in-chief at the Tent Hub. He is a dedicated backcountry explorer and a trained Wilderness First Responder. Tyler has hiked every mountain range in the US and summited Highpoints in several US states as well as Germany. His favorite outdoor destinations are the Canadian Rockies, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mt. Tongariro in New Zealand, and the San Juan Region of Colorado.

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