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The 13 Best Travel Blankets to Help You Get Cozy Just About Anywhere

Goodbye sad little airline blankets, hello comfort and style.

Three people covered in travel blankets at the airport
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

If you are tired of freezing on airplanes, chilly train rides, or breezy outdoor excursions, then we’ve got you covered (literally). Whether you're embarking on a long-haul flight, hitting the road for a cross-country adventure, or heading out on a camping adventure, a high-quality travel blanket can make all the difference. From lightweight and compact options ideal for cramped airplane seats to larger, more insulated blankets perfect for sleeping under the stars, we've rounded up the best blankets to suit every traveler's needs. 

Our Travel + Leisure team tested 19 travel blankets for comfort, ease of use, durability, and valuel. We evaluated and compared each option based on overall construction, fabric choice, design features, warmth, and packability. (Read more about our comprehensive testing process below). We will continue testing our picks for six more months to ensure each option’s reliability and durability, and we will update this article if anything should change. Scroll down below to find your next travel blanket guaranteed to make others jealous of how cozy you'll be on your next trip.

Why We Love It
  • This blanket delivers the perfect combination of comfort, durability, and versatility.

What to Consider
  • The carrying bag is made of the same chenille fabric as the blanket, so it takes some effort to fit the blanket back inside the fuzzy bag.

If you’re a frequent traveler who values comfort, this travel blanket is worth every penny. We gave this Kashwere option a perfect score for being super cozy and comfortable, versatile, and durable. The blanket itself is made of a soft chenille yarn that feels like being wrapped in a cloud, providing a chef’s kiss balance between being warm but not heavy or too breezy. Size-wise, it might not be big enough to wrap you head to toe, but it covers all the important bits when you're sitting down — perfect for planes, cars, or just chilling at home. The fabric held up well after machine-washing and drying, and we thought the zipper on the carrying bag was sturdy. Bonus points: this blanket comes with its own carrying bag made of the same material, so you can double up the use for the packed blanket as a pillow, although it might not always be the easiest to tuck the blanket back inside the bag.

The Details: 32 x 48 inches | Chenille

Why We Love It
  • We love the wearability and portability of this Travelrest option.

What to Consider
  • We wish it came with a pillow, but it’s not a total dealbreaker.

This blanket feels just like that favorite throw blanket you'd fight your friends over at an Airbnb — soft, plush, and just right for keeping warm on chilly flights. Its standout feature is the poncho style with plenty of room in the sleeves, and it’s made from plush fleece that covered us from neck to ankles. Perfect for car rides, train trips, and flights, or even just lounging at home or at a sports event, this blanket was a breeze to unpack and repack thanks to its laptop case-like zip around and additional drawstring bag. When we rolled it and placed it inside, we were impressed that it packed down to the size of a water bottle. Snag this blanket if you're a busy traveler who hates lugging around bulky blankets!

The Details: 38 x 72 inches | 14 ounces | Plush microfiber

Why We Love It
  • From its waterproof material to its sturdy build, it doesn't get any more durable than this blanket.

What to Consider
  • This is way too large to use on a plane and is better suited for outdoor scenarios like camping trips, picnics, or beach outings.

First off, let's talk size: this blanket is massive, clocking in at about 6.5 by 4.5 feet and weighing nearly six pounds. While it might be a bit too big and heavy for squeezing onto your luggage for a plane trip, it's perfect for car rides or any outdoor adventure — especially camping. The blanket comes with its own carrying case, making it easy to throw with your other travel items. 

One side of the blanket is soft to the touch, while the other is built for toughing it out on the ground. We love that it has a waterproof layer, making it so convenient against spills and soggy ground. We also noticed how durable it is, and we definitely think it will stand up well to pebbled surfaces while camping while still feeling soft and warm. While the price might seem steep at $200, it's worth the investment for its versatility and durability.

The Details: 78 x 55 inches | 5.8 pounds | 65 percent polyester/35 percent rayon (comfort side), 100 percent polyester (utility side)

Why We Love It
  • Priced at approximately $30, this is one of the best budget-friendly options on our list.

What to Consider
  • If you tend to run cold, this blanket might be too lightweight for you.

Why use a sad airline blanket when you can bring your own? While some of the other blankets on this list are too large to comfortably use on a plane, this one is the perfect portable size. We thought it was super soft and lightweight, but a tad thin — it’s ideal for keeping cozy on a plane or car ride, but maybe not quite warm enough for those who easily get chilly. We appreciated the stress-free packability when it’s time to deplane (no wrestling with a stubborn blanket here!). When you’re ready to pack it up, it folds neatly back into its plush carrying case, which doubles as a cozy pillow after you zip it up. It also features a luggage strap and a clip to attach it to a backpack that makes it convenient to carry.

The Details: 70 x 48 inches | 1.28 pounds | Plush microfiber

Why We Love It
  • Featuring thermoregulating technology, this blanket keeps you comfy in any temperature while remaining lightweight.

What to Consider
  •  Folding a blanket that's almost 6 by 4 feet into itself on a plane is not the easiest task, but once it's packed, it's super lightweight and compact.

Away’s The Travel Blanket is the Goldilocks of travel blankets on our list — it's never too hot, never too cold, and always just right. Made of lightweight nylon, we thought it was like snuggling up in a sleeping bag. It might not be the comfiest material out there, but its size (it stretches across three airplane seats!), breathability, and versatility for any occasion makes up for it. The blanket also has a foot pocket, but we noticed we couldn’t reach it comfortably without being overwhelmed by fabric while we tried it out on a plane because of how large the blanket is, so we think this blanket is better suited for car rides, Airbnb stays when you need extra blankets, or outdoor activities like picnics or camping trips.

The blanket features 37.5 thermoregulating technology to personalize climate control, and we did notice that we never felt chilly or overheated when using it. “If you get hot, 37.5 active particles help to cool you down. If you get cold, these same particles work to warm you up,” according to the product listing on the Away website. Plus, it has some pretty unique features like snaps to attach it to a travel pillow and a strap to hook onto a bag. We also love that the blanket folds into itself, so there isn’t an extra bag you have to carry around.

The Details: 69.5 x 44.5 inches | 1.05 pounds | 100 percent Cocona 37.5 Nylon

Why We Love It
  • This travel set also comes with a pair of cashmere socks, a sleep mask, and a silk pillowcase.

What to Consider
  • It’s definitely a splurge as the priciest option on this list.

Look no further if you want to travel in style: this set is a luxury sleep kit in a pouch. It comes with cashmere socks and a silk sleep mask, and the silk pouch transforms into a pillowcase when the blanket's inside. Our T+L team member who tested this set was instantly sold when they slipped on the socks, wrapped up in the oversized blanket, and got comfy on a cross-country flight. They even continued to use it at their destination when they got chilly. This blanket feels like a dream — it’s so soft, it's like wrapping yourself in a designer sweater. Priced at $450, it is an investment, but we deem it worth the splurge (and it makes a luxurious gift for the traveler who has everything).  

The Details: 82 x 50 inches | Cashmere

Why We Love It
  • Not only is this blanket highly packable and portable, but it also withstands all sorts of activities, from camping trips to sports events.

What to Consider
  • The color and style options are loud and bold.

What to Consider: The color and style options are loud and bold. 

This travel blanket is the ultimate all-in-one travel companion. What sets this blanket apart is its perfect balance between puffiness and smoothness; it's soft to the touch, but when it's time to hit the road again, it rolls up effortlessly into its carry bag. It’s so lightweight that we forgot we were even carrying it! It is also clear that this blanket is built to last. Despite our rigorous testing, it stood up to everyday use — including cat claws, car rides, and wash cycles — while staying soft and cozy. It's the perfect blend of lightweight portability and maximum warmth, making it a top choice for travelers.

The Details: 70 x 50 inches | Polyester

Why We Love It
  • With its velvety feel, portability, and budget-friendly price tag, this is a solid choice for anyone looking for bang for their buck.

What to Consider
  • This travel blanket lacks certain premium features compared to others on the market.

This travel blanket is wallet-friendly without compromising on comfort. Made from microfleece polyester, it's soft, lightweight, and velvety, perfect for covering up whether you're sitting or laying down. Its compact size makes it easy to wear on a train or a plane when you don’t want to encroach on the person sitting next to you, but it’s still large enough to cover you and keep you warm. To pack it up, simply fold it a couple of times, zip it into its carrying pouch, and voila — you've got yourself a pillow. Plus, the pouch has a strap for easy carrying, which you can buckle onto a backpack strap or luggage handle. While it might not be the fanciest blanket out there, it holds up well in the wash and should last a few years. And at its price, it's a steal for the comfort and convenience it offers.

The Details: 60 x 43 inches | Microfleece

L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket
PHOTO:

L.L.Bean

Why We Love It
  • This do-it-all camp blanket is perfect for sitting around the fire, sleepovers, movie night, picnics, and more.

What to Consider
  • The available patterns might not fit everyone’s taste.

Wrapping yourself in this blanket is like snuggling up with a puffer coat: slick and water-resistant but still comfy to the touch. Despite being lightweight, we found that this option kept us nice and toasty without making us feel overheated. Its flexibility made it easy to fold down this blanket into its travel bag, compact enough to match the size of a 40-ounce water bottle. It also features elastic bands on each corner to turn this blanket into a makeshift cape or coat. We love that this blanket is tougher than it looks, holding up all our testing with no signs of wear and tear.

The Details: 75 x 54 inches | 1.7 pounds | Polyester

Why We Love It
  • Suitable for either a flight or a fancy dinner, we love how practical, chic, and versatile this wrap is for several occasions.

What to Consider
  • Its material is cashmere, so you have to dry clean it.

This White + Warren wrap may just be our new favorite go-to accessory for chilly airplanes. What sets it apart is its versatility, doubling as a cozy blanket for travel or a shawl that you can wear over your shoulders. It's well over five feet in length and though it's not the widest when compared to more traditional blankets, it’s wider than a standard scarf so you can wear it draped over your body or lap to keep warm in transit. The wrap's premium cashmere material adds to its luxe appeal, and that means you can even wear it out to dinner while looking stylish — and you can’t do that with a regular airplane blanket. Bonus points for making it out of a 14-hour travel day packed into a personal item without any wrinkles!

The Details: 81 x 36 inches | Cashmere

Why We Love It
  • This massive blanket offers ample warmth and coverage, and there’s a huge selection of color options.

What to Consider
  • It’s not the easiest to stuff back into its carrying case, and it’s too large to use on a plane.

We found your next camping companion with the Rumpl The Original Puff. The generous size of this blanket provides lots of cozy comfort whether you’re covering yourself to sleep or laying or sitting on top of it. With 30 color options to choose from, this travel blanket is great for anyone looking for an airy, breathable, and versatile blanket for outdoor use. The included stuff sack adds convenience, though packing it back up requires some effort akin to rolling and tucking a sleeping bag or camping air mattress back into its case. At $125, it's a worthwhile investment for warm camping trips or outdoor activities but may not be practical for frequent air travel due to its large size.

The Details: 75 x 52 inches | 2.1 pounds | Recycled polyester

The North Face Wawona Blanket
PHOTO:

The North Face

Why We Love It
  • This lightweight blanket delivers on warmth and packability.

What to Consider
  • We found that this blanket is not the most cozy option.

We recommend this water-resistant North Face blanket specifically for outdoor activities and events, making it ideal for travelers seeking a lightweight, packable option that will keep you warm without taking up much space in your bag. The blanket features recycled synthetic insulation that provides warmth but lacks the soft feel of fleece or yarn. Packing and unpacking the blanket were straightforward, and though it took us a little bit of effort to fold the blanket neatly back into the attached carrying bag, once you get it back inside, the bag helps compress the blanket to a compact size that you can stow away in a backpack. The blanket showed no signs of wear or tear after multiple uses and washes, but we do think it has the potential to get snagged or tear if faced with anything sharp.

The Details: 72 x 55.9 inches | 1.5 pounds | Recycled polyester

Why We Love It
  • It feels expensive for how comfortable and soft it is but is super affordable.

What to Consider
  • It only comes in a few neutral shades of beige, and it does not include any straps or carrying cases.

Cuddly, comfortable, convenient, and cozy — and those are only the adjectives beginning with “C” when describing this blanket. Despite its ability to roll up small, the Unhide Lil’ Marsh Traveler proved to be a large blanket, providing ample coverage with plenty of extra room while sitting or lying down. This would make a great option for a plane or car ride for how thin and soft it is without any excessive bulk to bog you down or get in your neighbor’s way. We found that this blanket maintained its softness and durability throughout testing, remaining in pristine condition even after frequent use and washes. It can also easily fit into a tote bag or carry-on due to its thin material, making it easy to travel with when you have limited space but want something soft and snuggly to cover yourself with.

The Details: 60 x 50 inches | 1.7 pounds | Polyester

Other Travel Blankets We Liked

Four additional travel blankets we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Forestfish Fleece Throw Blanket: Priced at under $20, this blanket offers a good value for those seeking a smaller, lightweight travel blanket, especially suitable for shorter road trips. While it was adequate for drives, it may not offer enough insulation for plane or train rides with less temperature control.

Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho Wearable Hoodie Blanket: This blanket maintains warmth without overheating, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. While its wearability adds convenience, it does not offer much coverage in poncho mode.

Sagefinds Soft Travel Blanket with Bag: Although deceivingly thin, this option offers a step up from airline blankets, providing warmth and breathability without being overly luxurious. It's deemed best for budget-conscious travelers seeking portability.

Sagefinds Soft Travel Blanket with Bag sitting against a suitcase

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Eversnug Travel Blanket and Pillow: We like the versatility of being able to use this item as both a blanket and a pillow. However, it’s not the best choice for taller people because it’s on the smaller size.

The Eversnug Travel Blanket and Pillow sitting against a suitcase

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Our Testing Process

Our T+L team tested 19 travel blankets in everyday travel scenarios to assess comfort, ease of use, durability, and value. We followed a comprehensive examination to evaluate each option, including overall construction, fabric choice, design features, warmth, and packability. We used the blankets in a variety of practical scenarios including traveling by plane, train, and car; during outdoor events; and even while lounging at home to determine comfort, functionality, versatility, and durability. 

We took notes on how heavy or lightweight the blankets felt, how warm or breathable they were, how large or compact they were, how easy it was to pack or fold them, and any unique features they had to make them more portable or comfortable. For the blankets that were machine-washable, we washed them at least once during the initial testing period to see how they held up and if the materials changed at all.

Sagefinds Soft Travel Blanket with Bag attached to a suitcase handle

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Our long-term plan includes testing for an additional six months to monitor each blanket’s performance and durability in different travel scenarios. As we continue to test the blankets in various real-world settings, we will continue to take notes on portability, practicality, and any wear and tear, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each travel blankets’ reliability. We will update these results if our findings should change.

Tips for Buying Travel Blankets 

Think of your intended use

When buying a travel blanket, consider your intended use carefully. If you're primarily using it for flights, prioritize coziness and a compact size — you won’t want something too large or too bulky that will take up too much space in your personal item or spill into the neighboring seat. Look for blankets made from soft materials that provide warmth without being too heavy to carry. Opt for lightweight options that can easily fit into your bag and keep you comfortable during long flights.

On the other hand, if you're planning to use the blanket for camping or outdoor activities, prioritize warmth and durability. Consider blankets that are larger, thicker, and possibly waterproof (or at least water-resistant) to withstand various weather conditions. Look for materials like fleece or wool that provide insulation and keep you warm even in chilly outdoor settings.

Additionally, pay attention to the dimensions of the blanket. Some blankets are designed for one person, while others are larger and suitable for two. Choose the size that best fits your needs, whether you prefer individual coverage or sharing with a travel companion.

Keep portability in mind

When you're on the hunt for a travel blanket, don't forget about portability. Look out for ones that come with a handy carrying case, especially those with luggage sleeves or clips that you can easily attach to your backpack or suitcase. Having a dedicated carrying case helps keep the blanket compact and protected when not in use, preventing it from taking up too much space in your luggage or personal bag. Some blankets can even double as pillows when you fold them up into their cases. Additionally, it helps to not carry one more additional item (look ma, no hands!) and makes it effortless to bring along during travel.

Look at special features

Traveling is hard enough, so when shopping for a travel blanket, consider special features that enhance functionality and comfort. Look for blankets with built-in footrest pockets, which provide extra warmth and coziness during long journeys. Zippered compartments are handy for storing small items like headphones or travel documents, keeping them within easy reach.

You can also opt for blankets that can fold into a pillow, offering versatility and saving space in your luggage. Waterproof blankets are ideal for outdoor adventures, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather conditions. Thermoregulating blankets help maintain a comfortable temperature, keeping you warm without overheating. Blankets with sleeves and hoods allow you to wear them like a garment, providing maximum coverage and warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What size travel blanket should I look for?

    Ultimately, the size of your optimal travel blanket depends on your personal preferences, intended use, and travel requirements. Determine if you'll be using the blanket alone or sharing it with a travel companion. Look for a blanket that provides adequate coverage for your body lengthwise and widthwise, and think about whether you’ll be using the blanket draped over your lap or shoulders on an airplane or to snuggle your entire body under while sleeping in a tent. Check the dimensions to ensure it will fully cover you while sitting or lying down, especially if you're tall or prefer extra room.


    It’s also best to consider how you'll be using the blanket. If it's primarily for air travel, a smaller size that fits comfortably in your carry-on bag may be ideal. For camping or outdoor activities, a larger size for added warmth and comfort may be more suitable.


  • How do I pack a travel blanket?

    Packing a travel blanket is relatively simple and depends on its design and size. If the blanket comes with a carrying case or pouch, fold or roll it neatly and tuck it into the case. Some blankets are designed to fold into themselves, transforming into a compact pillow or storage bag, making them easy to pack. If there's no specific carrying case, fold the blanket into a manageable size and place it in your luggage or travel bag like you would do for a sweatshirt or pair of pants. Consider using compression packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags to further reduce bulk and save space if it’s a bulkier blanket.

  • How do I wash a travel blanket?

    Washing a travel blanket typically depends on the material and care instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, most travel blankets made of synthetic materials like polyester or fleece are machine-washable in cold water on a gentle cycle. After washing, air drying is usually recommended to maintain the integrity of the fabric and prevent shrinking or damage from high heat. There are also some cashmere blankets on this list that are dry-clean only. Be sure to check the care label on the blanket for specific instructions and any additional precautions.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products since 2014. For this story, she combed through T+L’s detailed testing insights for various travel blankets, reading through testing feedback for each blanket, then referenced product descriptions and additional research to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel blankets today.

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Edited by
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco, Commerce Testing Editor
Jackie Cucco is a Commerce Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and writes travel-related product reviews based on in-depth product testing. She previously worked as a travel agent, has a Master’s degree in journalism, and has over six years of experience creating gift guides and writing about various products. She has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.

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