Nail Your Next Outdoor Date With the Best Picnic Blankets
If there’s one thing that helps you cherish the beauty of the great outdoors and admire your loved ones, it’s a family picnic. Picnics are undoubtedly one of the most treasured memories many of us have from childhood. With the early summertime sweetness, mild breezes, golden sunlight and sandy beaches, eating outdoors allows you to relive that moment once again.
Whether you’re planning to host a romantic alfresco dinner for your special someone or you want to spend some time outdoors with your children, a picnic blanket is vital to a successful picnic. While it might be soothing to feel the grass under your feet, unless you’re fine with bugs storming your lunch party consider investing in a picnic blanket.
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying a picnic blanket, including quality, texture and comfort. To help you find one that truly elevates your outdoor experience, we’ve listed our top five picks for the most durable and comfortable picnic blankets of 2024.
Buying Guide: Picnic Blanket
Whether you want to bring back the nostalgic childhood picnics with the family or surprise your other half with a romantic picnic date, picnic blankets let you have an unforgettable time outdoors.
Unless you’re comfortable sitting on the hard earth, having a picnic blanket gives you a comfortable place to lounge. You need a durable and comfortable blanket on your side to ensure everything goes according to plan.
What To Look For in a Picnic Blanket?
Although picnic blankets have improved a lot over the years, here are some key factors that separate the good blankets from the best.
Material
The upper layer of the blanket normally is made of a softer fabric such as fleece, cotton or acrylic. Even though fleece has a softer finish, cotton is the ideal option for warm summer days. On the other hand, nylon picnic blankets are the most effective on sandy beaches as they are far less likely to hold sand or debris.
Most picnic blankets feature a sturdy, waterproof backing that prevents moisture from the ground from soaking through the blanket. A cushioned foam is sandwiched between the two layers adding softness and comfort.
Size
Are you buying a picnic blanket for a romantic date? Or do you want a blanket that can accommodate your entire family or a large group of friends? With the extensive range of blanket sizes available, determining its use will help you choose a blanket that matches your requirements. It’s usually better to have a large-sized blanket with room to spare than to get one that is too small.
Portability
Apart from all the fun and excitement, picnics can be cumbersome. If you’re planning to spend the day with your family, chances are your hands will be full carrying a picnic basket, cooler, games and chairs.
Some blankets feature a fold up hand grip or shoulder strap that allows you to conveniently carry and store it. Unless you’re okay with weighing yourself down with extra luggage, make sure portability is ranked high on your list of must-have features.
How to Care For Your Picnic Blanket?
Unlike single-layer blankets used back in the day, modern picnic blankets are multi-layered for improved durability, comfort and moisture resistance. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require any cleaning or maintenance.
Multi-layered blankets have a higher chance of getting dirty with mud, sand or dirt not to mention the risk of any spills from drinks and food. To further complicate things, only a few picnic blankets are machine-washable. If you have a fleece or woven fabric blanket, you have no other choice but to have it dry-cleaned. Make sure you always comply with the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to cleaning your picnic blanket.
The Best Picnic Blanket Models of 2024 in Detail
PortableAnd Outdoor Blanket – Best Overall
For a picnic blanket that is impressively large, durable, soft and comfortable, we recommend PortableAnd’s Outdoor Blanket. This multi-layered checkered blanket cushions you from hard objects underneath while the fleece texture on top allows you to comfortably sit and even lay down for a quick, soothing nap.
The sturdy bottom layer of the blanket is made of polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) — a more eco-friendly alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) — which provides protection against sand and moisture. Folding up neatly into a compact size, this picnic blanket is simple and easy to travel with thanks to the buckle straps. Being comfortable, waterproof and lightweight, this feature-packed picnic blanket easily qualifies for the best overall award.
Pros
- Sturdy, comfortable build
- PEVA layer is durable and waterproof
- Features straps and handgrip for easy portability
Cons
- Is not machine-washable
Scuddles Picnic Blanket – Best Portable
If comfort, portability and attractive design are your top priorities in a picnic blanket, the Scuddles Picnic Blanket is worth every penny. Whether you’re yearning to relish delicious homemade sandwiches with your family or you’re in the mood to read a book, the size of this blanket will easily meet your requirements.
This picnic blanket features a water-resistant PEVA material on the bottom while the top layer is made out of woven fabric, both separated by a foam padding in the middle for enhanced comfort at the beach, the park or while camping. What’s more, the shoulder strap allows you to carry this blanket hands-free so you can easily hold the rest of your picnic supplies.
Pros
- Large blanket size
- Comes in a variety of patterns and colors
- Extra foam padding for enhanced cushioning
- Features a handy shoulder strap
Cons
- Fabric can be difficult to clean
Michael Josh Outdoor Blanket – Most Comfortable
No need to spend time looking for the right spot anymore, because Michael Josh’s ultra-comfortable picnic blanket lets you set up camp wherever you prefer. Apart from the PEVA and fleece fabric, this blanket has a layer of sponge padding in the middle adding extreme comfort and durability.
With this picnic blanket, there’s no such thing as compromised space since it can easily accommodate up to six people at once. Extremely lightweight, simply fold this blanket up into its compact carry pack and take it where you need to go. Although the blanket is not machine-washable, you can easily wipe off any dirt with a wet cloth.
Pros
- Packs into a compact carrying pack
- Extra large size for big parties
- Comfortable three-layered design
Cons
- Only comes in four striped colors
Chanodug Picnic Blanket – Most Waterproof
Be it in a lush green valley or a sandy beach, the Chanodug’s Picnic Blanket suits all terrains and climates. This plush blanket comes with a soft sponge padding layered with a polyester taffeta fabric and an insulating oxford on the top and bottom.
This checkered picnic blanket has water-resistant layers on both sides keeping you dry and comfortable for a wonderful picnic experience. What’s more, since it’s machine-washable, you no longer have to worry about pesky grass or mud stains. And, when you’re done eating and ready to hit the road, this 80-square inch blanket rolls up into a medium-sized handbag for easy carrying and storage.
Pros
- Waterproof on both sides
- Sponge padding provides insulation in cold weather
- Machine-washable and easy to clean
Cons
- Sand may adhere to the blanket
Camco Picnic Blanket – Most Affordable
Although the red-and-white checkered pattern appears just like that vintage picnic throw Grandma used to bring to picnics, the Camco Picnic Blanket is on a whole new level. This blanket has a waterproof bottom with soft padding on top that keeps any moisture from leaking through while you enjoy your food.
Plus, with such an affordable price tag, this blanket feels no less than a bargain. The rollup, compact design comes with a shoulder strap for easy hands-free carrying, while the hook and loop flap keep the blanket folded and secured. Great for everything from tailgating to camping to trips to the lake, simply shake this blanket out before folding it up and it’s ready to go for your next adventure.
Pros
- Vintage red-and-white checkered pattern
- Expanded foam cushioning improves comfort
- Compact design with built-in handle
Cons
- Not recommended for sandy beaches
People Also Asked
A: Since picnic blankets come in various sizes, you should choose the size that meets your requirements. First, determine the number of individuals you need to accommodate. Giving each individual a standard 18 x 24 inches of space, you can figure out what size blanket will meet your needs.
A: Unlike multi-layered picnic blankets, ordinary blankets usually have one layer which makes them vulnerable to getting wet with moisture from the ground and accumulating sand and dirt.
A: It depends on the material of the blanket. Most picnic blankets — especially the ones made of fleece and woven fabric — are not machine-washable. Always clean your blanket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
