I spent a miserable night in the Smokies once because I thought my sleeping bag alone would be enough. It wasn't. The temp dropped into the low 30s and I shivered until dawn. A good camping blanket isn't just extra warmth. It's insurance against unpredictable weather, wind, and those nights when your bag just isn't cutting it.
What separates a decent blanket from a great one is windproof fabric, weight you can actually carry, and insulation that works when it's damp. I've tested wool, fleece, and synthetic fills on cold trips from the mountains to the coast. These seven keep you warm without taking up half your pack.
1. Redcamp Large Camping Blanket
The sherpa lining is the warmest synthetic I've used. At 59" x 79", it's big enough to wrap around yourself or share with someone. I used this on a windy October night at a beach campsite where the temp dropped into the 40s. The windproof outer layer made a noticeable difference.
At 2.6 pounds, it's light for the warmth you get. The black color is practical and machine washable, which matters after sandy or muddy trips. It takes a while to dry fully, but the warmth is worth it.
Pros:
- Sherpa lining is very warm
- Windproof outer blocks cold air
- Machine washable
- 59" x 79" covers one or two people
- Lightweight at 2.6 pounds
Cons:
- Takes time to dry after washing
- Only available in black
- Slightly bulky for ultralight backpacking
2. Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
Wool blankets are my favorite for cold, damp conditions because wool stays warm even when wet. This one is thick and heavy at 4.5 pounds, but if you're car camping or setting up a base camp, the weight doesn't matter. The charcoal color hides dirt well, and it's washable without shrinking if you're careful.
I've used this in temperatures down to the mid-20s layered over a sleeping bag. It's a workhorse that lasts for years. Not for backpacking, but for everything else, it's solid.
Pros:
- Wool stays warm when damp
- Thick and durable
- Large at 64" x 88"
- Washable
- Charcoal color is practical
Cons:
- Heavy at 4.5 pounds
- Requires careful washing to avoid shrinkage
3. Outdoor Puffy Camping Blanket
At 1.1 pounds, this is the lightest warm blanket on the list. The down alternative insulation packs down small and still provides solid warmth. I've used this as a hammock top quilt and as an extra layer in my tent. The waterproof outer is a bonus for damp mornings or wet ground.
The green mountain print looks good, though it's thin at 0.01 inches. For extreme cold, you'll need more insulation, but for chilly nights in the 40s and 50s, it's perfect.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 1.1 pounds
- Large at 55" x 79"
- Waterproof outer layer
- Down alternative packs down small
- Works as hammock quilt
Cons:
- Thin at 0.01 inches, not for extreme cold
- May need layering in harsh winter
4. Alphabeing Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
Merino wool blended with waterproof fabric is a smart combination. The wool provides warmth and the waterproof layer keeps moisture out. At 79" x 59" and 3.1 pounds, it's roomy and packable. I've used this for stadium camping and car trips where I wanted something versatile.
The black and gray color looks good and the extra thick construction handles cold wind well. It's not ultralight, but the warmth-to-weight ratio is solid.
Pros:
- Waterproof and windproof
- Merino wool for warmth
- Extra thick insulation
- Large at 79" x 59"
- Packable and lightweight at 3.1 pounds
Cons:
- Heavier than ultralight options
- Only available in black/gray
5. Redcamp Large Waterproof Stadium Blanket
Another Redcamp blanket because their design works. This one trades the sherpa lining for fleece, which is softer and lighter at 2.16 pounds. The waterproof and windproof outer layer keeps cold air and moisture out. The dark blue and light grey color looks better than plain black.
The large size covers multiple people or wraps around you fully. It's easy to carry and doesn't feel bulky when packed. For fall and spring camping, this is my go-to.
Pros:
- Waterproof and windproof
- Soft fleece lining
- Lightweight at 2.16 pounds
- Large coverage
- Dark blue and grey color
Cons:
- May be bulky when packed
- Limited color options
6. Joylama Outdoor Camping Blanket
This blanket is lighter than most at 1.98 pounds and includes a portable bag. The fleece top is warm and the waterproof backing handles damp grass or sand well. At 79" x 54", it's a good size for one or two people. The navy blue color is practical.
It's not built for extreme cold, but for mild to moderate conditions, it's comfortable and easy to carry. The portable bag makes packing faster.
Pros:
- Fleece top is warm
- Waterproof backing keeps moisture out
- Lightweight at 1.98 pounds
- Portable bag included
- 79" x 54" size
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for ultralight backpacking
- Only one color option
- Not for extreme cold
7. Tirrinia Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
The triple-layer design with sherpa lining is the warmest compact blanket I've tested. The waterproof and windproof outer layer blocks everything, and the foldable design makes storage easy. At 51" x 59", it's smaller than others but still covers one person well.
It's machine washable, which is a plus after muddy camping trips. The black and grey color is neutral and durable. For cold, windy conditions, this is my top pick in the smaller size range. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof sleeping bag. While you're at it, take a look at our fireproof blanket for safety.
Pros:
- Triple-layer design traps heat
- Waterproof and windproof
- Sherpa lining is very warm
- Foldable and machine washable
- Durable fabric
Cons:
- Slightly bulky when folded
- Only available in black/grey
How to Pick the Right One
- For car camping in cold weather: Arcturus Military Wool for durability and warmth when damp.
- For backpacking: GLORSIGN Puffy at 1.1 pounds or Joylama at 1.98 pounds with portable bag.
- For wind and rain: Redcamp sherpa or Tirrinia triple-layer with waterproof and windproof protection.
- For versatility: AlphaBeing Merino Wool for cold weather camping, pets, and car trips.
- For budget: Joylama or Redcamp fleece stadium blankets with good warmth and lighter weight.
Bottom Line
A good camping blanket makes cold nights bearable. My top pick for most campers is the Redcamp Large Camping Blanket with sherpa lining. It's warm, windproof, and machine washable at 2.6 pounds. For backpackers, go with the GLORSIGN Puffy at 1.1 pounds. For extreme cold, the Arcturus Wool handles anything.
