Fall Foliage Trip Planning: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Picnic Baskets Binoculars Point-and-Shoot Cameras Fleece Jackets Lightweight Jackets Travel Coffee Mugs State-by-State Guide to Fall Colors Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the US How to See Peak New England Color Best National Parks for Fall Foliage 15 Epic Fall Foliage Drives with Kids New England Destinations for Fall Colors Connecticut Fall Foliage Massachusetts Fall Foliage Long Island Fall Foliage New York City Fall Foliage Minnesota Fall Foliage Wisconsin Fall Foliage Colorado Fall Foliage California Fall Foliage Pacific Northwest Fall Foliage Fall Foliage in the Washington, DC, Area Fall Foliage in the Southeast Arkansas Fall Foliage Georgia Fall Foliage Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Canada New England Guided Tours New England Driving Tours New England Train Tours New England Bus Tours New England Bike Tours New York Driving Tours Drives in Northern California Drives in Western Pennsylvania Picnic Blankets Fall Foliage Trip Planning: The Complete Guide close Overview Destinations United States The 8 Best Picnic Blankets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed The L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is our favorite picnic blanket By Nathan Allen Nathan Allen Outdoor Gear Editor University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 02/07/23 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. Westend61 / Getty Images Sure, you could use an old sheet or blanket when you head out for a picnic, but on the damp ground—or after a drink tips over—the picnic might be over before it can begin. Proper picnic blankets, typically made from water-resistant or waterproof materials like fleece and nylon, are inexpensive and ultra-practical to avoid disappointment on a cute park date or a day out with the kids. Plus, they're not just for picnics: You can use these outdoor blankets for playdates, outdoor concerts, or days at the beach, too. We love picnic blankets that are committed to making your life easier (after all, packing up everything you need for a picnic, especially with dogs or kids in tow, can be a logistical feat). So we tested nearly three dozen picnic blankets, rating them for quality, ease of cleaning, comfort, durability, and overall value. L.L.Bean's Waterproof Outdoor Blanket topped our tests thanks to its smart 100 percent fleece and 100 percent nylon construction, making one side soft and the other waterproof. It's comfortable, easy to clean, and our top overall pick. The Rundown Best Overall: L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket at L.L.Bean Jump to Review Best Budget: REDCAMP Picnic Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tote: Oniva Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large: Chanodug Three Donkeys Picnic Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Yeti Lowlands Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mult-Use: Down Under Outdoors Stadium Blanket at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Product Selection How We Tested What to Look For Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket 4.5 L.L Bean View On L.L.Bean What We Like Super soft and comfy fleece on one side and soft waterproof nylon on the other Easily rolls into a bundle with a helpful elastic strap Machine washable and goes in the dryer What We Don't Like A bit difficult to get the blanket back into its case unless you roll it tight L.L.Bean knows what good outdoor gear is made of, and their picnic blanket is just as well designed for the elements. Made from 100 percent polyester fleece on one side, the blanket's bottom is made from 100 percent nylon to keep any moisture from soaking in from the ground and through the material. When you're done, just roll it up and pop it in its stuff sack. At 72 x 58 inches, there's room on here for the family—or go a size up to fit more with the XL version. We were immediately impressed by the comfiness and softness of the fleece on one side and the waterproofness of the nylon on the other. Notably, we enjoyed that the waterproof side wasn't stiff or crinkly as some waterproof materials can be. Sand shook off the blanket easily but required a few extra shakes on the fleece side. We were also impressed by how well liquid easily blotted out of the fleece side. "The liquid definitely absorbed into the fleece quickly, and it took several paper towels, but after blotting a few times, there was almost no trace of any stain," a tester said. But a massive bonus is this blanket is also machine-washable with regular detergent, and you can tumble dry it in the dryer. While the blanket seems heavy enough not to blow away in most windy conditions, stakes are included just in case. "This was my favorite of all the picnic blankets I tested," a tester concluded. "It's so cozy, like a sleeping bag, and large enough to accommodate two people without being too bulky. It's easy to roll up, and stains are easily lifted by blotting the liquid. I love that it's also machine-washable and tumble-dry, so you don't have to figure out a way to line-dry a giant blanket." Price at time of publication: $69 Fabric Type: Polyester fleece and nylon | Dimensions: 72 x 58 inches TripSavvy / Dera Burreson Best Budget REDCAMP Picnic Blanket 3.8 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Easy to fold and convenient handle to transport Sand is easy to shake off Good budget pick What We Don't Like Not the most comfy to sit on—material isn't thick We like Redcamp's Picnic Blanket for a budget pick. While it's not the most padded or comfortable to sit on, it'd be an excellent option for beaches or rainy weather. We love its easy folding and the convenient handle for easier transport. The slick fabric helped shed the sand easily—virtually no particles were left behind. When we stained it with liquid, the stain was easier than other blankets to wipe away and clean as both sides are waterproof. And while its lightness makes it easy to carry, it could have issues in the wind. "I think this blanket is a great inexpensive option," one tester concluded. "It's aesthetically pleasing and has a vintage vibe. It's on the smaller side, but a great waterproof pick. I would recommend this product to those looking for a printed waterproof picnic blanket. It's small, lightweight, and easy to fold." Price at time of publication: $16 Fabric Type: Polyester top and PVC bottom | Dimensions: 79 x 159 inches TripSavvy / Dera Burreson The 10 Best Beach Blankets of 2023 Best Tote Oniva Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Academy.com View On Belk.com What We Like Has a carrying strap and a pouch for carrying items Water-resistant underside Has a security pocket What We Don't Like Can be difficult to fold back up Oniva's Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket has all the features you'd want in a picnic blanket for the whole family, including its handy carrying tote, water-resistant underside, and 38 square feet of picnic and play space. This massive blanket is practical and cozy (thanks to that soft, polyester fleece top), making it ideal for days out. We also love the bonus feature of a hidden security pocket, so your keys, cash, and phone can be safely stored. Like other blankets on our list, the Oniva has a soft top and water-resistant bottom. As mentioned above, what makes this blanket unique is the carrying tote and storage pouch, which we really liked. We enjoyed this blanket's size, which could accommodate a group of people. While the blanket is not machine washable, you can surface clean it. Since the blanket is lightweight, we'd like to see additional stakes or ties to secure it on windy days. Price at time of publication: $50 Fabric Type: 45 percent polyester, 45 percent polyethylene vinyl acetate, 10 percent polyurethane | Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 5 (folded), 70 x 80 inches (open) TripSavvy / Dera Burreson The 11 Best Backpack Coolers of 2023, Tested & Reviewed Best Large Chanodug Three Donkeys Picnic Blanket 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Fits a group of people Lightweight and reversible Excellent option for those planning on eating or drinking outside What We Don't Like Not a super thick or comfortable blanket Chanodug's Three Donkeys Picnic Blanket is excellent for families with younger kids. It's roomy enough to fit a couple of adults and multiple kids, shakes out sand and cleans easily, and is machine washable. We like that it's lightweight and reversible. "Overall, the material is not super thick or comfortable, but I love how much space it provides, and it's not uncomfortable by any means," one tester said. "It was super easy to remove the sand from the blanket with one shake and just one person shaking it." The blanket features a durable polyester top fabric, 80 grams of a soft sponge layer in the middle, and a waterproof 210D oxford bottom. We found this blanket and material to be highly waterproof, which also helped the cleaning process. Price at time of publication: $46 Fabric Type: 190T polyester fabric on the top, 80 grams soft sponge layer in the middle, and waterproof 210D oxford bottom | Dimensions: 79 x 79 inches TripSavvy / Dera Burreson Best Waterproof Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Oceasoutdoors.com What We Like Elastic band slips around the blanket to secure while carrying Could fit several people to eat on this blanket Very waterproof What We Don't Like Stained a bit during our juice spill test The Oceas Large Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is an excellent choice for anyone concerned about spills or picnics on damp ground. Oceas claims this blanket to be highly waterproof, and we'd have to agree. "This blanket feels more high quality than others I've tested," one of our testers reported, noting how much they liked the ripstop fabric. "It is lightweight and folds down pretty compactly," the tester continued, noting the handy elastic band to keep the blanket in place while on the move. Overall, this large blanket would be another solid option for families with kids or anyone concerned about picnics where liquids or moisture could become an issue. Price at time of publication: $48 Fabric Type: 250 GSM Polar Fleece | Dimensions: 78 x 59 inches TripSavvy / Dera Burreson The 11 Best Travel Blankets of 2023 Best for Kids Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nordstrom What We Like Machine washable Becomes a carrying case with a zippered pouch Very comfy and soft What We Don't Like On the smaller side Little Unicorn's Outdoor Blanket checks the boxes for an excellent baby and little kids blanket. It's durable yet comfy and soft. It resists water and other spills well. It's machine washable. And it folds into a carrying case with a handy zipper pouch for personal items. While this blanket is definitely smaller than others included on this list, it is perfect for babies, toddlers, or little kids. Biggest bonus for parents: The juice came right out of the blanket when we cleaned it after the juice spill test. Price at time of publication: $50 Fabric Type: Polyester | Dimensions: 60 x 60 inches TripSavvy / Dera Burreson The Best Kids' Sleeping Bags to Keep Them Comfy and Cozy Best Splurge Yeti Lowlands Blanket 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Backcountry.com What We Like Waterproof backing Durable Machine-washable What We Don't Like Expensive It makes sense that one of the top makers of coolers and thermoses would know a little something about blankets that keep you warm on the cold ground. The Lowlands blanket, while a bit of a splurge, makes outdoor spaces much cozier with all-terrain fabric that is backed by a waterproof layer and fronted by a super-soft fabric. It’s kind of a combo of a ground cover, tarp, and blanket, making it ideal for camping. It’s designed to repel dirt, burrs, and pet pair, so it’s great for any fur friends that you bring along with you—even after they get a case of the zoomies in the fresh air. And when you’re back home? Just throw it in the washer—you can even put it in the dryer with other odds and ends from the trip. We love this blanket's quality and coziness. It also has a convenient carrying case, which has a strap to go over your shoulder or clip to a backpack with a carabiner. However, it is a bit bulky and heavy and wasn't the easiest to fold back into the carrying case. The blanket will easily fit a couple lying down and a few more people sitting upright. "I'm amazed by this blanket," one tester said. "It felt like it would absorb the liquid, but it pooled on the blanket. I was able to blot it all up with a dry paper towel, no stains were left. There are loops on the corners where you can stake the blanket down if it's windy. The material is very sturdy, and I don't see it tearing or getting caught on anything." Price at time of publication: $200 Fabric Type: Polyester and rayon | Dimensions: 55 x 78 inches (open) TripSavvy / Dera Burreson Best Mult-Use Down Under Outdoors Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Water- and wind-resistant Thick and plush Lifetime warranty What We Don't Like Only comes in one size One of the softest, coziest blankets to perch on on the cold ground, the Down Under Outdoors Picnic Blanket is great for picnics in colder weather. The back of the blanket is wind- and water-resistant and has a barrier built in just in case your thermos of hot chocolate spills. It's also super plush and thicker than most blankets, with two layers quilted for super-thick comfort. If somehow you're unhappy with the blanket, it comes with a lifetime warranty so that you can send it in for a replacement. Like the YETI, this blanket features a fleece and waterproof side, is thick to roll up and put in its carrying case, and comes with an elastic band. We love that it features a zipper pocket for storing smaller items. This blanket is machine washable, which is always a bonus. "This picnic blanket had the best carrying case; it was easy to pack up, had a zippered pocket, and features both a short handle for carrying and a longer strap to sling over your shoulder," a tester concluded. "It had comfortable fleece and a durable backing that fit its price range." Price at time of publication: $44 Fabric Type: 250gsm fleece, polyester, and polyurethane | Dimensions: 82 x 55 inches (open) TripSavvy / Dera Burreson Product Selection We selected products based on the expertise of our editors and writers and internet research. Editors and writers suggested brands and products they've previously owned or tested. And internet research included examining what other prominent sites have featured and products with many good reviews on e-commerce sites like Amazon. We also aimed to produce a list with varying prices and functions for each picnic blanket. TripSavvy / Dera Burreson How We Tested Once we narrowed our testing list to 30 picnic blankets, we tested them in our testing lab in Brooklyn, New York. We tested for quality, comfort, ease of cleaning, durability, and overall value. For comfort, we placed rocks and other items underneath the blankets and then sat and laid on them to see how much we felt the objects underneath. For ease of cleaning, we dumped sand on the blankets and shook them out. Then we dumped juice on the blankets and attempted to spot clean with paper towels. We also dumped water on the blankets to test their waterproofness. We rated each blanket on a five-point scale for each category and then averaged the scores to give each blanket an overall score. TripSavvy / Dera Burreson What to Look for in a Picnic Blanket Portability You don’t want a picnic blanket that’s hard to tote—stuffing it into your daypack or beach bag with everything else you have to take for a day out can be a serious challenge. Look for picnic blankets with portability features, like a strap, pocket, or carrier it can roll or fold up into. Material Sure, cotton works, but with the range of technically super-powered fabrics these days, far better options are available. Nothing ruins a picnic quite like realizing, just after you’ve set everything else out, that there’s moisture from the grass or ground slowly sinking into your pants or dress. Look for waterproof material—or at least a waterproof backing—that creates a damp-free barrier between you and the ground so you can enjoy the outdoors anytime. Other blankets come with material that’s meant to be easily wiped down in case of spills, which is particularly good for families. Size The best picnic blankets have enough room for your usual crew (whether it’s yourself, your family, or your significant other) to spread out on—and food and drinks, too. If it comes with an easy way to wrap it up, the bigger, the better, in our opinion. Top tip: Compare the picnic blanket size to a rug in your house to see if it’ll be enough square footage to hold everyone and everything. TripSavvy / Dera Burreson Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. While writing and piecing together this roundup, he relied on the testing insights from TripSavvy's picnic blanket tests and some internet research. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 8 below.