Whether you’re jetting off to Bali, taking a night coach to Edinburgh, or just enduring yet another over-air-conditioned office nap (we see you), having the right travel blankets are non-negotiable. It’s the difference between snoozing like royalty or freezing like a forgotten chip. But how do you find the one? Not the soulmate – we mean the perfect blanket. Let’s tuck in.
Evaluate Your Travel Conditions and Climate
Before panic-buying the fluffiest thing you can find online, pause for a second and think: where are you going and how are you getting there?
Flying long-haul in economy? You’ll want a lightweight, packable blanket that still keeps the chill at bay when the cabin aircon is cranked up to “Antarctica.”
Road-tripping in your own car? You can afford to go a little bulkier and cozier since space isn’t as limited.
Camping? Something rugged and water-resistant should be on your radar.
And then there’s the climate. Are you trekking through tropical humidity, or braving winter in the Scottish Highlands? For the latter, you’ll want something closer to the thickest tog duvet known to humankind (more on that later). For the former, keep it breathable – or risk waking up a human puddle.
Types of Travel Blankets
Just like dating apps, not all travel blankets are created equal. Here’s your swipable shortlist:
1.Fleece Blankets
Soft, warm, and light. Fleece is like the Labrador of travel blankets: reliable, friendly, and always up for a cuddle. It won’t take up much space in your bag and is great for chilly flights or coach rides.
2.Down or Down Alternative
If you like your travel nap to feel like you’ve been wrapped in a cloud, this one’s for you. Down (or synthetic down if you’re allergic or vegan) offers amazing warmth-to-weight ratio. Great for colder conditions, though often pricier.
3.Wearable Blankets
Think blanket-hoodie hybrids or poncho-style throws. You may look slightly ridiculous, but when everyone else on the train is shivering, guess who’ll be laughing? You, that’s who.
4.Compact Packable Blankets
These marvels pack into tiny pouches and are perfect for minimalists or ultra-light travellers. Some are even water-resistant and ideal for outdoorsy adventures.
Key Features of Travel Blankets
Now let’s talk features. These are the details that separate a decent travel blanket from the holy grail of naptime gear:
- Size: Too small and your feet are out in the cold; too large and you’ll be battling with blanket overflow in a plane seat. Look for a happy medium that suits your size and travel style.
- Weight: For backpackers or frequent flyers, lighter is better. But for car travel or staying put, don’t be afraid to go a bit chunkier.
- Tog Rating: Want to feel like you’re still in your own bed? Look for a travel blanket with a high tog rating. Tog, in case you’re wondering, is the measure of thermal insulation – and the thickest tog duvet typically clocks in at 13.5 to 15 togs. Travel blankets rarely go that high, but some come impressively close. For the truly chilly of heart (and feet), high-tog portable options exist – you just have to dig a little.
- Extras: Some travel blankets come with foot pockets (yes, that’s a thing), carrying cases, or double as pillows. If you love a good multi-tasker, these are for you.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Let’s be honest – a travel blanket is going to see some things. Plane spills. Coffee drips. That rogue biscuit you forgot was in your bag. So easy maintenance is a must.
Make sure that the blanket can be washed in a machine, preferably at 30 or 40 degrees and take a look that it will dry quickly. No stuffed blankets that have to be hand-washed with care and fancy-schmansynched or put through a dry-cleaners, unless you happen to have an infinite amount of time and access to 19th century laundering facilities.
Odour resistance is another plus – especially if you’re using it regularly in transit or on camping trips. Some travel blankets are treated with anti-bacterial coatings or made from naturally odour-fighting materials like wool. Your seatmates will thank you.
Final Words
The ideal blanket to you, is the one that takes into consideration your lifestyle, and fits you well, at the end of the (travel) day. First, do your climate homework, and get some idea of how warm you need to be, and do not forget to add a factor of how much you are tolerant of snuggling in a crowd.
Whether you’re after a compact, fuss-free fleece or something that mimics the thickest tog duvet this side of your bed at home, the perfect travel blanket is out there. Probably wondering where you’ve been all its life. So go forth, travel warmly, and may your naps always be uninterrupted and your feet forever cosy.