Holidays & Entertaining Entertaining Backyard Activities The 16 Best Outdoor Blankets of 2023 Stay dry and warm during a picnic, tailgate, or camping trip with our favorite outdoor blankets. By Maya Polton Maya Polton Maya is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens with 15 years of experience in digital media and communications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 16, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know About Them Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Little Unicorn Outdoor blankets have many uses, and most situations are better when you can snuggle, spread out, or relax on a blanket. Whether you are an avid camper, tailgater, or just love a good al fresco picnic, night around a fire pit, or swing on a front porch, there’s an outdoor blanket that will work for your needs. Interior Designer Birgitte Pearce shares, “There are great options at every price level. Do what works for you.” When shopping for an outdoor blanket, consider your lifestyle and needs. Pearce says to look for “materials that are forgiving to sunlight, water, and stains.” Since outdoor blankets are often exposed to sand, ocean water, or just some dripping condiments, you’ll want something that is easily washable. To help you find the best option, we researched the best outdoor blankets, considering their size, material, ease of cleaning, and additional features. Read on to discover the best outdoor blankets for any occasion. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Embark Tailgate Blanket at Target Jump to Review Best Splurge: Ballard Designs Boardwalk Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Throw at Ballard Designs Jump to Review Best for Picnics: L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Threshold Jacquard Beach Blanket with Buckle Strap at Target Jump to Review Best for Camping: Yeti Lowlands Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Plaid: Pottery Barn Outdoor Blanket With Tote at Pottery Barn Jump to Review Best Fleece: Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium Blanket at Dick's Jump to Review Best Overall Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom Why You Should Get It: This blanket comes in various colors, is machine washable, and also has a carrying strap.Keep in Mind: It's not the best for snuggling and may be heavy to carry. We love the Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket for its value, which is why we made it our pick for the overall best outdoor blanket. Not only is it attractive, but it is useful both indoors and out. Water-resistant and easily wipeable, this blanket is great for kid spills, picnics, or any other fun activity that may be messy. However, since it is made of padded polyester, it’s hard to mold it around your body for easy snuggling. Available in several beautiful patterns, it’s easy to find an option that suits your tastes, including dainty florals and masculine stripes. The blanket comes in three sizes, with the smallest fitting one to three people and the largest holding five to eight people. We love that it is machine washable and easily rolls up into a compact size. Once rolled, there’s also a carrying tote strap that makes it a cinch to take this blanket anywhere and everywhere. Although, some may find it to be a bit heavy to carry. Overall, this is a reliable and high-quality option and makes a great gift for hosts, team coaches, or new parents. Price at time of publish: $60 Product Details: Size: 5 x 5 feet, 5 x 7 feet, 5 x 10 feet | Materials: Padded polyester | Waterproof: Both sides are water-resistant Best Budget Embark Tailgate Blanket Target View On Target Why You Should Get It: Water-repellent polyester makes this an appropriate all-weather blanket for any outdoor activities.Keep In Mind: It only comes in one color. Made from machine washable, water-repellent polyester, this durable blanket is an excellent companion for all outdoor events. Lay it out for a picnic in the park or a plush seat for watching a baseball game from the stands or grass. Use it as a throw blanket while camping or spread it out on a truck bed during a tailgate. The uses are nearly endless with this classic, easy-to-clean outdoor-ready blanket. At just 1.49 pounds it’s very packable, and the size can easily fit two people. Our one hangup is the limited choice of colors, but navy blue certainly has wide appeal. The polyester material may also be too hot to use in direct sunlight on a summer day. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Size: 72 x 60 inches | Materials: Polyester | Waterproof: Both sides are water-repellent Best Splurge Ballard Designs Boardwalk Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Throw Ballard Designs View On Ballard Designs Why You Should Get It: In a classic stripe pattern, this splurge-worthy pick is a timeless, durable option.Keep In Mind: Without straps or a case, it’s not the most portable option. Proof that style and function can go hand-in-hand, this beautiful throw features a neutral, calming color palette and classic stripe pattern in durable weather-proof Sunbrella material. Woven acrylic resists mildew and stains but still feels soft to the touch so you can cozy up with this fringed throw poolside or fireside.For a chic picnic with friends or al fresco fetê in the backyard, this blanket will elevate any outdoor gathering. Even better, you don’t have to worry about spilled wine or tea as this blanket is machine washable. Just note that no straps or carrying case are included. Price at time of publish: $289 Product Details: Size: 72 x 46 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Waterproof: No Best for Picnics L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket 4.5 L.L Bean View On L.L.Bean Why You Should Get It: The blanket is machine washable, great for snuggling, and comes with a stuff sack for transporting.Keep In Mind: Sand doesn’t come out easily, so we don’t recommend using it at the beach. After testing 30 picnic blankets, this one impressed us the most. With a cozy, soft fleece outer layer and water-repelling underside, this blanket is the perfect marriage of comfort and durability. We especially liked how well this blanket repelled moisture from dew and damp ground, never allowing wetness to seep through to the top. It’s ideal for camping, testers noted, since the plush fleece layer offered ample padding from rocky ground and served as a supremely warm blanket at night. Should you accidentally spill something, don’t worry about the stain setting before you get home to wash the blanket. During testing, we blotted spills with a paper towel and successfully washed it out later. The blanket comes in a few solid colors and classic plaids and is also available in an extra-large size if you need more space. Thankfully, it includes a stuff sack, so it’s easy to take this blanket on the go. Price at time of publish: $69 Product Details: Size: 72 x 58 inches | Materials: Fleece and polyurethane-coated nylon | Waterproof: Bottom side is waterproof Best Waterproof Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Oceasoutdoors.com Why You Should Get It: Impressive waterproof capabilities and a soft, nubby fleece make this pick both comfortable and practical.Keep in Mind: Sand and dirt are difficult to shake free. When looking for the best outdoor blanket, choosing one that is waterproof is of utmost importance. In our search for the best picnic blankets, this Oceas blanket impressed us the most for its cozy-not-crunchy feel and impressive waterproof polyester back layer. During testing, we appreciated the soft fleece top layer as a comfortable barrier between damp grass and wet sand. Although, we don’t recommend using this as your go-to beach blanket since sand was nearly impossible to remove completely from the fuzzy fleece layer. We really liked using this for picnics and as a warm blanket during chilly football games. A carrying case makes it easy to transport and at just over 2 pounds, it’s lightweight, too. However, Its stain-resistance left something to be desired. Price at time of publish: $50 Product Details: Dimensions: 78 x 59 inches | Material: Fleece and polyester | Waterproof: Yes Best Portable Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Annscottage.com View On Basspro.com Why You Should Get It: This blanket can double as a cape, comes in various colors, and has a stuff sack.Keep in Mind: This blanket is pricier than other options, and the material can be noisy. Any chilly outdoor (or indoor) experiences will instantly improve if you have your own portable Rumpl puffy blanket. This attractive blanket comes in a huge range of unique patterns and measures 52 x 75 inches. It’s made from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating that makes the blanket water, odor, and stain-resistant. It feels similar to a sleeping bag, so if you’re an active sleeper, this may be a noisier blanket than others. For extra cozy comfort, the cape clip allows you to wear your blanket and stay hands-free to eat, drink, or do anything else. Four corner loops make it easy to stake it to the ground if you want to use it as a picnic blanket or ground cover. When you’re ready to hit the road, the Rumpl packs into its own small carrying bag for total portability. Even better, it’s machine washable for easy cleaning. At $99, this is one of the more expensive blankets, but its durability and portability can’t be beaten. Price at time of publish: $99 Product Details: Size: 52 x 75 inches | Materials: Recycled polyester | Waterproof: Both sides are water-resistant Best for the Beach Threshold Jacquard Beach Blanket with Buckle Strap Target View On Target Why You Should Get It: This durable outdoor blanket has a convenient hole for your beach umbrella. Keep In Mind: This woven blanket gets heavy when wet. Set up your very own beach oasis with this oversized striped cotton blanket. Decorated with fringe along the edges, there’s even a hole in the middle of the blanket to easily position your beach umbrella. We love the bright sunny hue which pairs perfectly with a beachside setting. The blanket is thick and soft, but it’s not waterproof. If the blanket gets fully soaked, it’ll be heavy and sand may stick to it, making for a tricky exit from the beach. We recommend letting it dry out on the hot sand before packing up. But it is machine washable for easy care. Price at time of publish: $40 Product Details: Size: 60 x 80 inches | Materials: Jacquard weave, PET | Waterproof: Not listed Best for Camping Yeti Lowlands Blanket 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Backcountry.com Why You Should Get It: It comes in various colors, has a carrying bag, and easily shakes off debris.Keep in Mind: The blanket may be heavy to carry for some and is pricier than other options. We chose this pick as the best outdoor blanket for camping because it has a true waterproof layer, making wetness from the ground (or anything else) impenetrable. Also designed to repel dirt, burrs, and pet hair, the blanket is long-lasting, soft, flexible, and cozy. It’s crafted from polyester and rayon and has durable box stitching on the top layer. Measuring 55 x 78 inches, it's plenty big to use as a ground cover, seat cover, or to snuggle up in next to your campsite fire pit. While expensive, this trusty blanket will be a reliable addition to your camping gear as long as you’re not backpacking. It weighs 5.8 pounds, so it’s too heavy if you need to pack light. Still, it comes with its own carrying bag for easy transport. And, if any s'mores fall on the blanket, have no fear—it’s machine washable. We also love that it’s available in four fun colors that are easy to spot. Price at time of publish: $200 Product Details: Size: 55 x 78 inches | Materials: A mix of polyester and rayon | Waterproof: Bottom side is waterproof Best Plaid Pottery Barn Outdoor Blanket With Tote Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Why You Should Get It: The blanket has a security pocket, folds into a tote, and is great for snuggling.Keep in Mind: It's hand-wash only and comes in limited color options. There’s something so classic about a plaid blanket like this option from Pottery Barn. Use this cozy blanket for a picnic, around a smokeless fire pit, or anywhere else. One side is classic plaid patterned fleece (there are three plaid patterns total), while the flip side is a solid-color polyester with a water-resistant PVC coating. It’s great for snuggling in chilly weather, and since it measures 70 x 81 inches, it can cover a few people at a time. We also love that this outdoor blanket cleverly folds itself into a tote, thanks to the attached elastic cord and carrying handle. Even better, the tote has a hidden zippered security pocket so you can store keys, wallet, or other picnic essentials. Do note that this blanket should not be machine washed or dry cleaned. It’s recommended to hand wash it with warm water and mild soap, so it may be best to avoid this pick if you host a messy crowd. Price at time of publish: $59 Product Details: Size: 70 x 81 inches | Materials: Fleece and polyester with PVC backing | Waterproof: Bottom side is water-resistant Best Fleece Dick's Sporting Goods Stadium Blanket Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's Why You Should Get It: This blanket is great for snuggling, has a carrying strap, and is lightweight.Keep in Mind: The blanket displays branding when folded, and the care instructions are not listed. Perfect for any time you need some cozy comfort, this fleece blanket from Dick’s Sporting Goods is super soft and warm. While one side is covered with water-resistant backing, it doesn’t make the blanket too stiff, so you can easily wrap it around your body. It comes in red plain, green plaid, and solid grey and measures 58 x 72 inches wide, holding up to two people. When you’re ready to hit the road, the blanket rolls up and has a built-in handle and harness for easy carrying. It’s lightweight and shouldn’t be too heavy to lug around if you need to walk to your sitting destination. When rolled up, there is small Dick’s Sporting Goods branding on the blanket, which cannot be removed. The brand also doesn’t clarify the care instructions, so we recommend hand washing this blanket and hanging it to dry. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details: Size: 58 x 72 inches | Materials: Fleece with water-resistant backing | Waterproof: Bottom side is water-resistant Best Oversized ISOPHO Beach Blanket 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It: This oversized pick is versatile, affordable, and comes with a stuff sack.Keep in Mind: It's not as soft as other options, and it can be slippery on hard surfaces. This supersized outdoor blanket is bigger than any other on our list. Even though it’s so big, the blanket is made from parachute nylon and can easily pack into the included carrying pouch. Along with the pouch, this blanket comes with four ground nails to secure it wherever you are. More than just a beach blanket, this oversized blanket can be used as a tarp, rain shelter, play mat, and more. This choice isn’t super soft, warm, or cushy, so don’t expect it to keep you warm on a chilly day. Due to its smooth surface, it’s also not the best outdoor blanket to layout on hard surfaces that become wet often, like a pool deck, since it becomes slippery. Still, it’s very easy to wipe clean, and you can toss it in the washing machine for deeper cleaning. And, at under $30, it’s a great affordable blanket, too. Price at time of publish: $24 Product Details: Size: 95 x 108 inches | Materials: Parachute nylon | Waterproof: Both sides are waterproof Best Reversible Society6 Picnic Blanket Society6 View On Society6.com Why You Should Get It: It's custom-made, supports independent artists, and is UV-coated.Keep in Mind: The carrying strap isn't attached to the blanket, and this blanket is pricier than other options. The joy of Society6’s unique picnic blanket is that there are so many options to choose from. Each one is custom-made once your order is received and supports independent artists. Sized at 50 x 60 inches, the blanket can hold one to two people. The top side is printed with your choice of designs. Options include a fierce tiger skin, orange groves, mid-century modern designs, florals, and much more. The flip side of all the blankets is black polyester canvas, so it’s easy to show off a plainer look as well. All blankets are water-resistant and UV-coated to protect your unique design from fading. It’s also machine washable in case it becomes particularly dirty—although, it’s not dryer-safe, so make sure to line-dry it. We also love that it comes with a carrying harness that slides around the blanket once it’s rolled up. At $99, this is one of the pricier options on this list. However, we think it's worth it due to the high amount of custom designs the site offers. Price at time of publish: $99 Product Details: Size: 50 x 60 inches | Materials: Woven polyester | Waterproof: Both sides are water-resistant Best Wool Pendleton Roll-Up Blanket Pendleton View On Amazon View On Pendleton-usa.com Why You Should Get It: It's made domestically, has a carrying strap, and comes in various colors.Keep in Mind: The blanket is dry clean only and pricier than other options. For more than 100 years, Pendelton has crafted quality woolen goods, and this outdoor blanket is no different. Choose from various classic plaid patterns with this virgin wool blanket, designed with a wipe-clean nylon backing. It measures 60 x 70 inches, so it can comfortably fit two adults. Each blanket is domestically-made and great for picnics, snuggling up, and much more. The roll-up design is secured with leather carrying handles, so it’s easy to take this wherever you’re headed. However, cleaning this pick may be an issue for some. It’s dry clean only, so keep that in mind prior to purchasing. Although it’s more expensive than other outdoor blankets on our list, the craftsmanship and quality of this blanket are unbeatable, making it well worth the price. Price at time of publish: $169 Product Details: Size: 60 x 70 inches | Materials: Virgin wool blanket, nylon backing | Waterproof: No Best Heated Eddie Bauer Portable Heated Electric Throw Blanket 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It: The heat lasts up to six hours, it's machine washable, and it has a built-in USB port.Keep in Mind: You must remember to remove the battery before washing. If you’re always watching winter sports on cold bleachers, want some peace of mind to keep in your car, or just hate being chilly, it may be worth investing in a heated blanket. This one features a rechargeable battery with a built-in USB port, so it’s easy to charge anywhere. There are three settings, (low, medium, and high) and the heat lasts from four to six hours (depending on your setting). It’s crafted with a polyester fabric and a water-resistant nylon backing that’s easy to wipe clean. We love the thoughtful hand-warming pouch on the front. At just 40 by 50 inches, this is definitely a personal-sized blanket, but we wouldn't want to share the kangaroo pocket anyway. You can toss it in the washing machine and dryer for easy cleaning—just don’t forget to remove the battery beforehand. This blanket is pricier than other options, but it’s worth the investment if you get cold easily. Price at time of publish: $130 Product Details: Size: 40 x 50 inches | Materials: Polyester and nylon | Waterproof: Bottom side is water-resistant Best for Kids Sun Squad Figural Picnic Blanket Target View On Target Why You Should Get It: This blanket comes in various shapes, is affordable, and can be machine washed.Keep in Mind: It may be difficult to fold up, and it's unclear if it's dryer-safe. Your kiddo will love having their very own outdoor blanket when the weather allows for more outdoor activities, especially one of these adorable-shaped options from Sunsquad. Choose from a burger, ice cream cone, or twin popsicles. The colorful blankets are made from a quilted polyester, so there’s a bit of a cushion from any hard surface. The blankets measure approximately 72 x 60 inches, making them big enough to fit a few kids or one child and one adult at a time. Even better, these outdoor blankets are machine washable, and we recommend air drying them since it’s not specified if they’re dryer-safe. While they aren’t waterproof or water-resistant, they should still hold up to a few drops of water or a thin layer of morning dew. We also love that they have a built-in harness for easy carrying, however, it can be hard to roll it up correctly, depending on which shape you choose. Still, these are whimsical and reliable options for your kids. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details: Size: Approximately 72 x 60 inches, depending on the shape | Materials: Polyester | Waterproof: No Best for Pets Mambe Fleece Waterproof Blanket Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It: It's machine washable, versatile, and domestically made.Keep in Mind: There are limited color options, and there is no carrying aid. If you're looking for the best outdoor blanket that's pet friendly, we love this pick from Mambe because it makes it easy to shake pet hair off. Although it’s marketed for indoor use, it can be used anywhere outdoors. It’s made of micro fleece fabric with an internal waterproof barrier that makes it ideal to use when you’re bringing your pet in the car, on a boat, picnic, or anywhere else. The inner waterproof layer can crinkle and cause noise, so it’s not the quietest option. There also isn’t a carrying handle or sack included, so you will need an extra tote bag or reusable grocery bag to carry it. It’s only available in a few neutral colors, so it’s not as diverse as other options. However, the brand notes the blanket is reversible, so you do get two colors for the price of one. It also comes in four sizes to accommodate large and small pets and is domestically sewn. Machine washable, this blanket will be your new best friend (besides your dog, of course). Price at time of publish: $59 Product Details: Size: 60 x 60 inches | Materials: Microfleece with internal waterproof barrier | Waterproof: Has an inner waterproof lining The Bottom Line An outdoor blanket is a useful item to stash in your car trunk, coat closet, sports gear bag, patio, or tote bag, so you’re always prepared to keep warm, spread out, and enjoy the great outdoors. Our top pick to bring along with you is the Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket, which comes in three sizes and many attractive patterns and has a cushy filling. For an inexpensive option that’s easy to tote, the Embark Tailgate Blanket is a top-notch option. For frequent tailgaters or sports fans, the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket provides cozy warmth for one person. What to Know About Outdoor Blankets Before Shopping Size Many blanket retailers include both the size and number of people who will comfortably fit on the blanket. Use these guides to help you find the right blanket for your needs. If in doubt, err on the side of bigger is better. Material Outdoor blankets are made from many different materials. Choose the material based on your needs. Fleece blankets will be soft and cozy but may not be waterproof. Nylon or polyester blankets are often water-resistant but may not be as snuggly. Cleaning Instructions It’s safe to assume your outdoor blanket will become dirty from dirt on the ground, grass, spilled picnic goodies, and more. Choose something easy to wash, especially if you have kids, pets, or a big picnic crowd. Additional Features Some outdoor blankets come with their own carrying case, have zippered pockets, or even plug in and heat up. Seek out these features if you’ll use them and think about how you’ll store your blanket in between uses—a built-in carrying or storage feature is always helpful. Your Questions, Answered How often should you wash an outdoor blanket? Interior designer Birgitte Pearce says, “I recommend washing your outdoor blanket fairly often throughout the summer months, depending on how often it is used. Between sunscreen, bug spray, and pollen—or in the case of my house, dog hair—things can get messy quickly.” If you’ve spilled food on your blanket, wash it right after your outdoor adventure so it’s ready for the next one. How should you store an outdoor blanket between uses? For a blanket used at home, Pearce shares, “On a covered porch, it is ok to leave it out. But on an uncovered patio, it is probably best to store it inside unless you have patio storage for furniture cushions.” Many outdoor blankets come with storage bags, so use those (but only once your blanket is clean and dry). Then you’ll always know your outdoor blanket is ready to hit the road. Who We Are This story was written by Maya Polton, a freelance writer with 15 years of digital media and communications experience. To find the best outdoor blankets, she aimed for sites that offered a variety of styles and sizes, affordable prices, and long-lasting blankets. User reviews (and complaints) were also helpful in finding brands that live up to their promises of quality, accurate descriptions, and customer service. Maya has three active kids, so she keeps a fold-up outdoor blanket in her car to always have a place to sit and relax if she finds herself at a soccer game, impromptu picnic, or park playdate. Maya also spoke to interior designer Birgitte Pearce for her expertise on using and styling outdoor blankets. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit