Top 5 Best Picnic Blankets UK 2024
Picnics are always a good idea.
Throw together a blanket and some sandwiches to munch on and you’re out enjoying the sunshine. It’s all good until you spill some of that lemonade and now your picnic blanket’s soaked through, sticky, and covered in grass.
It pays to look into a few qualities when purchasing a picnic blanket.
Carry handles, waterproof backing, machine washable, light weight, and price—these are a few things to consider. With these things in mind, there’s no chance for another picnic to turn into panic.
We spill our top 5 best blankets that have earned nods from picnic enthusiasts and experienced outdoor adventurers.
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Prefer to sit off the ground? You’ll find something useful on our list of the Best Beach Chairs of 2024.
Picnic Blankets Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the picnic blanket reviews UK.
Score
7.5
Open Size
55 x 78 in/ 139.7 x 198 cm
Weight
5.8 lbs/ 2.6 kg
Fabric/ Material
HYDROBARRIER waterproof layer, 100% Polyester, Rayon
Price
$$$
Score
6.8
Open Size
82 x 55 in/ 208.28 x 139.7 cm
Weight
3.1 lbs/ 1.59 kg
Fabric/ Material
Ultrasonically quilted, 350 Gsm Fleece
Price
$$
Score
6.5
Open Size
80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm
Weight
1.7 lbs/ 0.8 kg
Fabric/ Material
Fleece with water-resistant backing
Price
$$
Score
6
Open Size
71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180 cm
Weight
1.74 lbs/ 0.79 kg
Fabric/ Material
Fleece polyester with PEVA waterproof backing and faux leather buckles
Price
$$
Score
4.8
Open Size
79 x 79 in/ 200 x 200 cm
Weight
2.6 lbs/ 1.2 kg
Fabric/ Material
190T polyester taffeta, cotton, 210D oxford, 80G soft sponge
Price
$
Picnic Blanket Reviews
#5: Three Donkeys
The Three Donkeys is a simple, no-frills picnic blanket packed with layers of comfortable and water-resistant materials. With its cushioned-backing and water-repellent surface, you can shake off any dirt and beach sand. At 79”x79”/200cm x 200cm, there’s enough room for 4 adults to move around comfortably. It’s a versatile blanket you can take to outdoor concerts, picnics, tailgates, and camping with little to no hassle of transporting and packing with its carry handles and pack down size of 15”x 9.4”/38cm x 24cm only.
Summary
Open Size: 79 x 79 in/ 200 x 200 cm
Packed Size: 15 x 9.4 in/ 38.1 x 24 cm
Weight: 2.6 lbs/ 1.2 kg
Fabric/Materials: 190T polyester taffeta, cotton, 210D oxford, 80G soft sponge, and waterproof 210D Oxford bottom layer
Approx Price: US$29.99/GBP£65.11/AUD$27.23/CAD$39.75
Rating
Quality: 3
Portability: 5
Versatility: 6
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 4.8
Pros: The largest picnic blanket we’ve tried! Fits the entire family and is comfortable to sit on. It’s machine washable; easy to put away after an afternoon picnic.
Cons: Although it is easy to carry, folding it back is more challenging if you don’t want the dirty side (bottom) to touch the clean side(top), since that’s the way to fold as stated on the visual instructions. It takes a bit more time to figure it out yourself.
Verdict: This is the most basic picnic blanket you can get with all the necessary features. Don’t expect a perfectly waterproof material, but it works well against dirt and mildly damp ground. Summer picnics are your best bet to take this out.
#4: VonShef Blue Herringbone
The VonShef Blue Herringbone Picnic Blanket is made of a plushy soft fleece polyester for comfort and a waterproof backing against damp ground. Made with faux leather straps stitched into the blanket, it’s pretty much easy to roll it over and buckle up back into its original carry form. It’s definitely designed for convenience, and saves time when preparing for your picnics. Did we mention, it’s the most elegant one in the bunch?
Summary
Open Size: 71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180 cm
Packed Size: 16.5 x 6 in/ 42 x 15 cm
Weight: 1.74 lbs/ 0.79 kg
Fabric/Materials: Fleece polyester with PEVA waterproof backing and faux leather buckles
Approx Price: US$17.49/GBP£32.90/AU$107.99/CA$87.99
Rating
Quality: 3
Portability: 8
Versatility: 7
Comfort: 6
OVERALL: 6
Pros: We are crushing over the overall look and faux leather straps that pack up easily. It also has a generous size of 71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180cm for two adults and two kids.
Cons: It’s thinner compared to other blankets, more difficult to remove stains from, and the top fabric doesn’t have the same waterproofing as the bottom.
Verdict: This gives just the right comfort and size for an average picnic blanket, and it would’ve been our top choice if it had more waterproof material and extra thick layers.
#3: Oniva
A comfortable and compact picnic blanket, Oniva brings a lot to the table as a reliable blanket tote. It comes in plaid, check, tartan, and stripe, and in different colors, plus it is made with soft fleece and water-resistant fabric. This one promises a huge picnic with 38 square feet of total open size, big enough to fit the whole family. It doesn’t only look amazing on the ground with a basket of fruit and sandwiches, it packs down easily into a compact carry tote with a shoulder strap! Talk about convenience.
Summary
Open Size: 80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm
Packed Size: 18 x 11 in/ 46 x 28 cm
Weight: 1.7 lbs/ 0.8 kg
Fabric/Materials: Fleece with water-resistant backing
Approx Price: US$58.53/GBP£62.26/AU$69.04/CA$59.29
Rating
Quality: 4
Portability: 8
Versatility: 7
Comfort: 7
OVERALL: 6.5
Pros: It’s the built-in carry strap for us. Definitely one of the coziest with its extremely soft fleece, and finally the XL size of 80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm gives so much room for people and a mini food spread!
Cons: It isn’t the easiest to wash. The fabric is sensitive to heat, so it is likely to get damaged in the dryer - air dry only.
Verdict: No doubt a great choice for comfortable picnics that shines in colder weather, we like that it’s a lightweight big blanket that is easy to pack and carry.
#2: Down Under Outdoors
Probably the thickest on the list, the Down Under Outdoors blanket does not hold back with the thickness, adding in 20% more comfortable fleece. At 82 x 55 inches/ 208.28 x 139.7cm, the blanket can accommodate 2 people. What we find interesting is the added “secret pocket” where we can throw in our phones, keys, and some other essentials. You'd think with all that fleece the waterproofing of the blanket could be a concern, but its polyurethane backing largely protects the soft material from liquid.
Summary
Open Size: 82 x 55 in/ 208.28 x 139.7 cm
Packed Size: 17 x 9.4 in/ 42 x 24 cm
Weight: 3.1 lbs/ 1.59 kg
Fabric/Materials: Ultrasonically quilted, 350 Gsm Fleece
Approx Price: US$43.99/GBP£47.00/AU$49.99/CA$94.86
Rating
Quality: 7
Portability: 5
Versatility: 6
Comfort: 9
OVERALL: 6.8
Pros: Budget-friendly, added fleece makes it extra cozy to sit on, easy to wash.
Cons: We still get cautious when taking this out on wet ground, though it does the job of keeping your pants dry from damp areas.
Verdict: An all-around blanket with added comfort, but watch out for wet ground as this one tends to be more water resistant than it is waterproof.
#1: YETI Lowlands Blanket
This is an all-around blanket, designed for picnics, outdoor concerts, camping, and most especially for your fur babies. The Lowlands Blanket is engineered with a waterproof utility layer and soft insulated interior for added comfort, but what we like most is the Hydrobarrier waterproof layer that is resistant to moisture and doubles as a dirt repellent. Pet hair, dust, and burrs are the least of our worries when spending an afternoon picnic with this blanket.
Summary
Open Size: 55 x 78 in/ 139.7 x 198 cm
Packed Size: 10.2 x 7 in/ 26 x 18 cm
Weight: 5.8 lbs/ 2.6 kg
Fabric/Materials: HYDROBARRIER waterproof layer, 100% Polyester for insulation and waterproof sides, Rayon and polyester for comfort side
Approx Price: US$200.00/GBP£200.00/AU$299.95/CA$250.00
Rating
Quality: 9
Portability: 3
Versatility: 8
Comfort: 10
OVERALL: 7.5
Where to get it:
Pros: A comfortable and durable blanket. Works best with pets, and easy to wash.
Cons: Hefty price, heavier than others.
Verdict: The Yeti Lowlands Blanket is a great choice for all-terrain use, especially recommended when picnicking with your dog. It’s also our top choice for a waterproof blanket, and that’s why it’s taken out our number one spot.
Picnic Blanket FAQs
What type of blanket is best for picnic?
The best type of blanket for a picnic is one that is durable, easy to clean and preferably waterproof or water-resistant. Look for picnic blankets made of materials like polyester, nylon or acrylic with a waterproof backing to protect against damp ground and spills. These generally also dry quite fast, too, so that you can quickly pack up and be back on your way. For example, if you’re looking for a waterproof picnic blanket UK, our top pick, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket, has a HYDROBARRIER waterproof layer.
What to look for when buying a picnic blanket?
When buying a picnic blanket, you’re going to want to think about the material, size, portability, waterproofing and ease of cleaning. When shopping around for the best picnic blankets UK, look for durable and water-resistant materials, choose a size suitable for your picnic needs, and look for features like carrying straps or handles for easy transport, as well as how well it packs back up!
What is the best material for outdoor blankets?
The best materials for outdoor blankets are those that are durable, water-resistant and easy to clean. Some of these include polyester, nylon, acrylic or a combination of these with a waterproof backing to provide protection from moisture and spills.
Are wool blankets good for picnic?
While wool blankets can be warm and cosy, they may not be the best choice for a picnic, especially if there's a chance of damp ground or spills. Wool can absorb moisture and may take longer to dry, making it less suitable for outdoor use compared to water-resistant materials.
How do I keep my picnic blanket from blowing away?
To prevent your picnic blanket from blowing away, consider using weighted corners or securing it with stakes or clips, or even rocks found in the area. You can also place heavier items like coolers or bags on the corners of the blanket to keep it in place or choose a blanket with built-in pockets for sand or weights.
Is fleece good for picnic blanket?
Fleece can be a comfortable material for a picnic blanket due to its softness and warmth, but fleece alone may not give you enough protection against moisture, so it's best used in combination with a waterproof backing or as an extra layer on top of a water-resistant blanket.
Can I use a normal blanket as a picnic blanket?
Yes, you can use a normal blanket as a picnic blanket, but keep in mind that it may not offer the same level of durability or water resistance as blankets specifically designed for outdoor use. Consider placing a waterproof layer underneath to protect against damp ground.
How big should a picnic blanket be for 2 people?
For two people, a picnic blanket measuring around 127x152cm should provide enough space for comfortable seating and room to spread out snacks and drinks. If you’re looking for something you can use with the kids too, or if you plan to spread out games and plenty of snacks, you may want to choose a large blanket for added comfort and versatility.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.