For example: To test quality, we had each tester place a rock under their blanket and report whether you could feel it when sitting. To see how each cleaned up, we had each tester sprinkle sand on it and note how easy it was to shake off. To evaluate waterproofing, we poured water on each blanket and let it stand for 15 minutes, then checked to see if moisture remained. After hours of this testing, and more, we determined that the L.L. Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is our top choice, thanks to its soft yet substantial material, stain resistance, and overall ease of care. Here are the best picnic blankets, according to our testing. For a picnic blanket that’s soft, comfortable, and easy to care for, the L.L. Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is our unbeatable top choice. Our tester loved that this blanket was made from cozy fleece, and even the waterproof backing is soft—unlike other blankets, which have a plasticky feel. The material offers enough cushioning to dull any rocks you might happen to sit on, and you also can wrap yourself up in this blanket on a chilly night. This outdoor blanket measures 72 x 58 inches, and it’s available in a few colors and patterns. (There’s also an extra-large version that measures 80 x 72 inches, in case you need more room.) The front of the blanket is made from a polyester-fleece, and the reverse is polyurethane-coated nylon. Our tester found that despite its snuggle-upness, the blanket is fairly light, making it easy to shake out after use, and most sand and debris came off easily. In our testing, the material also resisted stains—liquids easily blotted up, leaving almost no trace. Plus, you can machine-wash and -dry the blanket, making maintenance even easier. When you’re done with your picnic, this blanket is easy to pack up. Its seams provide visual guidance on which way to roll it, and elastic straps keep it bundled up. It can be a bit tricky to fit back into the carrying case, as it needs to be rolled quite tightly. But overall, we believe this outdoor blanket is a high-quality choice that serves you well on any outdoor excursion. Price at time of publish: $69 This picnic blanket comes in several patterns, most of which are plaid or striped. It folds up easily into a compact 18 x 11 x 5-inch tote, which includes a zippered pouch where you could store items such as your keys, and you can adjust the shoulder strap for easy carrying. In our tests, dirt and sand fell off the blanket after just a few shakes, and though liquid does soak into the fleece fabric, it’s fairly easy to blot out. The one big downside of this picnic blanket is you can’t machine wash it, so you have to spot-clean any stains. However, it’s a good value considering its large size and quality construction. Price at time of publish: $50 The Yeti Blanket is on the smaller size, measuring 55 x 78 inches, and it’s available in three colors. Six utility loops around the edges of the blanket allow you to stake it down in windy conditions. And you can machine-wash and-dry the whole thing, making it effortless to clean after your picnic. The Yeti Lowlands Blanket comes with a sturdy carrying case you can clip onto a backpack for easy transport. But our tester did note that the blanket is somewhat bulky to fold and stuff back into the case. Price at time of publish: $200 This outdoor blanket is 79 x 58 inches, and you can choose from just a few plain colors. The soft, warm fleece makes it cozy to wrap up in by yourself or with a friend. Most dirt and sand comes off by shaking. Our main complaint is this blanket stains fairly easily and can’t be machine washed, but the black fleece does a good job of hiding any discoloration that may result from spills. Price at time of publish: $48 This blanket’s padded feel pleased our tester on hard or rocky surfaces, and the bottom is made from a durable water-resistant material. Stains come out with just a few blots, even on the white fabric. And although some dirt and debris tend to linger on the surface, popping it into the washing machine gets it clean again. Our only major concern is the fabric on the front of the blanket is fairly thin and feels like it may rip over time. Price at time of publish: $55 Our tester described this blanket as more of a ground cover than a true picnic blanket. It lacks the cushioning you might expect, and it isn’t that soft to the touch. However, the thick material is durable enough to withstand being walked all over. Plus, it comes with ground stakes that keep it in place, even on windy days. It’s easy to clean up spills on this blanket, as the liquid just puddles up on top. But our tester found that the fabric dampens if exposed to moisture for too long. Price at time of publish: $22 This blanket comes in a few different colors and it rolls up compactly, complete with a handle, for easy transport. Our tester found, however, that it’s slightly confusing to fold up the blanket—you need to position the velcro in just the right spot, and it took a few tries to get right. Overall, though, this picnic blanket is an easy-to-clean option that should serve you well on family outings. And who can resist its budget-friendly price? Price at time of publish: $46 Our tester found that liquids do soak into the material but can be blotted out with a paper towel; a few good shakes should remove most dirt and sand from the surface. If more cleaning is needed, you can throw it in the washing machine to remove stains. When you’re ready to pack up, roll up the Down Under and pack it away in its carrying case, which has an adjustable shoulder strap, as well as a top handle. Price at time of publish: $44 These blankets come in a variety of colorways, and many of the patterns are bright and vibrant. Unlike many other picnic blankets, this option doesn’t include a carrying case, but it’s thin enough that it folds into a compact, manageable form. Sand shakes off the blanket easily, but the material isn’t waterproof and stains soak in, so it may not be the best option for eating on. The good news, however, is you can machine-wash the blanket, and it’s small enough to fit into any machine. Price at time of publish: $40 This picnic blanket comes in six colors, and it measures 79 x 59 inches—large enough to seat two adults comfortably. Once folded up, the blanket measures just 13.5 x 8.5 inches, and it has a built-in handle as well as a carrying case. It’s easy to wipe spills off the waterproof fabric—a good thing since the blanket isn’t supposed to be washed, ether by machine or hand. However, we believe it’s a good choice for small picnics, especially if you desire a blanket you can easily transport. Price at time of publish: $16 During testing, we liked that this blanket folds up into a compact form you can tuck inside the included carrying case to stash inside your beach tote. However, while it feels sturdy, our tester acknowledged that it isn’t the most comfortable. The material feels somewhat plasticky, and there’s limited cushioning, so avoid setting it over any rocks. Also, you need to hand-wash the fabric if it’s stained. Price at time of publish: $26 We also evaluated simple water resistance. Testers poured a quarter cup of water onto their blankets, let it stand 15 minutes, then wiped up the moisture with a towel and turned the blankets over to see how much the water soaked through. Finally, to further test the quality, our testers tromped around on each blanket to see how it kept its shape. To determine portability, each tester folded up their blanket and noted how well doing so adhered to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the blanket included a carrying case, was it simple to fold into a neat bundle to put back into the case? Was the blanket bulky or heavy to carry? Finally, every tester assessed their picnic blanket for overall value, looking not only at the price but whether it was worth it. They let us know whether they would have paid the listed price, more for it, or waited until it was on sale to buy it. After testing all 31 blankets, we selected the best 11 to bring you this list.
What to Look for in a Picnic Blanket
Material
A picnic blanket’s material impacts the comfort, durability, and resistance to moisture. The most traditional options for a warm, soft picnic blanket include fleece and wool. But cotton and acrylic picnic blankets offer a soft feel as well, without being too hot for warm-weather picnics. Picnic blankets for the beach also are frequently seen in nylon or polypropylene, since both materials are lightweight and make it easy to shake off sand and debris. Since wet or damp ground can quickly lead to a soggy sitting spot, many picnic blankets include a waterproof backing material. This is a must-have if you want the flexibility of using your picnic blanket in all types of conditions. However, a waterproof backing generally results in a thicker, slightly more bulky picnic blanket that may not be machine washable.
Size
Choose a picnic blanket that is spacious enough for everyone in your group to sit on, including any children or pets. Keep in mind that ultra-portable picnic blankets, such as those that fold up into a small pouch or pocket, may not offer as much room to spread out. On the other hand, a very large picnic blanket takes up more storage space. In general, though, it’s better to have a picnic blanket that is too large instead of one that is too small to accommodate you and your alfresco spread.
Portability
Anytime you plan an outdoor activity, the required gear can add up quickly. Keep things light and easy by choosing a picnic blanket that is portable. “Make sure it’s lightweight and easy to carry (get one with a shoulder strap), because picnics can be cumbersome,” recommends Lauren Kimmons, owner of Pop Up Picnic Co. “The lighter you travel, the more likely you are to get out there and not get burnt out on the prep! Plus, you’ll be able to navigate more varied terrain and find the best picnic spots.” A classic option is a rolled-up picnic blanket with a carrying handle, or straps that encircle the blanket. Many space-saving picnic blankets are designed to fold into a small pocket on the blanket, or an included pouch or case.
Care Requirements
A picnic blanket getting regular use needs occasional cleaning. Dirt, grass, leaves, and mud all can soil your blanket, in addition to spills or crumbs from your food and beverages. Some picnic blankets are machine washable. Others, such as some wool picnic blankets, may be spot-clean only or require dry-cleaning. Plastic mats, such as polypropylene picnic blankets, may not be machine washable, but they can easily be wiped clean or even rinsed with a garden hose.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2017. The Spruce tested firsthand all the picnic blankets included in this article. Testers evaluated each blanket on quality, comfort level, ease of cleaning, durability, and overall value, prioritizing options that are easy to transport and that should hold up well for years to come. Camryn used those insights to select the best product for each category. She also spoke with Lauren Kimmons, owner of Pop Up Picnic Co., for expert tips on selecting the best blanket for outdoor activities.
