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No matter whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or planning a lavish vacation, your schedule will probably include plenty of time enjoying the outdoors.
What better way to experience a new environment than by planning a picnic? If that sounds like a great idea, we’ve compiled a list of the best picnic blankets to help you plan the perfect outdoor meal.
What Are the Best Picnic Blankets?
People from all generations have fond memories of taking a basket of food to a park or just out into the yard for an impromptu picnic.
While the idea of a picnic blanket might initially conjure up the thought of any covering that can accomplish the job, there are some major advantages to selecting one of the best picnic blankets on the market.
In addition to our list of seven top picks, we’ve also included a few crucial factors to consider when you’re narrowing down your search.
Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Picnic Blankets:
- Best Overall: Zaze Extra Large Picnic Blanket
- Best Construction: PK Waterproof Picnic Blanket
- Most Unique: PortableAnd Extra Large Picnic Blanket
- Best Material: Komorebi Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket
- Best Versatility: Angemay Outdoor Picnic Blanket
- Best Value: Tesenai Waterproof Picnic Blanket
- Best Design: Scuttles Extra Large Picnic Blanket
Whatever you plan to serve during a picnic, the blanket you choose is quite literally the foundation of your outdoor meal. Ideally, this accessory will provide a secure spot to protect your food and your guests from grass, dirt, and bugs.
The options on our list go above and beyond to provide a welcoming place to set up for a relaxing meal in nature.
Before we reveal what we appreciate about each of our seven top picks, let’s discuss a few things that the right picnic blanket can do to add a spark of whimsy to any beautiful day.
Why You Need a Picnic Blanket
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Aside from the obvious need for a barrier between your lunch and the ground, there are a few other important reasons to give some serious thought to which product you’ll choose for the job.
The right fabric will provide a comfortable spot to sit, and ensuring that it’s the right size will open up your picnics to more food and additional guests.
In the end, a great blanket will wrap up conveniently to be transported along with the basket and other accessories without any unnecessary hassle.
Best Picnic Blankets: Our Top 7 Picks
Whether you’re looking for simplicity or elegance, there’s sure to be a high-quality picnic blanket that’s right up your alley. Here are the choices that we believe warrant your consideration.
1. Zaze Extra Large Picnic Blanket – Best Overall
- Easy to clean
- Convenient to carry
- Spacious design
- Tricky to roll up
- Might absorb water
If there’s one picnic blanket that should please almost everyone, this is probably that product. It’s got three layers of quality material, which means it’s built to last through many outdoor events.
Furthermore, this blanket spreads out to a massive 80 square inches, which will transform a typically crowded picnic into a spacious and roomy affair.
When you’re ready to pack everything up, however, the conveniently compact size of a rolled-up blanket belies its actual measurements. Finally, if something spills on it during the meal or the ground soils some section of the blanket, you have nothing to worry about.
It’s machine washable and should look just like new after a spin. It can be a chore to tightly pack this blanket back in its intended portable form.
Additionally, some buyers said the blanket can absorb water, which could result in your clothes or paper plates becoming wet. Aside from a couple of minor quibbles, however, this is a picnic blanket that’s worth a closer look.
2. PK Waterproof Picnic Blanket – Best Construction
- Durable
- Good for picnic or beach
- Excellent warranty
- Backing might tear
- Stains easily
Versatility is a big plus when shopping for the best picnic blankets. Being able to use the same product regardless of the weather makes this durable blanket one of our top picks.
It’s also built for pulling double duty on the beach. If you’re out and about with this item, you can catch some rays on the beach before packing it up to head out for a picnic on a nearby grassy hill.
This is a lightweight product that can pack up fairly easily, although some owners noted that it’s not always a simple process to get it into its carrying case.
Although the stitching is strong and the material is generally high in quality, some reviews noted that the backing has a tendency to rip after frequent use. The fabric might also stain, although it is machine washable as long as you wash it on the gentle cycle and let it air dry.
3. PortableAnd Extra Large Picnic Blanket – Most Unique
- Sturdy strap
- Easy to roll up
- Versatile
- Smaller than some options
- Can retain heat
If you don’t need the biggest blanket in the park, this is an eye-catching and intriguing product to consider. It comes with straps and a handle made of faux leather that looks and feels like the real thing.
This compromise means this item is available for a great price. Although it’s not machine washable, the fleece is simple to spot clean, and most materials won’t leave a stain.
The elegant design means it fits in with any crowd, and the high-quality material makes it appropriate for a range of uses aside from an afternoon picnic. Use it for exercise, on the beach, or even to spoil your pet by making this a favorite new place to nap.
Using it in direct sunlight on a hot day might cause the material to retain heat, however. Otherwise, this is a great product that should serve a wide range of useful purposes.
4. Komorebi Large Outdoor Picnic Blanket – Best Material
- Thick fabric
- Soft feel
- Water and sand resistant
- Machine washing not recommended
- More expensive than some rivals
This is an item that provides plenty of padding and a lightweight material that is suitable for almost any outing.
In addition to taking it out for a picnic, you can feel confident using this blanket while at a sporting event, during a day at the beach, or as a comfortable throw on the couch. It’s resistant to both water and sand, making it a versatile product for almost any activity you have in mind.
Although this isn’t the largest option on our list, it provides plenty of room for a few friends to gather around for an outdoor meal. While most reviewers touted the great feel and high quality of the material, it’s not made for the washing machine.
If you can overlook the need for handwashing and don’t mind a price tag a bit higher than some of the others, this is a fine product to consider for various applications.
5. Angemay Outdoor Picnic Blanket – Best Versatility
- Comfortable material
- Folds up easily
- Spacious design
- Can retain smells
- Might blow away in high winds
Some of the options on our list can be somewhat tricky to fold up for easy portability, but the design of this model makes it a breeze to carry just about anywhere.
The rugged material is also lightweight, which means there’s never any problem finding someone willing to tote it from place to place.
Whether it’s for a traditional picnic or a day out by the water, this product can give any traveler plenty of comfort while keeping the grass or sand at bay. Nevertheless, some users have noted that the blanket is so light that a strong wind on the beach can send it flying.
Furthermore, a few buyers observed lingering odors in the material. It is fairly easy to clean, though, so any spots will likely dissipate after a thorough wash.
6. Tesenai Waterproof Picnic Blanket: Best Value
- Wind resistant design
- Durable material
- One-year warranty
- Thin material
- Difficult to fold
Picnic blankets are typically an inexpensive purchase, and the old adage advises that consumers typically get what they pay for. In the case of this product, however, it’s possible to get a lot of functionality for just a little bit of money.
You’ll find plenty of room for several guests at any picnic. It’s also a great addition to other outdoor activities. The material is on the thin side, but it’s a high-quality product that comes with a great warranty from the manufacturer.
It also includes an option to secure the blanket to the ground, which can come in handy if the wind starts to pick up.
The only real downside appears to be that folding it up into its portable dimensions is a bit of a chore. When it comes to providing all the benefits you need in a picnic blanket, though, this one is definitely a contender.
7. Scuttles Extra Large Picnic Blanket – Best Design
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Stylistic design
- Waterproof backing
- Has side pockets and built-in handles
- Folding to its original shape is quite challenging
- Top fabric tears easily
None of the picnic blankets currently available would end up on a list of top contenders without being easy to carry. This one, however, makes it especially simple to roll up a fairly large blanket into a compact package that can be packed away or moved by hand without any hassle.
Although some of the other blankets listed above boast larger dimensions, this one makes good use of its size and can accommodate a range of outdoor activities. It’s not the most water-resistant blanket, though.
So be careful if you use it during a rainy day or in close proximity to a body of water. Otherwise, this is a great-looking item that feels well made in your hand. Take it along with confidence the next time you’re planning a picnic.
Finding the Best Picnic Blanket for You
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Attempting to enjoy a picnic with a blanket that is too small or flimsy for the job is a recipe for a frustrating experience. Instead, shop around to find one of the latest designs that can combine form and function for a high-quality product capable of handling anything you throw at it.
While it’s imperative for any blanket to keep people comfortable and the food free of debris, the products included on our list go above and beyond the call of duty. Here are a few details to consider when you’re shopping around for your next picnic blanket.
Design
When considering a blanket’s design, it’s tempting to focus solely on the stitching and unique colors used on the fabric. While aesthetic beauty might be an important factor, there are other ways that design can make or break a picnic blanket.
Try to determine whether your top picks are easy to fold up and carry, which might help one product edge out another. Other design features, such as resistance to the elements, are also helpful in narrowing down your search.
Value
Finding the perfect picnic blanket doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s not a good idea to simply shop for the lowest price you can find.
Instead, true value can be found by purchasing a reasonably priced product that is built to provide years of reliable comfort and functionality for a wide array of activities and events.
Comfort
Sitting on a blanket for an extended period of time can give anyone a clear idea about whether they’ve chosen a comfortable option. Look for a product made with a reliably supportive substance to ensure that your body won’t become stiff after a leisurely picnic.
Another source of comfort can come in the handle or carrying case that comes along with your blanket. Look for high-quality and supple construction to keep everything as easy to touch as possible.
Versatility
While almost any blanket can technically serve your picnic needs, the options on our list tend to qualify for many more tasks.
Whether you frequently head out to the beach or want some added cushioning at a sporting event, choosing the right picnic blanket can provide a wide range of benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How big should your blanket be?
Although most blankets come in a square or rectangular shape, their dimensions can vary greatly. When choosing the right one for you, be sure to find one that will accommodate your needs.
Some of these items can fit six or more people along with all the food and accessories needed for a proper picnic. If you generally only go out with a significant other or a small group of friends, however, a smaller blanket might be sufficient.
What are the best materials for a picnic blanket?
From durable polyester to plush fleece, there are several appropriate materials from which to create a great blanket. It’s important that individuals determine what is most important to them before finding a product that accomplishes the desired results.
No matter what type of construction you choose, be sure that the reviews show that it is built to last and stitched together in a durable manner.
What else can you do with a blanket aside from picnics?
Depending on the product you choose, there are many useful applications for the right picnic blanket. Use it as a safe and clean place to lie on the beach or by the lake.
Create a comfy spot on an otherwise unforgiving seat in a stadium. Whatever activity you choose, there’s likely a way that your blanket can serve a beneficial purpose.
Some pet owners might even want to use one of these products to give a four-legged companion an especially inviting place for napping.
How much should you pay for a great picnic blanket?
An average blanket for your bed is likely to cost as much or even more than a picnic blanket. For that reason, it’s not necessary to spend an excessive amount on a product that likely isn’t any more comfortable or durable than a less costly option.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality just to save a few bucks. Instead, focus on a few of the moderately priced products that meet all of your expectations.
After you’ve narrowed the list down to a few intriguing choices, their relative prices might serve as a way to make that final selection.
What are some other factors to consider?
Although some people might think one blanket isn’t much different than the next, there are some reasons that a particular design might be best for your unique situation.
Think about how you plan to travel with your blanket. If you’ll be taking a lot of auto trips or flights, choose something that will fold up into a small and easy-to-transport shape.
For those who will be walking or hiking regularly, it’s probably important to choose a lightweight option that includes a comfortable handle.
The Best Picnic Blankets: A Summary
Finding a blanket that is easily portable and big enough to accommodate your plans are the two main features any such product should include.
Beyond that, be sure to find something that is attractive and made with quality materials. But we’ll be honest — you really can’t go wrong with any of the blankets on our list!