When you are planning a camping trip, one of the most important things to consider is what you will be sleeping in. Will you be using a sleeping bag, or will you bring along a blanket? Many people choose to bring a wool blanket with them when they go camping. But is this the right decision? In this blog post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of bringing along a wool blanket for your next camping trip.
The Pros of Using Wool Blankets for Camping
Wool blankets are an excellent choice for camping, especially if you plan to go camping when it’s a little chilly outside, or it isn’t in the summer months. Wool is a natural fiber, so it can and will keep you warm even when it’s wet. It also has a high insulation value, which means that it can help keep you warm in cold weather conditions.
Here are some of the pros:
- Wool blankets are extremely warm. If you are going to be sleeping under the stars in cold temperatures, this is crucial. A wool blanket will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night.
- Another pro of using wool blankets for camping is that they are durable. Wool blankets can withstand wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for your next camping trip.
- Another pro of using wool blankets for camping is that they are easy to clean and maintain. You can throw them in the washing machine, and they are ready to go again! If you plan on going backpacking or hiking, this is a huge plus because it means less weight that needs to be brought with you.
Overall, bringing a wool blanket with you on your camping trip is an excellent idea. They are warm, durable, and easy to clean. In addition, wool blankets are naturally breathable, so they are great at keeping you cool in the summer months when temperatures are high outside of your tent or sleeping bag. If you’re going camping during these times, it’s a good idea to bring one along.
The Cons of Using Wool Blankets for Camping
Unfortunately, there are some cons involved with camping with a wool blanket. One of the main things to consider is that wool is a heavy fabric. This may not be an issue if you are car camping, but it can be a problem when backpacking or hiking.
- Another downside to using wool blankets for camping is that they are not always waterproof. If you plan on sleeping in wet conditions, a wool blanket may not be the best choice since it cannot always keep you dry.
- Wool blankets can be heavy and bulky. If you are trying to pack light when going camping, this may not be the best option. Since wool has so many woven fibers, it makes it dense, which means it will be heavy.
- An additional downside of camping with a wool blanket is that they are not always the most comfortable. The fibers of a wool blanket can be rough on your skin and even irritate you if you are sensitive to it. Some different types of wool are manufactured to be softer, though, like merino wool. Merino wool is more delicate and less itchy than other types of yarn.
It may seem like bringing a wool blanket with you on a camping trip would be a bad idea, but there’s always a time and place for them. If you are car camping and are not worried about the weight of your pack, then wool is a great option. I like to use mine when we are in our camper van since it’s heavy enough that it tends to stay put better than a lightweight blanket does on top of my sleeping bag.
How To Choose the Best Wool Blanket for Your Needs
If you are still interested in using a wool blanket for camping, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best one for your needs.
Weight and thickness are two crucial factors to look at when selecting a wool blanket. The heavier the blanket, the better it will be at staying in place on top of your sleeping bag. On the other hand, if you are camping in colder weather, you will need to choose a thicker wool blanket.
Material is another important consideration when purchasing a wool blanket. Some blankets are made of 100% wool, while others blend wool and other materials like cotton or polyester. If you are looking for a lightweight blanket that can easily be packed into a backpack, you are better off choosing one that is made of a blend. On the other hand, if you are looking for something to keep you warm and are willing to carry more weight, choose 100% wool.
Another essential factor to consider is the cost of the blanket. A quality wool blanket can range in price from $50 to $250. Price is a crucial factor when choosing a wool blanket because they are more expensive than other types of camping blankets. Make sure that you are willing to pay the extra money for a high-quality blanket before purchasing one.
Once you have decided which type of wool blanket is best suited for your needs, make sure to wash it at home before using it on your next camping trip. It’s always a good idea to wash items you bring home from the store before using them; you’d do the same with a shirt or pants you bought, right? The same goes for a wool blanket – give it a good wash before taking it out into the great outdoors!
Wool blankets are not as standard as other camping blankets, but they can be an excellent option for those looking for something warm and durable.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Wool Blanket While Camping
Wool blankets are ideal for camping since they are weatherproof and keep you warm in chilly climates. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for your wool blanket while camping.
- First, make sure to protect your blanket from getting wet by storing it in a dry place when not in use. This means potentially putting it in its own bag to protect it from the elements. I’d recommend something like a dry bag for storing all the items you want to protect.
- Second, wash it regularly so that dirt and debris are removed from the fabric’s surface before storing it away for later use. Leaving dirt, debris, sweat, oils, etc., on the material will cause it to get smelly, stinky, and potentially break down the wool fibers.
- Third, never leave your blanket outside overnight because animals may eat through its fibers or damage other parts such as snaps or buttons if left unattended during inclement weather conditions!
Treat your blanket nicely, and it will keep you warm for many nights to come!
Final Thoughts
So, should you use a wool blanket while camping? In general, I would say yes. They have many pros – they keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. However, there are a few cons to consider as well. Make sure you choose the right blanket for your needs and take care of it properly while camping, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits that come with using a wool blanket while sleeping under the stars. Have you ever used a wool blanket while camping? Let me know in the comments below!
