Beyond the essentials like passports and luggage, a Travel Blanket can drastically improve your journey’s comfort. Whether you’re facing a chilly airplane cabin, a long car ride, or an unexpected layover in a drafty airport, a good travel blanket is your personal haven of warmth and coziness. While we’ve rigorously tested numerous options to pinpoint the absolute best, some noteworthy contenders deserve mention for their specific strengths and features. Let’s explore some travel blankets that, while not topping our main list, still offer valuable benefits for travelers.
Other Travel Blankets We Considered
While these blankets didn’t make our top recommendations, they each present unique features that might suit particular travel needs and preferences.
Forestfish Fleece Throw Blanket: If budget is a primary concern, the Forestfish Fleece Throw Blanket, often priced under $20, is a compelling option. Its lightweight and compact nature make it ideal for short trips, especially road trips where space might be limited. While perfectly adequate for car journeys, its insulation might be insufficient for colder environments like airplanes or trains where temperature control can be less consistent. It’s a practical, economical choice for those needing a basic travel blanket for milder conditions.
Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho Wearable Hoodie Blanket: For travelers who prioritize versatility and outdoor use, the Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho Wearable Hoodie Blanket stands out. This blanket is designed to provide warmth without causing overheating, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities, from camping to sporting events. Its wearable poncho design offers hands-free convenience, though the coverage in poncho mode is somewhat limited. Despite this, its adaptability and temperature regulation make it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a travel blanket.
Sagefinds Soft Travel Blanket with Bag: Don’t let its thin appearance deceive you; the Sagefinds Soft Travel Blanket with Bag offers a noticeable upgrade from standard airline blankets. It strikes a balance between warmth and breathability, providing comfort without excessive bulk. This blanket is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize portability. Its lightweight design and included carrying bag enhance its travel-friendliness, making it a practical choice for those seeking a step up in comfort from basic travel provisions.
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Sagefinds soft travel blanket and bag for comfortable and portable travel.
Eversnug Travel Blanket and Pillow: The Eversnug Travel Blanket and Pillow offers appealing 2-in-1 functionality, converting from a cozy blanket to a supportive pillow. This versatility is undoubtedly convenient for travel, reducing the number of items to pack. However, its smaller size might be a drawback for taller individuals who need more coverage from a travel blanket. While the dual-purpose design is clever, travelers requiring a larger blanket may find this option less suitable for their needs.
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Eversnug travel blanket and pillow combo for versatile travel comfort.
Our Comprehensive Travel Blanket Testing Methodology
To rigorously evaluate travel blankets, the Travel + Leisure team conducted extensive testing of 19 different models under real-world travel conditions. Our testing process focused on key aspects crucial for travelers: comfort, ease of use, durability, and overall value. We employed a comprehensive approach to assess each blanket, meticulously examining its construction, fabric, design elements, warmth, and packability.
Our testing scenarios were designed to mimic typical travel situations. We used the blankets during various modes of transport, including airplanes, trains, and cars. We also tested them at outdoor events and even at home to simulate lounging and relaxation, allowing us to gauge their comfort, functionality, versatility, and long-term durability across diverse settings.
Throughout the testing period, we diligently recorded observations on several factors. We noted the weight and feel of each blanket, assessing whether they were truly lightweight and easy to carry. We evaluated their thermal performance, determining if they provided adequate warmth and breathability in different temperatures. Size and compactness were also key considerations, as we assessed how easily each blanket packed and folded for travel. We paid close attention to any unique features designed to enhance portability or comfort, such as built-in carrying cases or special fabrics.
For blankets labeled as machine-washable, we conducted washing tests at least once during the initial testing phase. This allowed us to observe how well they held up to laundering and whether washing affected the fabric’s texture, softness, or overall quality.
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Portable Sagefinds travel blanket with bag attached to luggage for easy carrying.
Our evaluation extended beyond the initial testing period. We continued to use the blankets in various real-world travel situations for six months. This longer-term testing allowed us to assess their practicality, portability over extended use, and to identify any signs of wear and tear. This ongoing assessment ensured a thorough evaluation of each travel blanket’s long-term reliability and performance. We remain committed to providing our readers with the most up-to-date and accurate information, and we will continue to update our recommendations as we test new travel blankets in the future.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Blanket
Selecting the ideal travel blanket involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and travel style.
Consider Your Primary Use Case:
Before purchasing a travel blanket, carefully consider how you intend to use it most frequently. For air travel, prioritize blankets that are exceptionally soft, cozy, and compact. Bulkier, larger blankets can be cumbersome, taking up valuable space in your carry-on and potentially infringing on neighboring passenger space. Focus on lightweight travel blankets crafted from plush, warm yet not heavy materials that easily fit into your personal item and provide comfort on long flights.
Conversely, if you plan to use your travel blanket for outdoor activities like camping or hiking, warmth and durability become paramount. Look for larger, thicker blankets, possibly even water-resistant or waterproof, to withstand varying weather conditions and provide ample insulation. Materials like fleece or wool are excellent choices for outdoor travel blankets, offering superior warmth even in cold and damp environments.
Furthermore, pay attention to the blanket’s dimensions. Travel blankets come in various sizes, from single-person throws to larger blankets suitable for sharing. Choose a size that aligns with your typical use, whether you prefer individual coverage or want a blanket large enough for you and a travel companion.
Prioritize Portability:
Portability is a crucial factor when selecting a travel blanket. Seek out blankets that include a convenient carrying case, ideally one with features like luggage sleeves or clips for easy attachment to backpacks or suitcases. A dedicated carrying case not only keeps the blanket compact and protected during travel but also prevents it from consuming excessive space in your luggage. Some thoughtfully designed travel blankets even double as pillows when folded into their carrying cases, offering added convenience. The ability to attach the blanket to your luggage frees up your hands and makes it effortless to carry during travel.
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Kashwere travel blanket in a portable carrying pouch for convenient travel.
Explore Special Features:
Travel can be demanding, so consider travel blankets with special features that enhance both functionality and comfort. Blankets with built-in footrest pockets provide extra warmth and coziness, particularly beneficial on long journeys. Zippered pockets offer secure and easily accessible storage for small essentials like headphones, phones, or travel documents.
Consider blankets that can fold into a pillow, offering a versatile two-in-one solution and saving valuable packing space. Waterproof travel blankets are excellent for outdoor adventures, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather. Thermoregulating blankets help maintain an optimal temperature, preventing overheating while still providing warmth. For maximum coverage and warmth, explore blankets with sleeves or hoods, allowing you to wear them like a comfortable garment.
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White + Warren cashmere travel wrap worn as a scarf for versatile use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Blankets
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What is the Ideal Size for a Travel Blanket?
The best travel blanket size depends on your personal needs, intended use, and travel style. Think about whether you’ll be using it alone or sharing it. The blanket should adequately cover your body both lengthwise and widthwise. Consider if you’ll use it draped over your lap on a plane or want to fully snuggle under it while camping. Check the dimensions to ensure sufficient coverage whether you’re sitting or lying down, especially if you are tall or prefer extra space.
Also, consider where you’ll primarily use it. For air travel, a smaller, more compact blanket that fits easily in a carry-on is usually best. For camping or outdoor activities, a larger blanket for more warmth and comfort might be more appropriate.
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How Should I Pack My Travel Blanket?
Packing a travel blanket is generally straightforward, depending on its design. If it comes with a carrying case, neatly fold or roll the blanket and place it inside. Some blankets are designed to fold into themselves, becoming a compact pillow or bag for easy packing. If there’s no carrying case, fold the blanket to a manageable size and pack it in your luggage, similar to clothing. For bulkier blankets, consider using compression packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags to minimize space.
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What is the Best Way to Wash a Travel Blanket?
Washing instructions vary based on the blanket’s material and manufacturer guidelines. Generally, most travel blankets made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or fleece are machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air drying is usually recommended to preserve fabric integrity and prevent shrinking or damage from high heat. Some blankets, like cashmere options, may require dry cleaning. Always check the care label for specific instructions and precautions.
You Might Also Be Interested In…
Enhance your travel comfort further with these recommended items, perfect for train, bus, or plane journeys.
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow: Featuring plush memory foam, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow’s asymmetrical design caters to diverse neck, chin, and head support preferences. It excelled in our best travel pillow tests, offering superior comfort and support for travelers.
Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant: Travel in comfort and style with the Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant. This sleek and comfortable set is made from a lightweight, incredibly soft fabric that resists creases and wrinkles, ensuring you look polished and feel relaxed throughout your journey.
Patagonia Men’s R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody: Ideal for airplane travel, the Patagonia Men’s R1 Air Full-zip Hoody is a temperature-regulating hooded sweatshirt. It features multiple zippered pockets for securely storing documents and electronics, combining practicality with comfort.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Maddie Michalik, a seasoned expert in shopping trends and a frequent traveler, has been professionally reviewing products since 2014. For this article, she leveraged Travel + Leisure’s in-depth travel blanket testing insights, reviewing feedback for each blanket and supplementing it with product descriptions and additional research to compile a comprehensive guide to the best travel blankets available today.
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