Best Beach Blankets

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When you’re assembling beach day essentials, some must-haves might include sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. A beach basic that should also make the list is a blanket. Beach blankets provide a sand-free spot to spend your time, a place to take in the sun and salt air. We recommend the Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket because it is large enough for your whole group, comes in four beautiful colors, and has sand anchor pockets to keep it stuck to the ground.

Best Overall

(Image credit: Wildhorn Outfitters)

Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket

Large parachute nylon beach blanket with sand anchors

The Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket can seat a group comfortably. It is made out of quick-dry parachute nylon and comes with sand anchors to keep it in place.

Pros

  • Large
  • Quick-dry parachute nylon material
  • Sand anchors
  • Pocket to hide keys

Cons

  • Parachute nylon material absorbs heat

The large Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket is perfect for your whole group to enjoy. It measures 7 x 9 feet, and it comes in four fun summer colors to match your personal style. You can sit back and relax knowing that your friends, family, and belongings are accounted for with this comfortable 63 square-foot beach blanket.

This beach blanket replicates the feel of a parachute and is made from strong and durable nylon. This is an excellent material for the beach as sand and small drops of water slide right off. It's okay if larger amounts of water trickle on to this blanket as well because it is made from quick-drying materials. However, if you place this beach blanket directly in the sun on a scorching day, the parachute fabric can absorb the heat, warming the blanket up. 

Included in the corners of the Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket are sand anchors. These are little pockets in which you can stuff sand or other small items inside to weigh down the corners and keep the beach blanket in place. There is also a front pocket built-in to this beach cover where you can hide larger items like sunscreen and keys. 

Best Sand-Proof

(Image credit: CGear)

CGear Sand-Free Beach Mat (Medium)

Military-grade beach blanket with patented sand-free technology

The military-grade CGear Sand-Free Beach Mat is made with the only patented sand-free technology on the market. 

Pros

  • Patented sand-free technology
  • Military-grade blanket
  • UV stabilizing fabric

Cons

  • Polyester layers stick to wet bathing suits

The CGear Sand-Free Beach Mat (medium), is an excellent beach mat for those extra sandy beaches. This beach mat is not only sand-proof, but it is built with a mechanism to carefully filter the sand out and through the blanket so that you can fully enjoy your beach experience. You won't have to keep getting up to shake the sediment off of your blanket to stay comfortable.

The sand-free technology used in the creation of this beach blanket is the only patented mechanism on the market. The tiny polyester layers that the blanket is comprised of catch the dust and sand and carefully push it below and through the blanket, ensuring that it does not resurface. This double-layered weave of fabric is also UV stabilizing. So you can keep your mind at ease knowing the color of your blanket won't fade through exposure to the sun. 

The CGear brand was initially created for military use. This blanket was formerly used as a helicopter landing site before being retailed as a beach blanket. The medium size measures at 5.1 x 6.1 feet and can fit about two to three people comfortably. It's machine washable, which is a nice touch as all you want to do after the beach is throw everything into the wash. Just make sure you shake off the remaining sand before throwing it into the machine. 

The CGear Sand-Free Beach Mat (medium) is an excellent addition to your beach kit. But the polyester layers do tend to stick to soaking wet bathing suits, which can be uncomfortable. Some customers mention that they dry themselves off before sitting on the blanket to remedy this.

Best Waterproof

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Zomake Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Waterproof multilayered beach blanket that's machine washable

The Zomake Waterproof Picnic Basket is machine washable and made from three different layers of comfortable, waterproof materials.

Pros

  • Waterproof and snowproof
  • Comfortable sponge layer
  • Multilayered
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Top of blanket sticks to Velcro causing damage 
  • Fleece is flammable

The Zomake Waterproof Picnic Blanket is the perfect blanket for going to the lake, beach, or even for tailgating. Not only is this beach blanket waterproof, but it's snowproof as well, which makes it compatible for use in all seasons. The blanket measures at 6.5 x 5 feet and weighs a light and sturdy 1.7 pounds. 

This blanket is made of three distinct layers that are merged to create one durable blanket. The top layer is made from soft fleece and polyester fabric. Although this material feels fantastic against your skin, it does tend to get caught on other fabrics such as velcro, causing damage to the blanket. It is also not a good idea to place this blanket near a campfire as the fleece is flammable.

The middle layer is comprised of 2 millimeters of fluffy sponge for added cushion and comfort. The bottom layer is made of an environmentally-friendly aluminum foil that is waterproof and snowproof. This PVC backing is also great for sandy beaches as it acts as a buffer and does not allow sand to sneak its way through.

The Zomake Waterproof Picnic Blanket also has a built-in handle and is foldable so you can easily carry this blanket from place to place. When you're back from your outing, simply throw the entire blanket into the washing machine for easy cleaning. 

Best for Colder Seasons

(Image credit: Down Under Outdoors)

Down Under Outdoors Quilted Blanket

Thick warm fleece blanket for cooler temperatures

The Down Under Outdoors Quilted Blanket is excellent to use as an outdoor floor mat or as an outdoor wearable blanket as it is thick and great for cooler temperatures.

Pros

  • Thicker than similar blankets
  • Double-coated protective spray between layers
  • Machine washable
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Not warm enough as a wearable blanket in extremely cold temperatures

The Down Under Outdoors Quilted Blanket is excellent to use outdoors in colder temperatures. This blanket is designed to keep you warm and dry in cooler climates with its many weather resistant qualities. It is even backed by a lifetime warranty. It shows that Down Under is confident in their product and offers a sense of security for your purchase.

This blanket can be used as a floor mat or as a wearable blanket. It features a polyester backing that is water and wind-resistant and a warm, fleece surface. The fleece is made of 300 gsm anti-pill polar fleece that is 20% thicker than the standard 250 gsm blankets. Although the fleece surface is not waterproof, the blanket is comprised of ultrasonic quilted material, which makes it leak-proof. 

Between the top and bottom layers of this blanket, a special double-coated protective spray is applied to ensure that water does not seep through. The entire blanket measures at an extra-large 6.8 x 4.5 feet, and weighs 2.9 pounds. This makes it perfect for seating small groups while withstanding harsher conditions. Although, when used as a wearable blanket, it may not be warm enough in extremely cold temperatures. 

This mat is also machine washable, which is excellent for cleaning the weather off of your blanket.

Best Fashionable

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Violet Mist Roundie Indian Mandala Beach Mat

Beautifully patterned microfiber beach towel for one

The Violet Mist Roundie Indian Mandala Beach Mat is excellent for a solo outing. It comes in a variety of beautiful patterns and is made out of fast-drying microfiber.

Pros

  • Beautiful designs
  • Fast-drying
  • Machine washable
  • Non-fade and non-bleed pattern

Cons

  • Not very thick
  • Suitable for one

The Violet Mist Roundie Indian Mandala Beach Mat is an incredibly fashionable and stylish beach blanket for one. It comes in a variety of different eye-catching patterns to suit your style and help you make a statement on the beach. These beach blankets are great for laying on the sand, doing yoga, or reading a good book.

This blanket is made from microfibre material, which is exceptionally absorbent and durable. It can absorb up to 7 times its body weight. This blanket is slightly thicker than your typical towel, which makes it a perfect and portable beach blanket or towel. 

The colors on this mandala beach blanket will never fade as the fabric is processed in cold and hot water over 100 times to guarantee its quality. There is also no color bleed when the material gets wet, which is great for keeping your clothes and items protected. This mat measures at 5 feet in diameter and is a full circle in shape. 

When you're back home from your relaxing day at the beach, throw your beautiful blanket into the laundry machine on a delicate cycle to wash. However, ensure that you air dry it to keep the fringe looking fluffy. The microfibre fabric will dry quickly in the sun, so you don't have to worry about it smelling because of trapped moisture. 

Bottom line

Whether you are heading to the beach solo or with friends, it is always a good idea to bring your favorite beach blanket along for the adventure. A beach blanket offers a comfy, sand-sand-free spot to soak in some vitamin D. The right beach blanket can make or break your outdoor experience.

We recommend the Wildhorn Outfitters Sand Escape Beach Blanket because it is large enough for your whole group to enjoy. It also comes in four beautiful and fun summer colors to set the mood. The included anchor pockets act as a great additional feature. You can fill them with sand or other small items to keep your blanket from flying away and optimizing your beach experience.

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