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Wicker baskets, wine, and finger food from Trader Joe’s… grab the essentials, dear reader, we’re going on a picnic! Spring has sprung and there’s something whimsical about the greater population emerging from their apartments and trekking to the park to lounge on a blanket in the open air simply because the temperature is finally above 65°.
Whether you are seeking a throw that is multi-purpose across various outdoor activities, or interested in picnicking for the sheer aesthetic of it all, we’re here to help you find the perfect blanket to do so.
We scoured the web for the best packable, durable, and Instagram-able picnic blankets that can be found below.
Sand Cloud
Picnics on the beach always sound great in theory until you remember what the beach consists of: sand, wind, and water. Luckily, Sand Cloud ($148) has crafted throw blankets using 100% organic Turkish cotton, making them fast drying, sand resistant, and therefore, the perfect picnic blanket for coastal locations. The Party Blanket is large enough that no one will ever be left out from future beach get-togethers and is machine washable in the event of a spill (it happens). Switch up the vibe of every gathering while still using the same blanket with reversible designs that keep things fresh.
Rumpl
The Original Puffy Blanket ($125) from Rumpl is the brand’s best-selling product for good reason. Filled with the same material found in sleeping bags and insulated jackets, the plush design is comfortable to rest on top of throughout the afternoon. Each puffy blanket has paracord loops on each corner so that they can be staked into the ground, inhibiting the blanket from shifting due to wind or the company on top. A special coating repels water and stains, but if it does somehow manage to get dirty, this blanket is machine washable (as is the included water-resistant stuff sack). The puffy blankets are available in a wide range of colors and prints, but I’m particularly fond of the designs found within the National Parks Collection. Picturesque scenes from 15 national parks across the country are a great statement piece for design enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.
Matador
For picnics on the go, be sure to toss the Pocket Blanket ($34) from Matador into your basket. This ground cover is a truly innovative product considering when folded, it fits within the palm of your hand, yet once fully expanded it can accommodate 2-4 people comfortably. Small but mighty, Matador did not leave out any attention to detail with its pocket blanket; it’s fully water resistant, each corner hosts a small stake to keep the blanket put even on breezy days, and a unique stitch pattern on the reverse side acts as a guide for folding the product back into its compact shape once your afternoon of light bites and fizzy drinks has come to an end.
Pendleton
Pendleton is widely known for its heavyweight made-to-last wool blankets, and the Roll Up Blanket ($169) is perfect for chillier park days. This blanket strikes me as something that Kiel James Patrick would be seen picnicking on given its New England/Americana vibe. Straps help to secure the blanket in place once it is fully rolled up, and a leather carrying handle makes it a chic outdoor accessory. Various plaid prints scream cozy, and the nylon backing that creates a protective barrier between you and the ground below can be easily wiped clean. However, given that the topside of the blanket is made from pure virgin wool, this product is dry clean only.
Mark & Graham
A classic checkered picnic blanket if I ever saw one, Mark & Graham’s Gingham Waterproof Picnic Blanket ($129) has given modern updates to a bonafide throw. Made from a wool blend, this blanket is available in either cherry red or navy gingham and makes the perfect backdrop for a preppy picnic. Tassel fringe edges bring a playful element, and the bottom layer of this double-sided blanket is fully waterproof. A leather carrying handle is included with purchase, and an embroidered monogram can be added for a personal touch. Being that this blanket is spot clean only, I’d reserve it for an adults-only get-together where you don’t have to worry about spills or sticky fingers.
Kammok
Hands are too full of snacks and drinks? Not to worry, the Field Blanket ($95) by Kammok and its seemingly unlimited versatility allow it to be worn as a poncho before you find a suitable spot to lay it out. Snaps that line the edge of “the swiss army knife of blankets” allows it to transform across different modes including a blanket that lays flat, a minimalist sleeping bag, and more. Additionally, if you own multiple blankets from Kammock’s All Adventure line, you can use the snap-and-loop integration system to join several blankets together making your surface area to entertain even larger. Once you’re ready to pack up for the day, you can store this blanket in the included waterproof stuff sack for safekeeping.
Life’s A Picnic
And there you have it – no matter if you’d rather enjoy afternoon lunch at the beach, in the mountains, or at your local park, there’s a picnic blanket for you. All that’s left to do is round up a few close friends and assign out who is bringing what and you’ll be all set. Happy snacking!
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