Best Picnic Blanket
Do you love going on a picnic with your family or with some friends? It’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in a relaxed and comfortable way, and as soon as the weather warms up and the days get longer, you might be tempted to spend more time eating outside, getting fresh air and sunshine on your skin.
But the thing that can be a little annoying about planning a picnic is the fact that you have to pack so many things to be sure you’ll have everything you need to actually enjoy it. In addition to all of your plates, cups, napkins, and utensils for your meal, you also need to pack the meal itself, making sure you have enough food and enough to drink for everyone. Plus, you need to consider where you’ll have your picnic. If you’re planning on enjoying it on the lawn at a park or on the sand at a beach, rather than on a picnic table, you will need to get yourself a good quality picnic blanket so you won’t have to sit directly on the ground and risk getting dirt or sand in your meal.
Which blanket should you pack, though? You shouldn’t use one that you would use around the house to stay warm and comfortable on your bed or couch. And you likely won’t want to use a large towel like you would when tanning at the beach. Well, the great news is there are a variety of blankets specifically designed for picnicking, so you don’t need to worry about what type of blanket you will use.
Stylish and Durable Picnic Blankets Make Your Life Easier
The truth is the right picnic blanket can really make picnicking a lot easier and more enjoyable. It can help keep things clean and hygienic when you are having a delightful lunch at the park, and if it is water-resistant, it can also help make cleanup simpler if spills and messes happen.
Also, because there are so many durable picnic blankets on the market these days, you can find one that will last a long time. You might even opt to buy more than one so you always have a clean one on hand if you like to go on picnics often. And keep in mind, too, that you can certainly use these blankets when you go hiking or camping as well.
The key is to find a picnic blanket that will be strong enough to not fall apart after just a few uses, and that will fit your style to keep things fun as well. To help you start your search for the right product, we have compiled a handy list of the best picnic blankets below. Check it out to get an idea of what is available and what your options are, and to also see how much you typically need to spend to get a high-quality picnic blanket that you will like using.
1. Editor’s Choice: Wind Tour Family Outdoor Waterproof Durable Picnic Blankets with Carry Strap
With this picnic blanket, you can enjoy outings with your whole family or a group of friends. It features an attractive color and design, and it measures roughly 59” x 70.9”, so it’s nice and big too. Featuring acrylic fibers and a waterproof membrane, you can feel comfortable and stay dry when enjoying the great outdoors. Plus, you can clean this blanket easily by wiping it. And when you need to transport it to and from your destination, you can just fold it up into a small size and then use the strap to carry it with ease.
Pros:
- This picnic blanket will fold up neatly and will be lightweight and easy to carry and store away.
- This is a large picnic blanket, so it is a great choice for small groups.
- The waterproof membrane helps ensure the blanket will block moisture, but the blanket is also soft for your comfort.
Cons:
- This picnic blanket shouldn’t be cleaned in your washing machine.
2. Runner Up: Safova Picnic Blanket
Another great option in the world of picnic blankets is this one from Safova, which rolls up conveniently for easy transport and storage. The classic red and white checkered pattern might be the perfect addition to your picnic, but what you are sure to really love about this product is the fact that it boasts three layers, which are a soft acrylic fabric on top for your comfort, a PEVA waterproof backing to keep you dry even when you set your picnic up on damp ground, and a 4 mm thick sponge in the middle for additional comfort. Plus, this picnic blanket is machine washable too.
Pros:
- This picnic blanket is large, measuring 80” x 60”.
- You can clean this by simply putting it in your washing machine.
- This blanket rolls up and has straps and a carrying handle.
Cons:
- This blanket is pricier than some others on the market.
3. Best with Stakes: ECO FUTURE Picnic Blanket
What’s neat about this picnic blanket is the fact that it comes with four stakes that you can use to secure it to the ground. It is also waterproof on both sides, rather than just one side like other blankets, so it can stay nice and dry. It measures roughly 55” x 76”, and it rolls up conveniently.
Pros:
- You can use this picnic blanket in a variety of settings, as it is waterproof on both sides.
- You can roll this blanket up and put it in the carrying case that comes with it when you are ready to head out.
- This blanket comes with four stakes to help secure it to the ground.
Cons:
- This picnic blanket is big enough for two people, so if you need a larger blanket, this may not be the right choice.
4. Best Fleece: VonShef Large Fleece Picnic Blankets with Faux Leather Carrier Handles and Waterproof Lining
This picnic blanket is a good choice if you are looking for one that is stylish, easy to carry, waterproof, and large enough for your whole group. Its features include a green herringbone design, polyester fleece, faux leather straps, metal buckles, waterproof PEVA backing, and detachable carrier. Plus, it measures roughly 58” x 71”. So, it is basically everything that you would want and need from a good quality picnic blanket.
Pros:
- You can easily transport this picnic blanket because it folds up neatly and comes with straps and a handle for carrying it.
- The stylish design and earthy color make this a perfect choice for those who prefer a more neutral looking picnic blanket.
- The material is soft and comfortable, while the waterproof backing helps ensure you will remain dry even if you are picnicking on ground that’s damp.
Cons:
- This picnic blanket is not machine washable.
5. Best for Camping: Yodo Outdoor Picnic Blanket
This colorful picnic blanket features a fun design, and it is easy to carry because it folds up into what looks like a little purse that you can carry. Measuring roughly 53” x 69”, it is large enough for you and your group, but it folds down to roughly 8.7” x 13.4”—impressive, right? Plus, the PEVA waterproof backing is definitely handy, while the top layer of fleece makes this a comfortable blanket to sit on and enjoy your picnic.
Pros:
- This picnic blanket gives you the best of both worlds: a soft layer on top for comfort and a waterproof layer on the bottom.
- This blanket is large but will fold up into a compact size with a handle, and it will remain closed with Velcro.
- This product features a 2 mm sponge in between the top and bottom layers for additional comfort.
Cons:
- This picnic blanket is not machine washable.
6. Best Waterproof: Sapsisel 80”x 80” Picnic Blanket
This is yet another large picnic blanket that can hold a few people comfortably, as it measures roughly 80” x 80”. Featuring a checkered design, it is soft to the touch, and it also has a soft foam layer for comfort. Plus, the PEVA waterproof bottom will help ensure you always stay dry even when you are on damp sand at the beach or on damp grass at the park. And when you are done using it, you can quickly and easily fold it up to carry it with the convenient handle.
Pros:
- This picnic blanket is one of the larger options that are available.
- With the waterproof backing, this blanket can help you stay nice and dry.
- You can fold this blanket for ease of transport and storage.
Cons:
- If you don’t need a super big blanket, this one wouldn’t be the right fit.
7. Best Machine Washable: Three Donkeys Machine Washable Extra Large Picnic & Beach Blanket Handy Mat
A machine washable picnic blanket can be super convenient, but a lot of the products out there unfortunately aren’t made for cleaning that way. Well, this particular blanket, with its red and white checkered pattern, is simple to clean and will give you what you need because you can pop it in the washing machine whenever you want. You might also love the fact that this blanket is nice and big, measuring roughly 79” x 79”, yet it will fold up nicely so you can use the straps and handle for carrying it with ease.
Pros:
- This picnic blanket is made of durable and water-resistant materials.
- The large size of this blanket can help ensure you will have plenty of space for your friends and your food.
- You can roll this blanket up and carry it easily.
- This blanket is machine washable.
Cons:
- Unlike other picnic blankets, this one doesn’t offer a lot of design choices.
8. Best Versatile : PortableAnd Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
If you want a large blanket that isn’t too large, check out this one, which measures roughly 59” x 69”. It features a backing that is waterproof, which is always handy, and it also features a fleece layer on top that is nice and soft, along with a sponge in the middle. The black and white color scheme is modern and attractive, and this blanket is lightweight. You can use it when you head to the beach, park, or campground, and it will be easy to take with you because it folds up nicely, with straps and a handle for carrying.
Pros:
- This is a stylish picnic blanket that isn’t too big or too small.
- You can fold this blanket and carry it with ease.
- This blanket features three layers that include a waterproof backing.
Cons:
- This is not a machine washable picnic blanket.
Things to look out for:
Now that you have looked through a few of the many picnic blankets that are available, it is time to think about the specific features that you can look at more closely to determine which one is the right one for you. Believe it or not, there are some things to think about when buying a picnic blanket, even though this is such a simple and basic product. Check out the information below to see what we mean:
One of the first things you can check is the material that a picnic blanket is made of. After all, if it isn’t made of the right material, it may not be durable or comfortable to use. Some of the materials that you might come across include cotton, fleece, nylon, and acrylic.
Another thing to consider is how light or warm a blanket will be. If you are planning on heading out during the warmer months of the year to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors, you might want to go with a blanket that is made of a lighter material, while a warmer picnic blanket might be best if you prefer picnicking when the weather is chilly.
Next, it is a good idea to see if a picnic blanket is waterproof or water-resistant. That way, you can rest assured that it won’t be ruined if a spill happens—which is likely to happen at some point while you are picnicking, especially if you have kids. Some blankets have a waterproof layer on one side to help keep you dry even when the ground is damp, while others have it on both sides for added convenience.
Don’t forget to also check the label to figure out how to wash the blanket without ruining it. Will you only be able to spot clean it or wipe it down, or can you pop it in your washing machine? A picnic blanket that is machine washable will be good as new in no time, even if a lot of foods and drinks spilled on it during your outing, but it might not be made of the right materials, so it is all about finding the balance to get the blanket you need.
Also, don’t forget to focus on the size of a picnic blanket. Some are really big, while others are smaller, but you might come across a lot that are in the 60-70” range. If you plan on having a lot of people join you for a picnic, the bigger the blanket, the better, as it will be able to hold everyone comfortably. But a super big blanket might not work in certain situations or settings, such as on a crowded beach or park. Making sure you select a size that will be large enough for everyone in your party, while also the right size for the environment you will be in, is wise.
Yet another thing to keep in mind is how easy it will be to pack and carry your picnic blanket. Many of the stylish blankets you will find today are designed to fold or roll up quickly and easily, and you might be surprised by how small they can get once they’re all folded up. Some come with a pouch that you can carry them in, while others come with straps and handles that make it super simple to carry your blanket.
Finally, the nice thing about picnic blankets is that they come in a wide range of styles, so you don’t have to settle for the typical red and white blanket with the checkered pattern that might immediately come to mind when you think of picnic blankets. These days, you can find blankets in every color and in a variety of designs. You can even find those with fun designs that are perfect for kids. And you might even find picnic blankets that come in shapes other than square or rectangle, so if you want a round blanket, you might be able to get one surprisingly easily. It is totally up to you to decide what you prefer, which can make shopping for this product even more enjoyable.
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