BeiLan Mini Pocket Picnic Blanket Durable Lightweight Waterproof Sand Proof Beach Camping Travel Mat Foldable Thin Ground Sheet for Outdoors Activities (70 * 110cm, Black & Red)

Product Information

For our final test, we evaluated the durability of each picnic blanket, including its claim to water-resistance: We poured water over each blanket and allowed it to sit for 15 minutes, then wiped it up with a towel, taking note of how much moisture remained.

But even if you do experience a little staining, this blanket is machine-washable for easy cleanup. The sand came out with little effort when we shook the blanket, too. We also love that this picnic blanket features loops on each corner so you can use stakes to keep it firm to the ground in case of windy conditions (although it’s already the heaviest on our list). The feel and comfort of this blanket is similar to that of a bed comforter. According to the manufacturer, the outer layer features a waterproof “hydrobarrier,” which held up remarkably well in our testing: Grape juice pooled on the blanket and left no stain behind, and no water soaked through. While it may take some practice to refold this blanket correctly, it is secured by a bungee wrap and has a carrying strap. There's also a zippered pouch where you could store items such as your keys, and you can adjust the shoulder strap for easy carrying. Dirt and sand fell off this blanket after just a few shakes during our testing, and though liquid does soak into the fleece fabric, it’s fairly easy to blot out. The one big downside of this picnic blanket is you can't machine wash it, so you have to spot-clean any stains. However, it’s a good value considering its large size and quality construction.

There is quite a variety of fabrics used to make picnic blankets, so you should always defer to the manufacturer’s care instructions when washing. Many picnic blankets are machine-washable, while others may be spot-clean only. Because so many picnic blankets feature waterproof, stain-resistant fabrics, they’re easy to wipe down between uses and spot-treat or machine wash only when needed. “At the end of the day, this is a base for a meal and leisure time with friends and family and the last thing you want to be concerned with are spills and cleaning up later,” says Hect.

This picnic blanket costs less than half the average price of all those we tested, yet it was among the best in terms of performance. It’s extremely lightweight at less than two pounds, and features a carrying tote for easy transport. But where it really stood out was in our spill test: The polyester fleece was surprisingly stain-resistant, and the grape juice mostly pooled rather than soaked into the fabric. Therefore, we think this makes an excellent choice for people looking to accommodate accident-prone kids or pets. We also evaluated each blanket's water resistance (or waterproofing) during our durability test. We poured a quarter cup of water onto each blanket, let it stand for 15 minutes, then wiped up the moisture with a towel and turned the blankets over to see how much the water soaked through. For blankets with a fluffy side, we also considered whether they would snag easily if caught by jewelry or a standard picnic basket.We acquired 30 of the best picnic blankets and tested them in our Lab over two days. We first examined the material and construction of each picnic blanket, considering its overall quality and look. We also took note of whether it included a carrying case, a storage pouch, or straps. The only thing we don’t love about this blanket is the price—it’s the most expensive out of all the picnic blankets we tested. However, if you want a durable and long-lasting blanket that can withstand frequent use, wet conditions, spills, sand, pet hair, and more, this blanket just might be worth the splurge. Whether you prefer a grassy knoll or a sandy perch to enjoy wine and a cheese board—or perhaps your favorite deli sandwich—the right picnic blanket to host your feast makes all the difference in your dining experience. But any old blanket won't do. The best picnic blanket should be waterproof to keep away damp grass and offer the right amount of comfort to lounge on. Given that this blanket is made by Yeti, our testers weren’t surprised by the price tag — or by the high quality. “It would be a good splurge item, especially if you have messy kids or go on lots of outdoor adventures where the blanket will be experiencing wear and tear and wet conditions,” our tester said. Indeed, despite the cushy and comforter-like topside, liquid pooled on top and was a cinch to blot away. The underside is completely waterproof, and the blanket has loops at the corners that allow you to stake it down on windy days. For warm-weather picnics, camping, or beach trips, a nylon- or polyester-based picnic blanket is going to be more breathable, lightweight, and water-resistant. Plus, these materials are less likely to hold onto grass, sand, dirt, crumbs, etc.