At the height of the summer heat, a cool breeze at the beach is a riveting experience. Whether you are planning a day at the shore, a weekend getaway, or a tropical vacation, a beach blanket is an essential accessory for comfort and enjoyment.
A beach blanket is the cornerstone of comfort when lounging in the sand or enjoying a picnic. These come in various price ranges, quality levels, and sizes, including varying thicknesses.
Beach blankets are an indispensable summertime essential. They surpass beach towels in terms of spaciousness, portability, and versatility, offering a generously sized surface area that allows you to enjoy your sun-soaked escapades fully. Also, they prove handy for a wide range of outdoor activities, serving as an extra layer during camping trips or as an easily cleanable and waterproof surface for picnicking. Without further ado, here are the 5 best beach and park blankets;
Be sure to make it to #1 for our take on why CleverMade Malibu is the ideal blanket for your beach escapades.
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5. CGear Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
Material: Polyethylene
Weight: X-Large 5.5kgs, Large 3.8kgs, Medium 2.5kgs, Small 1.4kgs
Measurements: 72.05 X 72.05 Inches
Price: $65+
CGear’s first recreational mat features patented Sand-Free Technology for an exceptional beach experience. CGear Sand-Free Mat‘s innovative design incorporates two strategically staggered layers of meticulously engineered polyethylene multi-weave fabric with durable bound edges and reinforced corner D-rings. This unique construction makes this mat CGear’s most rugged and versatile offering, available in an extensive range of sizes to cater to diverse needs.
The texture of this mat distinguishes it from the Sandlite or Comfort weave mats, as it leans towards a coarser finish. This coarser texture aids in efficiently dispersing sand, making it a preferred choice for beachgoers. When dealing with larger sand deposits or damp clumps, a simple sweep of your hand over the mat will swiftly break up the sand, allowing it to fall through and remain underneath the mat.
This feature ensures sand-free picnics, hassle-free clothing changes without unwanted sand, and a comfortable, sand-free surface for sunbathing with your towels. Furthermore, this mat’s excellent drainage properties let the wet gear dry out quickly as water and spills pass through the mat effortlessly.
Its air-permeable nature ensures it stays firmly in place, even on breezy days. You can use the sturdy D-rings in extreme conditions to secure the mat or create a windbreak.
Pros
- Keeps sand out
- Sturdy material
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Clunky to carry around
4. Scuddles Extra-Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
Material: Nylon
Weight: 1 Pound
Measurements: 60 X 79 Inches
Price: $26+
If you are packing for just two adults, a small group of kids, or even just yourself, a compact beach blanket should be ample space. The sand-resistant and lightweight Scuddles Picnic blanket remains pleasantly cool to the touch under the sun’s rays.
When it’s time to pack up and head home, it conveniently rolls into a compact bundle with a built-in carrying handle. Also, the larger version of this beach blanket weighs only one pound, so it’s easy to carry around.
The three-ply construction of this blanket mirrors that of many other options on our list. It boasts a waterproof PEVA bottom layer, a comfortable foam core, and a soft acrylic top layer. This design prevents water from infiltrating the foam core from above and below, making it particularly well-suited for kids and pets. The built-in carrier includes a pocket that reviewers adore for stashing their phones, wallets, or other small essentials.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Sand resistant
- Lightweight and very portable
Cons
- Accommodates only a few people
3. Camco Handy Mat with Strap
Material: Polypropylene
Weight: 1.2 Pounds
Measurements: 60 X 78 Inches
Price: $19+
The Camco Picnic Beach Blanket is an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking a high-quality beach blanket. Crafted with built-in handles for convenient portability. Its spacious dimensions comfortably accommodate up to four people, making it a perfect choice for group outings. Also, the thoughtful small pockets at both ends of the blanket ensure you can keep your beach essentials within easy reach.
Whether planning camping trips, picnics, tailgating, or simply unwinding in your backyard, the Camco Picnic Blanket – Red and White Checkered could be an excellent addition to your outdoor gear.
The vibrant and eye-catching pattern on this blanket adds a touch of charm to your outdoor setup. However, it’s important to note that the overall build quality may not match some pricier alternatives on our list. But this blanket can last a while if handled carefully and not subjected to rough use.
This blanket is designed with three layers and prioritizes your comfort and dryness, especially when placed on damp grass. Although the bottom layer isn’t fully waterproof, it provides adequate water resistance. The middle layer adds extra cushioning and support to the plush top surface, ensuring a comfortable seating or lounging experience.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly price point
- Easy to carry around
- Has extra pockets
Cons
- It is not as sturdy as the other blankets on our list
2. JJ Cole Picnic Blanket for Beach
Material: Polyester and Polyurethane
Weight: 3.2 Pounds
Measurements: 84 X 58 Inches
Price: $47
For a versatile picnic blanket you can bring to any outdoor activity, the JJ Cole Picnic blanket has garnered significant popularity among couples and small families. The blanket is crafted to accommodate outings at the beach, in the park, and even in the mountains.
Comprising 100% Polyester for the inside material and 100% Polyurethane for the exterior material, this blanket performs admirably well on various surfaces. It features cushioning made from 100% Polyester foam and boasts impeccable stitching, making it a rugged accessory that’s virtually guaranteed to withstand the test of time, showing no signs of wear and tear even after 4-5 years of use.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is its portability. This incredibly comfortable beach blanket can be conveniently folded into a compact tote bag, ensuring easy carrying. Adding to its comfort is the sewn-in insert, a feature that customers have praised for enhancing comfort and simplifying the folding and storage process when the blanket isn’t in use.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- It is water-resistant
- Added cushioning makes it comfortable
Cons
- The polyester foam makes it a bit bulky
1. CleverMade Malibu Beach Blanket
Material: Cotton
Weight: 2.54 Pounds
Measurements: 72 X 60 Inches
Price: $50
The versatile CleverMade Malibu blanket seamlessly combines the features of a beach blanket and a towel into one convenient package. Its exterior is crafted from soft, absorbent cotton, creating a comfortable surface for lounging. Meanwhile, the inner layer is made from quick-drying terry cloth, ensuring you can swiftly dry off after a dip in the ocean.
While it’s labeled as suitable for indoor and outdoor use, we highly recommend reserving it for beach outings, picnics, and camping adventures, as its outer layer may not match the coziness of indoor throws.
What sets this product apart is its elegant design, featuring fringed edges and a sophisticated, neutral color palette. If you want a bolder option, it’s also available in navy with white stripes. Despite its lightweight feel at just 2.54 pounds, this item offers a substantial, cozy texture. Furthermore, it’s incredibly easy to maintain since it’s machine washable, making cleanup a breeze.
Pros
- It has two layers to serve as a blanket and towel
- It is lightweight
Cons
- It is not as comfy
What to consider when selecting a beach blanket
With so many products on the market, finding the right blanket can be daunting. However, there are key factors that should guide your decision-making process. These include;
Material
Polyester and nylon are the top choices when it comes to water resistance and lightweight qualities. However, they tend to overheat in the sun, necessitating an additional towel to serve as a heat shield and a cushion. On the other hand, cotton provides a higher level of comfort without adding excessive weight, while wool excels in providing warmth and coziness but falls short in terms of water resistance.
Size
Beach blankets vary in shape and size, ranging from round to rectangular. Think about the number of people you intend to accommodate before buying one. Are you planning a cozy day for you and your partner? Or perhaps you are organizing a beach outing for a sizable family or friends.
In the latter case, opt for a generously sized blanket, preferably around 80′ by 80′ or larger. A blanket of this size can comfortably seat up to eight individuals while leaving enough space for your beach essentials, like your beach bag and cooler.
Thickness
Comfort is closely tied to the thickness of your beach blanket. In general, a denser blanket tends to offer greater comfort. However, it’s important to note that thickness also adds weight to your blanket. Therefore, if you anticipate a challenging uphill trek on your way to the beach, opting for a thinner blanket is a wise choice. Conversely, if prioritizing comfort is your top concern, selecting a thicker outdoor blanket is the way to go.
A beach blanket is a must-have for any beachgoer, offering comfort and style to your seaside adventures. By considering factors like size, material, portability, design, and additional features, you can find the perfect beach blanket that suits your needs and enhances your beach experience. So, go ahead and invest in a quality beach blanket, and get ready to soak up the sun and create lasting memories by the shore.