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To Find the Best Picnic Blankets, I Used Them in the Park and at the Beach (and Fended Off a Few Seagulls)

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Picnicking is romantic. Food is packed up and carefully stacked in a wicker basket or cooler, and then you sit on a cute blanket and nosh and laugh and maybe watch clouds. And said cute picnic blanket is what arguably makes a picnic a picnic—without it, you’re just sitting on grass and getting stains on your trousers. I love hosting an outdoor dinner or lunch soirée, so I set out to find the best picnic blankets by testing 13 of them. This involved lifting two 20-pound dumbbells, eating ham sandwiches and sushi, fending off seagulls and ants, and of course, having a grand old time in the great outdoors. The result: I found eight of the best picnic blankets you can buy, so you too can have a picturesque outdoor meal without fear of a grass-stained posterior.

Our Top Picks
Pendleton Outdoor Packable Blanket

Pendleton Outdoor Packable Blanket

What we liked: This lightweight blanket easily folded into a bag, complete with a handle and shoulder strap. It was also comfy to sit on, stayed dry on damp grass and relatively sand-free on the beach, and fit three people comfortably. Oh, and it comes in a few fun colors and patterns and is reasonably priced. What more could I ask for? It had to be a winner.
scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Great for The Beach, Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof

scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Great for The Beach, Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof

【Soft and Durable】Made of multiple layers, our picnic mat has thickened and sturdy fabric on the top, soft cotton for middle and solid fabric backing. Perfectly suitable for sitting or laying on grass, beach, floor or any kindly of surface, giving you soft and comfortable feelings. 【Easy to Clean】Outdoor picnic blanket is super easy to clean due to its double-sided waterproof surface and backing, easily shake & wipe off dirt, mud, wet grass, and beach sand. And you could put it into washing machine to save your time and liberate both hands.
YETI Lowlands Blanket, Multi-Use Blanket with Travel Bag

YETI Lowlands Blanket, Multi-Use Blanket with Travel Bag

Polyester DOUBLEDUTY COMFORT - Durable and waterproof on the outside, padded and insulated on the inside HYDROBARRIER - The waterproof layer is immune to wet ground of any kind MACHINE WASH & DRY - Throw it in with other like laundry. End of story PET PROTECTED - Supremely soft and easily shakes off pet hair with ease MEASURES - 55 in x 78 unfolded and Packs up neatly in its included carry bag
Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

PORTABLE PICNIC BLANKET - The boho vibes are strong with the Montecito Picnic Blanket with Harness - an easy-carry, water-resistant, cozy picnic blanket has never looked better; XL PICNIC BLANKET - Picnic mat spreads to 60 by 70 inches - plenty of room for you, your honey, and some friends - and features cotton on top for comfort, and polyester on the bottom for water resistance;
ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand - Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket - Beach Blanket - Camping Blanket

ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand - Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket - Beach Blanket - Camping Blanket

OUTDOOR BLANKET - The Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket by Oniva, a Picnic Time brand, makes outside hangouts better at the picnic, the beach, out camping, and more WATER RESISTANT - This extra large foldable picnic blanket features a cozy soft polyester fleece top side with durable water-resistant underside BIG BEACH BLANKET SET - Easy fold extra large outdoor camp blanket packs down into an attractive tote with adjustable shoulder strap and zippered pocket in the flap BEST PICNIC BLANKET - This large portable picnic blanket measures 70 by 80 inches when open - plenty of room for 4, 5, and more - and folds up neatly into a small 18 by 11 by 5 inch tote BUILT TO LAST Lifetime Guarantee - Product quality backed by the Picnic Time Family of Brands, a family-owned business in California
NEMO Equipment Victory Blanket - X-Large - Picnic: Atacama Daybreak

NEMO Equipment Victory Blanket - X-Large - Picnic: Atacama Daybreak

From beach to festival to backyard, Victory Picnic blanket creates an inviting zone for hanging out. Waterproof bottom resists dirt, sand, and water. Packs up into a secure and tidy blanket roll, with integrated elastic straps and convenient handle for easy carry. Corner loops can be staked down for blustery days. Reinforced corner webbing with grommets accepts pole ends to match perfectly with our screenhouse and sunshade shelters.
Nomadix Festival Blanket

Nomadix Festival Blanket

What we liked: I loved the silky, soft surface of this picnic blanket (and the fun patterns!). It has loops on the corners for stakes (which are not included), but it’s also heavy enough that it stays flat even on a breezy beach. While it doesn’t have a carrying case or pouch, it folds up small enough to slip into a backpack or tote.
Scuddles Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Scuddles Outdoor Picnic Blanket

What we liked: This lightweight blanket folds up easily into a neat little roll with a handle. The surface was soft and plush and comfy to sit on, even when a rock snuck into the sand underneath. My sister and I had plenty of room to enjoy our beach picnic lunch, too. Plus, it’s less than $20 and comes in a few sizes.
Yeti Lowlands Blanket

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

What we liked: This is almost like a quilt—it’s that soft, cushy, and comfy. “I’d use it for my blanket at night,” I wrote in my notes. I admit I was tempted to lie down and take a nap on it. But for the good of this review (and my job security), I stayed awake. Okay, back to what else was great about it: It stayed dry in damp grass and, since it’s hefty, it didn’t move a lick even on a gusty beach day. It was also surprisingly easy to roll up and tuck back into its bag, which sports a shoulder strap.
Matador Pocket Blanket

Matador Pocket Blanket

What we liked: If your idea of a picnic is eating some backpacking food trailside on a hiking adventure, this is the blanket for you. It’s tiny, weighs less than an avocado (I actually weighed an avocado to confirm this), and has built-in stakes to keep it taut on the ground. It’s best for solo picnics, though you could squeeze a friend on it if you don’t mind being cozy.
Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

What we liked: The top of this blanket is soft and woven with a pretty pattern, while the bottom is lined with waterproof material: It’s the best of both worlds. I’d grab this blanket if I wanted to impress my friends or spouse with a dreamy picnic spread (complete with tea cakes, finger sandwiches, and cold lemonade). The weave construction seemed sturdy, too.
Oniva Elba Tote Picnic Blanket

Oniva Elba Tote Picnic Blanket

What we liked: The fleece-lined top of this blanket is soft and comfortable (and screams autumnal picnic date). It’s easy to pack, lightweight, and has a built-in handle for toting and a corded loop closure to keep it rolled up.
NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket

NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket

What we liked: This is the limousine of picnic blankets: It’s big, and it can hold a lot of food and people. While all of the other blankets I tested were around 60 by 70 inches, the Nemo added about 30 inches per side. (And there’s an even larger offering, too, though I think the XL size I tested is big enough.) The top of the blanket was soft and comfortable to sit on, and I liked that it had a built-in strap system to pack it up—trying to fold this thing and fit it into a bag would’ve been a Sisyphean task. The hidden zipper pouch was a nice touch, too—I put my keys and phone in it when I went for a dip in the sea.
PENDLETON Yakima Camp Blanket (Oxford, Throw)

PENDLETON Yakima Camp Blanket (Oxford, Throw)

This blanket is pretty, packs up easily, and kept me, my friends, and our lunch safe from damp grass and sand. (The seagulls were another story.) It’s also lightweight and has a built-in shoulder strap. Cotton Made in the USA or Imported Pure virgin wool/cotton Dry clean Fabric woven in our American mills
Nomadix Original Towel - Perfect for Beach, Pool, Travel, Camping, Yoga - Made with Recycled Materials - Super Absorbent - Sand Resistant

Nomadix Original Towel - Perfect for Beach, Pool, Travel, Camping, Yoga - Made with Recycled Materials - Super Absorbent - Sand Resistant

80% Polyester/20% Nylon/ Made With Post-Consumer Recycled Materials: We aren't using virgin plastic to make our products. We source already used plastics to build our towels. Super Absorbent MicroTerry Fabric: Our MicroTerry Fiber is made with small loops, which means that it is super absorbent, absorbing 4x more than regular cotton towels. Designed To Resist Odor: Our towels are meant to go anywhere so they are designed to dry quickly without leaving behind a musty funk. Save on water by washing less. Sand Resistant & Incredible Versatility: There is a reason why we call it the only towel you'll ever need. Our towels are resistant to sand & moisture activated slip resistance means it's perfect for yoga. Lightweight & packs down incredibly small. Colors That Won't Bleed: We always print our designs, never using dyes. Dyes bleed, not only fading the vibrancy of your towel's prints, but they pollute our waterways.
Hap Tim Picnic Basket Backpack for 2 Person with Insulated Cooler Compartment,Wine Holder,Fleece Blanket,Cutlery Set,Perfect for Beach Camping Party,Gifts for Boys Girls,Blue (36083-BL)

Hap Tim Picnic Basket Backpack for 2 Person with Insulated Cooler Compartment,Wine Holder,Fleece Blanket,Cutlery Set,Perfect for Beach Camping Party,Gifts for Boys Girls,Blue (36083-BL)

LARGE 25 CAN INSULATED COOLER COMPARTMENTS: This backpack picnic basket owns 3 COOLER compartments - Biggest central compartment size holds around 10L/25 Cans - 1.5 times capacity of others, it is leak proof backpack cooler storing drinks with ice pack. Top pocket size hold around 3.5L, not 100% leakproof but insulated, better for storing dry foods . Side wine holder is good for a large bottle. This is an impressed large picnic bag good for any party or concert. ERGONOMICS & COMFORTABLE PICNIC BACKPACK : For any large size backpack picnic set, wearing on back should be comfortable. Try this one! Ergonormic design make you feel it easy when you carry heavy load with picnic set for long trip,hiking,and camping . Absolutely proudly to be wedding gift baskets for young couples! SUPERIOR QUALITY: Picnic bag made of strong polyester fabric with back waterproof PU coating, non-fraying stitching, heavy duty zippers, lasting for years. The wine glass, plate, and chopping board made of plastic are lightweight,strong, and not easy to break comparing with glass or porcelain,especially good for outdoor use. PREMIUM PICNIC SET SUPPLIES:Cutlery set includes 2×(stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, dinner plates, cotton napkins, wine glasses ) & 1×cheesetter knife & 1×bottle opener & 2×Salt/pepper shakers & 1×plastic chopping board, + Water resistant fleece blanket.
Pendleton Outdoor Packable Blanket

Pendleton Outdoor Packable Blanket

What we liked: This lightweight blanket easily folded into a bag, complete with a handle and shoulder strap. It was also comfy to sit on, stayed dry on damp grass and relatively sand-free on the beach, and fit three people comfortably. Oh, and it comes in a few fun colors and patterns and is reasonably priced. What more could I ask for? It had to be a winner.

scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Great for The Beach, Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof

scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Great for The Beach, Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof

【Soft and Durable】Made of multiple layers, our picnic mat has thickened and sturdy fabric on the top, soft cotton for middle and solid fabric backing. Perfectly suitable for sitting or laying on grass, beach, floor or any kindly of surface, giving you soft and comfortable feelings. 【Easy to Clean】Outdoor picnic blanket is super easy to clean due to its double-sided waterproof surface and backing, easily shake & wipe off dirt, mud, wet grass, and beach sand. And you could put it into washing machine to save your time and liberate both hands.

YETI Lowlands Blanket, Multi-Use Blanket with Travel Bag

YETI Lowlands Blanket, Multi-Use Blanket with Travel Bag

Polyester DOUBLEDUTY COMFORT - Durable and waterproof on the outside, padded and insulated on the inside HYDROBARRIER - The waterproof layer is immune to wet ground of any kind MACHINE WASH & DRY - Throw it in with other like laundry. End of story PET PROTECTED - Supremely soft and easily shakes off pet hair with ease MEASURES - 55 in x 78 unfolded and Packs up neatly in its included carry bag

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

PORTABLE PICNIC BLANKET - The boho vibes are strong with the Montecito Picnic Blanket with Harness - an easy-carry, water-resistant, cozy picnic blanket has never looked better; XL PICNIC BLANKET - Picnic mat spreads to 60 by 70 inches - plenty of room for you, your honey, and some friends - and features cotton on top for comfort, and polyester on the bottom for water resistance;

ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand - Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket - Beach Blanket - Camping Blanket

ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand - Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket - Beach Blanket - Camping Blanket

OUTDOOR BLANKET - The Blanket Tote XL Outdoor Picnic Blanket by Oniva, a Picnic Time brand, makes outside hangouts better at the picnic, the beach, out camping, and more WATER RESISTANT - This extra large foldable picnic blanket features a cozy soft polyester fleece top side with durable water-resistant underside BIG BEACH BLANKET SET - Easy fold extra large outdoor camp blanket packs down into an attractive tote with adjustable shoulder strap and zippered pocket in the flap BEST PICNIC BLANKET - This large portable picnic blanket measures 70 by 80 inches when open - plenty of room for 4, 5, and more - and folds up neatly into a small 18 by 11 by 5 inch tote BUILT TO LAST Lifetime Guarantee - Product quality backed by the Picnic Time Family of Brands, a family-owned business in California

NEMO Equipment Victory Blanket - X-Large - Picnic: Atacama Daybreak

NEMO Equipment Victory Blanket - X-Large - Picnic: Atacama Daybreak

From beach to festival to backyard, Victory Picnic blanket creates an inviting zone for hanging out. Waterproof bottom resists dirt, sand, and water. Packs up into a secure and tidy blanket roll, with integrated elastic straps and convenient handle for easy carry. Corner loops can be staked down for blustery days. Reinforced corner webbing with grommets accepts pole ends to match perfectly with our screenhouse and sunshade shelters.

Nomadix Festival Blanket

Nomadix Festival Blanket

What we liked: I loved the silky, soft surface of this picnic blanket (and the fun patterns!). It has loops on the corners for stakes (which are not included), but it’s also heavy enough that it stays flat even on a breezy beach. While it doesn’t have a carrying case or pouch, it folds up small enough to slip into a backpack or tote.

Scuddles Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Scuddles Outdoor Picnic Blanket

What we liked: This lightweight blanket folds up easily into a neat little roll with a handle. The surface was soft and plush and comfy to sit on, even when a rock snuck into the sand underneath. My sister and I had plenty of room to enjoy our beach picnic lunch, too. Plus, it’s less than $20 and comes in a few sizes.

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

What we liked: This is almost like a quilt—it’s that soft, cushy, and comfy. “I’d use it for my blanket at night,” I wrote in my notes. I admit I was tempted to lie down and take a nap on it. But for the good of this review (and my job security), I stayed awake. Okay, back to what else was great about it: It stayed dry in damp grass and, since it’s hefty, it didn’t move a lick even on a gusty beach day. It was also surprisingly easy to roll up and tuck back into its bag, which sports a shoulder strap.

Matador Pocket Blanket

Matador Pocket Blanket

What we liked: If your idea of a picnic is eating some backpacking food trailside on a hiking adventure, this is the blanket for you. It’s tiny, weighs less than an avocado (I actually weighed an avocado to confirm this), and has built-in stakes to keep it taut on the ground. It’s best for solo picnics, though you could squeeze a friend on it if you don’t mind being cozy.

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

Picnic Time Picnic Blanket with Harness

What we liked: The top of this blanket is soft and woven with a pretty pattern, while the bottom is lined with waterproof material: It’s the best of both worlds. I’d grab this blanket if I wanted to impress my friends or spouse with a dreamy picnic spread (complete with tea cakes, finger sandwiches, and cold lemonade). The weave construction seemed sturdy, too.

Oniva Elba Tote Picnic Blanket

Oniva Elba Tote Picnic Blanket

What we liked: The fleece-lined top of this blanket is soft and comfortable (and screams autumnal picnic date). It’s easy to pack, lightweight, and has a built-in handle for toting and a corded loop closure to keep it rolled up.

NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket

NEMO Victory Picnic Blanket

What we liked: This is the limousine of picnic blankets: It’s big, and it can hold a lot of food and people. While all of the other blankets I tested were around 60 by 70 inches, the Nemo added about 30 inches per side. (And there’s an even larger offering, too, though I think the XL size I tested is big enough.) The top of the blanket was soft and comfortable to sit on, and I liked that it had a built-in strap system to pack it up—trying to fold this thing and fit it into a bag would’ve been a Sisyphean task. The hidden zipper pouch was a nice touch, too—I put my keys and phone in it when I went for a dip in the sea.

PENDLETON Yakima Camp Blanket (Oxford, Throw)

PENDLETON Yakima Camp Blanket (Oxford, Throw)

This blanket is pretty, packs up easily, and kept me, my friends, and our lunch safe from damp grass and sand. (The seagulls were another story.) It’s also lightweight and has a built-in shoulder strap. Cotton Made in the USA or Imported Pure virgin wool/cotton Dry clean Fabric woven in our American mills

Nomadix Original Towel - Perfect for Beach, Pool, Travel, Camping, Yoga - Made with Recycled Materials - Super Absorbent - Sand Resistant

Nomadix Original Towel - Perfect for Beach, Pool, Travel, Camping, Yoga - Made with Recycled Materials - Super Absorbent - Sand Resistant

80% Polyester/20% Nylon/ Made With Post-Consumer Recycled Materials: We aren't using virgin plastic to make our products. We source already used plastics to build our towels. Super Absorbent MicroTerry Fabric: Our MicroTerry Fiber is made with small loops, which means that it is super absorbent, absorbing 4x more than regular cotton towels. Designed To Resist Odor: Our towels are meant to go anywhere so they are designed to dry quickly without leaving behind a musty funk. Save on water by washing less. Sand Resistant & Incredible Versatility: There is a reason why we call it the only towel you'll ever need. Our towels are resistant to sand & moisture activated slip resistance means it's perfect for yoga. Lightweight & packs down incredibly small. Colors That Won't Bleed: We always print our designs, never using dyes. Dyes bleed, not only fading the vibrancy of your towel's prints, but they pollute our waterways.

Hap Tim Picnic Basket Backpack for 2 Person with Insulated Cooler Compartment,Wine Holder,Fleece Blanket,Cutlery Set,Perfect for Beach Camping Party,Gifts for Boys Girls,Blue (36083-BL)

Hap Tim Picnic Basket Backpack for 2 Person with Insulated Cooler Compartment,Wine Holder,Fleece Blanket,Cutlery Set,Perfect for Beach Camping Party,Gifts for Boys Girls,Blue (36083-BL)

LARGE 25 CAN INSULATED COOLER COMPARTMENTS: This backpack picnic basket owns 3 COOLER compartments - Biggest central compartment size holds around 10L/25 Cans - 1.5 times capacity of others, it is leak proof backpack cooler storing drinks with ice pack. Top pocket size hold around 3.5L, not 100% leakproof but insulated, better for storing dry foods . Side wine holder is good for a large bottle. This is an impressed large picnic bag good for any party or concert. ERGONOMICS & COMFORTABLE PICNIC BACKPACK : For any large size backpack picnic set, wearing on back should be comfortable. Try this one! Ergonormic design make you feel it easy when you carry heavy load with picnic set for long trip,hiking,and camping . Absolutely proudly to be wedding gift baskets for young couples! SUPERIOR QUALITY: Picnic bag made of strong polyester fabric with back waterproof PU coating, non-fraying stitching, heavy duty zippers, lasting for years. The wine glass, plate, and chopping board made of plastic are lightweight,strong, and not easy to break comparing with glass or porcelain,especially good for outdoor use. PREMIUM PICNIC SET SUPPLIES:Cutlery set includes 2×(stainless steel knives, forks, spoons, dinner plates, cotton napkins, wine glasses ) & 1×cheesetter knife & 1×bottle opener & 2×Salt/pepper shakers & 1×plastic chopping board, + Water resistant fleece blanket.

Conclusion

After extensive testing and evaluation, I have narrowed down the top picnic blankets that offer both comfort and durability for your outdoor dining adventures. These blankets are not only stylish but also practical, providing a cozy spot for your picnics while withstanding the elements. With the right picnic blanket, you can elevate your outdoor dining experience and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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