Tech & Gear Accessories The 10 Best Beach Blankets of 2022 Wildhorn Outfitter's Sand Escape Beach Blanket earned our best overall pick. By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/27/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong TripSavvy's Pick Our overall favorite pick is Wildhorn Outfitter's San Escape Beach Blanket (view at Amazon) because of its four integrated sand anchor pockets and large enough size to hold a number of your favorite beach essentials without the hassle. The Camco Handy Mat (view at Amazon) has just as many practical features as a budget-friendly option at a reasonable cost. When headed to the beach, a proper blanket is essential. It creates an area for lounging, sunbathing, and picnicking. It should also stave off the sand. Blankets can suit various circumstances, from doubling as stylish towels to creating a moisture-proof barrier. We’ve scoured the internet to round up beach blankets for every need, considering the size and shape, fabric, waterproofing, and usability to bring you the best of the best for all your summer adventures. Here's What You Can Get On Sale Before Amazon Prime Day Here are the best beach blankets available. The Rundown Best Overall: Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket at Amazon Four integrated sand anchor pockets help to keep the blanket on the ground even in high winds. Best Budget: Camco Handy Mat at Amazon Made from durable, mildew-resistant polypropylene, making it difficult to stain and easy to clean. Most Stylish: Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket at Amazon The polypropylene is also mold and mildew-resistant—a major bonus if you forget to air it properly before packing it away. Best Circular: IcosaMro Round Beach Towel at Amazon At 59-inches wide, this circular blanket is big enough for several kids or adults to find seats. Best Throw: LL Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket at L.L. Bean An included stuff sack makes the blanket portable for beach-side excursions. Best Sand-Proof: CGEAR The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat at Amazon The mat is composed of tightly-woven material that keeps out sand, dirt, and dust. Best Oversized: WELLAX Sand-Free Beach Blanket at Amazon Provides 90 square feet of space that can fit up to seven people. Best For Travel: Coalatree The Kachula Adventure Blanket at Coalatree Reviewers loved that this functional blanket can be used as a pillow or poncho, too. Best Lightweight: Matador Pocket Blanket at REI It only weighs 3.5 ounces, so it's something you could leave in your backpack or purse for those "just in case" scenarios. Best Waterproof: UrbanEco Beach Blanket at Amazon It's particularly good for windy days, thanks to its double anchored design. Best Overall: Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket Wildhorn Outfitters Buy on Amazon Buy on Wildhornoutfitters.com What We Like Easy to shake sand off Carrying bag Quick-drying Built-in sand anchors keep it in place What We Don't Like Gets wet easily Material gets hot in sun Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket Review The Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket is affordably priced, especially considering its large size. At 9 x 7 feet, the blanket offers 63 square feet of sand-free space, providing ample room for all your beach gear and family members. Four integrated sand anchor pockets help keep the blanket on the ground even in high winds. Our product tester, Kimberly Holland, noted that the "fabric is thin and lightweight, but it's durable and resistant to tears or snags from keys or hooks." It has an integrated stuff pouch and compression straps (attached so you'll never lose them) and packs away to just 6 x 7 inches for hassle-free storage. There are also additional pockets where you can store your personal items, which Holland used to hold her keys, cell phone, and sunscreen when on the beach. The blanket is rugged and constructed from ultra-lightweight, tear-resistant parachute nylon, which should boost its longevity. However, our tester mentioned that the material was not breathable enough to prevent sweat from sticking and felt hot underneath the sun. Based on these tests, a benefit of the blanket is that it was easy to hand-wash. Best of all, it sheds sand well—just shake it off at the end of the day. Dimensions: 9 x 7 feet | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Machine wash on cold Tripsavvy / Kimberly Holland Best Budget: Camco Handy Mat with Strap Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Home Depot What We Like Durable Easy to carry Summery colors Mildew resistant What We Don't Like No anchors The Camco Handy Mat costs a fraction of the price of some of the other blankets on this list but remains a firm favorite. It's made from durable, mildew-resistant polypropylene, making it difficult to stain and easy to clean. Fabric edging prevents fraying, while the mat is UV-stabilized to guard against fading over time. "The mat's texture is similar to that of a palm weave but with plastic and feels akin to the thickness and weight of a well-made straw hat," says our product tester, Suzie Dundas, when testing the blanket on her local rocky sand beach. "Because of that, it afforded a bit of extra padding and made it difficult to feel small rocks and bumps beneath us. It's also a very tight weave, so it kept us dry when sitting on damp grass." Essentially, this blanket proves that cheap doesn't have to mean poor quality. It measures 60 x 78 inches and folds into a compact 10.5 x 15-inch tote complete with a hook and loop flap, handles, and a pocket on either side. Unfortunately, Dundas found the material too thin to withstand large gusts of wind without folding at the sides but says that it's a breeze to carry to the beach and even easier to fit in your cupboard afterward. Dimensions: 5 x 6.5 feet | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Care: Spot treat with soap and water Most Stylish: Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket Buy on Amazon What We Like Comfortable fleece fabric Built-in handles for transport Waterproof backing Stylish What We Don't Like Folding into original shape is a challenge Top fabric snags easily Scuddles Handy Mat Review Opt for the Scuddles Blue & White Striped Tote Blanket for flawless retro style. Its soft polypropylene weave boasts artfully faded blue, white, and chocolate stripes, while fabric edging helps to prevent fraying-keeping your blanket looking smart for longer. When you're not using it, the blanket folds into a tote with pockets on either side, a woven handle, and a color-coordinated, messenger-style flap. "We appreciated that this blanket folds into its own carrying case thanks to a built-in handle and hook-and-loop fastener strips," said product tester Kimberly Holland. "It's compact enough to tuck into a larger bag but lightweight enough for a helpful kid to grab once you get out of the car." It's as practical as stylish, with a waterproof backing that keeps you dry (and is amazingly easy to clean). The polypropylene is also mold and mildew-resistant—a significant bonus if you forget to air it properly before packing it away. When open, the blanket measures 60 x 78 inches, providing plenty of space for couples and families of up to four people. Our Holland also noted that the backing offers a bit of cushioning, which helps soften the surface if you "happen to spread the mat on a spot with a few rocks or shells." Compared to many other synthetic mats, our product tester also found it cool enough for those hot days underneath the sun. Dimensions: 5 x 5 feet | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Care: Spot treat with soap and water Tripsavvy / Kimberly Holland Best Circular: IcosaMro Round Beach Towel Buy on Amazon What We Like Stylish Versatile Comfortable fabric What We Don't Like Doesn't dry quickly Bulky This circular blanket makes a stylish statement on the shore or by the pool with bold fern leaves and fringed edges. The polyester microfiber material is soft enough to double as a towel; however, it creates a quick-drying barrier when used as a blanket. At 59-inches wide, the blanket is big enough for several kids or adults to find seats. The blanket’s lightweight material allows quick and easy packing. Weighing just more than a pound, you’ll easily be able to carry the blanket along for a day at the beach. Dimensions: 4.91-foot diameter | Weight: 1.21 pounds | Care: Machine wash We Researched the Best Picnic Blankets—Here Are Our Favorites Best Throw: LL Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket Courtesy of L.L. Bean Buy on L.L.Bean What We Like Water won't seep through Comfortable fabric High quality What We Don't Like Bulky This double-sided waterproof blanket plays double duty. The 100 percent polyester fleece top turns the blanket into a cozy throw, while the 100 percent nylon and polyurethane-coated underside keeps moisture out. Reviewers applauded the blanket’s waterproofing features and attested that it holds up after washing. The coating also helps keep sand from gathering on the blanket. Measuring 80 x 72 inches, the oversized blanket easily seats four adults or wraps around two people. An included stuff sack makes the blanket portable for beach-side excursions. Dimensions: 6.6 x 6 feet | Care: Machine wash and dry The Best Beach Canopies to Keep You Covered and Cool Best Sand-Proof: CGEAR The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Cabelas.com Buy on Cgear-sandfree.com What We Like Water resistant Durable Reversible Carrying bag What We Don't Like Bulky Not very soft Built for heavy-duty use, the CGEAR Sand-free Outdoor Camping Mat features materials originally developed for the military. The mat is composed of tightly-woven material that keeps out sand, dirt, and dust. An additional coating of polypropylene creates the ultimate sand-free ground pad. Reviews applaud the sand-proofing and confirm that it brushes off easily when dry. While the mat may not be the most comfortable mat to sit on, according to our product tester, Suzie Dundas, it still does its job. Not only did Dundas applaud its ability to keep off sand and dirt, but she was also impressed by the mat's resistance to water. This helps keep annoying sand off the blanket and makes for more comfortable and clean lounging after a swim. The blanket also stands up to UV damage, so you should find it long-lasting and durable. This blanket won't blow away either, even in the heaviest winds. Heavy-duty D-rings keep it staked to the ground even when gentle shore breezes turn into gusts. The blanket comes in various sizes, from the small that suits two people to the X-large that seats 10. It's versatile whether you need it for a day at the beach or carting it along on an outdoor adventure, as it rolls up "like a sleeping bag" for easy portability. Dimensions: S: 6 x 6 feet, M: 8 x 8 feet, L: 10 x 10 feet, XL: 12 x 12 feet | Weight: S: 2.8 pounds, M: 5.6 pounds, L: 7.5 pounds, XL: 11.7 pounds | Care: Spot clean with soap and water TripSavvy / Suzie Dundas Best Oversized: WELLAX Sand-Free Beach Blanket Buy on Amazon What We Like Metal anchors keep it in place Quick-dry Collapses into carrying bag Easy to shake sand off What We Don't Like Gets wet easily Materials gets hot in sun The Sand-Free Beach Blanket by WELLAX is an excellent solution for big families when they visit the beach. Measuring 9 x 10 feet, this blanket provides 90 square feet of space that fits up to seven people. It's made from lightweight parachute nylon and features four sand pockets and four anchors to keep it stable on the sand. There's also a waterproof pouch to keep all your valuables secure. At the end of the day, simply fold this beach blanket into its compressed size of 4 x 8 inches and pack it into its travel pouch. Best of all, the WELLAX blanket only weighs 1 pound, so it will barely add any weight to your beach bag. You can also use this blanket as a car seat on your ride home to protect against water and sand. It's available in three different colors. Dimensions: 9 x 10 feet | Weight: 16 ounces | Care: Hand wash The 13 Best Beach Bags of 2022 Best For Travel: Coalatree The Kachula Adventure Blanket Courtesy of Coalatree Buy on Coalatree.com What We Like Tons of fun colors Easy to clean Versatile What We Don't Like Heavier Those who prefer a lightweight blanket that's easy to carry around should opt for The Kachula Adventure Blanket. This sustainably-made blanket only weighs 1 pound and 9 ounces and has a pocket to hold your valuables. Reviewers loved how functional this blanket is, too. It can transform into a pillow when stuffed inside the included travel pouch and comes with a detachable hood that transforms the water-resistant blanket into a poncho. While this blanket fits three people comfortably, it can also attach to other Kachula blankets using the carabineer hooks for extra space. It's available in ten different patterns. Dimensions: 4.16 x 6 feet | Weight: 1 pound, 9 ounces | Care: Spot clean with soap and water Best Lightweight: Matador Pocket Blanket Matador Blanket Buy on REI What We Like Durable fabric Packable What We Don't Like Hard to fold into bag Very thin For those who are looking for a simple, compact, and lightweight blanket to toss in your bag for trips to the beach or on a hike, the Matador Pocket Blanket is a solid choice. It only weighs 3.5 ounces, so it's something you could leave in your backpack or purse for those "just in case" scenarios. While it's not really a "snuggle up by the campfire" type blanket (it's decidedly more of a tarp material and weight), it helps keep your stuff off the wet ground. Dimensions: 5.25 x 3.66 feet | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Care: Spot clean with soap and water Best Waterproof: UrbanEco Beach Blanket UrbanEco Outdoors Lightweight Beach Blanket Buy on Amazon What We Like Fun patterns Huge Double-anchored design Zipper storage What We Don't Like Material can get hot in sun The UrbanEco Beach Blanket is reasonably priced, especially considering its large size. At 107 x 77 inches, that's a lot of sand-free space for friends and family, gear, and more. The material is water-resistant and easy to shake the sand off. It's perfect for windy days, thanks to its double-anchored design. There are six yellow plastic stakes and four corner sand pockets, so your blanket isn't going anywhere. There's also a hidden zipped pocket for small valuables like car keys and phones. When finished, it rolls into a compact and easy-to-carry storage bag. Dimensions: 8.91 x 6.41 feet | Weight: 2.09 pounds | Care: Machine wash on cold What to Look for in a Beach Blanket Size and shape Think about how much stuff you plan to put on your beach blanket—and then add a few more square feet. (Larger families with loads of gear will want a larger footprint.) Most beach blankets come in either rectangular or square shapes, though one of our picks bucks convention with its circular footprint. Fabric Beach blankets are made from all sorts of materials, including water-resistant polyester, fleece, parachute nylon, and microfiber. Even the most rugged models typically have softer fabrics on top, and some employ fabrics and fabric treatments that keep sand from clinging to the blanket. Use For some folks, simple protection from the sand will suffice. For others—especially bigger families—added features like sand anchors and stakes might help keep the blanket in place. Pockets are also great for those who love playing in the waves and want a secure spot for their valuables. Frequently Asked Questions How should you clean your beach blanket? Double-check your blanket for washing instructions; if present, follow those directions. In general, you can wash your blanket in a washing machine. Use cold water, and wash it on the gentle cycle. It’s best to wash the blanket separately from other items. Don’t add fabric softeners; these chemicals could destroy any waterproofing or technical fabrics in your blanket. Tumble dry on low or air dry. How is a beach blanket different from a beach towel? Beach blankets and towels differ in materials, fabric treatments, and size. Beach towels are generally cotton, which is soft and absorbent. Plus, even larger beach towels typically fit a single person or child. Beach blankets incorporate technical materials, such as polyester, fleece, parachute nylon, and microfiber, or have fabric treatments that make the blankets water-resistant and relatively sand-proof. Beach blankets are also much larger than towels and made for multiple people to gather on them. How do you keep your beach blanket sand free? First, look for a beach blanket with materials that keep sand from sticking. Sand tends to stick more to moist items—like beach towels—so water-proofing materials or fabric treatments will keep sand from getting tracked onto your blanket. Use the incorporated stakes or place heavy objects on the blanket's corners to weigh it down. If wet, sandy feet or hands keep tracking sand onto the blanket during your day of play, use baby powder on your skin to rub off the sand. Why Trust TripSavvy Author Jessica Macdonald is a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition and has written extensively for various magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. Some included products were tested for real-world insights. The 11 Best Camping Blankets of 2022 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.