7 Cute Picnic Blankets to Pack for Festivals, Park Hangs & the Beach
Written by djfrosty on March 1, 2024
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Outdoor festivals and concerts are just some of the perks that come with warm weather, but sitting on the ground can come with its risks if you don’t have the proper festival gear. Whether you’re resting after dancing to your favorite artists or are enjoying sunny weather with friends at the park, a good picnic blanket is essential to avoid ending up with a wet bottom — or worse, grass and dirt stains on your jeans.
Adding a picnic blanket to your packing list will not only add some cushion to the hard ground, but will keep you dry and comfortable, no matter your location.
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There are a number of good outdoor blankets you can choose from online, but which ones should you actually be buying? To help make the decision easier, Billboard Shopping has broken down the best picnic blankets below to help narrow your options.
What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Blankets?
Sure, you could use any type of blanket outdoors, but the best picnic blankets are made from a waterproof material that won’t soak through if the ground is wet. You’ll want to be on the lookout for fabrics like polyurethane laminate (PUL) and nylon to prevent any water soaking through. Plus, if you go to the beach, these materials are smooth enough to easily brush off sand without trapping it.
What Is the Best Size for a Picnic Blanket?
If you plan on using a picnic blanket for yourself and another person you’ll want to opt for a blanket that can fit you, the other person, as well as additional space for snacks, drinks and more. Outdoor gear brand Kamui suggests using a blanket 50 inches x 60 inches to comfortably fit two people. For five or more people you’ll want to consider an outdoor blanket that measures around 80 inches x 80 inches.
What Are the Best Picnic Blankets?
From beach-friendly designs to budget-friendly picks, below we rounded up some of the best picnic blankets on the market that’ll easily become a travel necessity.
editor’s pick
Rumpl The Original Puffy Outdoor Blanket
Rumpl’s outdoor blanket caught our eye not just for its cute designs, but for its puffy material that’ll add some cushion to the ground. The polyester material comes with a coating that’s waterproof and odor-proof to keep it fresh and dry no matter what environment you’re in. It’s also available in a two person size here.
waterproof pick
Picnic Time XL Outdoor Blanket Tote
Whether you’re stargazing or watching a movie outdoors, this picnic blanket will help protect your behinds from getting soaked due to dewy, wet grass. The bottom is made with a water-resistant material while the top features an insulating fleece fabric for added warmth. It even folds up into a tote for easier portability.
budget-friendly pick
Maraawa Picnic Blanket
Maraawa’s Picnic Blanket combines quality with an affordable price tag, so you can save money without sacrificing your comfort. The foldable design can be packed into your tote or beach bag, and can fit up to five adults when unfolded. It’s also made with an oxford polyester top, while the PVC bottom will help keep sand and water away.
warm pick
KingCamp Outdoor Picnic Blanket
You don’t have to ditch warmth when you sit on the ground using this outdoor picnic blanket from KingCamp. The underside of the picnic blanket features a PU coating that aims to be waterproof and windproof while the top side has a soft fleece material to help insulate heat. It can also fit up to two people at once.
travel pick
Horizon Hound Down Outdoor Blanket
Horizon Hound’s outdoor blanket isn’t just waterproof, it also features a puffy design for extra padding for you to sit on. On top of that, it can be rolled up into a compact pouch for traveling and uses a nylon material that’s tear-proof for added longevity.
Extra large pick
Zaze Extra Large Picnic Outdoor Blanket
No one will have to bring their own blanket once you have Zaze’s extra large picnic blanket in your arsenal. It measures 80 inches x 80 inches to fit up to eight adults, and uses three layers of cotton material for added comfort. When you’re done using the blanket, simply roll it up and secure it in place to take with you on the go.
beach pick
Ocoopa Diveblues Sandproof Outdoor Blanket
This picnic blanket is ready to upgrade your beach days using an extra-large size that’ll easily fit you and a few friends. The sandproof material also means you can brush and shake sand off without worry of dragging it home with you.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best camping gear, travel backpacks and shoes for travel.