The Best Picnic Blankets of 2024, According to Experts

The beige gingham is giving boho picnic vibes (same goes for the blue stripe and taupe windowpane patterns this style also comes in). Our pros appreciate the braided harness that makes it easy to carry your blanket to the picnic and then store it rolled up when not in use. However, our experts did find the harness somewhat difficult to secure.

"The cotton top is soft and cozy to sit on, while the polyester backing is more durable and easier to wipe clean," says Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. This means that you won't have to worry about dirt or leaves attaching to the bottom side of the blanket — although the pretty tassels may attract some debris. Just make sure to shake it out before rolling it up.

This attractive blanket is great if you're looking for a stylish picnic blanket that is water-resistant, relatively easy to clean and comes with a carrying system. While it's cushy feel means it's great for long stretches of time spent lounging on the ground, it's color and cotton topside may make it harder to keep clean, particularly if you have kids or pets. You can machine wash the blanket, which is a huge perk for a light colored blanket. Note that the brand recommends hanging it to dry.

Size: 60" x 70" | Material: Cotton, polyester, rayon | Weight: 4 lbs

Picnic blankets don't have to be expensive, which is why our pros appreciate this Amazon's Choice blanket that's under $15 with an average 4.5-star rating. It's extra-large size only stretches its overall value even more as the brand claims you can fit up to four people on the blanket. If you're planning an outing with more people, you can buy more than one without spending over $50.

Choose from three striped and plaid patterns that will look nice spread out on the ground. We like that it's designed to be water- and sand-resistant, so you can use it at a park after a rainy day or at the beach. Just wipe dry with a paper towel or clean it with a damp cloth. Our pros also like the carrying handle and included bag so you can transport the compact blanket with ease.

"This blanket is perfect for picnics, sunbathing, reading outside, all of which I have done. It keeps me from getting dirty or wet from the grass, and this is super easy to clean!" said one reviewer. Although other customers have found that it's a little hard to figure out how to fold up.

Size: 79" x 59"; 79" x 77" | Material: Oxford polyester, ‎PVC | Weight: 2 lbs

This outdoor blanket from L.L.Bean, a popular outdoor brand for rugged essentials, is designed to be waterproof with a coated nylon backing to keep the cozy fleece top from getting soaked. It also comes with a bag so you can store it in your car en route or in your home when not in use. Great for families, this picnic blanket can be machine washed and dried if any spills or accidents happen.

The blanket has a 4.8-star rating on the brand's site, with one shopper who called it the "best waterproof blanket" and another "a great investment." One customer adds: "This blanket is great for those cold early morning soccer games or afternoons sitting in the bleachers in the rain. Keeps one warm and dry." However, some reviews note that the nylon backing can be noisy.

Size: 72" x 58" | Material: Polyester, nylon | Weight: Not listed

Although about $150, this sizable blanket is the largest on our list measuring 95 x 95 inches. Our pros appreciate its water-resistant bottom so you can set it down on damp grass without feeling wet. Corner loops let you put stakes down if you want to ensure the blanket stays put in windier conditions, or if you are camping with the fam and will be staying in one location for a bit.

There's a stash pocket on one side to store stakes (not included) or fit your phone and keys or other essentials you want to keep close by. A flannel top fits the camping vibe, although we wish that it was available in other colors as well.

Size: 95" x 95" | Material: Acrylic, PU Foam, EVA | Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz

If you have little ones, opt for this adorable blanket that's available in three sizes and nine cute patterns from Primrose Patch (pictured) to Midnight Poppy. Online shoppers give it top marks for being easy to fold and clean — a huge perk when it comes to dining with the youngest. It's machine washable, wipeable and water-resistant. Our pros like that the durable polyester blanket folds up into a carrying case with a shoulder strap for easy transport.

"Any outdoor event (like shows, playground visits, etc.) you bring a baby along to, it's good to have a covering that’s compact to carry and easily cleanable," said Lexie Sachs, executive director of strategy & operations at the GH Institute. This blanket checks all of those boxes. One five-star review said: "It’s perfect for my daughter to play on outside and even inside if I need something waterproof under her! It folds up nicely to store in the car or stroller." Some Amazon shoppers did find that the sizing listed on the site wasn't accurate upon opening.

Size: 60" x 60"; 60" x 84"; 60" x 120" | Material: Polyester | Weight: 2.8 lbs

With over 15,800 online Amazon ratings, this budget-friendly blanket goes for under $20 with an average 4.6-star rating. The brand claims that you can fit four seated people or two people if they are laying down. Similar to other blankets, it features a water-resistant bottom and a carrying strap.

Several five-star reviews emphasized its versatility, stating that it's suitable for a variety of surfaces, thanks to its durable bottom. One satisfied shopper said, "I used this blanket at the beach, watching fireworks and for a picnic. Very comfortable to sit and lay on. It is a lovely blanket I will use again and again." Some reviewers wished that the quality was better, although a lower price tag often means the construction will not be as solid as pricer picks. You can choose between four sizes and nine geometric patterns.

Size: 53" x 59"; 60" x 60"; 60" x 75"; 60" x 79"; 60" x 80" | Material: Acrylic | Weight: 0.16 oz

Yeti is known for its durable tumblers and travel mugs, as well as its rugged duffels and backpacks. Although the Lowlands Blanket is a hefty $200 — the most expensive pick in our round-up — it features a waterproof exterior and insulated interior to keep you cozy during a late night concert or fall picnic. What's more? If you bring your furry friends along, you'll appreciate that the blanket is designed to not only repel dirt, but also pet hair. It's machine washable and dryer safe too, so you can easily give it a good wash as needed.

Its thick, quilted design offers nice padding for extra comfort on uneven terrain. Although our pros note that a polyester blend such as this one can pill easier — even if it feels softer. Still, our pros appreciate the corner loops and carrying case. The blanket and case are on the bulkier side, but if you want to keep a blanket in the car to use whenever you need it, then this insulted blanket is the one to store in your trunk.

Size: 78" x 55" x 0.3" | Material: Polyester, rayon | Weight: 5.8 lbs

Although this picnic blanket is on the smaller side (probably best for two people), it's so lightweight that our pros are willing to overlook its size. Seymour uses this Eddie Bauer blanket herself, and finds that its plush feel adds a bit more cushioning while sitting.

Seymour uses this blanket all the time and said, "I love that the carrier is built-in because you don’t have to squish your blanket into a case; just fold it up and you're good to go." The Velcro can attract some debris, though. But overall, it's a lightweight blanket that would be ideal for those who live in a city or will be walking long stretches of distance before they are able to unfold their blanket.

The entire blanket is made of polyester, meaning you can easily wipe it clean and debris is less likely to cling to the water-resistant backside. Choose from four bright patterns, including blue haze (pictured) and coral.

Size: 59" x 53" | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1 lb 2 oz

Our textiles pros have evaluated Rumpl products before, including its blankets in our guide of the best camping gear. The popular Everywhere Mat has a 4.8-star rating online with shoppers praising its versatility and small size that makes it easy to pack up for your next adventure. It has a water-resistant underside to help keep you dry, and a soft polyester microsuede material on top.

The blanket comes with a carrying case that it can fold into, so you can bring it to the beach, hiking or your favorite park. Not only is the blanket small itself, but it folds up neatly to fit compactly in your car, bag or elsewhere. It also has corner stash pockets for storing small items.

One reviewer who gave the blanket five stars said: "The perfect beach mat, forest mat, fossil bed mat, snow mat and marsh mat!!! Unlimited environments...except maybe outer space." More satisfied shoppers chimed in saying it was easy to clean, although one customer said they found it a little difficult to fold into the case.

Size: 38" x 52" | Material: Polyester, TPU laminate bottom | Weight: 1.2 lbs

Our pros were immediately drawn to the vibrant colors of the Festival Blanket by Nomadix. "The polyester/polyamide top is brushed for a softer feel, while the polyester backing is sleek and smooth," said Seymour. In turn, the blanket won't cling onto debris and will easily wipe clean, making it another kid- and pet-friendly option.

While the synthetic material has its perks, our experts did notice some loose threads and fuzziness in areas, which may mean it isn't of the highest quality. Still, Seymour likes the corner loops for hanging the colorful blanket when not in use, or for putting stakes in the ground so it stays in place while you enjoy your outdoor meal.

One five-star review said: "Absolutely love the blanket. No sand sticks to it and [it's] lightweight to take in your suitcase!" Other customers noted that debris doesn't stick to the underside of the blanket, and that they love the bold colors.

You can choose from 12 patterns and colors, whether you want an energetic tie-dye swirl or a more mellow tropical leaf pattern. If you have an upcoming music festival on the books, then this is the blanket to order.

Size: 60" x 72"| Material: Recycled polyester | Weight: 2 lbs