Here at The Manual, we often sing the praises of merino wool. It’s all natural, quick drying, odor resistant, and keeps warm even when wet — all of which makes it a miracle fabric for the most active outdoor pursuits. What’s more: Wool is naturally flame retardant, making a wool blanket ideal for relaxing by the fireside.
You’ve no doubt already stocked your camping gear closet with the best merino wool socks, shirts, and merino wool beanies. So why not upgrade your ‘round-the-campfire kit with one of the best wool blankets (including merino wool blankets), too? Here are our favorites.
Best for outdoor picnicking
Smartwool Anchor Line Blanket
Smartwool knows a thing or two about versatile outdoor gear. Its Anchor Line Blanket is just as useful. One side is made of a soft brushed wool fleece that works great as a warm throw, while the reverse is 100% nylon, making it ideal as a ground cover for picnics, long days at the beach, or relaxing in the woods. When it’s time to pack up, just roll it into the removable carry straps and tote it away.
Best for hardcore outdoorsmen
Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company Merino Wool Camp Blanket
Few blanket companies are as beloved by campers as the Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company The brand’s merino wool camp blankets are a staple among hardcore outdoorsmen for a very good reason. Like the best merino wool clothing, the fabric of this blanket is soft, breathable, and water resistant, making the blanket less susceptible to mildew and mold. Plus, the 4-pound weight and heavy-duty construction ensure that you’ll stay warm and comfortable around many campfires to come.
Best USA-made wool blanket
Pendleton Yakima Camp Wool Throw Blanket
Pendleton blankets have long been lauded for their virgin wool construction and timeless aesthetic. The Yakima Camp Wool Throw Blanket is a versatile addition to any rustic cabin or outdoor lovers’ gear closet. This blanket is soft, durable, and made in America. Plus, the pure virgin wool fabric is renewable and sustainable, so you can feel a bit better about your purchase’s impact on the planet as you stay warm and cozy under your blanket.
Best machine-washable option
L.L. Bean Washable Wool Blanket
Machine-washing wool anything can be a dicey proposition. But, L.L. Bean’s aptly named Washable Wool Blanket is conveniently machine-washable, so it’s easy to clean and maintain after weekends in the woods spent by the smoky campfire. It’s available in a wide range of colors, prints, and patterns. Plus, we love that it’s also exclusively woven for L.L. Bean by legendary Pendleton Woolen Mills, the makers of another one of our favorite wool blankets for camping.
Best merino wool blanket
Faribault Mill Cabin Wool Throw
Most manufacturers augment their merino wool with other materials to increase durability and keep costs down. Not so with Faribault, whose Cabin Wool Throw boasts a 100% merino virgin wool construction while still being sold at an affordable price point. The Faribault Woolen Mill Co. Cabin Wool Throw is versatile enough to move between on-grid and off-grid adventures and back again. When you return home, just throw it in the wash to keep it looking good as new.
Best for keeping you warm
EKTOS 100% Wool Camping Blanket
If you're looking for the blanket that will keep you the warmest when the temperature falls, then the EKTOS 100% Wool Camping Blanket needs to be on your list. This 100% wool blanket comes in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from twin to king sized, and if you're tall, this blanket has got you covered (literally), as each of the widths measures in at an impressive length of 90 inches, so your feet won't be sticking out of the end.
