It just wouldn’t be a picnic without picnic blankets! This is an area of picnic equipment where you’re really spoilt for choice.
Every picnic rug I recommend here has been road tested so I know its foldable, portable, easy to store and where it says so – actually a waterproof picnic blanket!
The low price of these beach blankets (as my mum calls them) mean you can own several for all occasions. I find its so handy to have a large picnic blanket stashed in my car boot for those impromptu roadside snack and coffee breaks. Even if you are using a foldable picnic table the blanket can be a great table cloth!
When we are hiking I carry one of those waterproof pocket blankets (the Matador Pocket Blanket is my fav!). We even use travel rugs to keep us warm in the garden, you like those posh outdoor restaurants on holiday have rugs on the chairs, well so do I a Chez Jones!
Not got time to read all the reviews, no worries below are the best Picnics Blankets from each category...
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What’s your pick when it comes to a picnic rug? Are you a fan of traditional gingham or tartans, or quirky and fun patterns, bold brights or muted neutrals?
The blankets I have recommended come in a variety of sizes and materials too. From pocket sized waterproof picnic blankets you can fold up and put in your pocket, to cosy fleece or felt with insulated backing, to luxurious knots or woollen blends.
There are options just big enough for a cosy picnic for two, to giant, family-sized extra large picnic blankets with room for you all. A blanket is truly a picnic essential, giving you somewhere to sit where you won’t get damp, muddy or sandy. They also provide a layer of insulation on those cooler/wet days and can double up as ground sheets if camping.
These travel rugs are also a beach-picnic essential – sand and picnic food are NOT a good combination! Did you know you can get anti sand backings on most picnic rugs now. And for an extra NO SAND IN MY SANDWICHES TIP… if you buy a folding beach truck you can flip it over to make a table too!
Many luxury picnic baskets, cooler rucksacks and picnic backpacks also come with fittings to attach your rolled-up picnic blanket to. (I always judge the more high end picnic sets as those that include a waterproof picnic rug and thermos flask as standard!)
Take a look at our selection of picnic blankets and travel rug best buys:.
These are the best traditional picnic blankets on the market I think and are chosen for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡20 or under
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 135cm x 150cm to 190cm x 190cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (may not be insulated)
- Come in range of colours
Best Waterproof Picnic Rugs
Our Waterproof Picnic Blankets are chosen for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡30 or under
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 135cm x 150cm to over 200cm x 200cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (normally insulated & padded)
- Come in range of colours
Best Large Picnic Blanket
Our Large Picnic Blankets are chosen for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡30 or under
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 150cm x 190cm to 200cm x 200cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (normally insulated)
- Come in range of colours
Best Luxury Travel Rugs
Our Luxury Picnic Blankets are for perfect to give for a special gift, often handcrafted I choose each of these for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡45 or over
- Material – Wool, felt, luxurious fleece or other natural fabrics
- Size – From 150cm x 190cm to over 200cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (normally insulated),
Best Compact Pocket Hiking Blankets
I am a total fan of small living and clever design so these mini compact, pocket sized picnic blankets just appeal to me. In fact we have one in each car, hiking backpack and on the bike too!. These Pocket sized picnic blankets are chosen for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡30 or under
- Must fit in a pocket!
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 150cm x 190cm to over 200cm x 200cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (not normally insulated)
- Come in range of colours
Best Extra Large Picnic Blankets
So the whole family is coming on a picnic and you all want to sit together, so these are my extra large picnic blankets recommendations chosen for the following features:
- Price – Around ￡30 or under
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 210cm x 210cm to over 300cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (normally insulated)
- Come in range of colour
Something a Bit Different!
Bored with the more traditional blankets? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these quirky and funky blankets:
- Price – Around ￡25 or under
- Material – Synthetic
- Size – From 210cm x 210cm to over 300cm
- Backing – Waterproof & Sandproof (normally insulated)
- Come in range of colours and designs!
Have you used any of these Blankets or Travel Rugs? Then please leave your review in the comments box below. Is your favourite picnic blanket not on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can review it.
Quickly before we go into recommending picnic seating here are quick links to our other picnic essentials on the site. If you have all these you are sure of the perfect picnic!
- Best Electric Cool Boxes
- Top Cool Bag Rucksacks
- Strong Beach & Festival Trolleys
- Luxury Picnic Baskets
- Easiest Folding Picnic Tables
- Thermos Flask & Food Flask
- Best Beach Tents
- Top Picnic Chairs & Seating
Can you think of another essential picnic items I need to include? If so drop me a line in the comments.
Last update on 2021-12-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API