Top Picks For Wool Blankets And Tips On How To Choose Them

Introduction

As beautiful as the view can be during cold weather, you need to keep warm so you don’t fall ill. While sleeping bags like four season sleeping bags are perfect, it’s even warmer when you also cozy up with a wool blanket. Some dislike wool because they are itchy. But the high-quality ones are actually soft and comfortable. Read on to find out more about wool blankets and how to choose them. First, let’s get into our top five picks for wool blankets.

1. Ever Ready First Aid

Ever Ready First Aid’s Fire Retardant Wool Blanket is 80% wool and measures 5.5’ by 7.5’. This blanket claims to provide great insulation, is comfortable, and fire retardant. It also has an affordable price point, making it popular among campers.

Unfortunately, the other 20% of the material is undisclosed which might lead to doubts about it being fire retardant. The manufacturer also fails to report if it was washable but according to claims by previous buyers, they wash fine. The blanket also appears a little too thin to be as insulating as it claims which can be good news for some as it means that backpackers can easily pack it without it being too bulky. 

2.  EKTOS

The 100% Wool Blanket from Ektos comes in navy blue color at a really affordable price. As it is 100% wool, it will keep you warm. It weighs about 5.5 pounds and measures 5.5’ by 7.5’. Not only is it soft, but it is odor-free for those who are concerned about the smell that natural wool emits. Another great feature is that it can be washed. The manufacturer did not treat it with fire retardant chemicals as wool already has natural fire-resistant properties. 

That said, the weight of this blanket is pretty heavy which can be unsuitable for backpacking. Rather, it works best in the car and away from the fire as the extra fire retardant chemicals were not added. 

3. Arcturus

The Military Wool Blanket from Arcturus is made of 80% wool and 20% hypoallergenic synthetic fibers, which makes the blanket easier to wash. In fact, the more you wash this blanket, the softer it becomes. The price is also affordable like the other options thus far. It weighs roughly 5 pounds and measures 5.3’ by 7.3’. As you can get this blanket in three lowkey colors — military gray, navy, and olive green — it looks beautiful and brings a relaxing vibe to any space.

There are two potential downsides to this blanket. Firstly, it isn’t treated for extra protection against fire. Secondly, it might be a little too heavy to suit the liking of backpackers.

4. Woolly Mammoth

While 20% of the Merino Wool Camp Blanket is a mixture of nylon and polyester, the other 80% is made of premium Merino wool, which is a plus in itself. Together with stitches at the edges for durability, it’s no wonder that it’s a pricier option. It measures 5.5’ by 7.5’ and weighs about 4 pounds which are pretty good numbers. Additionally, the wool in this blanket is all-new and designed to camouflage stains. The milled wool also makes the blanket think and great for insulation outdoors.

The downside is that it’s dry clean only. This can be quite cumbersome as outdoor blankets require washing more frequently than normal ones. Like the previous two blankets, it is not treated for additional fire resistance.

5. Pendleton

If you haven’t already heard, Pendleton is a reliable brand that has been around for quite some time. They are known for producing quality products that not only function well but also look aesthetically pleasing. Their Yakima Camp Throw Blanket is no different as it not only comes in four beautiful colors but also in three different sizes — queen, twin, and “one-size”— to suit a wide range of preferences. 

A portion of Pendleton’s profit goes to various meaningful endeavors like the American Indian College Fund. So, if you do decide to purchase their blanket, know that you’re also supporting a good cause. 

Despite the high price point of the Yakima Camp Throw Blanket, the quality is truly worth it. If not from us, at least take it from the hundreds of testimonies from other buyers who gave this blanket five-star ratings.

Additional tips on purchasing a wool blanket

While there may be a perfect brand, there may not be a perfect blanket because it really depends on the users’ needs. Using the blanket for different purposes requires different features. For instance, if you’re going on a long backpacking trip, getting a pricier but high-quality wool blanket is paramount not just for comfort but more importantly so for survival. That’s because nature is not predictable; you’ll want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario like a storm. In that case, it is also better if the blanket is light and easy to pack. You don’t want to drag along a six-pound blanket that doesn’t even fit into your backpack. 

The dimensions of the blanket might matter more if you’ll be sharing it. But if you’re alone, a bigger factor to consider would be the weight of the blanket. Most campers prefer bringing multiple lightweight blankets so that they can layer up.

Make sure you pick a blanket that is suitable for your lifestyle and be honest. If you are busy, don’t dry-clean only blankets. However, if you have the time and ability to maintain a dry-clean only then, by all means, go for it.

While wool blankets keep you warm, they don’t protect you from cold surfaces. So for the best effect, it’s best to complement your blankets with a sleeping pad.

As for treating the blankets to be fire retardant, it is a pretty important procedure if you’re worried about it catching fire. That’s because the wool is being stretched and weaved and mixed with other materials. Even if natural processes were used and even though wool is naturally fire retardant, once cotton or polyester is added, it can no longer be said to be fire retardant.

In addition, blankets should ideally be washed at the dry cleaners. You can throw it in the washing machine and hang it up but you will still run a risk of the blanket tearing or shrinking. And when it comes to itchiness, that shouldn’t be a problem if your blanket is of high-quality and if it’s mixed with other materials. Furthermore, since blankets are meant as outerwear, they will seldom be in direct contact with your skin.

Conclusion

With all this information, you should be able to make a good decision about which wool blanket you should get for yourself. Personally, we love the versatility of the Yakima Camp Throw Blanket. That said, your favorite could be a very different option. As long as it suits your needs and preference, the wool blanket will serve you well and prove to be a worthy investment.