Sitting out by a crackling fire and enjoying a view of the stays is one of the little joys of tiny living. Once the nights start getting chilly, you’ll often find yourself reaching for an extra pullover or warm pair of socks.
A packable blanket is one of the best ways to stay warm and cozy in brisk weather. These lightweight and highly compressible blankets came out of ultralight hiking but have since taken the tiny living community by storm with their heady mix of performance and packability.
Today we’re reviewing some of the best packable blankets for tiny living to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
- #1 Rumpl The Down Blanket: Overall Best Packable Hiking Blanket for Tiny Living
- #2 Kammok Firebelly 30℉: Most Versatile Packable Blanket for Tiny Living
- #3 Pendelton Yakima Wool Camp Blanket: Best Wool Blanket for Tiny Living
- #4 Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Blanket: Best Value Packable Blanket for Tiny Living
- #5 Snugpak Jungle Bag: Best Warm Weather Packable Blanket for Tiny Living
Keep reading to learn what features to look for in a high-quality portable blanket and to see what our top five picks are.
1. Rumpl Down Blanket: Overall Best Packable Hiking Blanket for Tiny Living – Link
The Rumpl Down Blanket is a top-of-the-line blanket from the company that basically created the category as we know it today. Before Rumpl, camping blankets and blankets in general hadn’t changed much in centuries.
The Rumpl Down Blanket is made from 30D ripstop polyester coated with a DWR treatment. That gives the Rumpl excellent water-repellant features for its category, particularly when combined with the hydrophobic treated natural down insulation.
It won’t hold up to a thunderstorm, but the Rumpl handles mist and a few minutes of exposure to a light shower like a champ. As a bonus, the DWR treatment makes the Rumpl highly dirt and mess-repellant, great for extending the time between washes.
Rumpl went with 600-fill power down, great for chilly days and cold nights down to the mid 40’s. The Down Blanket is cross-stitched in a diamond pattern with an artful wave added in. The stitching ensures down doesn’t move over time, keeping your Rumpl nice and cozy over years of use.
The Down Blanket packs down to a shockingly small package for its size. We measured it at just
1.8L when fully compressed into a cylinder.
You can choose from either a 1-person or 2-person size option and a range of eye-catching colors. Rumpl also added several consumer-friendly features to make it easier to use your Down Blanket for multiple roles.
Our personal favorite is the handy cape clip. It lets you quickly snap the Rumpl into place around your neck, creating a warm and cozy poncho for walking around a chilly campsite.
The Rumpl Down Blanket is the culmination of everything Rumpl learned from nearly a decade of producing high-end ‘sleeping bag blankets’. It combines the best materials with loving attention to detail, giving you a warm and eminently packable blanket for all your adventures.
If you’re looking for a premium blanket and are willing to pay a premium price, the Rumpl Down Blanket is the way to go.
Specifications
Filling Type: Down
Dimensions: 52” x 75” | 132cm x 190.5cm
Weight: 1.2lbs | 544.3g
Packed Size: 1.8L
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packable
- Super soft and comfortable
- 600-fill power down is responsibly sourced and exceptionally warm
- Included cape clip and corner loops gives you lots of options for how to use your Rumpl
Cons
- Surface is so soft it’s slippery
- Expensive
2. Kammok Firebelly 30℉: Most Versatile Packable Blanket for Tiny Living – Link
The Kammok Firebelly is an innovative blanket that combines top-quality materials with exceptional design. Kammok packed the Firebelly with snaps, clips, drawstrings, and other advanced features to make it by far the most versatile and adaptable blanket we’ve ever seen.
Kammok made the Firebelly with a silky soft 20D Atmos ripstop nylon outer shell coated with an advanced DWR waterproofing treatment. It stood up extremely well to mist, dew, and light rain in our testing, particularly when used as an underquilt with a hammock.
The Firebelly is filled with a 750-fill power duck down certified to be responsibly sourced and treated with a proprietary Downtek coating. The result is extremely well-lofted down that absorbs 30% less water and dries 60% faster than traditional untreated down.
It’s rated for 30℉, a claim we can believe, as the Firebelly is incredibly warm and cozy. Kammok applied an Insotect Flow honeycomb stitching pattern to the bag. It does an excellent job keeping the down from migrating around and creating unpleasant cool spots.
As impressive as the blanket itself is, what sets the Firebelly apart from the competition is its unmatched versatility. A lot of packable blankets offer corner loops, but Kammok takes it to the next level.
The Firebelly has a row of snaps along each side that allows you to convert it in a range of different ways. You can snap it into a sleeping bag, clip the bottom together to create a cozy foot pocket while sitting in a camp chair and even use it as a poncho.
Kammok included a head-sized opening with a down-lined collar for maximum warmth and comfort. We can honestly say that the Firebelly is a better winter poncho than some dedicated ponchos we’ve purchased before.
Check out this handy video from Kammok to see how the Firebelly can transform.
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All these features don’t come without a cost, in this case literally the cost. The Kammok Firebelly is undoubtedly a premium blanket.
That said, you get a ton of value for your money, particularly considering how many different roles the Firebelly can effectively fill.
If you’re looking for a combination blanket, poncho, underquilt, and so much more, the Kammok Firebelly is by far the best option on the market today. It’s an exceptionally well-made down blanket that offers a ton of useful extra features.
Specifications
Filling Type: Down
Dimensions: 55” x 88” | 139.7cm x 223.5cm
Weight: 28.2 oz | 800g
Packed Size: 4L
Pros
- Exceptionally large and comfortable blanket
- By far most versatile blanket we found
- Rated to 30℉
- Responsibly sourced Downtek down is designed to absorb 30% less water and dry 60% faster than untreated down
- Packs down very small
- Cunningly placed snaps, clips, and drawstrings allow you to use the Firebelly as a blanket, sleeping bag, hammock underquilt, poncho, and more
Cons
- Expensive
- On the large side
3. Pendleton Yakima Wool Camp Blanket: Best Wool Blanket for Tiny Living – Link
Not every blanket needs down or synthetic insulation. Pendleton has been making high-quality wool blankets for explorers, adventurers, and hikers for more than 150 years. The Pendleton Yakima is a stylish testament to the value a wool blanket still offers.
The Yakima uses an 86/14 blend of virgin wool and cotton. The cotton adds extra strength and comfort to the weave, while the wool is the backbone to keep you warm and comfortable.
There’s a reason wool has been used in blankets and clothes as long as it has. Wool is warm, highly durable, fireproof, and extremely water-resistant. Wet wool is just as warm as dry wool, which is great if you’re looking for a blanket for wet weather areas.
Pendleton takes great care when processing their blankets to reduce the scratchiness and rough feeling that wool is infamously known for. They carefully layer the blanket’s weave and treat the surface to create a surprisingly soft wool blanket without sacrificing durability.
It’s not as comfortable as a silky soft nylon blanket, but we had no problems laying it on bare skin.
Buying a wool blanket is as much about matching your style as it is about performance. The Yakima comes in a variety of classic patterns and colors. They honestly look amazing in just about any setting.
There are some downsides of course. The Yakima is significantly heavier than comparable packable blankets. It also doesn’t compress down, so its packed size is noticeably larger.
That said, it’s still a warm, durable blanket that looks great and keeps you nice and cozy.
If you like the idea of cuddling up under a blanket with history, the Pendleton Yakima Wool Camp Blanket is an excellent option.
Specifications
Filling Type: 86% virgin wool/14% cotton
Dimensions: 54” x 66” | 137.2cm x 167.6cm
Weight: 75 oz | 2.126kg
Packed Size: 13L
Pros
- Pendleton’s wool/cotton blend and careful manufacturing makes the blanket reasonably comfortable
- Extremely durable and fireproof
- Keeps you warm even when wet
- Looks great
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Requires dry cleaning
- Expensive
4. Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Blanket: Best Value Packable Blanket for Tiny Living – Link
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Blanket is a packable blanket for those looking to warm up without breaking the bank. It’s a value-packed portable blanket that offers a long list of features and performance for its price point.
The Wise Owl is made from 20D ripstop nylon with stitched baffles and a water-resistant coating. It uses synthetic insulation rated by the manufacturer down to 40℉ and has both corner tie loops and border snaps for versatility.
We didn’t expect a ton from the Wise Owl when we got it, but upon testing, we were absolutely shocked by how good it is.
It’s definitely not warm enough for 40℉, but it will keep you nice and cozy on chilly nights down to about 50-55℉. It packs down reasonably small, and as far as we can tell, the baffles do a good job of keeping the insulation in place.
The snaps make it easy to clip it around your body while sitting or to wear it as a warming poncho while moving around. The corner straps likewise give you many options for hanging it in a tent, using it under a hammock, and much more.
Is it a match for the best camping blankets? Not a chance.
The Wise Owl is heavier, bulkier, less warm, and generally less put together than our top picks.
It’s also barely a tenth the price of those other blankets.
The best camping blankets offer high-end performance at the limits of what current materials allow. The Wise Owl offers a good enough option at a very affordable price for those on a budget.
You’ll have to decide for yourself just how much performance you need. Still, the Wise Owl Camping Blanket is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, reasonably warm, and exceptionally affordable packable blanket with solid features.
Specifications
Filling Type: Synthetic
Dimensions: 78” x 55” | 198cm x 139.7cm
Weight: 28.8 lbs | 816g
Packed Size: 9.2L
Pros
- Very affordable
- Offers excellent features, particularly for its price
- Reasonably packable
- Fairly warm
Cons
- Heavier, bulkier, and less warm than higher-end blankets
5. Snugpak Jungle Bag: Best Warm Weather Packable Blanket for Tiny Living – Link
The Snugpak Jungle Bag is a lightweight and highly packable blanket designed specifically for tropical conditions and warm weather climates. It’s made from ultralight and antimicrobial-treated nylon with a thin polyester insulative fill.
The Jungle Bag isn’t like most other packable blankets. It focuses exclusively on making a comfortable and environment-resistant blanket/sleeping bag combo perfect for use in warm, humid conditions such as in the U.S. Southeast or South and Central America.
In pursuit of that goal, the Jungle Bag puts a lot more thought into the surface of the blanket. Snugpak went with two different materials for the interior and exterior of the blanket. The interior reflects body heat to keep the user comfortable without holding on to sweat or other moisture.
Because the Jungle Bag has so much less insulation than other blankets, it can also compress down to a tiny size for storage. We could get it down to just over the size of a Nalgene bottle with the included compression straps.
While it lacks features like poncho clips, the Jungle Bag does offer an integrated mosquito net system for your head. It helps keep any flying, biting insects off you while you sleep and can add an extra layer of protection if you like to sleep with the windows open.
Despite its jungle heritage, the Jungle Bag is surprisingly effective as a blanket in cooler conditions down to about 55-60℉. We used it on a brisk mountain evening and were impressed with how well the thin material kept us warm.
If you’re traveling in warmer, more humid climates such as the American Southeast the Snugpak Jungle Bag offers a compelling mix of features and performance. It keeps you cozy without overheating and offers robust protection against mosquitos and other biting insects.
Specifications
Filling Type: Synthetic
Dimensions: 64” x 76” | 162.5cm x 193cm
Weight: 26 oz | 737g
Packed Size: 2.1L
Pros
- Extremely packable
- Interior and exterior designed to provide maximum comfort without sacrificing protection from the elements
- Just enough insulation to keep you comfortable on brisk evenings
- Integrated mosquito net offers protection against biting insects
Cons
- Not warm enough for cold weather
- Surprisingly heavy for its lack of insulation
Packable Blanket Buying Guide
Choosing the best packable blanket for tiny living requires consideration of a few key factors. The most important are warmth, comfort, packability and storage, adaptability, and value.
Warmth
The warmth of a packable blanket is one of the most critical factors when picking the best option for your needs. Different materials insulate at varying levels of efficiency, meaning you can get a warmer blanket that’s just as packable and thin if you’re willing to take the tradoffs.
For packable blankets, the two most common insulation materials used are down and synthetic for packable blankets.
Down insulation is a natural product that comes from the soft, wispy inner plumage of waterfowl such as ducks or geese. Many people believe that down is the feathers of these birds, but that’s incorrect.
Down insulates by trapping warm air within the plumage and is highly prized for excellent insulative ability by weight, ease of compression, breathability, and long lifespan. A packable down blanket will always be lighter and more packable than a synthetic blanket of the same warmth.
The downsides to down are primarily cost and water resistance.
Down insulation is a natural product that requires careful harvesting and processing. All of that raises the price and can raise ethical concerns among some. It’s also more expensive to care for as it requires special detergents and drying methods to maintain its loft.
By far the biggest downside to down insulation is its reaction to water. Down tends to clump up and lose loft when wet. Once the loft is lost down can’t trap warm air nearly as efficiently and loses much of its warming ability.
Synthetic insulation is a durable, affordable, and hypoallergenic alternative to down. It’s usually made from polyester and comes in an exhausting range of branded insulators and types that make finding the overall best a chore.
While much improved compared to versions of just a decade ago, synthetic insulation still can’t compare to down in weight, packability, durability, or warmth. A synthetic blanket with the same level of warming ability will be significantly larger, bulkier, and heavier than a down blanket. You’ll also lose a small part of the insulating ability every time you pack your synthetic blanket.
The biggest upsides to synthetic insulation are its lower cost and strong water resistance.
Synthetic insulated blankets are universally more affordable than down. As an added benefit, synthetic insulation loses none of its warming ability when wet.
Whatever insulation you go with, make sure you look for blankets designed to keep it in place. One of the most annoying things with older or cheaper portable blankets is when all the insulation migrates to one corner or side.
Blankets with stitched patterns create baffles that prevent that from happening.
Comfort
Comfort for a packable blanket primarily comes down to the material used for the surface of the blanket and its ability to stay in place. You want a blanket that’s soft to the touch without sacrificing too much durability.
Many cheaper packable blankets use low-quality nylon for the shell. That’s great for keeping costs down but can lead to blankets that feel like the surface of a plastic grocery bag instead of comforting warmth.
Some of the best packable blankets take this to the opposite extreme. They’re so soft that they end up almost slippery and are prone to sliding off your body, particularly when trying to sleep under them.
Packability and Storage
Packability is critical for a portable blanket. Storage space in tiny homes, RVs, or vans is at an absolute premium. We only considered blankets for our list that can compress or fold down to a respectably tiny size and do so frequently without fear of damage to the insulation.
We covered the packability costs and benefits of down vs synthetic above, so we won’t go into detail about that here. Suffice it to say that down is always more packable than synthetic, but you have to pay a premium for the most packable blankets.
Adaptability
Some of the best portable blankets have features that allow them to adapt to multiple roles. When talking about lightweight packable blankets with synthetic or down fill that usually means something like attachment loops, clips, velcro patches, or even magnets in a few cases.
These features allow you to use your blanket for a variety of valuable purposes, including:
- Blanket
- Poncho
- Hammock underquilt
- Tent wall liner
- Camping quilt
- Sleeping system
Minimalism is an essential part of living the tiny life. Choosing a single item that can fulfill the role of multiple items is always a good idea.
Value
There are some monumentally expensive packable blankets on the market today. Don’t get us wrong, they’re incredibly warm, comfortable, packable, and generally fantastic, but it can seem like you have to spend a serious chunk of change to get a quality blanket.
Thankfully, plenty of value-packed affordable options offer solid performance at a very reasonable price. We evaluated every blanket we reviewed based on a mix of performance and value.
We included top-of-the-line portable blankets from high-end brands and excellent value-priced options to ensure a portable blanket on our list for every budget.
