15 Best Travel Blankets for Any Adventure

If you are anything like me, you love the comfort and security of having your favorite blanket when you travel. When we are away from home it is hard to find that same comfort.

Travel blankets offer a little bit of home, whether you are flying across the world or camping in your own backyard.

For some people, a regular throw or small blanket may work perfectly fine. Frequent travelers may find that these traditional blankets are bulky, making them hard to pack or carry with you.

But what is a travel blanket exactly? In this article, I will explain this as well as share some tips for choosing the best travel blanket to fit your individual needs. I will review some of the top travel blankets on the market, including the pros and cons of each one.

If you are searching for the perfect travel blanket, I hope this post will help you to learn everything you need before you buy.

What to Look for in a Travel Blanket

Let me take a moment to cover the basics of travel blankets. These blankets come in many sizes and fabrics. Some have added features and benefits that may work better for some travelers than others.

Here is a short rundown of what to look for while you are shopping.

What is a travel blanket?

Travel blankets are specially designed to be lightweight and portable. Made from a variety of different fabrics, travel blankets provide a little extra warmth when you most need it.

Many travel blankets have pockets or carrying cases allowing the blanket to double as a pillow when you don’t need to keep warm.

The exact features and options will depend on the blanket you choose. Don’t worry though, I will supply you with all the best features to make that decision easier.

How to choose the best travel blanket?

There is no travel blanket that is perfect for every person. You must consider how you plan on using your travel blanket before deciding. 

If you are a frequent flyer, then you are probably going to want a lightweight packable blanket that has some type of case or pocket to make it easier to carry. 

On the other hand, if you use your travel blanket while camping you are likely going to need a blanket with a bit more weight to keep you warmer on those cold nights.

Allergy sufferers will want to pay close attention to the material that the travel blankets.

Many travel blankets are made with synthetic materials that may hold allergens. Natural fibers such as cotton and bamboo provide a more breathable fabric that will not trap allergens.

Bamboo fibers have the added bonus of repelling odors as well as bacteria and other pollutants.

Related Article: How To Choose The Best Travel Towel

Important Features of Travel Blankets

Here are some features that you may want to consider:

#1 Size

Travel blankets are available in many different sizes. Think about how you plan to use the blanket. 

I like larger blankets so I can be covered from my neck down and tuck in around my feet. If you prefer a lap blanket, then a smaller sized blanket may suit your needs. 

#2 Weight

A travel blanket’s weight depends on the fabric and any lining it may have.

When it comes to paying by the weight of your luggage, you will probably want to make sure your travel blanket does not add extra cost to your travels. 

Luckily, travel blanket manufacturers understand this is an important design feature and there are many blankets that offer plenty of warmth without the extra weight.

#3 Portability

Let's face it, if it is not easy to carry the travel blanket, I’m just going to take my favorite blanket from home. Many travel blankets are designed to be packable and compact, fitting easily into luggage, carry-on, or even a purse or backpack.

#4 Texture

The blankets that airlines have provided in the past are a far cry from soft and comfy. I want a blanket that is super soft, so I can snuggle up and catch a few zzz’s whether I am on a long car ride or in an airplane. 

Others may prefer a blanket that offers a smoother texture and cooling softness. The texture of a travel blanket should be carefully considered for the best travel experience.

#5 Washable

Unfortunately, we cannot always just toss a travel blanket in our suitcase and forget it is there, especially between trips. 

The blanket will need washing. I always make sure to check that there are no special cleaning instructions, but then again, I am a lazy launderer.

Ideas for How to Use a Travel Blanket

A travel blanket can be extremely useful even when you are not traveling. Here are a few surprising ways I have seen people use a travel blanket:

• Cart cover – shopping cart handles can be gross. Grab a lightweight and compact travel blanket to take with you to the grocery store. You can avoid the sanitizing wipes that dry out your hands.
• Picnic – spread a travel blanket and head to the nearest park and have lunch while relaxing on your blanket.
• Shade – many travel blankets are lightweight enough they can be held up easily for instant shade in a pinch.
• Poncho – some travel blankets are water resistant, making them a great rain cover when a spring storm pops up out of nowhere.
• Car seat cover – new moms and dads know the constant struggle that bulky car seat cover can be. Use a lightweight travel blanket to cover the little one and protect them from the sun or wind.
• Build a Fort – many kids love to build forts out of blankets and chairs, or whatever else they can find. Having a travel blanket handy will prevent them from pulling all the blankets off the beds. This is also a great option when staying in a hotel or other place away from home. Give your kiddo their own private space.

The 15 Best Travel Blankets

Now let’s look at the best travel blankets available. While many blankets have similar features, no two are the same. 

I’ll also share some pros and cons for each model to help you decide which travel blanket will work best for you. 

#1 ZIDELI 4-in-1 Luxury Travel Blanket Set

Compact and luxurious, the Zideli luxury travel set gives you everything you need for comfort while you travel. 

The travel pillow and blanket combo include the 50 x 60-inch lightweight fleece travel blanket, a velvet-covered inflatable pillow, a large sleep mask, and a pair of earplugs. 

The entire set fits into the convenient carry case that can double as another pillow with the blanket neatly tucked inside.   

Size: 50” x 60”

Material: Soft polyester fleece

#2 BedVoyage Bamboo Knit Travel Blanket and Pillowcase

BedVoyage provides allergy suffers some much need relief with their bamboo travel blanket and pillowcase style carrier.

This blanket is naturally hypoallergenic and allergen free. Additionally, the bamboo fibers natural repel odors and bacteria while adjusting to your natural body heat.

#3 Jet&Bo 100% Pure Cashmere Travel Set

The Jet&Bo Travel set includes the travel blanket, an eye mask, socks, and a carry case all made with 100% pure cashmere. 

The case can double as a perfect sized travel pillow measuring 13” x 9” x 2” when the set is packed inside. The use of cashmere may make this the warmest travel blanket on our list.

Size:  60” x 35”

Material:  100% pure cashmere

#4 Kelty Bestie BFF Blanket

If you are looking for a versatile travel blanket that can withstand just about any type of use, then the Bestie BFF is for you. 

This compact blanket feature Cloudloft insulation, corner loops for metal stakes, and a fold into zipper pocket design. 

The bottom is treated polyester to prevent moisture from seeping through the blanket and the zipper pocket can be used to store small items when the blanket is laid out. 

The Bestie BFF is perfect for camping or to use as a kid’s travel blanket.

Size: 42.25” x 75.5”

Material: Polyester

#5 CampMe Premium Waterproof Picnic and Camping Blanket

The CampMe blanket is the perfect blanket when you know you might get wet. Made with a waterproof fabric, this blanket is super lightweight and durable. 

This blanket is huge, at nearly 5 feet by over 7 feet, this travel blanket is big enough to share.

Each blanket features reinforced corners where you can use the included metal stakes to secure the blanket to the ground or connect more than one blanket together for a super-sized party blanket.

#6 Digniti Travel Blanket and Airplane Pillow Set

Digniti brings us another great blanket and pillow combo set. This set includes the small travel blanket, a sleep mask, a neck pillow, all in a convenient drawstring bag. This set is designed to be the perfect travel blanket for airplanes. 

This smaller travel blanket may also be the perfect option for people with young children or babies to take care of traveling. The kiddos get cold too.

The waterproof carry bag means that you can get in and out of the weather without having to worry about a soaked blanket.  The generously sized bag can carry other small personal items as well to protect them. 

#7 Cabeau Fold ‘n Go

If you need a warmer option, then the Cabeau Fold ‘n Go travel blanket may be right for you. Extra soft and warm thanks to the French microfiber fabric. 

This blanket can double as a pillow, or lumbar support when placed in the included compact case. This blanket has a heavier weight than some, making it a great travel blanket for a train, bus, or long car ride. 

#8 HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket

HappyLuxe gives users a unique experience and endless options with their wearable travel blanket. This versatile blanket/wrap can be worn many ways; such as a scarf, cover-up, nursing cover, or even a fashionable layering piece. 

For those extra chilly evenings, the hidden pocket will hold 2 air-activated warmers, and they send you two disposable hand warmers in the package.  

Make sure to use only cold water and a gentle cycle to wash this blanket, to ensure a long life.

#9 Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

The Cocoon CoolMax travel blanket is super compact and lightweight making it the perfect blanket to tuck into the glove box for a car travel blanket or keep one in your backpack or carry-on for convenience. 

This blanket is so light, you will not notice you are carrying it, but be glad you have it when you need it. 

The CoolMax knit fabric is designed to keep you warm, while it wicks away moisture and breathes well.  And believe it or not, when this blanket is packed up in the drawstring carry bag, it is about the size of a soda can!

#10 World's Best Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket

This economical travel blanket provides comfort and warm, even a little style if you desire at an extremely reasonable price. Easy to care for, this blanket can be thrown in with other laundry without having to worry about it bleeding or fading. 

This blanket is a little thicker than some of the other blankets so you may not want to take it on your next flight. However, this is the ideal blanket to keep in your care for emergencies or when you just need an extra bit of warmth.

#11 Silk Camel Cozy Allergy Portable Travel Blanket

This portable mini travel blanket from Silk Camel is designed for the little ones in our lives. After all, children get cold too! 

This blanket features a high-grade cotton cover and long-strand silk filling that is luxurious and super soft. The cover can be removed for easy laundering.

This blanket is hypoallergenic, making it a great gift for those season allergy sufferers.

#12 Travelrest 4-in-1 Premier Class Travel Blanket with Pocket

Travelrest brings us another multi-functional travel blanket.  This poncho style travel blanket features a convenient pocket, a neck hole for added wearability, and a convenient drawstring stuff sack. 

The ultra-soft plush is versatile. The blanket is thick enough to provide support when used as a lumbar pillow but light enough to wear just about anywhere.

#13 Comfort Plus 3-in-1 Microfleece Premium Travel Blanket

If you like the idea of a neck roll pillow when you travel, then this Comfort Plus travel blanket should be just right. 

The blanket is made of luxury non-pilling microfleece making it super soft. The case becomes a roll pillow when holding the blanket.

#14 Cozy-Soft Travel Blanket Compact Lightweight Portable with Bag

We have another great travel blanket for the ecologically conscious traveler and only the second bamboo traveling blanket on the list. The Cozy-Soft travel blanket proved premium softness while remaining skin-friendly. 

This lightweight blanket is one of the larger travel blankets available and comes with a convenient carry bag that doubles as a pillow when you are not using the blanket. 

Both the blanket and carry bag are machine washable.

#15 Flight 001 Travel Blanket

If you are looking for a smaller square travel blanket, then the Flight 001 travel blanket is exactly what you need. 

Made of soft and super lightweight polyester, this bag will hold up over many uses. The simple square design makes folding the blanket back into the convenient carry bag quick and easy, giving you a comfy pillow. 

This travel blanket has been specifically designed to be used as an emergency blanket, so grab on to keep in your car. It also makes a great new-drivers gift!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you go – 15 of the best travel blankets on the market. This list contains travel blankets to fit every need, whether you are looking to stock up on multiple blankets for the entire family, or splurge on a luxury travel blanket or set to improve your own travels. 

Travel blankets are great in an emergency when you need to keep warm. The convenience of knowing you have a clean blanket is great comfort to some individuals. 

For children, travel blankets can offer familiarity and a sense of security when they are away from home. Many of the blankets on this list are lightweight and small enough for even the youngest travelers.

Additionally, a travel blanket makes an excellent gift for just about anyone so you may want to consider picking up an extra one when you purchase your own. 

Travel blankets can be purchased individually or as part of a travel set perfect for individuals that are taking a nap in different places or want to block out the world around them.

The best travel blanket will be the one that works with your lifestyle and provides convenience and protection from the cold, wind, or maybe even the rain.   

Happy trails!