Top 5 Best Picnic Blankets Australia 2024
Picnics are always a good idea.
Throw together a blanket and some sandwiches to munch on and you’re out enjoying the sunshine. It’s all good until you spill some of that lemonade and now your picnic blanket’s soaked through, sticky, and covered in grass.
It pays to look into a few qualities when purchasing a picnic blanket.
Carry handles, waterproof backing, machine washable, light weight, and price—these are a few things to consider. With these things in mind, there’s no chance for another picnic to turn into panic.
We spill our top 5 best blankets that have earned nods from picnic enthusiasts and experienced outdoor adventurers.
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Prefer to sit off the ground? You’ll find something useful on our list of the Best Beach Chairs of 2024.
Picnic Blankets Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the picnic blanket reviews.
Score
7.5
Open Size
55 x 78 in/ 139.7 x 198 cm
Weight
5.8 lbs/ 2.6 kg
Fabric/ Material
HYDROBARRIER waterproof layer, 100% Polyester, Rayon
Price
$$$
Score
6.8
Open Size
82 x 55 in/ 208.28 x 139.7 cm
Weight
3.1 lbs/ 1.59 kg
Fabric/ Material
Ultrasonically quilted, 350 Gsm Fleece
Price
$$
Score
6.5
Open Size
80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm
Weight
1.7 lbs/ 0.8 kg
Fabric/ Material
Fleece with water-resistant backing
Price
$$
Score
6
Open Size
71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180 cm
Weight
1.74 lbs/ 0.79 kg
Fabric/ Material
Fleece polyester with PEVA waterproof backing and faux leather buckles
Price
$$
Score
4.8
Open Size
79 x 79 in/ 200 x 200 cm
Weight
2.6 lbs/ 1.2 kg
Fabric/ Material
190T polyester taffeta, cotton, 210D oxford, 80G soft sponge
Price
$
Picnic Blanket Reviews
#5: Three Donkeys
The Three Donkeys is a simple, no-frills picnic blanket packed with layers of comfortable and water-resistant materials. With its cushioned-backing and water-repellent surface, you can shake off any dirt and beach sand. At 79”x79”/200cm x 200cm, there’s enough room for 4 adults to move around comfortably. It’s a versatile blanket you can take to outdoor concerts, picnics, tailgates, and camping with little to no hassle of transporting and packing with its carry handles and pack down size of 15”x 9.4”/38cm x 24cm only.
Summary
Open Size: 79 x 79 in/ 200 x 200 cm
Packed Size: 15 x 9.4 in/ 38.1 x 24 cm
Weight: 2.6 lbs/ 1.2 kg
Fabric/Materials: 190T polyester taffeta, cotton, 210D oxford, 80G soft sponge, and waterproof 210D Oxford bottom layer
Approx Price: US$29.99/GBP£65.11/AUD$27.23/CAD$39.75
Rating
Quality: 3
Portability: 5
Versatility: 6
Comfort: 5
OVERALL: 4.8
Where to get it:
Pros: The largest picnic blanket we’ve tried! Fits the entire family and is comfortable to sit on. It’s machine washable; easy to put away after an afternoon picnic.
Cons: Although it is easy to carry, folding it back is more challenging if you don’t want the dirty side (bottom) to touch the clean side(top), since that’s the way to fold as stated on the visual instructions. It takes a bit more time to figure it out yourself.
Verdict: This is the most basic picnic blanket you can get with all the necessary features. Don’t expect a perfectly waterproof material, but it works well against dirt and mildly damp ground. Summer picnics are your best bet to take this out.
#4: VonShef Blue Herringbone
The VonShef Blue Herringbone Picnic Blanket is made of a plushy soft fleece polyester for comfort and a waterproof backing against damp ground. Made with faux leather straps stitched into the blanket, it’s pretty much easy to roll it over and buckle up back into its original carry form. It’s definitely designed for convenience, and saves time when preparing for your picnics. Did we mention, it’s the most elegant one in the bunch?
Summary
Open Size: 71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180 cm
Packed Size: 16.5 x 6 in/ 42 x 15 cm
Weight: 1.74 lbs/ 0.79 kg
Fabric/Materials: Fleece polyester with PEVA waterproof backing and faux leather buckles
Approx Price: US$17.49/GBP£32.90/AU$107.99/CA$87.99
Rating
Quality: 3
Portability: 8
Versatility: 7
Comfort: 6
OVERALL: 6
Pros: We are crushing over the overall look and faux leather straps that pack up easily. It also has a generous size of 71 x 58 in/ 147 x 180cm for two adults and two kids.
Cons: It’s thinner compared to other blankets, more difficult to remove stains from, and the top fabric doesn’t have the same waterproofing as the bottom.
Verdict: This gives just the right comfort and size for an average picnic blanket, and it would’ve been our top choice if it had more waterproof material and extra thick layers.
#3: Oniva
A comfortable and compact picnic blanket, Oniva brings a lot to the table as a reliable blanket tote. It comes in plaid, check, tartan, and stripe, and in different colors, plus it is made with soft fleece and water-resistant fabric. This one promises a huge picnic with 38 square feet of total open size, big enough to fit the whole family. It doesn’t only look amazing on the ground with a basket of fruit and sandwiches, it packs down easily into a compact carry tote with a shoulder strap! Talk about convenience.
Summary
Open Size: 80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm
Packed Size: 18 x 11 in/ 46 x 28 cm
Weight: 1.7 lbs/ 0.8 kg
Fabric/Materials: Fleece with water-resistant backing
Approx Price: US$58.53/GBP£62.26/AU$69.04/CA$59.29
Rating
Quality: 4
Portability: 8
Versatility: 7
Comfort: 7
OVERALL: 6.5
Where to get it:
Pros: It’s the built-in carry strap for us. Definitely one of the coziest with its extremely soft fleece, and finally the XL size of 80 x 70 in/ 203.2 x 177.8 cm gives so much room for people and a mini food spread!
Cons: It isn’t the easiest to wash. The fabric is sensitive to heat, so it is likely to get damaged in the dryer - air dry only.
Verdict: No doubt a great choice for comfortable picnics that shines in the colder weather in Australia, we like that it’s a lightweight big blanket that is easy to pack and carry.
#2: Down Under Outdoors
Probably the thickest on the list, the Down Under Outdoors blanket does not hold back with the thickness, adding in 20% more comfortable fleece. At 82 x 55 inches/ 208.28 x 139.7cm, the blanket can accommodate 2 people. What we find interesting is the added “secret pocket” where we can throw in our phones, keys, and some other essentials. You'd think with all that fleece the waterproofing of the blanket could be a concern, but its polyurethane backing largely protects the soft material from liquid.
Summary
Open Size: 82 x 55 in/ 208.28 x 139.7 cm
Packed Size: 17 x 9.4 in/ 42 x 24 cm
Weight: 3.1 lbs/ 1.59 kg
Fabric/Materials: Ultrasonically quilted, 350 Gsm Fleece
Approx Price: US$43.99/GBP£47.00/AU$49.99/CA$94.86
Rating
Quality: 7
Portability: 5
Versatility: 6
Comfort: 9
OVERALL: 6.8
Where to get it:
Pros: Budget-friendly, added fleece makes it extra cozy to sit on, easy to wash.
Cons: We still get cautious when taking this out on wet ground, though it does the job of keeping your pants dry from damp areas.
Verdict: An all-around blanket with added comfort, but watch out for wet ground as this one tends to be more water resistant than it is waterproof.
#1: YETI Lowlands Blanket
This is an all-around blanket, designed for picnics, outdoor concerts, camping, and most especially for your fur babies. The Lowlands Blanket is engineered with a waterproof utility layer and soft insulated interior for added comfort, but what we like most is the Hydrobarrier waterproof layer that is resistant to moisture and doubles as a dirt repellent. Pet hair, dust, and burrs are the least of our worries when spending an afternoon picnic with this blanket.
Summary
Open Size: 55 x 78 in/ 139.7 x 198 cm
Packed Size: 10.2 x 7 in/ 26 x 18 cm
Weight: 5.8 lbs/ 2.6 kg
Fabric/Materials: HYDROBARRIER waterproof layer, 100% Polyester for insulation and waterproof sides, Rayon and polyester for comfort side
Approx Price: US$200.00/GBP£200.00/AU$299.95/CA$250.00
Rating
Quality: 9
Portability: 3
Versatility: 8
Comfort: 10
OVERALL: 7.5
Where to get it:
Pros: A comfortable and durable blanket. Works best with pets, and easy to wash.
Cons: Hefty price, heavier than others.
Verdict: The Yeti Lowlands Blanket is a great choice for all-terrain use, especially recommended when picnicking with your dog. It’s also our top choice for a waterproof blanket, and that’s why it’s taken out our number one spot.
If you liked this picnic blankets review Australia, you might find more outdoor equipment for your next adventure.
Picnic Blanket FAQs
What type of blanket is best for picnic?
The best type of blanket for a picnic is one that is durable, water-resistant and easy to clean. Look for picnic blankets specifically designed for outdoor use, often made of materials like polyester, nylon or waterproof backing to protect against moisture from the ground.
What is the best material for outdoor blankets?
Water-resistance, durability and ease of cleaning are the finest qualities in materials for outdoor blankets. To protect against moisture and spills, some of these materials include polyester, nylon, acrylic or a combination of these with a waterproof backing.
How do I choose a picnic blanket?
When choosing a picnic blanket, think about the material, size, portability and ease of cleaning. Look for blankets made of durable, water-resistant materials and choose a size suitable for your picnic needs, such as the number of people and how much food you want to spread out. Portability features like carrying straps or handles can also be convenient.
What do people use for picnic blanket?
People use various types of blankets for picnics, including specially designed picnic blankets made of durable and water-resistant materials like polyester, nylon or acrylic. Some also use traditional blankets or throws, although these may not offer the same level of protection against moisture.
Is fleece good for picnic blanket?
Because of its warmth and softness, fleece can be a soft and comfortable picnic blanket material, but by itself, it might not provide adequate moisture resistance, so it's best used in conjunction with a waterproof backing or as an additional layer on top of a water-resistant blanket.
Can I use a normal blanket as a picnic blanket?
You can use a regular blanket for a picnic, but bear in mind that it might not be as sturdy or water-resistant as blankets made especially for outdoor use. To guard against wet ground, think about adding a waterproof layer underneath. The best picnic blankets have a waterproof layer on the bottom.
What is a good picnic blanket size?
A good picnic blanket size depends on the number of people and the amount of space needed for seating and food. The Three Donkeys picnic blanket is 200x200cm, which is enough room for four adults to move around comfortably.
How big should a picnic blanket be for 2 people?
A picnic blanket that is roughly 127 by 152cm should be large enough for two people to fit on comfortably and have room to spread out food and drinks. A large blanket may be more comfortable and versatile, though, if you're looking for something you can use with the kids as well, or if you intend to set out games and lots of snacks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.