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But any old blanket won’t do.
The Spruce
Our mission to find the ultimate picnic blanket was no small undertaking.
We even dumped sand and water on each blanket to determine how easily they wiped clean or repelled moisture.
All in all, our top picks arejustright for youroutdoor dining, lounging, or even napping needs.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanketchecks all those boxes.
It can comfortably seat two people with its 72 x 58-inch size or a picnic for three.
We love how easily this blanket folds back into the carrying case.
Don’t stress about spills—the L.L.Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket is machine washable.PHOTO: The Spruce
Nothing is worse than a picnic blanket thats a hassle to put away neatly.
But if you need help folding, the manufacturer includes a visual guide on properly rolling the blanket.
Both sides of the blanket are waterproof, so it’s easy to clean up any spills.
As we mentioned, we loved how simple it was to fold up.
But like most items from the reputable outdoor brand, it does come with a price tag to match.
This Yeti blanket is water-repellent.
Theres nothing worse than a picnic blanket that wont stay put in windy conditions.
However, you will have to provide your own ground stakes.
It’s the perfect option for a picnic on damp grass.
Its by far the best choice if youre looking for a large picnic blanket to host the entire family.
Youre not even able to feel the ground underneath you.
However, packing up this massive thing inside the carrying bag was a struggle.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Youll definitely need an extra set of hands for help.
The Big Blanket XL Outdoorsy Blanket is quite costly, with a retail price of over $100.
But, with such stellar construction and durability, its well worth the hefty price tag.
The polyester fabric of the RedCamp Picnic Blanket isn’t the softest, but shines in durability.PHOTO: The Spruce
Plus, its big size eliminates the need to purchase numerous blankets to accommodate all your friends and family.
This blanket also has a zippered pocket for storing your keys, sunscreen, or phone.
While this blanket is the thickest option that we tested, it still protected us from a rocky surface.
We found the sand easy to wipe away with little residue left behind.
We found that this blanket is heavy enough not to blow away on especially windy days.
We also liked the soft fleece on one side and a durable waterproof backing on the reverse.
And its hidden zippered pocket also allows you to stash your keys or other belongings for safekeeping.
This blanket’s carrying case was the easiest one we handled during testing.
It has an adjustable shoulder strap and a top handle.
Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket.
Most modern picnic blankets are made from cotton, polyester, or a water-proofed blend.
Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Ourbest waterproof pickwill not only keep you dry but can also be machine-washed for any major messes.
The Right Size for Every Picnic
Picnic blankets are usually 60 to 70 inches long.
Our best large blanket, theBig Blanket XL Outdoorsy Blanket, is perfect for this.
Yeti Lowlands Blanket’s carrying case impressed us. It’s both compact and durable.PHOTO: The Spruce
On the other hand, a very large picnic blanket takes up more storage space.
“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.
Our best overall pick, theL.L.
Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket, has two elastic straps that make it easy to keep secure.
Luckily, all of the options on our list come with a carrying case.
Taking Care of Your Blanket
A picnic blanket that is regularly used will need occasional cleaning.
Some picnic blankets, like our best overall pick, theL.L.
Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket,and our best large, theBig Blanket XL Outdoorsy Blanket, are machine washable.
Others, such as some polyester picnic blankets, will be spot-clean only.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Kenedee Fowleris a shopping writer for The Spruce, writing everything home-related, both indoors and outdoors.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Kenedee also recalls the many outdoor lunches at the park with her parents picnic blanket wedding gift.
It was a gorgeous and durably constructed blanket, but it wasnt comfortable sitting on for long.
We love the softness of this fleece blanket that’s equally water-resistant for damp grass.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Daniela Galvez
Despite the large size, the Big Blanket Co. XL Blanket condenses into a small bag.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
We love the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket’s bright patterns and sand-resistant consutrction.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Down Under Quilted Fleece Blanket has a durable waterproof backing for easily cleaning spills.PHOTO: The Spruce
All of the blankets on our list come with carrying cases to save storage space in your trunk or bag.The Spruce
We spent hours in the lab testing the durability and comfort level of dozens of blankets.The Spruce
