The 8 Best Picnic Blankets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Stay comfortable and dry whether you’re at the beach, the park, or your own backyard.

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Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Whether you're headed to the park with a picnic basket, the beach, or an outdoor event, a quality blanket can really elevate your experience. The best picnic blankets provide a comfortable barrier between you and the ground while also keeping you dry and protected from grass, dirt, water, and sand.

To find the best picnic blankets, we tested 30 popular options to see which ones were most comfortable to sit on and easiest to tote around. We also only recommend blankets that are either entirely water-resistant or feature a water-resistant backing to protect you from the elements and make it easier to wipe away spills on the go. Lastly, we spoke with Emily Hecht, co-founder and creative director of Gather Picnic Co., for expert insight on what to look for when shopping for a picnic blanket.

Its fleece topside provides cushioning and warmth, while the water-resistant backing protects you from the elements.

It doesn’t feature any way to keep it in place in windy conditions.

We were really impressed with the quality of the Oniva Blanket Tote, especially considering its affordable price point. Even with its extra-large size, it folds up nicely and weighs just over two pounds. Plus, the attached shoulder strap means you can free up your hands for carrying other items, such as sports equipment or a picnic basket.

When we laid the blanket over a small rock and sat on it, we could not feel the rock at all—a testament to the comfort and cushion of the blanket. It’s large enough to allow one person to spread out or multiple people to sit. The fleece topside is warm enough to carry you into the cooler months, while the water-resistant backing will keep you protected from the elements.

In our stain testing, grape juice did leave a faint stain, although this is to be expected with fleece. However, we did find this picnic blanket to shake out sand very easily. On the downside, its lightweight construction comes with a trade-off: We’re doubtful that it will stay put in windy conditions, and it doesn’t feature any way to keep it down, such as stake rings or weighted corners. For this reason, we don’t recommend this towel for the beach, but for pretty much any other purpose—including camping, picnics, outdoor concerts, and sporting events—this easy-to-carry and comfortable picnic blanket is a great choice.

Size: 80 by 70 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Polyester fleece topside with water-resistant backing | Extras: Zippered pocket, carry tote with shoulder strap | Machine-Washable: No

At less than 2 pounds, this surprisingly stain-resistant blanket features a carrying tote for easy transport.

There's less cushioning, and sand doesn't shake out very easily.

This picnic blanket costs less than half the average price of all those we tested, yet it was among the best in terms of performance. It’s extremely lightweight at less than 2 pounds and features a carrying tote for easy transport. It really stood out in our spill test: The polyester fleece was surprisingly stain-resistant, and the grape juice mostly pooled rather than soaked into the fabric. For that, we think this makes an excellent choice for people looking to accommodate accident-prone kids or pets.

On the downside, this blanket doesn’t feature as much cushion as our Best Overall pick, and it’s much smaller, so spreading out is not an option for everyone. Additionally, sand didn’t shake out very easily and the blanket doesn’t feature any mechanisms for securing it to the ground, so it’s probably not ideal for use on the beach. Otherwise, it’s very comparable to more expensive fleece picnic blankets on our list, and makes an affordable choice for casual outdoor activities.

Size: 69 by 53 inches | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Material: Polyester fleece topside with vinyl backing | Extras: Carry tote | Machine-Washable: No

It features loops on each corner, so you can use stakes to keep it firm to the ground in case of windy conditions.

This is quite heavy compared to other picnic blankets.

We can’t say enough about this premium, all-purpose picnic blanket. Typically with picnic blankets, you have to trade comfort for stain- and weather-resistance or vice versa, but this is not the case with the Lowlands Blanket.

The feel and comfort of this blanket is similar to that of a bed comforter. According to the manufacturer, the outer layer features a waterproof “hydrobarrier,” which held up remarkably well in our testing: Grape juice pooled on the blanket and left no stain behind, and no water soaked through.

Even if you do experience a little staining, this blanket is machine-washable for easy cleanup. The sand came out with little effort when we shook the blanket, too. We also love that this picnic blanket features loops on each corner so you can use stakes to keep it firm to the ground in case of windy conditions (although it’s already the heaviest on our list).

The only thing we don’t love about this blanket is the price—it’s the most expensive out of all the picnic blankets we tested. However, if you want a durable and long-lasting blanket that can withstand frequent use, wet conditions, spills, sand, pet hair, and more, this blanket just might be worth the splurge.

Size: 78 by 55 inches | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Material: Polyester/rayon topside with polyester underside | Extras: Carry bag, stake loops | Machine-Washable: Yes

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It's large enough to stretch out on and comes with a zipper pocket for holding small items.

It's not particularly stain-resistant and is on the bulky side.

This reasonably priced picnic blanket comes with all the bells and whistles of a more expensive blanket: a soft fleece topside with a waterproof backing, a carry case with an extra-long strap, and a zipper pocket for holding onto small items. We liked that it was large enough to stretch out on and that the soft fleece helped to soften the hard ground, although we could still feel the rocks beneath us just a bit.

The manufacturer also suggests placing the blanket on the couch or in the car with the water-proof polyester side up to protect your upholstery from pet hair or stains. The fleece side was not particularly stain-resistant in our testing, although the entire blanket is machine-washable.

Unfortunately, it traps a bit of sand on the fleece side, so we wouldn’t recommend this blanket for the beach. And despite the fact that it rolls up into a convenient carrying bag, it’s on the bulky side of those we tested. However, the soft fleece and polyester backing will carry you into the cooler months for sporting events, picnics, outdoor concerts, campfires, and even indoor use.

Size: 82 by 55 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds | Material: Fleece topside with polyester backing | Extras: Zipper pocket, carry bag with strap | Machine-Washable: Yes

The breathable lightweight is machine-washable and very water-resistant on both sides.

It's a bit challenging to fold up for transport.

This extra-large blanket features a classic gingham pattern that will inspire many family picnics to come. It’s lightweight yet large enough to comfortably seat six to eight adults, and the water-resistant taffeta fabric is extremely stain-resistant. We were able to clean a grape juice spill with just a few wipes, and the sand shook out with ease, making this a great option for those planning on doing lots of eating and drinking on their blanket. Plus, we found this blanket to be very water-resistant on both sides, so laying it over damp grass will be no issue. And for folks with pets or kids, there’s no need to be afraid of this blanket getting dirty, as it’s machine-washable for easy cleanup.

The taffeta fabric is much more breathable and lightweight than your traditional fleece blanket, making it a great pick for warm-weather picnics, camping, sporting events, and more. However, we do wish it provided a bit more cushion, and we found that folding it up for transport took a few tries to get it just right. But overall, this picnic blanket will accommodate large groups and stand up well to messes and spills.

Size: 79 by 79 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Material: Polyester taffeta topside with oxford fabric backing | Extras: Carry handle | Machine-Washable: Yes

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The polyester fabric wipes clean with little effort, and it's easy to fold up.

It's relatively pricey, considering its small size.

Whether it’s spills, sticky hands, pet hair, or crumbs, this tiny but mighty picnic blanket can handle any mess your baby (or fur baby) throws at it. It’s made with a polyester fabric that wipes clean with little effort; in our testing, the grape juice didn’t even leave a stain behind on the white portion of the fabric. But if you have a stain that proves to be a bit more tough, this blanket is machine-washable, too.

This picnic blanket is available in three different sizes, and the smallest size is ideal for accommodating kids, pets, or one to two seated adults (but don’t expect to be able to spread out). We appreciated how easy it is to fold up and that it comes with a carry handle, shoulder strap, and zipper pocket. We were also impressed with the amount of cushion it provided. This not only makes it ideal for use outside, but it also provides a soft surface for indoor playtime. On top of all this, the blanket is available in seven different appealing patterns. Considering its size, this blanket is a bit pricey, but parents looking for an indoor/outdoor playtime mat may find it worth the money.

Size: 60 by 60 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Material: Polyester | Extras: Carry handle, shoulder strap, zipper pocket | Machine-Washable: Yes

It can accommodate multiple people and be zipped up into a small tote with a shoulder strap.

It won't provide much warmth or cushioning.

This lightweight polyester picnic blanket is great for the beach, particularly if you need to accommodate multiple people. The whole thing can be zipped up into a small tote with a shoulder strap, so your hands are free to carry your beach towels and other essentials. Any sand comes off with a simple shake, but where it really impressed was in its ability to repel water: We found that both water and grape juice beaded up on the surface rather than soaking into the blanket, so you won’t be hauling a sopping wet picnic blanket back to the car. However, it is machine-washable if you do have stubborn stains.

This is definitely a summertime blanket, as it's made with a lightweight and breathable polyester. The trade-off here is that it’s not going to provide much warmth in the cooler months, and it doesn’t provide much cushion, either. However, it will serve as a great basecamp for the whole family while at the beach.

Size: 70 by 55 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Material: Polyester | Extras: Zippered tote with pocket and shoulder strap | Machine-Washable: Yes

The whole blanket can be compressed down to less than the size of a water bottle and comes with reinforced stake loops and corner sand pockets.

Water can soak through the parachute material a bit.

Made with 100% parachute nylon, this blanket is the lightest and most portable of all those on our list. The built-in carry sack compresses the whole blanket down to less than the size of a water bottle. The blanket also features two security mechanisms to keep it from flying away in the wind: reinforced stake loops and corner sand pockets.

Overall, this blanket is pretty barebones—it essentially acts as a ground cover between you and the dirt or sand. The water did soak through a bit in our testing, but the blanket dried quickly and the sand shook away easily, so you can pack it back up without worry of mold or mildew. Plus, it is machine-washable. Keep in mind that this will not provide cushion between you and the ground, but it will provide a clean, dry spot to sit when camping, backpacking, hiking, and more.

Size: 84 by 84 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Material: Parachute nylon | Extras: Anchor pockets, reinforced stake loops, carry sack | Machine-Washable: Yes (hang to dry)

Our top pick is the Oniva Blanket Tote because it's the ideal combination of comfort and functionality at a great value. It features a substantial cushion with a soft fleece topside and waterproof backing, making it an excellent choice for camping, picnics, outdoor concerts, sporting events, and more. Plus, it folds up into a tote with long shoulder straps for easy transport. For a nice budget pick, we recommend the Yodo Water-Resistant Picnic Blanket Tote, which is thinner than other picks but lightweight and easy to tote.

We acquired 30 of the best picnic blankets and tested them in our Des Moines lab over two days. We first examined the material and construction of each picnic blanket, considering its overall quality and look. We also took note of whether it included a carrying case, a storage pouch, or straps.

To evaluate the comfort of each picnic blanket, we placed a small rock on the floor and covered it with the picnic blanket and then sat on it to see if it could still be felt. We also laid down on each blanket, noting whether there was room to spread out while still remaining entirely on the blanket.

Next, we evaluated how easy it was to clean each picnic blanket by first sprinkling 1/4 cup of sand on them and shaking off the debris. We also tested each blanket’s stain resistance by pouring one tablespoon of grape juice on the topside of each blanket and allowing it to stand for 30 seconds before wiping it up, noting whether it produced a stain or wiped up easily.

For our final test, we evaluated the durability of each picnic blanket, including its claim to water-resistance: We poured water over each blanket and allowed it to sit for 15 minutes, then wiped it up with a towel, taking note of how much moisture remained.

Afterwards, we learned the price of each product and scored its overall value, considering both its price and performance to help us compile our final list.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Picnic blankets are most commonly made with fleece, nylon, polyester, or some combination of these materials. Fleece offers the most warmth and comfort out of the three, making it ideal for fall and winter camping, sporting events, etc. Picnic blankets made with fleece are usually constructed with a water-resistant backing to protect them from the elements. However, fleece isn’t as stain resistant as nylon or polyester and is known to hold onto dirt and debris.

For warm-weather picnics, camping, or beach trips, a nylon- or polyester-based picnic blanket is going to be more breathable, lightweight, and water-resistant. Plus, these materials are less likely to hold onto grass, sand, dirt, and crumbs.

When deciding on the size for your picnic blanket, consider where your blanket will be used and by whom. “If you’re having a beach picnic, thin blankets work great, but you’ll want to have more coverage than normal to create a big area that doesn’t get sandy,” Hecht says. Smaller picnic blankets (less than 60 inches long) can be used for kids or pets without taking up too much space when rolled up. But for most people, having a blanket that can accommodate a group is important for a picnic, beach day, camping trip, and more. It’s better to have more space than not enough, but do keep in mind that a larger blanket will take up more storage space when not in use.

If you’re planning a picnic or beach day, you may already be juggling a picnic basket, a cooler, chairs, and more—so the last thing you need is a blanket that will weigh you down even further. Classic picnic blankets are designed to be rolled up and carried with a built-in handle, while many space-saving blankets are designed to fold into a small pouch. Some feature a small handle, while others feature a long strap for hands-free transport.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Ideally, a picnic blanket will be both soft enough to comfortably lounge on yet durable enough to withstand anything from twigs to sand to pet paws. To keep your blanket in good condition, you should refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions—some are machine-washable while others should only be spot treated.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Although there are plenty of technical factors to consider, at the end of the day, be sure whichever picnic blanket you choose will be one you’re excited to use. “Don't be afraid to pick something with bright colors and patterns!” Hecht says. “Especially if your home decor skews more neutral, picnics are where you can go with something outside of your normal design wheelhouse.” If you have the ability to carry more than one blanket and want a particularly pleasing picnic setup, Hecht suggests layering blankets and rugs of different sizes: “We usually have one large durable blanket in the center, with three to four rugs of varying sizes and textures placed around the blanket.”

Security: Losing your picnic blanket to a strong gust of wind is a sure way to ruin any outdoor experience. Look for a picnic blanket that is either heavy enough to lay flat without reinforcement, or one that comes with rings to put down stakes or corner pockets that can be filled with sand to keep it pinned down. The latter can be particularly useful if you're dealing with a lightweight picnic blanket, like those made of nylon.

Storage: Some picnic blankets even feature a zipper pocket for storing small items, a useful feature when you're trying to keep everything in one place.

L.L. Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket: This blanket is very similar to our Best Overall pick in terms of construction and comfort, but unlike our Best Overall pick, it's machine-washable. However, we found it a bit difficult to roll up into the carrying case, and it doesn't come with a strap. We think it would be a great choice for the cooler months so long as portability isn't your priority.

Oceas Outdoor Waterproof Blanket: If you live in a cold climate, we think this weatherproof blanket would be great for wrapping around your shoulders during outdoor concerts, sporting events, camping trips, and more. The waterproof backing will keep you dry even in the rain and the cozy fleece will keep you warm.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Unlike regular blankets and beach towels, picnic blankets are designed to accommodate multiple people. They’re typically constructed out of either a sand-repellent and waterproof fabric or a fleece topside with a water-repellent backing, giving you ample protection from the sand and other elements. And unlike a beach towel, most picnic blankets are not designed to absorb water, and if they do, you may be left with a soggy blanket for quite some time.

There is quite a variety of fabrics used to make picnic blankets, so you should always defer to the manufacturer’s care instructions when washing. Many picnic blankets are machine-washable, while others may be spot-clean only. Because so many picnic blankets feature waterproof, stain-resistant fabrics, they’re easy to wipe down between uses and spot-treat or machine-wash only when needed. “At the end of the day, this is a base for a meal and leisure time with friends and family and the last thing you want to be concerned with are spills and cleaning up later,” Hecht says.

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 30 of the best picnic blankets in our lab. Melanie spent hours evaluating testing insights, considering quality, comfort, ease of cleanup, durability, and overall value. For expert insight she spoke with Emily Hecht, co-founder and creative director of Gather Picnic Co., a luxury picnic company in Atlanta.