In addition to the fabric used in making the camping blankets, you also need to plan for the weather that you’ll experience while camping. If the temperatures are cold, you need to ensure that your blanket’s thermal ratings are higher and that they’re using warmer materials. When the weather is warm, you should be focusing on packability and lightness.
Heat
If you are planning to camp during the warm season, make sure that you’re looking at some of the lighter, more breathable options. While typically we think that it’ll only be hot during the day, there isn’t any AC while camping (Surprise!), so you gotta ensure that you have a camping blanket that keeps you cool, while still shielding you from insects and wind.
Rain
Having a waterproof blanket for camping is important especially during to rainy or snowy season. That being said, too often have we experienced the weather App telling us that there’s a 30% chance of rain when we pack, and have to endure a downpour that same evening, so make sure you’re always prepared. Getting wet is not only a frustrating nuisance, but in colder climates, it can even lead to hypothermia. We highly recommend a waterproof blanket, as they truly help you stay dry and are typically lightweight, too.
Cold
Camping in cold weather is sucky, if you’re not prepared. Camping is an outdoor activity, and most campsites don’t have heaters (if you find a campsite with a heater though, please let us know!). To avoid a situation of night shivers or even hypothermia, get a camping blanket for cold weather. The ideal blanket should offer you tremendous warmth and should be weatherproof at the same time.
Wind
When camping in dramatically windy areas, being bundled up under something that’s just warm, won’t necessarily do the trick. You need to have the appropriate camping blanket that stops wind penetration, so typically something that aren’t loosely woven fibers (like a wool blanket). Ensuring that your blanket has a weather proof barrier (like a ripstop polyester shell), can be the difference between a night of misery and a night of comfort. Water proof blankets are also suitable for windy weather as they stop the wind from penetrating to you.