BeiLan Mini Pocket Picnic Blanket Durable Lightweight Waterproof Sand Proof Beach Camping Travel Mat Foldable Thin Ground Sheet for Outdoors Activities (70 * 110cm, Black & Red)

Product Information

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. 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.

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,” says Emily Hecht, co-founder and creative director of Gather Picnic Co. 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. We’re of the opinion that 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. Portability Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What's the difference between a picnic blanket and a regular blanket? While it may take some practice to refold this blanket correctly, it is secured by a bungee wrap and has a carrying strap. There's also a zippered pouch where you could store items such as your keys, and you can adjust the shoulder strap for easy carrying. Dirt and sand fell off this blanket after just a few shakes during our testing, and though liquid does soak into the fleece fabric, it’s fairly easy to blot out. The one big downside of this picnic blanket is you can't machine wash it, so you have to spot-clean any stains. However, it’s a good value considering its large size and quality construction. While our testers rated all of these highly, they found virtually nothing to dislike in the L.L. Bean Waterproof Outdoor Blanket. From its soft and comfy topside to waterproof underside to large size to easy cleaning, it’s the perfect blanket for any outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer a grassy knoll or a sandy perch to enjoy wine and a cheese board—or perhaps your favorite deli sandwich—the right picnic blanket to host your feast makes all the difference in your dining experience. But any old blanket won't do. The best picnic blanket should be waterproof to keep away damp grass and offer the right amount of comfort to lounge on.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. Next, we evaluated how easy it was to clean each picnic blanket by first sprinkling ¼ cup of sand on each and then 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. 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—it’s machine-washable for easy cleanup.

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. 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. A picnic blanket's material impacts its comfort, durability, and resistance to moisture. While most traditional blankets are made from fleece and wool, such materials will not withstand wet and sandy conditions on their own. Most modern picnic blankets are made from cotton, polyester, or a water-proofed blend. “Look for two things: water resistance and a material that won't attract grass and leaves,” says Lauren Kimmons, owner of Pop Up Picnic Co. Picnic blankets for the beach also are frequently seen in nylon or polypropylene, since both materials are lightweight and make it easy to shake off sand and debris. Given that this blanket is made by Yeti, our testers weren’t surprised by the price tag — or by the high quality. “It would be a good splurge item, especially if you have messy kids or go on lots of outdoor adventures where the blanket will be experiencing wear and tear and wet conditions,” our tester said. Indeed, despite the cushy and comforter-like topside, liquid pooled on top and was a cinch to blot away. The underside is completely waterproof, and the blanket has loops at the corners that allow you to stake it down on windy days.Wekapo Sand-Free Blanket: We were excited by this blanket's "sand-free" name, and testing proved that the smooth material allows sand to easily rolls off of it. However, this blanket is not waterproof and we're wary of how the combination of wet bathing suits and nearby sand would affect this blanket's performance. If you plan to not get in the water at the beach, then this blanket may not be for you, but families with eager children may want to opt for a definitively waterproof design. Whether you're headed to the park or the beach with a picnic basket or to an outdoor party or event, a quality blanket can really elevate your experience. The best picnic blankets will provide a comfortable barrier between you and the ground, while also keeping you dry and shielded from the ground.