Camping in the wilderness can be a great experience. But it takes some preparation to make sure you have everything you need for your campsite and comfort while camping. The most important thing to pack is a wool blanket.
Wool blankets are one of the best things you can bring when camping because they will keep you warm and dry no matter what weather conditions may arise. They are durable enough that they’ll last through many years of campouts.
Best Wool Blankets for Camping, Hiking, and Road Trips
I’ve put together my favorite wool blankets for camping and road trips. These wool blanket suggestions are based on my own experience as a hiker, camper, and traveler. They’re all heavy duty and large enough to cover two people.
Best Overall: Arcturus Wool Blanket
I’ve used many different wool blankets while camping and if I had to choose one to bet my favorite, it would be this one by Arcturus.
It has all the features you would need for a blanket, being both warm and soft. It’s not only perfect for camping but also for around the house or to take with you on a road trip because it’s so easy to clean!
The best features of this blanket are that the wool weave is very tight and durable making it great as an emergency blanket in case something happens and you need to stay warm and dry at night.
It’s Hypoallergenic and easy to clean. You can just throw it in the washing machine and dryer. I’ve bought a few of these for my family and we always use them when we go camping!
Best Merino Wool: Woolly Mammoth by Woolen Co.
I first came across Woolly Mammoth on a Facebook ad, and had been searching for a merino wool blanket to take to the cabin for backwoods camping trips. I was impressed by the specs, and after reading user reviews, placed my order with expedited shipping.
After receiving it (approximately 1 week later), I can’t say enough good things about this blanket. It’s extremely warm, tightly woven, and has a great weight for warmth-to-weight ratio. The large size makes it easy to keep plenty of distance between you and the cold ground on those crisp fall evenings.
The best part: not only is it the best merino wool blanket I’ve ever used, it’s also the easiest to care for. There’s no need to wash it, because of the self-cleaning properties of the Merino wool!
Best Throw Blanket: Pendleton Yakima
If you’re looking for the highest quality wool blanket, the Pendleton Yakima Wool Throw Blanket is the one for you. As a child, anytime I visited my grandparents’ home, I would curl up on their couch with their Pendleton throw blanket.
Woven of 100% virgin wool, these blankets are designed to last a lifetime and be passed down through generations. Not only that, but they’re also very beautiful and colorful.
The blanket is extremely warm and cozy for those cold nights. The blanket is also extremely soft and comfortable. It’s also available in Twin, Queen, and Throw sizes.
Best types of wool blankets to bring on a camping trip
There are many types of wool blankets to choose from. Some of the most popular kinds are felted wool blankets, Navajo Churro wool blankets, and Pendleton blanket throws. These kinds of wool blankets are versatile, soft, and warm.
Felt Wool Blankets
Felt wool blankets are made by passing shorn wool fibers through a series of rollers which compress them until the fibers cling together. They are excellent for camping because they’re durable and heavy-duty enough to keep you warm in all weather conditions.
Merino Wool Blankets
Merino wool blankets are made of fine-grade merino wool. The wavy crimp patterns in the thread give it an elegant look while making the blanket soft and durable. This kind of blanket is perfect for camping because it has insulation properties that will keep you warmer than other types of coverings.
Alpaca Wool Blankets
Alpaca wool blankets are very similar to merino wool blankets. The big difference between the two is that alpaca wool is stronger and more resilient than merino. These kinds of blankets are a 4-season blanket. They keep you warm in the winter and cool in warmer seasons.
Navajo Churro Wool Blankets
Navajo Churro wool blankets are made from 100% pure virgin wool, which is wrapped around a cotton warp. The Navajo Churro wool blankets are versatile and can be used for a range of different purposes. For example, they could add warmth when lounging outside in the evening or add a splash of color to your camping gear. If you have one, you’ll never need to buy another blanket.
Pendleton Blanket Throws
Pendleton is a well-known company that makes wool blankets and throws. Their blanket throws are very durable and can be used as extra sleeping space or simply draped over the end of your bed. They’re also lightweight, machine washable, and come in many colors and patterns.
Regardless of the type of blanket you choose from the list above, you can’t go wrong. Wool blankets are ideal for camping because they’re thin, lightweight, and durable. They also don’t take up much space in your luggage, so you can pack them without hassle. So before you pack your camping gear, make sure to include a wool blanket in the trunk of your car.
Benefits of Wool Blankets
Wool blankets have many features that go hand-in-hand with being outdoors. As I mentioned above, they’re durable, lightweight, and easy to pack away.
Here are a few more benefits of Wool Blankets;
Fire-Retardant – Wool naturally resists catching fire and if it does, it’s self-extinguishing. You can also use a wool blanket to put out small fires in case of an emergency.
Hypoallergenic – Wool is an excellent material for those who have allergies. It’s a natural fiber that doesn’t contain the same irritants as synthetic materials.
Temperature Regulating – During winter, your body sheds a lot of moisture in the form of sweat. If you lie on a cotton blanket, it will stay wet and make you feel colder. Wool absorbs all this moisture and keeps your body at a constant temperature.
Durability – No matter how many times you wash wool blankets, they’re always soft and fluffy. They also don’t deteriorate after many washes like cotton, polyester, and other synthetic materials do.
Breathable – Wool blankets wick away moisture from the skin. They also keep out humidity to prevent mold growth and mildew.
Wool Blanket Care and Tips
To get the most out of your wool blanket or throw, you should:
Do: Wash it in cold water with a mild detergent.
Don’t: Use bleach. Using bleach will make your blanket fade and damage the wool fibers.
Do: Avoid drying it in direct sunlight or near a heat source. The ultraviolet rays from the sun are bad for blankets made of natural fibers.
Don’t: Machine dry your blanket on high heat – this might shrink your blanket.
Do: Let it air dry. It will take some time, but if done correctly, your blanket will last longer.
Don’t: Fold while damp – this can lead to mildew stains and a musty smell on your blanket.
Wool blankets are just one of the many different types of camping gear you should have while out in the wild. They provide necessary warmth and comfort while you’re out in the great outdoors. However, if you don’t have a wool blanket, other types of coverings can be used as an alternative. For example, fleece is lightweight, but it’s not very warm or durable like wool blankets.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve put together a list of the most common questions I’ve been asked about Wool Blankets.
Where can I buy wool blankets?
Wool blankets are readily available in department stores, hardware/garage sales, outdoor gear shops, and Amazon.com.
Are wool blankets expensive?
Wool blankets vary from cheap to very expensive depending on the brand and quality of the material used. You can find a mid-range wool blanket for about $60.00-$80.00 at most stores or Amazon.com.
Where are wool blankets made?
Wool blankets are made in countries worldwide, including China, the USA, and Canada.
Are wool blankets warm?
Wool is an insulating material that traps heat and keeps you warm even in the coldest conditions. If it gets wet, don’t worry – wool will keep you warm for a long time.
Are wool blankets heavy?
Wool blankets are lightweight, but they’re not light on functionality or benefits. They can keep you safe and warm even in the roughest conditions.
Are wool blankets scratchy?
No, not at all! Wool is an incredibly soft material that’s just as comfortable as it is durable and functional. You can tell if your blanket or throw is made of 100% pure wool by rubbing the fabric between your fingers and feeling for any prickly fibers.
How do you clean a wool blanket?
You should always read the washing instructions that come with your specific brand of blanket. However, most 100% wool blankets can be machine washed on cold water as long as you use a mild detergent. Avoid drying your wool blanket or throw in direct sunlight or near any heat source. This can cause damage and will reduce its lifespan.
What’s the best size wool blanket for camping?
Wool blankets come in all different sizes, so you can buy one to fit your specific needs. If you’re camping on the coldest night of the year, a smaller wool blanket will do fine since it won’t cover much ground. However, if it’s only slightly chilly out, you might want to grab a larger size blanket so you can stay warm and comfortable.
Look for a mid-size blanket that’s the ideal length to fit inside your sleeping bag or give yourself enough coverage while sitting around a campfire.
Conclusion
Wool may be a little more expensive than other types of blankets, but it’s totally worth the cost. It’s proven to last for decades, is lightweight, and works as hard as you do. Wool is perfect for camping, hiking, or even if you own an RV and spend a lot of time on the road. If you purchase a high-quality wool product, it can be your go-to blanket for years to come.
If you liked this post, share it with others using the social media links below, and please feel free to comment with any questions or suggestions. Thanks!
