A picnic blanket has two jobs. It should keep damp grass away from you, and it should be big enough for the people and the food. Those are the two things that separate these seven, so each pick below states its backing and its open size up front.
Watch one word on the listings. Some makers say waterproof and some say water-resistant, and Coleman’s listing is candid that its backing handles light moisture and dew. We have not used these blankets. The details come from makers and listings, and we say where an independent article adds anything. If you still need something to carry the food in, see our picnic basket guide.
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Quick verdict: which picnic blanket to buy
Buy the ONIVA Blanket Tote XL for a family, since it opens to 70 x 80 inches and folds into its own tote with a pocket. For a stated waterproof layer that packs small, buy the Rumpl Everywhere Mat. For the most room, the 80 x 80 inch Coleman covers the most ground of the name brands here, but its backing is only rated for light moisture.
Five blankets by size and backing
Five of the seven, one for each kind of outing. All seven are covered in full below.
| Pick | Best for | Open size | Backing | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ONIVA Blanket Tote XLBest overall
|
Families who want a tote | 70 x 80 in. | Water-resistant PEVA | View on Amazon |
Rumpl Everywhere MatBest packable
|
Packing small | 52 x 75 in. | Waterproof 5K TPU laminate | View on Amazon |
| Large groups, dry days | 80 x 80 in. | Water resistant, light moisture | View on Amazon | |
YETI Lowlands BlanketToughest pick
|
Wet ground and pets | 55 x 78 in. | Waterproof, per YETI | View on Amazon |
Picnic Time Outdoor Blanket Tote, 59 x 51Best for two
|
Two people | 59 x 51 in. | Water-resistant | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best picnic blanket
1. ONIVA Blanket Tote XL – 70 x 80 Inches, Folds Into a Tote
ONIVA is a brand of Picnic Time, a family-owned California company, and this is the large version of its blanket tote. It opens to 70 x 80 inches, which the listing says suits four to five people. The top is fleece and the underside is a water-resistant PEVA layer meant to deal with damp grass or sand.
The carrying arrangement is the appeal. It folds into an 18 x 11 x 5 inch tote with a flap closure, a shoulder strap and a zippered pocket for a phone or keys, so there’s no rolling and strapping. Picnic Time backs it with its lifetime guarantee.
Fleece is pleasant on a cool evening and warmer than you may want on a hot Texas afternoon. The listing says water-resistant rather than waterproof, so don’t expect it to hold up on soaked ground. Its data doesn’t give a dependable weight or care instructions, so check the tag before washing.
Why we like it
- Room for four to five, per the listing
- Folds into its own tote
- Zippered pocket
- Lifetime guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 920-00-107-000-0 |
|---|---|
| Open size | 70 x 80 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Water-resistant PEVA |
| Top | Fleece |
| Packed or carry | 18 x 11 x 5 in. tote |
| Weight | Not reliably stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee |
Why we recommend it
Suits a family that picnics a few times a season and wants to grab one thing and go.
Skip it if you sit on wet ground often or picnic mostly in high heat. A waterproof mat with a cooler top suits those days better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous size
- Easy to carry
- Maker guarantee
Cons
- Fleece can be warm
- Water-resistant, not waterproof
2. Rumpl Everywhere Mat – A Waterproof Layer That Packs Small
This is more of a ground mat than a soft blanket. Rumpl uses a 5K TPU laminate on the bottom as the waterproof barrier and a polyester microsuede on top that it describes as stain and water resistant. It opens to 52 x 75 inches.
It weighs 1.2 pounds and packs into an attached case of about 6 x 12 inches, with hidden corner pockets for valuables. Field Mag’s waterproof blanket roundup, updated in May 2024, includes the mat and mentions corner loops for staking it down and room for two. That article describes features and doesn’t report a test, so treat it as a description.
It’s a good one to leave in a car or a backpack. At 52 inches wide, it’s snug for more than two people with food in the middle, and the listing describes no padding, so expect to feel the ground.
Why we like it
- Stated waterproof bottom
- 1.2 pounds
- Attached carry case
- Corner stash pockets
Key specifications
| Model | TNSM-412-O |
|---|---|
| Open size | 52 x 75 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Waterproof 5K TPU laminate |
| Top | Polyester microsuede |
| Packed or carry | 6 x 12 in. |
| Weight | 1.2 lb. |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a couple, or anyone who walks or bikes to the picnic and counts every ounce.
Skip it if you want padding or room for a family. This is a thin mat for about two.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very light
- Waterproof base
- Small when packed
Cons
- Little cushioning
- Narrower than the big blankets
3. Coleman Water Resistant Blanket, 80 x 80 – The Most Ground Covered
Of the name brands here, this one covers the most ground: 80 x 80 inches, which the listing says fits up to eight adults. That figure is the seller’s estimate and assumes nobody needs space for food. It’s quilted to stop the filling from shifting and weighs 2.1 pounds with a carrying strap.
Read the backing claim carefully. The listing says it protects against light moisture, dew and damp surfaces. That’s honest, and it means this is a blanket for a dry day on a dewy lawn, not for ground after rain.
The seller at last check was Swift Home, which the listing also shows as the manufacturer under the Coleman name, so it looks like a licensed product, although the listing doesn’t say so. We found no independent review of it.
Why we like it
- 80 x 80 inches
- 2.1 pounds
- Quilted so filling stays put
- Carry strap
Key specifications
| Model | CMBL109-BUE |
|---|---|
| Open size | 80 x 80 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Water resistant, light moisture |
| Top | Quilted |
| Packed or carry | Folds, strap included |
| Weight | 2.1 lb. |
| Care | Rinse the backing, per listing |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a big family or a group of friends on a dry day, including outdoor movies where people want to stretch out.
Skip it if the ground will really be wet. The maker’s own wording limits it to light moisture.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very large
- Light for its size
- Doubles as a cover when it cools off
Cons
- Light-moisture rating only
- No warranty stated
- No independent review found
4. YETI Lowlands Blanket – Waterproof Outside, Padded Inside
YETI describes the Lowlands as durable and waterproof on the outside, padded and insulated on the inside. It calls the waterproof layer HydroBarrier and says it’s immune to wet ground of any kind, which is a strong claim from the maker. It measures 55 x 78 inches and comes with a carry bag.
You can machine wash and dry it, and YETI says pet hair shakes off, so it makes sense for anyone bringing a dog. Field Mag’s roundup also describes it as machine washable with long-lasting waterproofing and says it comes in a zip-up travel case. Again, that article doesn’t report a test of its own.
It’s the premium option on this page, and for simple summer picnics it may be more than you need. Padding and insulation add warmth too. The listing doesn’t give a weight, so expect it to be bulkier than the Rumpl.
Why we like it
- Stated waterproof layer
- Padded and insulated
- Machine wash and dry
- Carry bag included
Key specifications
| Model | 18060131559 (part number) |
|---|---|
| Open size | 55 x 78 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Waterproof, per YETI |
| Top | Padded, insulated |
| Packed or carry | Carry bag |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Care | Machine wash and dry |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits people with dogs, and those who sit out on cold or wet ground in the cooler months as well as in summer.
Skip it if you only use a blanket on dry lawns a couple of times a year. A simpler one will do that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Padded comfort
- Easy to machine wash
- Sold by a YETI-authorized seller at last check
Cons
- Warm in summer
- Weight not stated
- More blanket than a casual picnic needs
5. Picnic Time Outdoor Blanket Tote, 59 x 51 – The Smaller Tote for Two
This is the smaller take on the ONIVA XL’s idea, from the same company. It opens to 59 x 51 inches, with a polyester fleece top and a water-resistant backing, and folds into a 13 x 9 x 4 inch tote with an adjustable strap and a zippered pocket.
The smaller size is a real advantage for two people. It’s easier to carry and fits in a bag or on a bike rack, and you get the same lifetime guarantee. Bigger isn’t always better, since a huge blanket still has to be folded with sand and crumbs on it.
At 51 inches across, it’s short for lying down for most adults. Treat it as a blanket for sitting and eating. As with the XL, the wording is water-resistant, and the same warning about fleece on a hot day applies.
Why we like it
- Compact tote
- Zippered pocket
- Adjustable strap
- Lifetime guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 820-00-109-000-0 |
|---|---|
| Open size | 59 x 51 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Water-resistant |
| Top | Polyester fleece |
| Packed or carry | 13 x 9 x 4 in. tote |
| Weight | Not reliably stated |
| Care | Not stated |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee |
Why we recommend it
Suits a couple or a parent with one child who want something tidy for the park or a concert.
Skip it if you want to lie flat or feed more than two or three. The XL pick has much more room.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Maker guarantee
- Pocket for keys
Cons
- Short for lying down
- Fleece can be warm
6. scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket – Three Layers With Foam
scuddles is an Amazon-first brand, and this is one of the two such brands on this page. The blanket measures 60 x 60 inches per its title and features, and has three layers: polyester on top, soft foam inside and a waterproof PEVA backing. A strap carries it over your shoulder.
The foam is what sets it apart from thin mats, since you get some cushioning without the bulk of a padded camp blanket. The listing suggests shaking it off or wiping it with a damp cloth to clean it.
The waterproof claim is the seller’s, and we found no maker test behind it. The listing’s dimension data also doesn’t match its title (it shows 59 x 76 inches in one field), so measure it against your needs when it arrives and keep the return window in mind.
Why we like it
- Foam layer for comfort
- PEVA backing
- Shoulder strap
- Wipes clean
Key specifications
| Model | SCPRBL60 |
|---|---|
| Open size | 60 x 60 in., per title |
| Backing, per listing | Waterproof PEVA, per listing |
| Top | Polyester |
| Packed or carry | Folds with strap |
| Weight | Not reliably stated |
| Care | Shake or wipe |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a family that wants a square blanket with a little padding and no need for a tote.
Skip it if you want a warranty you can count on. The listing doesn’t state one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Some cushioning
- Square shape shares well
- Simple to clean
Cons
- Seller’s claims only
- Dimension data conflicts
7. ZAZE Extra Large Picnic Blanket, 80 x 80 – Big and Machine Washable
ZAZE is the second Amazon-first brand here. The listing gives an 80 x 80 inch blanket for six to eight adults sitting or four lying down, with five layers and what it calls a double-sided waterproof surface and backing. It says it’s machine washable and folds down to about 15 x 5 inches at 2.3 pounds.
Being able to machine wash a blanket of this size is useful after a beach day. The gingham print also looks the part for a picnic. The listing states a warranty of 180 days from purchase, which is more than some of the bigger names state on theirs, though much less than a lifetime guarantee.
These are all seller claims, and we didn’t find a test of this blanket that we could read and trust. A search did bring up thin reviews on sites we didn’t consider reliable, so we didn’t rely on them. It was sold by a third party, WD-2020, when we checked.
Why we like it
- 80 x 80 inches
- Machine washable, per listing
- Folds to about 15 x 5 in.
- 180-day warranty
Key specifications
| Model | FD-ZJ-221107-042 |
|---|---|
| Open size | 80 x 80 in. |
| Backing, per listing | Waterproof, per listing |
| Top | Fabric layers, polypropylene middle |
| Packed or carry | About 15 x 5 in., Velcro closure |
| Weight | 2.3 lb. |
| Care | Machine wash |
| Warranty | 180 days |
Why we recommend it
Suits a big family that wants a large, cute blanket they can throw in the wash.
Skip it if you want a brand you can follow up with directly. This comes from a third-party seller.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large
- Light
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Third-party seller at last check
- Seller’s claims only
How to choose a waterproof outdoor blanket
Read waterproof and water-resistant as different things
A water-resistant backing is meant for dew and damp ground. A waterproof one claims more, and Rumpl goes so far as to name its laminate. None of these listings gives a pressure test that lets you compare them directly, so we report each maker’s words.
Size it for people and food
The seating figures on listings are generous. Allow room for the food in the middle, and subtract a person or two from whatever a listing says. A 59 x 51 inch blanket suits two, and an 80 x 80 inch one suits a family with room to spread out.
Decide how you’ll carry it
Totes with pockets are easy, straps are lighter, and small mats fit in a backpack. If it has to travel with a cooler bag over the other shoulder, the smaller and lighter options become more attractive.
Think about the season
Fleece and padding are comfortable when it’s cool. In summer heat, a thin microsuede or woven top is likely to feel better, though listings can’t tell you exactly how warm a blanket will sit.
Check how it gets clean
YETI and ZAZE state machine washing, Coleman and scuddles lean on rinsing or wiping, and some listings don’t say. Food spills are part of the job, so check the care label before you need it.
How we picked these seven blankets
We looked for blankets from identifiable makers with the backing and open size stated, and kept to at most two Amazon-first brands. Each was in stock with a new offer when we checked. We read each listing, ran a search for independent tests and read Field Mag’s waterproof blanket roundup, which covers only the YETI and the Rumpl and describes features rather than a test of its own. We haven’t used these blankets ourselves.
NEMO’s Victory Blanket and Big Agnes’s Why Not Picnic Blanket both showed limited stock when we looked, so we left them out, although they may be worth a look if you see them available. The ONIVA Vista is also in stock, but its listing doesn’t describe its backing, so it didn’t qualify here.
Picnic blanket questions, answered
What size picnic blanket do I need?
For two people, around 50 x 60 inches is workable. For a family of four, look at 70 x 80 inches or more, particularly if you want to lie down. Measure against the height of the tallest person if lying flat matters.
Are picnic blankets really waterproof?
Some makers claim it. YETI and Rumpl state waterproof layers, and scuddles and ZAZE state it on their listings. ONIVA, Picnic Time and Coleman say water-resistant. Water can still come over the edges or through the seams, so on soaked ground, put a tarp beneath or find a drier spot.
Can you put a picnic blanket in the washing machine?
Some of them. YETI says machine wash and dry, and ZAZE says machine wash. Others only suggest wiping or rinsing, or give no instructions. Follow the label on your blanket.
Is a picnic blanket the same as a beach blanket?
They overlap, and many of these are sold for both. Sand tends to shake off a smooth top more easily than fleece. For beach trips, look for a smooth surface and corner stakes, as with the Rumpl’s loops.
What else do I need for a picnic?
Something to keep food cold and something to carry it in. Our cooler guide covers the larger options, and the picnic basket guide covers baskets and backpack sets.
Our last word on outdoor blankets
For most families, the ONIVA Blanket Tote XL is the easiest one to live with. If you care more about a waterproof base and small size, take the Rumpl Everywhere Mat, and choose the YETI if you’re often on wet ground with a dog. Then pair your blanket with the right food carrier from our picnic basket guide.
If you’d rather let someone else handle the food, Julia’s is a working Mexican kitchen in Houston, and tacos travel well to a park. Call to order at (346) 546-8283, or look through our menu.