Making sure you have an extra blanket while on the road is not just a good idea, but a necessity! For different situations and circumstances, you’ll need to have different kinds of blankets. All blankets do not serve the same purpose and cannot be used interchangeably. You’ll need to be sure to have the right tool for the job, there are many different blankets that have their uses, so let’s take a look at some of the best ones you can find and how they can be put to use in your Van Life.

#1 – Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. | Extra Large Merino Wool Camp Blanket

An important type of blanket to have is one that will keep you warm when you need it most. The Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co blanket is a great choice if you want to have the comfort and warmth of a wool blanket without it causing your allergies to act up. It’s made of 80% premium virgin Merino wool while also adding in some acrylic to add durability to the blanket. The large size of this blanket makes it great for layering it up onto itself by folding it or to share with others. As an added bonus, these blankets do not require machine washing, as wool fibers generally have self cleaning properties. In fact, machine washing these blankets are actually discouraged as it can ruin the quality of the wool. However, it’s okay to spot wash as needed. The size and ability for the blanket to keep in warmth make it a terrific option for winter naps when you don’t want to use your heater in the van or snuggling up in an outdoor tent. The soft material is made stronger by the double stitched edging and thick yarn whipstitch. This kind of blanket is one of the most recommended to have with you for its versatility and ability to wick out moisture. The only downside may be the price. While it isn’t the most expensive blanket on the market, it still isn’t considered cheap by any means. However, you may thank yourself later on by splurging a bit to get this quality blanket.

#2 – REDCAMP Large Waterproof Stadium Blanket for Cold Weather

The need for a lightweight and durable blanket is not limited to just van life. However, if you intend on going out often and need something to keep off the chill of the weather, then you need a wind and waterproof blanket! The Redcamp Waterproof Stadium Blanket is perfect for cold weather. It is windproof, meaning that it will protect you from the harsh wind chills that you may otherwise be susceptible to with other blankets. This blanket is also very large, perfect for two people or for covering yourself completely. It also comes with a few handles that are slip proof, so you won’t accidentally drop it as it can be secured onto your bag or hung somewhere in your van. It’s also machine washable and very easy to clean, as it’s unlikely to stain since it’s waterproof. The Redcamp isn’t just for use outdoors though, it can make for a nice extra blanket to throw down in your van or another layer onto your bed for those extra harsh winter nights. The nice thing about this blanket is that it is affordable, being one of the cheaper blankets out there that offer this amount of quality, style and protection from the elements!
#3 – Outdoor Designs USA Waterproof Blanket – Large Warm XL Dry Windproof Rainproof Plush

You can never have too many weather proof blankets. Especially when you can find some that are portable and conserve space easily. If you don’t have a lot of storage room to spare but still want to get yourself a nice blanket that is rain and windproof, then the Outdoor Designs Large Throw Cover blanket is probably your best bet! Firstly, it comes with its own carrying bag, meaning you will always have a place to store it away without needing to figure out how to fold it back into some storage space in your van. Of course, as the name suggests, it’s windproof, waterproof and great for being outside in the elements. You can use it indoors as well if you need an extra throw blanket and it handles pets great since it’s super durable! It has a ripstop material and prevents water leaks since it’s double coated in polyurethane. This blanket is one of the larger ones of the list, being able to comfortably cover two to three people! This multipurpose blanket is a must have if you’re out on the road and will help you live your best life, in or out of your van!

#4 – ABETER Sand Free Beach Mat Blanket Sand Proof Magic Sandless Sand Dirt & Dust

Not every blanket is just for sleeping. Some are for relaxing on the beach or in an area with sand and dirt. If you want to have a nice day outside without worrying about tracking dirt back into your van, then the Abeter Sand Free Beach Blanket is the best tool for the job! This blanket is waterproof as well, making it ideal for parking your van near a beach and spending the day relaxing in the sun without having to worry about bringing the beach back into your home. This blanket is made in a way that allows sand and dirt to be brushed away, falling through the mat and making clean up easy. You won’t have to fan out the blanket like you would a normal beach towel, all you’ll need to do is wipe it off with your hands and fold it up! This blanket also comes with the ability to anchor it to the ground so it won’t blow away or move around as you stop on it. You simply have to hit the 4 anchor spikes into the ground through the corner loops and you’ll have yourself a pretty sturdy mat that will keep the sand at bay!

#5 – ELUTO Electric Car Blanket 12V Polar Fleece Blanket Heated Blanket

It’s very possible that you’ll spend some nights in below freezing temperatures. Or maybe you’ve been outside in the cold and need to warm up fast, but your van was left cold all day. That’s why it’s important to always have a way to heat yourself up quickly to keep from getting sick! The Eluto Electric Heated Fleece Blanket is a great solution to the need for a heated blanket on the go. It comes with a 12V power cord that goes right into a cigarette lighter of your van. It has three power settings that vary from HIGH, MED and LOW. The blanket also is equipped with a standard safety feature and will shut off after 45 minutes to protect you from getting burned. Of course, you can always turn it back on if you still need it, but that should serve as enough time to heat yourself back up after being out in the cold for too long. Just be mindful of the power usage of leaving this on for too long. This isn’t a blanket you would use every night of course, but it is one that you should have in your van just in case!

#6 – BEARZ Outdoor Beach Blanket, Waterproof Picnic Blanket 55″x60″

For those of you who are looking for a blanket that won’t take up too much space in storage, then look no further than the BEARZ Lightweight Compact Camping Tarp. This blanket is a very affordable pocket sized blanket that can clip onto your bag. When it’s wrapped up into its storage bag, it can fit in one hand. It’s an extremely lightweight blanket that is actually surprisingly big after taking it out and unraveling it. It’s waterproof as well, so it makes for a great tarp to lay down on the ground when outside. It can make for a good added blanket inside your van when you need a light blanket in the summer or if you want your pet to lay down on the bed when he’s still wet from the rain. It makes for a good beach blanket as well, and it comes in many different colors, so you can choose which one best matches your style! It comes with some lops on the corners that can be used with camping stakes to keep the blanket in place while enjoying the outdoors!

#7 – Picnic Blanket Waterproof Beach Blanket/Compact Pocket Blanket

If you need another pocket sized blanket that’s even cheaper than the last, then Poptrend’s Compact Picnic/Beach Pocket Blanket is the best option. Being the cheapest of all the blankets we’ve mentioned so far, it comes in at close to $10! It’s very similar to the previous pocket size blanket, except this one is slightly smaller when placed in its bag and does not have the camping stake slots to hold it in place. Instead, it has corner pockets that you can fill with sand or stones to keep it from blowing away or folding up while you move around on it. This doesn’t work as well as the stakes, but it’s nice that they at least included some kind of option for keeping it in place even while being as cheap as it is! It’s stylish, machine washable and waterproof! It’s very similar to the last pocket sized blanket mentioned on the list, except this is a more affordable option. However, you will sacrifice some quality for the sake of it being more compact and lighter weight.

#8 – YnM Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket is a great addition to your sleeping arrangement for inside your van. This is the kind of blanket you wouldn’t really use outside of it though. The YnM Weighted Blanket is perfect for adding to your sleeping arrangement to get that extra bit of comfort! The weight from this blanket will help you sleep more comfortably and to decompress after a long day on the road. It’s made with multiple layers that are filled with glass beads to help it shape to your body for maximum comfort. The glass beads also help to keep you cool during the night, making this blanket great for summer and winter use! It’s a bit on the pricey side when it comes to blankets. However, if you’re looking for a stylish and well made blanket for getting to sleep fast, then this is a great option for you! Just try not to use it outside much, as it can get dirty and hard to clean. It also comes in many different colors, so there are a lot of options to choose from!

#9 – PAVILIA Deluxe Fleece Blanket with Sleeves for Adult, Men, and Women

We understand that not everyone has the room in their van for another heavy blanket. So if you’re looking for a comfortable way to snuggle up without taking up too much room then you might consider getting a blanket that you wear! The PAVILIA Deluxe Fleece Blanket with Sleeves is a great way to stay mobile in your home while keeping yourself warm. Keeping the heat on at all times can be a costly venture when it comes to van living, so having a way to keep the heat in and only use your electronic devices sparingly is a great idea. This blanket comes in so many styles and colors, so you should have no problem finding something that matches the rest of your van or blankets. The added sleeves make it ideal for relaxing in the morning after just waking up or for those cold snowy days spent curled up with a nice hot chocolate. It’s a high quality material, being made from 100% microfiber polyester with the sleeves mimicking a rabbit fur like material. The price is pretty low on these blankets, so they won’t break the bank and make for a great affordable option for staying warm!

Wrapping things up…

No matter what weather you’re in, it’s always good to pack a few blankets that best suit your situation. It’s important to remember that just because you may be in a snowy area doesn’t mean a heavy blanket will always do the trick. Sometimes you’ll need water resistant or heated blankets to help keep you from facing life threatening situations while on the road. Pack smart and plan ahead for what you’ll need. These blankets on the list are some of the most important items you can have in your Van Life.

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