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.

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 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

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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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 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

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.