I tested several wool blankets for bushcraft and found the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket to be the best.
In addition to my hands-on experience, I also relied on a team of experts, including ex-military members and active bushcrafters, to select the best wool blankets for bushcraft and camping.
Many of our experts spend lots of time practicing bushcraft in the winter. For instance, Blake, one of our experts, spends one weekend every month living in the woods, year-round. Using their opinions, I created these thorough and balanced reviews.
Thanks to its 86% wool weave, the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is incredibly warm and soft. It’s made in the USA by a company with a long history of creating high-quality woolen products (while you’re at it, I highly recommend checking out their other offerings, too).
However, your specific preferences and needs will affect what wool blanket is best for you. With this in mind, I also included several other options for those looking for something specific.
Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Best Wool Blankets for Bushcraft
Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket – Best Overall
- Size: 84 x 90 inches
- Wool Content: 86%
The Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket features high-quality wool, making it warm and durable. Therefore, it’s a great option for bushcraft. Specifically, it’s made of 86% wool and 14% cotton, providing insulation and breathability. The wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, helping keep it and you dry in wetter situations.
Furthermore, I love the company that makes this blanket. They’re known for making great woolen products, and this blanket is no different.
The classical design is Native American-inspired and features vibrant colors. It’s visually appealing, which is always a nice plus. It’s also pretty large at 84 x 90 inches, allowing you to double it up in cold weather (though smaller sizes are available).
With that said, this blanket does shed quite a bit. In my experience, this can be quite annoying. However, it isn’t uncommon for wool blankets. This blanket also weighs 4.5 pounds, making it pretty heavy. It isn’t exactly the best option for long distance backpacking.
Recommended For:
If you’re looking for the best wool blanket for bushcraft, the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is easily the best option. Unless you’re on a strict budget or need something for a more specific situation, this blanket is a wonderful overall choice.
Arcturus Military Wool Blanket – Best Budget
- Size: 64 x 88 inches
- Wool Content: 80%
Buying wool blankets can get expensive very quickly. However, the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket is cheaper than most other wool blankets, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Despite its lower price, it’s made of 80% wool, allowing it to provide excellent insulation and durability. Because it has a high wool content, it can withstand moisture and keep you dry. Plus, it’s machine-washable – a rare feature among wool blankets.
This blanket isn’t as large as some others. While this can be a downside, it also makes it easier to pack. Therefore, if you’re just a single person backpacking, the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket is one of the better options.
With that said, this blanket isn’t as warm as some others. It may not do much in extremely cold conditions. You simply have to purchase a more expensive blanket for these situations. Furthermore, it also sheds like most wool blankets, especially in the washing machine (beware if your washing machine is on the older side).
Recommended for:
Consider the Arcturus Military Wool Blanket if you want a wool blanket that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s much cheaper than most while still getting the job done.
Woolrich Hudson Bay 6 Point Blanket – Premium Choice
- Size: 64 x 88 inches
- Wool Content: 100%
I highly recommend the Woolrich Hudson Bay 6-Point Blanket for those with a large budget. It’s made of 100% wool – a rare find. Because of the high wool content, it can regulate the temperature of those underneath it. In other words, it’s cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
You can truly keep this blanket packed and use it year-round.
This brand is the same one they use at LeConte Lodge – a cabin at the highest point of the Smokey Mountains. It rarely gets to a high of 80°F there, so they need something especially warm.
Several sizes are available, but I recommend the queen size for bushcraft. The others are very large.
It features a timeless design inspired by Hudson’s Bay Company’s traditional blankets from the 18th century. The company has been making wool blankets for a very long time, and it shows in its craftsmanship. There are very few blankets better than this one.
This blanket is well-constructed and made from high-quality wool handpicked by the company. It can withstand heavy use and abuse. It’s the type of blanket your grandchildren will be using.
It’s a bit heavier than others on this list. It may not be great for those traveling long distances.
Recommended for:
If you can afford it, get the Woolrich Hudson Bay 6-Point Blanket. It’s the best of the best, though you will be paying for it. For those who can’t afford to pay hundreds for a blanket, we have plenty of other options to keep you warm.
Swiss Army Military Wool Blanket – Best for Rugged Conditions
- Size: 60 x 84 inches
- Wool Content: 70%
Military surplus is a great place to find survival gear, including the Swiss Army Military Wool Blanket. As you’d expect, this wool blanket was created for the Swiss Army, which often fights in colder climates. Therefore, this blanket was designed to warm soldiers when sleeping in the mountains.
It’s made from 70% wool, providing plenty of warmth. It’s durable and made to withstand all sorts of abuse. Plus, it’s plenty big enough to double up if needed.
Above all, this blanket is extremely versatile. It’s good for bushcraft, camping, hiking, and emergency preparedness. I love that it’s machine-washable, making it easier to care for.
This blanket is an average weight for a wool blanket at 4.5 pounds. It’s not ideal for backpacking because it is heavy, but this is to be expected with wool blankets. It isn’t as warm as other options, likely due to the higher synthetic fabric content.
Recommended for:
I recommend the Swiss Army Military Wool Blanket for those that need a very durable option. It’s perfect for more intense outdoor activities. Plus, it’s pretty inexpensive, too. It’s a mid-range option that provides a lot of versatility, though it may not be as warm as others.
Woolly Mammoth Merino Wool Blanket – Best Hypoallergenic
- Size: 66 x 90 inches
- Wool Content: 80%
The Woolly Mammoth Merino Wool Blanket is made of 80% Merino Wool (no other wools are used; the other 20% is synthetic fabric). This wool comes from a special breed of sheep that produces high-quality, hypoallergenic wool. It’s not as irritating as other options, making it great for sensitive skin.
It’s important to note that wool allergies are exceedingly rare. However, contact dermatitis caused by wool isn’t, largely because many types of wool are coarse and irritating. Merino wool is much finer and softer, so it’s advertised as hypoallergenic.
Merino wool is much more expensive than other varieties. However, this blanket is surprisingly inexpensive for what you’re getting. This type of wool is also lighter than others, so this blanket is a bit lighter at 4 pounds. It’s also very compact, making it easier to pack.
However, this wool isn’t as thick or heavy as others, so it doesn’t work well in colder conditions. It’s also more expensive than blankets that use other types of wool. If you have sensitive skin, this could be a good base layer with a heavier blanket over it.
Recommended for:
If you find wool irritating, the Woolly Mammoth Merino Wool Blanket is a solid option. It’s much softer and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. It’s also lighter and odor-resistant, making it much easier to keep stored in a bag.
EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket
- Size: 66 x 90 inches
- Wool Content: 100%
The EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket is rather straightforward – and that’s why I like it. It’s just a simple wool blanket that works. It’s made from 100% wool, making it moisture-wicking and very insulating. It’s naturally temperature regulating. Therefore, it’ll be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
It’s 66 by 90 inches, plenty big enough to double up. It’s also heavier because of its larger size, weighing 5 pounds. Therefore, it may not be the best option for situations where every ounce counts.
Surprisingly, this wool blanket is averagely priced, which I didn’t expect because of its 100% wool content. However, Ektos doesn’t have the name recognition that Pendleton or Woolrich have, hence the lower price.
Sadly, I did find that the quality is lacking compared to the more expensive brands. The workmanship just isn’t there. The wool is more irritating, so I wouldn’t recommend this blanket for sensitive skin.
Recommended for:
The EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket is best for those who prioritize warmth and durability over aesthetics. I highly recommend this blanket if you’re set on 100% wool but have a budget. It isn’t the same as a high-end blanket, but not everyone needs a high-end blanket.
Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket
- Size: 62 x 80 inches
- Wool Content: 90%
The Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket is lighter than most wool blankets at 4.3 pounds. However, it’s only 90% wool, which is how it sheds some weight. It is naturally moisture-wicking and better insulating than most blankets designed for backpacking. Therefore, it’s a great choice for those planning to walk far on their bushcraft trip.
Compared to other blankets, this one is on the cheaper side. Surprisingly, it’s still made with quality craftsmanship and materials. It has a traditional European design, which I’ve discovered many men with minimalistic tastes prefer.
One potential drawback is that this blanket sheds a lot more than others. It can be a bit annoying, especially after you wash it a few times. It also isn’t as thick, so it isn’t suitable for sub-zero temperatures.
Recommended for:
The Rothco European Surplus Style Wool Blanket works well for budget-conscious bushcrafters who want something light to survive a trek in the woods. It works well for milder climates or as a backup to a thicker wool blanket.
Stansport 1243 Wool Blend Blanket
- Size: 60 x 80 inches
- Wool Content: 55%
The Stansport 1243 Wool Blend Blanket has far less wool than other blankets on this list – only 55%. The rest is synthetic polyester. However, it still provides decent insulation and some wet-wicking capabilities, though not nearly as well as other blankets on this list.
With that said, this blanket is far less bulky and quite thin. Therefore, it’s easier to pack and works great for smaller bags. The texture is very soft and smooth. It’s much less scratchy than low-quality wool blankets and extremely inexpensive.
This blanket features are tightly woven fabric to prevent shedding, and the added polyester makes it more durable than other options. It’s a great choice for those that care more about durability than wet-wicking or warmth.
With that said, I did find the size quite small. It can fit one person easily, but you aren’t going to have much extra. Furthermore, it’s much less breathable and doesn’t have many of the positives associated with wool.
Recommended for:
I recommend the Stansport 1243 Wool Blend Blanket for those that aren’t completely sold on the benefits of wool. It’s lighter than other wool blankets, as it is only about half wool. It’s a solid blend option but won’t have the same insulating qualities as a 100% wool blanket.
Desert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket
- Size: 72 x 88 inches
- Wool Content: 100%
The Desert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket features a blend of alpaca and sheep wool. The alpaca wool makes the blanket extra-soft and less irritating than pure wool. However, including sheep wool keeps it durable and adds a nice thickness to the blanket.
Combining these wools makes the blanket warm and comfortable without sacrificing durability.
Furthermore, this blanket is made by artisans in Peru, where alpacas are native. These craftsmen come from an area that’s used alpaca wool for hundreds of years, so they know what they’re doing. This expertise makes the blanket particularly high-quality.
The main downside is the price of this blanket. However, you’re paying for the high-quality wool and expertise of the craftsman that made it. Furthermore, this blanket likely won’t be as warm as a 100% sheep wool blanket, which is something to consider for cold weather.
Recommended for:
The main selling point of the Desert Breeze Alpaca and Sheep Wool Blanket is the inclusion of alpaca wool, which makes it extra soft. This option is excellent if you’re looking for an exceptionally soft and fluffy blanket. It also works well for sensitive skin, as alpaca wool tends to be softer than sheep wool.
Pendleton Roll-Up Wool Blanket
- Size: 60 x 70 inches
- Wool Content: 100%
If you’re backpacking, roll-up blankets can be extremely useful. They’re easy to put up and take out, making them perfect for bushcraft. The Pendleton Roll-Up Wool Blanket is easily the best roll-up wool blanket you can purchase, as it’s made from 100% wool.
It measures 60 by 70 inches, making it the perfect size for bushcraft. It’s large enough to use as a ground cover or lay under without being overly bulky. It also features a leather carrier with a handle for easy transport. Attaching it to your average bushcraft pack is easy to do.
This wool blanket features a nylon backing. This makes it much more waterproof than other options without harming the integrity of the wool. The wool is durable and resistant to wear, making it perfect for outdoor conditions.
However, it can be a bit scratchy as with most 100% wool blankets. This blanket is also a bit on the heavier side.
Recommended for:
The Pendleton Roll-Up Wool Blanket is a great option if you care about portability above all else. It’s made to be rolled up and shoved into a backpack much easier than others.
Heavy Weight Alpaca Wool Blanket
- Size: 70 x 90 inches
- Wool Content: 85%
The Heavy Weight Alpaca Wool Blanket is quite thick, making it a good option for those looking for something very warm. It utilizes quality alpaca wool, so it is much softer than other blankets. Because it’s completely made of wool, it can regulate the temperature of its users. In other words, it retains more heat in the summer and dissipates more in the winter, allowing you to use it year-round.
This blanket is made to be less irritating than other wool blankets on the market while still being very warm. It’s heavy, though, so it isn’t the best option for carrying long distances.
It also isn’t as durable as other options. Alpaca wool just can’t withstand the same rugged situations that sheep wool can, and it’s going to show with this blanket.
Recommended for:
If you need a warm blanket but find sheep wool irritating, I recommend considering the Heavy Weight Alpaca Wool Blanket blanket. Its main selling points are its thick construction and softness.
Walden Backyards Fireside Wool Blanket
- Size: 64 x 90 inches
- Wool Content: 80%
The standout feature of the Walden Backyards Fireside Wool Blanket is its leather carrying strap. This strap makes it easy to transport and is a nice high-end touch. It looks rather rustic and outdoorsy, which is nice compared to some of the more “indoor-style” wool blankets.
The blanket itself is 80% wool, which is about average. That’s enough wool to give you the benefits of wool while also making the blanket lighter and more durable than a 100% wool blanket. It’s thick enough to provide plenty of warmth on cooler nights.
Plus, this blanket can be thrown into the washing machine for easy cleaning – no dry-cleaning like other blankets.
This blanket is more expensive than many of the options on this list. However, you’re paying for the high-quality wool and leather handle. Sadly, the leather handle isn’t necessarily as durable as the blanket itself and could break after some use.
Recommended for:
The handle on the Walden Backyards Fireside Wool Blanket makes it easier to transport than others. It’s perfect for those that want to carry their blanket to their bushcraft campsite or attach it separately to their pack.
Wool Blanket for Bushcraft Buying Guide
If you’re an avid bushcrafter or simply enjoy spending time outdoors in the wilderness, having a reliable, high-quality wool blanket is essential.
But, as you can see, not all wool blankets for bushcraft are made the same. There are many different styles, materials, and sizes to choose from. Some blankets work great for backpacking in milder climates, while others are heavy.
The best blanket for you depends on your situation and needs. This buying guide will help you sort through exactly what you need in your wool blanket.
Bushcraft Blanket Material
Not all wool is the same. While wool blankets are often sold under the same category, the wool they’re made out of can vary widely.
Wool may be derived from various species, including sheep, alpaca, llama, and yak. Each variety of wool has distinct properties that influence the blanket’s performance. Alpaca’s wool, for example, is a popular and inexpensive choice recognized for its softness and insulating characteristics. Sheep wool, on the other hand, is extremely warm and long-lasting, making it perfect for use in cold and harsh situations.
The quality of wool also varies widely. Some sheep produce better wool than others. As you’d probably guess, lower-quality wool doesn’t perform as well and tends to be rougher. However, it’s also less expensive, so many companies use it in budget blankets.
High-quality wool is often fairly expensive, which drives up the price of the blanket.
Lower-quality wool blankets may not include that much wool at all. Many add synthetic fibers to their blankets to help “stretch” the wool. For this reason, it’s important to look at the percentage of wool in the blanket.
The quality of the wool does matter. One of our experts was once very close to developing hypothermia when on a training mission in the dead of winter. However, the group luckily had high-quality wool blankets on standby, and he was able to avoid a trip to the hospital.
Bushcraft Blanket Size and Weight
Wool blankets vary widely. The size and weight of the blanket both play a role in how it performs – and who it is best for.
The size is pretty straightforward. Some blankets are the size of a twin bed, while others are much bigger. Some like to carry two sizes, a twin size to lay on and a queen size to cover with.
The “weight” refers to the thickness of the blanket. This includes the literal thickness and how tightly the blanket is woven. Heavier blankets will be heavier. However, they’re also warmer.
When choosing a size and weight, consider the distance you’re traveling. You probably don’t want to carry a huge blanket when backpacking to your final location. However, a larger blanket may be called for if you aren’t going very far.
Furthermore, a larger blanket may be more helpful if you are in the field for a while. Most people can withstand a single night in the cold. However, a week is another story, when comfort becomes more of a priority.
Bushcraft Blanket Durability and Quality
When shopping for a wool blanket for bushcraft, it can be difficult to determine the quality from a description. However, several factors affect the quality – some of which you can tell from a product description.
Higher-quality wools often produce higher-quality blankets. These wools often come from sheep breeds that produce stronger, finer fibers. Therefore, they produce more durable blankets. Furthermore, blankets that are more tightly woven are less likely to develop holes and last longer.
It’s important to look for wool blankets made by reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality outdoor gear. These companies are more likely to use superior materials, employ skilled craftspeople, and implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure their products meet the highest standards.
Plus, you can also look at reviews like ours to see how blankets stood up in the real world.
Bushcraft Blanket Warmth and Insulation
Of course, the primary purpose of a wool blanket is to keep you warm. How well a wool blanket does this is important. Luckily, wool is a natural insulator, so most wool blankets are exceptionally warm. However, a lot affects a blanket’s ability to insulate.
Heavier blankets usually provide more warmth than lighter ones. However, heavy blankets are not always practical for bushcraft, as they can be bulky and harder to pack. Therefore, you often have to balance portability with insulation.
One major reason wool is so popular for bushcraft is because of its moisture-wicking abilities. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it great for wetter climates.
(However, despite some misconceptions, sucking up moisture does affect wool’s insulating properties somewhat. The blanket just won’t get you wet.)
If you’re particularly concerned about moisture, choose a wool blanket with high wool content.
FAQs
What makes a wool blanket good for bushcraft?
A wool blanket is great for bushcraft because wool is very insulating and naturally moisture-wicking. Wool blankets can absorb up to 30% of their body weight in water before becoming damp, preventing you from becoming wet while resting.
What size should a wool blanket for bushcraft be?
The size of wool blanket for bushcraft it mostly a person preference, and also depends on the weather conditions. Many like a doubled up queen size blanket for a base layer to lay on and a separate twin size blanket to cover with. These can be rolled up together with your tarp and attached to your pack.
How heavy should a wool blanket for bushcraft be?
The weight of a wool blanket for bushcraft depends on your climate. If you live somewhere cold, you want a heavier blanket. However, you also have to balance the insulating quality of the wool blanket with the portability of the blanket. Sometimes, a heavy blanket just isn’t practical.
Can wool blankets be used in wet weather?
Wool blankets are typically weather-resistant and able to provide insulation in wet weather. However, they can only soak up about 30% of their weight in moisture before they become damp and start getting the user wet.
How do you care for a wool blanket for bushcraft?
To keep your wool blanket in good condition, you’ll have to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Generally, wool blankets cannot be machine-washed. Instead, you’ll need to spot-clean as you go. Wool blankets can also be dry-cleaned in most situations, which can help with any bad smells.
What Next?
Now that you know all about wool blankets for bushcraft, it’s time to purchase one.
A wool blanket is necessary for bushcraft since it provides warmth and weather protection. Temperatures can drop dramatically outdoors, especially at night, and a wool blanket can help keep you warm and prevent hypothermia. For very cold weather, you may want to consider a cold weather tent with a stove.
For most outdoorsmen, I recommend the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket due to its high-quality wool and durability. It’s large enough to provide ample coverage without being bulky and hard to pack. Check out our other Bushcraft guides to complete your kit!
