Amazon

Travel Blankets: 6 Cozy Choices for Backpacking, Jet-Setting, and Road Tripping

Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Roads are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

When it comes to having travel accessories that make your trips more comfortable, there are several types of items that can't be left off the packing list. For example, wherever it is you're planning to go travel, a high-quality eye mask or a reliable memory foam neck pillow will always come in handy. Additionally, whether you're on a long flight or a road trip, a travel blanket will make the journey much cozier.

The value of a good travel throw blanket is often overlooked but can't be overstated. For starters, traveling is one of few times when adults can step back into the childhood comfort of carrying a blanket around with them. If the youthful memories aren't enough to make having a carry-on blanket worthwhile, consider all the situations where a little warmth could go a long way. Show up to the terminal or the backcountry with one of these travel blankets, and you're sure to be the most prepped adventurer out there.

Where Travel Blankets Come in Handy

Travel blankets come in handy for road trips, air travel, and camping. They're also perfect for taking to the office! Some of these are small enough to pack into your desk drawer or work bag.

Who Needs a Travel Blanket

Besides avid travelers, anyone who is always cold. If you have a friend or family member who gets cold easily at the movies and sporting events, then they'll love these easy-to-carry blankets. They're thoughtful and useful gifts, so get one for your loved one (or yourself).

Best Travel Blankets

1. BlueHills Ultra-Compact Travel Blanket

At less than 1-lb. in weight, the BlueHills microfiber blanket is perfectly packable. The blanket is 70 x 56-inches large but fits into a small drawstring carrying case that is equipped with a handle. You can clip it to your bag with a carabiner or keep it on hand all throughout your travels. The BlueHills blanket is machine washable— a good thing considering you'll want to take it everywhere.

2. MasterManner Travel Blanket

Y'all, this travel cover from MasterManner is more than a comfy blanket: it converts into a cozy poncho-style hoodie. You can throw the plush fleece over you or wear it like a sweater. The flannel fleece is made to keep you warm. Best of all, this travel blanket is its own carrying pouch. Fold the cover in on itself and stash it until you need a bit of external comfort.

3. World's Best Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket

With an amazing 1,000+ reviews, the World's Best lightweight travel blanket is a best-seller on Amazon. The fleece throw blanket is brought to you by Texas-based Wolf Manufacturing, which has set an affordable price of $11. It comes in a variety of different color options that will brighten up your office, car, or train compartment.

Although the blanket is fairly lightweight, it does not come with a carry bag. That may create a bit of crowding in your carry-on luggage, but having warm microfleece on hand will be worth it during your next layover.

4. Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket

Get Out Gear is a brand that specializes in backcountry utility which makes this packable travel blanket perfect for wherever your adventures lead. Similar to the MasterManner blanket, this down blanket is wearable. Several clasp buttons help to hold in all the warmth you could ever need, while a durable water repellent keeps any unwanted moisture out. The nylon shell also offers wind protection, and the compact size is ideal for any backpack or suitcase.

5. Litume Fleece Travel Blanket

Litume's blanket is similar to several other polyester fleece options on this list. However, what makes it different is that the premium soft blend is thinner than other materials. If you are looking for a blanket that won't take up much space on your road trip, this one is for you. The cover comes in at 4 x 6-inches when fully folded, so basically, it can fit anywhere. Enjoy feeling at home wherever you go.

6. Tirrinia Outdoors Waterproof Throw Blanket

Sherpa fleece is the thrifty traveler's cashmere (only warmer and not as soft). Okay, maybe this sherpa blanket is nothing like a luxury fabric, but that doesn't stop it from being a superior material.

In the case of this blanket, the fleece has been lined with a waterproof, wind-resistant backing that protects you when you're under the blanket and protects the blanket when it is packed away. The elongated roll can be used as impromptu lumbar support, while a hand luggage belt makes it easy to carry.

The next time you hit the road, be sure to take a good travel blanket with you. Cover all the bases of comfortability no matter where you're headed!

This post was originally published on October 28, 2021.

READ MORE: The Best Travel Journals of 2022: 5 Packable Planners Under $35, $20, & $10