In a rush? Our top pick for the best wool blanket for camping is the Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus. It’s our go-to blanket for unbeatable warmth, exceptional durability, and top-notch comfort. This particular blanket has been a source of warmth and comfort many a camping trips, plus it’s the most affordable blanket on this list, so you’re getting the best bang for your buck at a price that won’t break the bank.
We also understand that this wool blanket may not be everyone’s top choice, so we’ve assembled our other top picks below. That way you can pick the best wool blanket for camping that best matches your needs, desires, and budget.
When it comes to timeless versatility, nothing really compares to wool blankets. It’s an essential item on any camper’s checklist, and we think it could be your new favorite blanket of all time. Whether you’re chilling by the campfire, using it as an extra layer over your sleeping bag, sitting on it as a picnic blanket, or hanging out at home waiting for your next weekend away, these wool blankets for camping will be a trusty companion for years and years to come.
5 Best Wool Blankets for Camping
These are our picks for the best wool blanket for camping:
- Editor’s Choice – Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
- Best Merino Wool – Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. Merino Wool Camp Blanket
- Highest Quality – Pendleton Yakima Camp Wool Blanket
- Softest Wool Blanket – Mountain Blanket by Sackcloth & Ashes
- Highest Wool Percentage – Wool Blanket by EKTOS
Our #1 Recommendation: Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus
Affordability: 5/5
Quality: 4.8/5
Features: 5/5
The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket takes the top spot because of its impressive all around performance, which combines exceptional warmth and robust materials that are perfect for all your camping adventures. Full Review
Best Merino Wool: Camping Blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co.
Affordability: 4.8/5
Quality: 5/5
Features: 4.9/5
Crafted from Merino wool, this blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. offers a more luxurious feel while still being tough enough to handle the outdoors. Full Review
Highest Quality: Yakima Camp Wool Blanket by Pendleton
Affordability: 4.6/5
Quality: 5/5
Features: 5/5
This Pendleton Camp Wool Blanket is our #3 pick because it is the epitome of quality craftmanship, functional excellence, and a timeless design. Full Review
Editor’s Choice – Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus
There’s a lot to love about the Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus, which is why it took the top spot as our Editor’s Choice best wool camping blanket. Not only is it exceptionally warm, but it’s also an incredibly affordable price and is a large size that’s perfect for one or two people.
First, let’s talk about warmth. As with any wool camping blanket, warmth is a primary concern and this Military Wool Blanket held its own on several cold weather camping trips in the fall months. Even when the temperature dropped after the sun went down, this blanket kept me comfortable and warm throughout the whole evening and night. This is because of the high wool percentage (80%) and tight loom weave that seals in warmth.
Second, let’s discuss durability. Wool is a decently sturdy material on its own, especially when you combine it with the military-grade construction by Arcturus. I feel like this blanket is ready to be dragged across camp, slept on, and thrown into the back of my 4Runner for years and years to come.
And then there’s the size – at 4.5 pounds and 64″x 88″ (5.3ft. x 7.3ft.), it’s large enough to full wrap around one person comfortably with extra to spare. If you want to share it with your camping buddy, then there’s enough durable material to cover the laps of two people, plus some extra to wrap around your legs.
Even though this blanket is mainly made of wool, you’re still able to machine wash it (front loading wash machine on gentle cold wash cycle with wool detergent), but you should hang dry it for best results. That being said, it’s triple washed during production and wool is naturally odor-resistant, so you shouldn’t have to wash this blanket very often. It’s usable and clean straight out of the box, which is possibility my favorite feature of this wool camping blanket.
Essentially, if you’re on the hunt for a wool blanket for camping that performs particularly well in a variety of situations, you won’t find a more reliable option or a better value than this Arcturus blanket.
Specifications
- Materials: 80% Wool, 20% Synthetic (8% polyester, 10% nylon, 2% other)
- Dimensions: 64″ x 88″
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Pros
- Remarkably affordable price
- Machine washable
- Comes in 9 different colors
- Loom-woven and hemmed on all sides – which means it looks great
- Never treated with toxic flame-retardant chemicals
Cons
Best Merino Wool – Merino Wool Camping Blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co.
This Merino Wool Camp Blanket by Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. is our #2 choice wool blanket for camping. We love its generous size, premium quality, and luxurious feel since it’s made of a softer wool. It strikes a fantastic balance between luxury and practicality, and the affordable price won’t make your head spin.
First off, the comfort and softness of this blanket is off the charts for a wool material. It uses Merino wool, which is known for its soft and fine wool fibers. It has all the benefits of wool, but it’s not as scratchy as the other wool camping blankets on this list. Where other wool blankets may be too rough for direct contact with your skin, we didn’t have to worry about that with this Woolly Mammoth blanket.
One of the biggest benefits of Merino wool blankets is that they have really great thermoregulation, meaning they help regulate your body temperature. This is especially seen in Merino wool clothing, which is moisture wicking and can keep you warm in the cold months and cool in the summer. We found that if we were a little chilly, fairly cold, or if we just wanted an extra layer of warmth, this blanket will kept us comfortable in a wide variety of temperatures and conditions.
At four pounds, it may not be as hefty as the Arcturus blanket above, but it still performs extraordinarily well and thrives in a variety of conditions and temperatures. It made those serene moments by the campfire even more enjoyable, and it has survived multiple camping trips so far.
Even though the wool is softer, this blanket is built to last and is still a great value. It’s a stellar choice for those who want a Merino wool camping blanket that’s better suited for comfort and a touch of luxury in the great outdoors.
Specifications
- Materials: 80% Merino wool fibers, 12% polyester, 5% nylon, 3% other
- Dimensions: 66″ x 90″
- Weight: 4 lbs.
Pros
- Made from Merino wool, which is softer than traditional wool
- Merino wool blankets excel at helping you maintain a good body temperature
- High quality weave blocks cool breezes
- Not treated with flame-retardant chemicals
Cons
- Dry clean only
Highest Quality – Pendleton Yakima Camp Wool Blanket
The Yakima Camp Wool Blanket by Pendleton pairs top-tier quality with a timeless style and design that fits in perfectly at camp or at home. Most wool camping blankets can’t compare to the classic Pendleton wool standard, which is why we’ve selected this blanket as the highest quality option on this list.
First and foremost, the craftmanship from Pendleton is impeccable. The Pendleton name is synonymous with quality and their Yakima Camp Blanket lives up to the hype for sure. It’s made from virgin wool (86%) and cotton (14%), which provides excellent warmth and insulation. I’ve been camping on some cold nights, and this wool camping blanket never left me longing for more warmth.
The aesthetic appeal is another reason why this blanket stands out. Almost everyone knows the Pendleton name, and their patterns/colors are inspired by the American West. It provides a certain level of rustic charm to your camping setup, then you can bring it inside while you’re home to elevate your living room or bedroom as well.
Our only complaint about this wool blanket is the higher price tag, but that’s to be expected with a higher quality brand like Pendleton. That being said, the premium features and lovely design make any Pendleton wool blankets a worthy long-term investment for comfort and style in a wide range of environments. Buying the Pendleton Yakima is a decision you won’t regret.
P.S. – this wool camping blanket is also available in a queen sized version, making it the perfect over-sized wool blanket for camping (queen measures 90″ x 90″).
Specifications
- Materials: 86% virgin wool, 14% cotton
- Dimensions: 66″ x 84″
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Pros
- Also comes in a large queen size
- Impeccable craftmanship sets this blanket apart
- Classic pattern inspired by the American West
- Virgin wool is from a sheep’s first sheer, making is softer and more fine
- Made in the USA
Cons
- One of the most expensive wool blankets on this list, but that’s because of its high quality craftmanship and materials
- Dry clean only
Softest Wool Blanket – Mountain Blanket by Sackcloth & Ashes
The Mountain Blanket by Sackcloth & Ashes is #4 on our list and is the softest wool blanket by far. We were pleasantly surprised by its silky texture, so if you’re someone who values comfort over anything else, then this is the blanket for you.
The first thing we noticed with this blanket is how much softer it is than the other wool blankets on this list. It uses a unique blend of recycled materials to create unparalleled softness that feels like a cloud.
This incredibly soft feel is also the blanket’s biggest downside – it’s made of only 20% wool. That’s the lowest percentage wool on this list and some may even refrain from calling it a ‘wool blanket.’ However, we think that its features outweigh this complaint, so in our minds it’s still one of the top wool blankets.
Continuing on, we do love the print on this wool blanket and think it’s the best on this whole list. It’s a unique mountain design that, combined with the frayed edges, creates a really beautiful camping blanket that looks great both outdoors and indoors.
As a bonus, it’s the most sustainably produced blanket on this list and is made from recycled materials using a water-free, dye-free, and chemical-free process. Sackcloth & Ashes is also a Climate Neutral Certified Brand as well, so your purchase of this blanket doesn’t negatively impact the environment like the others on this list.
Beyond the environmental impact, this wool camping blanket also has a great social impact. For every blanket sold, Sackcloth & Ashes donates another to a homeless shelter. This means you’re contributing to a meaningful cause, supporting environmental sustainability, and investing in a great piece of camping gear all in one product!
Specifications
- Materials: 50% recycled polycotton, 25% recycled polyester, 20% recycled wool, 5% other
- Dimensions: 72″ x 60″
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Pros
- Made in Italy
- Mostly made of recycled materials
- Process is dye-free, chemical-free, and water-free
- Brand is Climate Neutral Certified
- The brand donates a blanket to a homeless shelter for each blanket purchased
Cons
- Lowest wool percentage on this list
Highest Wool Percentage – Wool Blanket by EKTOS
Last but not least on our list is this Wool Blanket by EKTOS. It’s one of the most budget-friendly wool blankets and it has a lot going for it, the main advantage being its high percentage of wool (100%) that’s higher than any other option on this list.
If you want the highest percentage wool possible, then this blanket is perfect for you. No blanket can be made of 100% wool (more on that later), so this 90% wool camping blanket is about as high as you can get. You can have all the benefits of wool to the max, such as thermoregulation, durability, warmth, odor-resistance and more.
The only downside of this blanket is also it’s biggest benefit – the high amount of wool can leave this blanket feeling scratchy and not soft. It’s not comfortable to use against bare skin, but if it’s cold enough for a blanket you will probably have long sleeves and pants on anyway.
Specifications
- Materials: 100% wool
- Dimensions: 90″ x 66″
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
Pros
- Highest percentage wool on this list
- Very affordable price
- 8 color/design options
- No flame retardant chemicals
- Machine washable
Cons
- Higher percentage of wool means it can be scratchier
How We Tested, Reviewed, And Rated The Best Wool Blankets for Camping
We love outdoor gear, and we love recommending camping gear that adds value to our outdoor adventure. We know and understand the importance of having gear that’s worth every penny, so we thoroughly research and test every product we recommend. No matter how we procure an item, our goal is to remain as unbiased as possible, and we put it to the test against its competitors to find the best and worst features.
We also understand that each adventurer is different, and our favorite wool camping blanket may not be yours. That’s why we rate and review a wide variety of products currently available, so you can see a breakdown of all the features and pick what’s best for you and your situation.
Why Choose a Wool Blanket for Camping?
Wool blankets are awesome for camping, but why would you choose wool over other blanket materials like fleece, cotton, polyester, a heated blanket, or even puffy modern camping blankets? Wool is naturally warm, fire-resistant, great at moisture management, odor-resistant, and it can provide warmth even when it’s wet. All of these features make for a great camping blanket, so it makes sense to make a wool camping blanket.
Most people may not know that wool is naturally fire-resistant, which is quite beneficial when you’re sitting around the campfire. You can stay warm and cozy without worrying about a stray ember catching your blanket on fire. It can also go a long time between washes since it’s naturally odor-resistant, making it a great option for lots of camping adventures where you don’t wash your blanket every time.
Wool camping blankets are also ideal for thermoregulation, or body temperature regulation. While other fabrics may not be warm enough, wool’s insulating properties help it stand out from other materials. Plus, it can help keep you warm, even when its wet.
You’ll notice that none of the best camping blankets above are made from 100% wool. It’s rare and practically impossible to find something that’s all wool because the fibers are so short that you can’t create a whole garment that stays together. That’s where about 10-20% of synthetic materials come in – their longer fibers secure the wool’s weave, which minimizes shedding and adds years of life to your blanket.
Comparison Table
Thing to Consider When Choosing a Wool Blanket For Camping
There are a few things to take into consideration when browsing the best wool camping blankets: wool percentage & softness, weight, washability, and price. These features will help you pick the best blanket for you and your needs, so it’s worth exploring these factors before purchasing.
Wool Percentage & Softness
Obviously, if you’re shopping for high quality wool blankets then one of the first things to consider is the wool percentage. High percentage wool blankets offer excellent durability and natural insulation, but they can also be on the itchier side. On the other hand, a blend of synthetic fibers with less wool can offer a softer feel without sacrificing too much warmth in the process, but they will be made of less natural materials.
If you specifically want a camping blanket with lots of wool, then there’s several options above that fit the bill. In fact, all of them besides one has at least 80% or more wool, so these are all great options. The Mountain Blanket by Sackcloth & Ashes is the only one that has a low percentage of wool, but it’s also the softest blanket that’s produced in the most environmentally sustainable way. The EKTOS blanket has the highest percentage of wool (90%), but that also means it can be prone to feeling itchy instead of super comfortable.
Weight
You’ll notice that we included weight in each blanket’s specifications, but this isn’t necessarily because we’re concerned about how much they weigh. Wool blankets aren’t meant for backpacking, so there’s no reason to be concerned about it weighing too much.
In the world of wool blankets, weight is actually a good thing. The heavier the blanket, the thicker the material will be (aka warmth to weight ratio). Even though there’s several different sizes of camp blankets above, the weight helps give you a general idea of who thick the material is. For example, our Editor’s Choice Arcturus blanket weighs about 4.5 pounds. On the other hand, lightweight wool blankets may weigh 2-3 pounds even though they have similar dimensions.
You can see how heavy duty wool blankets inherently weigh more, so this helps you determine quality and warmth.
Washability
Let’s be real, car camping isn’t exactly a clean endeavor. Between the dirt, mud, campfire soot, and occasional marshmallow mishaps, your wool blanket is bound to get dirty. Not all wool camp blankets are easy to clean, and many require dry cleaning, meaning they can be more difficult to care for than synthetic blankets. A machine-washable option, like the Arcturus Wool blanket and the EKTOS Wool Blanket I mentioned earlier, can be a godsend for those who’d rather spend more time adventuring and less time fussing over laundry.
Pro tip: Check the care instructions before making your purchase; your future self will thank you.
Price
Finally, there’s the matter of price. These best wool blankets for camping can vary widely in cost, depending on the brand, the quality of the wool, and other features like sustainable materials or car camping blankets that are made in the USA. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that you’re investing in something you’ll likely use for many years.
However, there are also solid budget-friendly choices that don’t skimp on quality. Setting a budget before you start shopping can help narrow down your options and ensure you get the most bang for your buck. In my years of outdoor adventures, I’ve found that spending a little extra upfront can save you in the long run, especially when it comes to gear as essential as a good wool blanket.
The Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is the most expensive camp blanket on this list, but it’s also the highest quality blanket. The trade-off is that you’re investing in a high quality piece of camping gear that will last you years, if not decades, with proper maintenance.
On the other hand, the Editor’s Choice Arcturus is the most affordable option on this list. It’s a similar size and weight as the Yakima, so you aren’t sacrificing much by going with the more affordable option. If anything, the main way that the Pendleton Yakima wins is because of its classic design that adds a rustic charm to its surroundings (plus it’s made in the USA).
FAQ
Are wool blankets good for camping?
Yes, wool blankets are great for camping! Wool has a natural odor-resistance, warmth, fire-resistance (which is great for sitting around the campfire), and can keep you warm even when they’re wet. These are all great features in a camping blanket, so putting together wool and camping blankets makes complete sense.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wool blanket for your next camping trip is more than just picking the first one you see on the shelf. Factors like wool percentage, weight, washability, and price all come into play, each contributing to how well the blanket will serve you in various outdoor scenarios. From the luxurious feel of the Pendleton Yakima Camp Wool Blanket to the budget-friendly yet durable Wool Blanket by EKTOS, there’s something for every camper’s needs and budget.
Take your time to assess what matters most to you, whether it’s the softness of the material, the weight of the wool material, or the ease with which you can clean it after a rugged weekend in the woods. Trust me, a little forethought goes a long way in ensuring you stay warm, extremely cozy, and ready for whatever the great outdoors has in store. So go ahead, make your pick, and let the adventures begin!
Our #1 Recommendation: Military Wool Blanket by Arcturus
The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket takes the top spot because of its impressive all around performance, which combines exceptional warmth and robust materials that are perfect for all your future camping trips.
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