How Warm Will A Wool Camping Blanket Keep You?
Wool is an incredible natural product that is perfect for camping blankets and clothing.
Because of the shape of the fibers, wool insulates using thousands of tiny air pockets. The air creates a thermal barrier that matches your body temperature. That means it’s warm in cold weather but not too warm in warm weather.
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With that being said there are different weights of wool blankets. Thicker ones that are tightly woven will be much warmer than thinner loosely woven camping wool blankets.
Since camping is normally done in mild weather, not super hot or cold. A standard camping wool blanket that’s around 3/16 – 3/8 of an inch thick will normally be perfect for keeping you warm on cool nights and cool on warm evenings.
Many of these wool blankets are perfect for layering if you want to have a couple for camping in colder weather or use just one for warmer weather.
Wool is naturally water and dirt resistant and it doesn’t hold bad odors. It also doesn’t need to be as thick as synthetic and cotton blankets which really helps save space for other camping gear.
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The camping wool blankets reviewed below can be used in all kinds of outdoor settings. Whether you are a tent camper, van dweller, or RVer these blankets can do it all.
They are great for using outdoors as picnic blankets or sleeping under the stars and they even make good bed mats.
Best For Camping
Highest Quality
Highest Wool %
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Best Camping Wool Blanket Reviews
1. Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
The Arcturus Military wool blankets are perfect for camping. They are simple, affordable, and made with the outdoors in mind.
The material used is 80% wool and 20% hypoallergenic synthetic fibers that help keep the wool fibers from loosening when washed.
Shedding is one of the main complaints people have about wool fabrics and to combat this Arcturus triple washes their wool camping blankets to help stop shedding.
The wool blanket has a thick hem stitched on the outer edges which makes the weave more durable and it’s also more comfortable if you’re using this as bedding for camping.
It’s almost 1/4 inch thick which makes it perfect for the regular camping season. If you are a cold weather camper you may want to use two or fold it and sleep under two layers.
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There is only one size option that’s 88 inches long and 64 inches wide. That’s slightly larger than a twin size blanket.
It weighs 4 1/2 lbs.
Because of the blend of materials, this camping wool blanket is machine washable. For best results wash in cold water on the gentle cycle and air dry only.
The Arcturus Military Wool Blanket is perfect for camping. It’s simple but warm and the high wool content makes it naturally water resistant.
You can use it as bedding in a tent or RV. Or take it hiking to use as a bed mat or picnic blanket.
PROS
- Triple Washed To Prevent Shedding
- Perfect Weight For Spring, Summer, & Fall Camping
- For Indoor & Outdoor Use
- 80% Wool
- Machine Washable
- Affordable
CONS
- Heavy
- Only One Size Option
2. Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. Merino Wool Blanket
The Woolly Mammoth Woolen Company makes a fantastic simple but well made wool camping blanket that’s 80% Merino Wool and 20% Polyblend.
Merino wool is one the softest types of wool in the world that’s often used for clothing because of how comfortable it is.
Because of the softness, it’s perfect for camp bedding. It’s so soft it’s even a great blanket to have around the house.
And because of how durable wool is you can use it outdoors as a picnic blanket or bed mat for cowboy camping.
Woolly Mammoth uses a tighter weave than other companies which results in a thin but dense wool blanket that is more resistant to shedding.
With that being said the company recommends not machine washing its wool camping blanket. Merino wool has self cleaning properties and a washing machine could damage the natural benifits of the fibers.
The edge is hemmed with thick string to keep everything together.
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There is only one size option. It’s a little larger than twin size measuring 90 inches long and 66 inches wide.
It weighs 4 lbs.
This camping wool blanket is slightly thinner than the one reviewed above but it has a similar design and the tight weave style means it’s still going to trap heat and be warm even on cooler spring or fall nights.
The Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. Merino Wool Blanket is another simple but soft and warm blanket that’s perfect for the outdoors.
The Merino wool makes it extra soft for using as a bed mat or blanket and its self cleaning properties mean you don’t have to wash it as much as a synthetic or cotton camping blanket.
PROS
- Perfect Weight For Spring, Summer, & Fall Camping
- For Indoor & Outdoor Use
- 80% Merino Wool
- Lightweight
- Affordable
CONS
- Not Machine Washable
- Only One Size Option
3. The Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Blanket
The Tartan Blanket Co. is a more fancy take on a camping wool blanket but because of the traditional design and recycled wool material, I wanted to add it to this review.
The fabric used is 70% recycled wool and 30% recycled blended fibers.
Because it’s 70% wool it’s still warm, self cleaning, moisture resistant, and flame retardant but the other 30% of materials make it shed less and it’s machine washable.
There is only one size option that’s 75 inches long and 57 inches wide. It weighs almost 3 lbs.
This wool camping blanket is something you would use to snuggle up by the campfire or have as a throw in your RV.
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Its light weight makes it perfect for use as a bed blanket during warm summer months but I recommend layering it with another camping blanket for colder weather.
Because of the high wool content, this can be used as an indoor and outdoor blanket but because of the fringed edges I recommend using it mostly inside.
The cool thing with the The Tartan Blanket Co. Recycled Wool Blanket is the recycled material and all the design and color options available.
This won’t stay as clean as some of the more simple wool camping blankets in this review but it’s a good looking blanket that will keep you warm while camping and help make the inside of a tent or RV look and feel cozier.
PROS
- Lightweight For Summer Camping
- Fancy Design For Using Inside RV Or Home
- Uses Recycled Materials
- Tons Of Color & Pattern Options
- Machine Washable
CONS
- Fringe May Pick Up Dirt If Using Outdoors
- Too Light For Spring & Fall Camping
- Only One Size Option
4. Pendleton Yakima Camping Wool Blanket
Pendleton is an American company that has been around for over 100 years. They started making wool clothing and blankets in the Pacific Northwest and they know what campers want.
The Pendelton Yakima Camping wool blankets are perfect for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts and woven specifically for camping.
Because they are made specifically for the outdoors the Yakima blanket is woven in the United States with a blend of 86% wool and 14% cotton.
The blend helps the fabric have all of the amazing natural properties of the wool but it also helps stop shedding.
It also keeps the wool yarn from stretching during the weaving process which results in a tighter weave that’s better at insulating and keeping you warm.
There are multiple size options. The twin size is 84 inches long and 66 inches wide. The queen size is 90 inches long and 90 inches wide.
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This is the thickest wool camping blanket in this review. It’s around 3/8 of an inch thick and the twin size weighs almost 5 lbs.
If you camp in colder climates this is the camping blanket for you. It’s going to keep you warm in the mountains but because of the high wool content, but it will still be usable on warmer evenings.
Because of the natural wool and cotton blend, do not machine wash this wool camping blanket. Pendelton recommends occasional dry cleaning instead.
The Pendleton Yakima Camping Wool Blanket is on the higher end when it comes to wool blankets but the quality of both the fabric and the weave can’t be beat.
With this wool camping blanket, you get the signature Pendleton design and the thermoregulation of a high wool content fabric.
PROS
- 86% Wool
- Made In USA
- Perfect Weight For Spring, Summer & Fall Camping
- For Indoor & Outdoor Use
- Multiple Size & Design Options
CONS
- Not Machine Washable
- Heavy
5. Alpaca Warehouse Alpaca Wool Camping Blanket
Sheep wool is the most common kind of wool used in clothing and blankets but good wools come from more animals than just sheep.
Alpaca wool is another fantastic natural material that has all the properties of sheep wool and then some. It’s less itchy and the fibers have more “crimp” which is better for thermal insulation.
The Alpaca Warehouse camping wool blanket is woven using fibers that are 52% Recycled Alpaca Wool 33% Recycled Wool 15% Cotton.
Each wool blanket is made in Peru and there’s a couple of size, color, and pattern options to choose from.
The travel size is 72 inches long and 53 inches wide followed by standard twin, queen, and king sizes. I recommend the twin size for single campers and queen for couples.
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Because of the extra warm properties of alpaca wool, this camping blanket doesn’t need to be quite as heavy as some of the other blankets in this review to be just as warm.
The twin size weighs only 2 lbs which makes it ideal for hikers and backpack campers.
The Alpaca Warehouse Alpaca Wool Camping Blanket uses a simple design which makes it great for outdoor use.
The materials are of high quality and this thin wool camping blanket will keep your body at the perfect temperature when sleeping outside.
It’s also machine washable which is a bonus for those looking for a good picnic blanket.
PROS
- Uses Alpaca & Sheep Wool Blend
- Lightweight
- Multiple Size & Color Options
- Great For Indoor & Outdoor Use
- Thin For Summer Camping
- Machine Washable
CONS
- Not Budget Friendly
- Sheds More Than Other Wool Blankets
6. Desert Breeze Alpaca & Sheep Wool Blanket
The Desert Breeze wool blanket is made to be able to use anywhere. It looks good in a home or at the campsite.
The fabric is a blend of 50% alpaca and 50% sheep. The weave is tight to hold in warmth but the alpaca fibers make it soft and help reduce the initial itch most sheep wool blankets have.
The edge of the blanket is bound with polyester fabric that helps keep the weave tight and makes the blanket more durable for washing and using outdoors.
This wool camping blanket is machine washable.
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The size linked to above is twin which measures 84 inches long and 63 inches wide. It’s heavy weighing 4.5 lbs.
There are queen and king size options available as well.
The Desert Breeze Alpaca & Sheep Wool Blanket is thick and soft. It’s perfect for keeping you warm while camping or using as regular bedding in your home.
The finish isn’t as resistant to dirt as some of the other camping wool blankets in this review so I don’t recommend it to be used as a picnic blanket but it’s a great go to blanket for tent, van, or RV bedding.
PROS
- Highest Wool % In Review
- 50% Alpaca 50% Sheep
- Great For Colder Weather
- Machine Washable
- Mulitple Size Options
CONS
- Sheds
- Not Budget Friendly
- Heavy
What To Look For In A Wool Camping Blanket
High Wool Percentage
Water resistant, flame retardant, doesn’t collect dirt easily, thermal insulation, regulates body temperature while sleeping. These are just a few of the amazing properties of wool.
Everything about wool makes it an amazing material to use as a camping blanket.
Most blankets aren’t going to be 100% wool. It’s necessary to add other kinds of fibers to help stop shedding and help with weaving.
Because of this, you want to look for a blanket that has a high percentage of wool in it to get the benefits.
Camping wool blankets that are around 70-90% wool are going to be the best for getting the benefits of wool without a ton of shedding.
Different Kinds Of Wools
There are tons of different kinds of wool out there ranging from hearty and durable to fine and luxurious.
Most of the wool used in blankets comes from sheep. There are lots of sheep breeds but one of the most popular for clothing and blankets is Merino.
Merino wool is extra soft while still being durable and warm.
Alpaca wool is another popular option for blankets because it’s not as itchy as common sheep wool but it’s still affordable enough to use in a camping blanket.
Camping wool blankets that have alpaca wool are going to be softer, warmer, and less itchy than common wool blankets but they tend to shed more.
Weave Tightness
Wool camping blankets with a tighter weave will be warmer and pick up less dirt but they are also not as soft or breathable as a looser woven one.
If you are planning on using your wool blanket as camp bedding a looser weave will be more comfortable. If you want a good bed mat and picnic blanket a tighter woven wool blanket will be the better choice.
Machine Washable
I don’t recommend machine washing any kind of wool, including blankets but many of the camping wool blankets in this review are ok to machine wash according to the manufacturers.
While wool has a lot of self cleaning properties and is resistant to water and dirt it may still need a good cleaning after a couple of camping trips.
Getting a wool camping blanket that’s ok to machine wash will make life after the camping trip a lot easier.
My Choice For Best Camping Wool Blanket
Choosing the best wool blanket for camping isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. On one hand, you want a wool blanket that’s high quality and made to last but on the other hand, you also want something that’s affordable and can take what camping throws at it.
Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
Because camping is rarely easy on gear my top choice for general camping is the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket.
It’s made with enough wool to have all the great natural benefits but it’s still very affordable so you don’t have to worry about using it on the ground for a picnic blanket or a sleeping mat.
It’s the one wool blanket that does it all.
If you have a little extra room in your budget I also recommend the Pendleton Yakima Camping Wool Blanket because it’s the wool blanket that’s going to last forever.
You could pair them together for the ultimate camping bedding setup.
If you are an RV or van camper who just needs a comfortable wool camping blanket to sleep under I would go with the Pendleton.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wool Camping Blankets
Are Wool Blankets Good For Camping?
Wool is a natural product that’s made for being outdoors. Because of this, it makes fantastic camping blankets.
Wool blankets are naturally water and dirt resistant, self cleaning, fire retardant, and great for all ranges of temperatures.
Temperatures can change a lot in the desert or mountains. You might find yourself going to bed feeling too warm and waking up cold.
Wool is the best material to combat this. The natural fibers breathe to stop your body from overheating when it’s warm and then retain heat from your body to keep you warm.
Another benefit to wool bedding for camping and RVs is the moisture resistance that helps stop mold and fungus growth.
Can A Wool Blanket Be Used As An RV Or Tent Rug?
Because of the tight weave and moisture resistance, thick wool blankets can also make good rugs and mats for camping.
They make fantastic picnic blankets and can be a simple and lightweight way to cover the cold floor of an RV to insulate it better and make it nicer to walk on.
In a tent, a thick wool blanket can be used as a floor mat to help stop moisture from collecting inside.
Are Thin Wool Blankets Warm?
Yes, thin wool blankets are going to be much warmer than a blanket of the same thickness made of synthetic materials or cotton.
If you have limited storage space for your camping gear wool blankets are a good way to replace bulky bedding and still be able to stay warm on cold nights.
Will My Wool Blanket Stop Shedding?
Wool camping blankets are amazing but the number one complaint about many wool fabrics is the shedding.
One way companies have tried to stop wool shedding is to wash the fabrics more during production, add other fibers that help hold the wool fibers better, and weave tighter.
Looking for wool blankets that are well made is one of the best ways to avoid shedding.
Also, washing is going to affect shedding a lot. A washing machine will loosen the fibers and weave and create more shedding.
That’s why I recommend always hand washing even if the company says it’s ok to machine wash.
Hand washing wool blankets in cold water with a gentle soap then air drying is going to help stop and prevent shedding.
Unfortunately, if your wool blanket has been misused or made poorly you may never be able to stop the shedding.
Have any more questions about camping wool blankets? Leave a comment below.