Add the sustainable Rumpl blanket to your camping must-haves and stay cozy anywhere you travel.
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Campers Swear By This $99 Blanket—But Is It Worth the Price?
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
It’s best to be prepared when you’re in the great outdoors. Being stuck outside with insufficient heat or unpredictable weather is a pesky problem. And finding camping gear that protects the planet is also a priority for nature lovers. Outdoor must-haves aren’t just tents and fire starters. Campers are also raving about this Rumpl blanket.
The Original Puffy Blanket is a hefty $99 (starting), but with all its great features, read on to see why we think it’s worth the investment.
What is the Rumpl blanket?
Our Deputy Editor, Reina Galhea, brings her Original Puffy Blanket to every outdoor spot, not just campgrounds. “I won’t reach for any other blanket when I’m venturing into nature,” she says. She notes that the one-person size fits two adults comfortably next to a cooler of snacks. The securable corner loops help keep the blanket from flying around on windy days.
Her favorite feature is the water-repellent fabric. “Nothing makes packing up from an outdoor trip easier than simply lifting your blanket and watching the dirt, liquid and debris slide right off.” However, she cautions that the fabric can be slippery, especially on an incline, making the corner loops essential.
The Rumpl blanket comes with a carrying pouch perfect for travel or storing in a backpack. Galhea says it squishes to the size of a rolled-up towel, fitting easily into the case. She also recommends immediately tossing it in the washing machine to remove any lingering sand or dirt.
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Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Pros:
- Surprisingly warm and cozy
- Water- and dirt-repellent
- Packs down to about water bottle size
- Huge variety to choose from
Cons:
- Repacking can be frustrating
- Not temperature rated
Rumple Blanket Features
The Rumpl blanket is a lightweight, compressible option that offers lasting warmth for anyone—camper or otherwise. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and filled with recycled 3D hollow-fiber synthetic insulation, it’s an eco-friendly choice. Depending on the size (junior, one-person or two-person), each blanket uses 16, 60 or 100 recycled plastic bottles.
Its durable water-repellent (DWR) finish provides stain and water resistance, and it features practical design elements like a cape clip for hands-free use and corner loops to stake it to the ground. Weighing less than a pound for the junior size and just under four pounds for the two-person size, the blanket is lightweight yet keeps you warm for hours.
Though it’s water-resistant, not waterproof, it’s great for shedding light moisture. Rumpl offers a 100-night trial period, so you can test it out. For chillier settings below 45 degrees, layering two blankets or opting for the larger size is recommended. It also makes for an excellent camping gift.
For care, use a front-loading washing machine on a warm setting with Grangers detergent to maintain the DWR fabric. Air drying is best, but you can tumble dry on low.
How We Tested It
Between all the contributors to this piece, we spent months using the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket for camping trips and various outdoor activities, like picnics, evening walks and sporting events.
Throughout these outings, we tested its weatherproofing and dirt resistance and found it exceptional. Water, dust, dirt and grime easily bead off the surface, making cleanup a breeze.
Packing it into its travel sack can be tricky at times, but once packed, it’s incredibly portable—about the size of a large water bottle. Even after testing, we continue to use the Rumpl blanket for its durability and convenience.
Why You Should Trust Us
Andrea Carrillo, an associate shopping editor at Reader’s Digest, specializes in e-commerce and has written on topics like streetwear, sustainability and culture for publications such as MSN, GQ, NewsBreak, ILY Mag, Input Mag and Modern Notoriety.
Reina Galhea, who personally tested the Rumpl Blanket, is the deputy shopping editor for Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home and Family Handyman. With over ten years of experience creating shopping and lifestyle content, she has contributed to the messaging of numerous brands, including Famous Footwear, Smuckers, Marriott Hotels, Canon and Kroger.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
FAQ
Why are Rumpl blankets so warm?
What is a Rumpl blanket rated for?
As for temperature ratings, while Rumpl blankets aren’t officially rated, the brand suggests they are ideal for temperatures of 45 degrees and above.
Can you put Rumpl in the dryer?
Though Rumpl recommends air drying the blanket, using a dryer is possible if necessary. The brand advises using the lowest tumble setting with no heat if you do.
What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say
At $125, it’s not exactly considered discounted camping gear. However, the DWR fabric, sustainable element, easy packing and washing, beautiful prints and ease of use make the Rumpl blanket a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts. Campers everywhere love their Rumpl blanket for that versatility.
Verified buyer Lesley R. says in her review that she usually needed two blankets while camping until she found the Rumpl. “This is the PERFECT blanket for anyone who gets cold easily,” she writes. “I was skeptical at first because it’s so lightweight and we have tried some knock-off blankets of similar design. But WOW, the Rumpl really keeps you warm! Worth every penny. Love the National Park design, too.”
Another five-star reviewer, Staci B., writes, “Took it camping this weekend and it was amazing in the windy weather to be able to wrap up! Got so many compliments and questions about it from family and friends!”
On a final note, Galhea adds that “the hardest decision you’ll make about this blanket isn’t whether to buy it, it’s which version you like best—the brand features more than 70 colors and patterns, including some original designs from American artists across the country (such as Bob Ross!).”
Product Comparison
Rumpl isn’t the only brand creating camping and outdoor-ready blankets—others like Kammok and Yeti also produce similar products. However, there are key differences between what Rumpl offers and its competitors.
One major distinction is price. While many brands share similar technologies, like waterproofing and insulation, Rumpl’s blankets are much more affordable. For instance, Rumpl blankets start at $99, while Kammok’s comparable option is $220 and Yeti’s is $200.
Variety is another area where Rumpl stands out. Kammok offers five different camping blankets, and Yeti only has one. Rumpl, on the other hand, boasts 95 listings. Most differences are in color and pattern rather than technology, but the sheer variety is unmatched by competitors.
Overall, Rumpl dominates the camping blanket market with a combination of affordability and variety that other brands can’t match.
Final Verdict
If you spend time outdoors after temperatures drop, Rumpl blankets are one of the best gear you can have. They’re lightweight, pack down small for easy travel and storage, provide exceptional warmth and effectively repel water and dirt. While stuffing them back into their sack can be tricky, it’s a minor inconvenience considering all the benefits.
They’re also budget-friendly and come in various styles and colors—95 unique options, including sports team-themed designs—so you can find one that fits your preferences. Rumpl dominates the camp blanket market, and after testing their products, it’s easy to see why.
Where to buy a Rumpl blanket
The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is available on the Rumpl website and can also be purchased through Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI. Its weather-resistant and sustainable design makes it versatile for various outdoor adventures, bringing a touch of luxury to your camping experience.
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Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
