Can I use any blanket for a picnic?

You can use any indoor blanket — or even a rug or mat — for your picnic. However, it’s best to buy a proper picnic blanket, and they’ll usually provide better insulation and have a water-resistant backing.

How large should a picnic blanket be?

Picnic blankets come in a variety of sizes. Look for a picnic blanket that is at least 60 x 60 inches and select larger sizes for bigger families/groups.

What do you put under a picnic blanket?

Most high-quality picnic blankets today come with a waterproof or water-resistant backing, so you shouldn’t need to put anything under a dedicated picnic blanket.

What is a picnic blanket made of?

Picnic blankets are usually made with a PEVA or PVC bottom layer that provides water resistance and a fleece top layer. Some may come with a foam layer in between for added comfort.

The 10 Best Picnic Blankets for the Outdoors [2023]

With waterproof bottom layers and soft, fleecy uppers, a dedicated picnic blanket is far more practical and versatile than a regular old throw.

Designed to be large enough for you and your crew, these blankets can be folded or rolled up small enough to carry around with you, and available in a wide choice of colors and designs, the perfect picnic blanket is easy to find.

Table of contents

Things To Consider With Picnic Blankets
The 10 Best Picnic Blankets
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Things To Consider With Picnic Blankets
The 10 Best Picnic Blankets
Final Thoughts

Things To Consider With Picnic Blankets

Since there are so many fabrics, sizes, and designs available, you’ll want to keep the following factors in mind when purchasing a picnic blanket:

Material

Most picnic blankets are made with a PEVA or PVC bottom layer that offers excellent protection against wet grass and damp sand.

On the top, oxford cotton or soft fleece makes these blankets comfortable to lie or sit on, and some come with a 3-layer design that includes a thin layer of foam to boost comfort on all types of terrain.

Hot Tip: You’ll want to pick a picnic blanket made from easy-to-clean material that repels water and can be easily shaken out while you’re on the go.

Size

Your picnic blanket needs to be large enough to seat you and your crew without being so big that it becomes too heavy to carry. When fully open, most picnic blankets measure around 80 x 60 inches but can be folded into a compact package for easy transportation.

Portability

Almost all of the picnic blankets we have chosen can be secured and folded, allowing for easy transportation from place to place.

Some blankets fold up and can be secured with a snap, while others come with smart-looking buckles and built-in straps to add a little extra style.

Styles and Designs

Picnic Blanket Design — Picnic blankets come in a whole host of colors and designs. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Picnic blankets come in a whole host of colors and designs. There are plenty of different looks to choose from, including traditional tartan, retro gingham, cultural patterns, and understated chic designs.

Hot Tip: Depending on your needs, a camping blanket or quilt or even a beach blanket might be more appropriate. Check out our guides for the best of both!

The 10 Best Picnic Blankets

Let’s take a look at some of the best options that will surely suit your needs.

1. Super-soft Picnic Blanket

DISCOUNT: 35%

BEST OVERALL: Scuddles Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

A compact outdoor blanket. This outdoor blanket is stain-resistant and thick, so it's comfortable to sit on while it's on the ground. It's also easily folded and has a handle.

Scuddles Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Available in several sizes, this versatile outdoor blanket is perfect for picnics at the park, festivals, sporting events, and even sandy beaches.

With an attractive striped design that comes in several different colors, it can be folded up, secured, and carried using its own handle.

Durable and waterproof, this blanket comes with a waterproof PEVA backing that repels both water and sand, while the soft top layer ensures you can sit on it all day long.

What We Like

You can simply shake the dirt and sand off this blanket

What We Don’t Like

The top layer can feel a little scratchy on bare skin

2. All-weather Picnic Blanket

DISCOUNT: 21%

3,355 Reviews

UPGRADE PICK: DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS Large Waterproof Windproof Quilted Fleece

A double-sided blanket. This blanket has a fleece side and a side that's made out of sleeping bag-type material. That makes it easy to keep clean, and it holds up well.

DOWN UNDER OUTDOORS Extra-Thick Quilted Stadium Blanket

Keep warm and comfortable in all kinds of weather with this awesome, extra-large beach blanket. This all-purpose blanket comes with tough water- and wind-resistant polyester backing and the eye-catching, anti-pill fleece will always feel nice and soft against your skin.

This blanket is made with 2 layers and features ultrasonic quilting to prevent it from sliding around, and the waterproof coating makes it suitable for use even on rough terrain.

With a handy secret pocket in the lining, you can tuck your cell phone and other valuables away out of sight, and the versatile design allows you to sit on it, sleep under it, or wrap it around your shoulders to keep you warm.

What We Like

Easy to fold, warm, and lightweight

What We Don’t Like

Not necessarily large enough to share

3. The Best Mexican Serape Blanket

DISCOUNT: 38%

Authentic Mexican Blanket

This woven blanket is great for multiple purposes. You can use it for yoga and working out without worrying about it slipping around. It's also comfortable to sit or picnic on.

Benevolence Authentic Mexican Blanket

Made from premium materials, this beautiful Mexican blanket is super cozy, warm, and practical.

Made by artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico, the blanket is woven on a traditional wooden loom and it’s soft, breathable, and easy to carry with you.

If you’d rather keep it inside, it’s large enough to throw over a double bed, and the eye-catching design would make a cozy and stylish addition to your living room.

Measuring 50 x 70 inches, these authentic serape blankets are a beautiful way to keep warm both indoors and outside.

What We Like

Beautiful-looking, soft, and warm

What We Don’t Like

The colors look a little different in-person from how they do online

4. The Best Oversized Picnic Blanket

Portable and Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket

It's easy to roll up this blanket for travel. It's lightweight, even if you have to hike before you find a picnic spot. You can also quickly roll it up again.

Portable Extra-Large Picnic Blanket

The stylish oversized picnic blanket comes with leather straps and handles, making it easy to roll up and carry around with you.

Measuring 59 x 69 inches, it features a high-quality, 3-layer design that makes it waterproof, sand-proof, and easy to clean.

The PEVA bottom layer will repel water, while the fleece on top feels soft and comfortable against the skin.

With an additional layer of sponge in the middle, this blanket is comfortable to sit on, even on rocky ground. Perfect for use all year round, this blanket will protect you from sand, dirt, wet grass, damp sand, and so much more.

What We Like

Looks much more expensive than it is

What We Don’t Like

The handle feels a little flimsy

5. Retro-style Picnic Blanket

Three Donkeys Machine Washable Extra Large Picnic & Beach Blanket

You don't have to worry about water soaking through your picnic blanket with this option. It's waterproof, so even if there's still dew on the ground, it won't ruin your day.

Three Donkeys Machine Washable Extra Large Picnic Blanket

This utterly gorgeous, retro-style picnic blanket is the perfect choice for lazy days in the sun. Measuring an impressive 79 x 79 inches, this blanket is made with sturdy polyester fabric on the top, a sponge layer in the middle, and a thick and waterproof oxford bottom.

Designed such that water and dirt roll right off, this blanket is perfect for picnics, garden parties, festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Easy to fold up when not in use, the spacious design can seat between 6 and 8 adults while offering protection from the ground.

What We Like

This blanket looks great

What We Don’t Like

Even with water resistance, it’s not the best performer in the rain

6. Picnic Blanket for Adventurers on a Budget

MIU COLOR Picnic Blankets

With 2 layers of fabric, this is a thick blanket that is cushioned and comfortable. It's also durable and won't rip even after years of regular use on all terrains.

MIU COLOR Extra Large Picnic Blanket

Super stylish and incredibly versatile, this extra-large picnic blanket can be folded up small enough to fit into a pouch for easy transportation.

A PVC bottom later helps to repel water and is easy to shake clean, and the soft top layer is comfortable enough to sit on in the sun.

Measuring an impressive 80 x 60 inches, you can share food and fun times with friends, and the lightweight construction makes this an excellent choice for camping, picnics, festivals, and so much more.

Available in a choice of colors and designs, this is a brilliant blanket that is reliable and friendly on the wallet.

What We Like

This blanket is a really good size and has tons of uses

What We Don’t Like

It’s a bit of a pain to fold up neatly

7. The Softest Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Yodo Outdoor Picnic Blanket Water-Resistant for Camping Hiking Festivals

This blanket comes with its own storage, so it won't take up much room when it's put away. It quickly folds up into a carrying tote with an easy-grip handle.

Yodo Outdoor Picnic Blanket

This bright and cheerful picnic blanket features a soft fleece top layer and a water-resistant, eco-friendly PEVA backing for reliable protection from the elements.

Measuring 69 x 53 inches, it’s easily foldable and has a convenient carry handle so you can take it to the park, the beach, festivals, sporting events, or virtually anywhere you want.

The waterproof and cushioned back will help to stop you from getting wet, and its thin layer of foam makes it super comfortable to sit on all day long.

What We Like

The top layer is soft and comfy

What We Don’t Like

It can only be cleaned using a damp cloth

8. Best-looking Picnic Blanket

DISCOUNT: 23%

VonShef Picnic Blanket

A blanket for all picnics. It's soft and padded, but it won't collect dirt and sand like other blankets might. It's easy to clean and keep clean without moving the mess.

VonShef Picnic Blanket

Perfect for the style-conscious traveler, this beautiful picnic blanket comes with a waterproof PEVA bottom layer to help keep you dry and a soft fleece-and-polyester upper layer that is smooth and comfortable to sit on.

Made to move around with you, it rolls up neatly and can be secured and carried using the faux-leather carry straps with metal buckles. Its sophisticated design will look good on any occasion.

Measuring 58 x 71 inches, it is more than adequate for 2 people, and the lightweight design is perfect for an outdoor picnic, even on damp ground.

What We Like

Offers a decent level of protection on damp ground

What We Don’t Like

It makes a crinkly sound when you move

9. An Eye-catching Design

LIVN LIFE Outdoor Waterproof Picnic Blankets

This blanket is large enough that you can use it if you want to spread out easily and comfortably. You can also use it if you're having a picnic with a large group.

LIVN LIFE Outdoor Waterproof Picnic Blankets

This outdoor picnic blanket boasts a stylish Mexican-inspired design, generous dimensions, plenty of versatility, and an easy-to-clean construction.

With a strong and durable oxford polyester top layer and a PVC bottom, it feels soft to sit on while keeping you dry on wet grass or damp sand.

Measuring a sizable 60 x 80 inches, it’s large enough for your and your crew to sit on together, and when not in use, it can be folded up and carried around using the built-in carry handle.

What We Like

The bottom layer does a good job at repelling water

What We Don’t Like

It is a little on the thin side

10. Everyday Picnic Blanket for Regular Use

DISCOUNT: 50%

ZAZE Extra Large Picnic Outdoor Blanket

An 80 x 80-inch blanket that will last years. It's a waterproof option you can use for picnics in the park or on the beach without worrying about dealing with a mess later.

ZAZE Extra Large Picnic Blanket

This super-sized picnic blanket measures an impressive 80 x 80 inches, roomy enough for multiple people to sit on comfortably.

Made with 3 durable layers, the soft, sturdy top feels comfortable against the skin and the waterproof bottom later helps to repel water.

Easy to clean, you can shake off sand and dirt in an instant. When it’s not in use, it can be folded up neatly and secured with a Velcro strap.

What We Like

Perfect for a whole range of outdoor activities

What We Don’t Like

It doesn’t hold up very well in steady rain

Final Thoughts

From authentic Mexican blankets to eco-friendly, foldable camping mats, a picnic blanket suits every kind of adventure.

Versatile, easy to clean, and an effective barrier between you and damp and rough terrain, a dedicated picnic blanket will soon become one of your most-used camping items.