Waterproof Outdoor Blankets That Hold Up So Much Better Than a Beach Towel
Waterproof Outdoor Blankets That Hold Up So Much Better Than a Beach Towel
If you live for outdoor picnics, playing in the grass, and taking advantage of everything that your local park has to offer, upgrading your outdoor blanket should be a no-brainer. With a good, waterproof outdoor blanket on hand, you can spread out pretty much anywhere you want without having to worry about patchy, prickly grass or a lawn that's damp with dew.
The most important features of an outdoor blanket are its size and waterproofing. Additionally, a blanket's comfort level, durability, weight, and any included carrying straps and cases can also make or break a product. Read on to figure out which of these seven outdoor blankets should be your sidekick for the season.
1) California Picnic Waterproof Picnic Blanket
CALIFORNIA PICNIC
amazon.com
? Size: 87x67 inches
? Weight: 2.2 pounds
Whether you use it at the park or the beach, this picnic blanket does its job well and with style. At 5,829 square inches, it's the second-largest blanket on this list but the largest one available in a rectangular shape. In other words, invite your friends, because everyone can comfortably fit here.
The double-sided construction gives sitters the best of both worlds: Its top side is made of soft acrylic while the bottom is a black waterproof mat. Many reviewers like that it looks cute but it isn't precious, so spills and grass stains aren't such a big deal. It also rolls up easily and comes with a faux-leather carrying strap to tote it from place to place.
2) MIU COLOR Large Waterproof Outdoor Picnic Blanket
MIU COLOR
amazon.com
? Size: 80x60 inches
This cheap outdoor blanket may not feel like a million bucks, but luckily, it won't cost you too much, either. It's a generous 4,800 square inches, making it a great spot for multiple people to hang out.
Its soft polyester top and PVC-lined bottom make it a little crinkly, but it effectively prevents dewy grass from seeping through the material. Its easy-to-clean exterior was also a hit with the testers at Wirecutter.
But what we really like is that there's no separate carrying case for this outdoor blanket — it folds up into its own little tote, complete with a Velcro adhesive and carrying handle.
3) Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
? Size: 75x52 inches
? Weight: 2.1 pounds
The Rumpl, a longtime favorite product of ours, is a fantastic blanket for both picnicking and camping. Although this particular design is on the narrow side, it still provides generous room for one to spread out or for multiple people to sit together.
Not only does the Rumpl outdoor blanket look cool (it has a stunning selection of designs), but it feels like a dream. It's filled with post-consumer recycled synthetic insulation and the exterior fabric is ripstop nylon treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent), so it resists moisture and damage. Plus, if it gets dirty, just toss it in the wash.
The Rumpl is also the lightest blanket on our list at just barely over 2 pounds, and it also compresses into its included drawstring bag.
4) YETI Lowlands Blanket
YETI
? Size: 78x55 inches
? Weight: 5.8 pounds
The top-notch build of this outdoor blanket helps to ensure that it may be the last one you ever buy. YETI’s Lowlands Blanket is the total package: It’s dual-sided for DWR-coated, insulated comfort on top and waterproofing on the bottom, it comes with a carrying case, and it’s machine washable.
The steep $200 price and slightly weighty build of the blanket might be a hard sell for some, but if you're a pet owner it's incredibly worth it.
5) ZOMAKE Extra Large Waterproof Picnic Blanket Mat
ZOMAKE
amazon.com
? Size: 79x79 inches
? Weight: 1.7 pounds
If you need a large outdoor blanket on the cheap, this reviewer-favorite from Amazon is tough to beat. It's the biggest pick on our list at 6,241 square inches, so it'll accommodate plenty of people.
While it looks a lot like the aforementioned MIU COLOR outdoor blanket, the construction is a bit different. This one is just a little less crinkly and more comfortable, thanks to its three-layer construction: The PVC bottom blocks moisture, the cushioned middle provides extra comfort on the hard ground, and the fleecy top layer is for softness.
Reviewers say that even if the blanket isn't luxe, it holds up and does its job well. They also advise that it's possible to wash it on a delicate laundry cycle.
6) Pendleton Roll-Up Wool Blanket
Pendleton
amazon.com
? Size: 70x60 inches
? Weight: 3.1 pounds
This wool blanket from Pendleton is the closest it gets to bringing your favorite throw blanket to the park. Its top side is made of moisture-wicking wool and the nylon backing keeps moisture away. Available in five different patterns, it has the feel of an heirloom-quality picnic blanket, which explains the slightly higher price tag.
A comfortable outdoor blanket for two, it's also fairly lightweight at just over 3 pounds. Conveniently, the blanket itself has straps and a handle built right onto it — there's no separate storage case to worry about losing.
However, If you need your outdoor gear to be high-quality and as rugged as possible, consider the YETI or Rumpl outdoor blankets instead. This Pendleton blanket is one to take good care of (due to its handwash-only build), so you may want to be more mindful of spot-cleaning spills and messes to ensure it stays beautiful.
7) L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket
L.L.Bean
llbean.com
$59.00
? Size: 72x58 inches
This L.L. Bean outdoor blanket has a 90% 5-star approval rating from its users who tout its timeless look, warm feel, and totally waterproof build. It's equipped with a durable nylon backing and a polyester fleece top that comes in two plaid colors. You can sit on this blanket or curl up by the fire in it, and it'll feel just as cozy either way.
It's not quite as souped-up as the YETI blanket in terms of build quality, but we say that it's a much budget-friendlier alternative. It comes in its own little carrying case and is conveniently machine-washable.
Because nobody likes a soggy bottom.