- Quick Heat-Up: Heats up in just 3 minutes, which is highly convenient in cold conditions.
- Versatile Use: Can be used in cars and for general outdoor activities; compatible with 12V DC cigarette lighter plugs.
- Multiple Heat Settings: Three temperature settings for personalized comfort.
- Safety Features: Includes auto shut-off after 30, 45, or 60 minutes and UL Overheating Protection.
- Material and Size: Made of lightweight polyester fleece, measuring 60” x 40”.
- Power Cable: Comes with a 72” long power cable for flexibility.
- Limitations: Not machine washable and primarily designed for car use.
- Basic Design: Simple electric blanket without auto shut-off or temperature adjustment.
- Material and Size: Made of durable polyester fleece, measuring 59” x 43”.
- Power Source: Uses a standard DC cigarette lighter style plug, suitable for cars and portable generators.
- Long Power Cord: Features a 96” long cord.
- Usage Consideration: Not ideal for overnight use as it might drain the car or generator battery.
- Compact and Easy to Use: Designed for simplicity and ease of use.
- Material and Size: Made of 100% Polar Fleece, measuring 58” x 42.5”.
- Power Source: Utilizes a standard 12 V DC cigarette outlet style plug.
- No Advanced Features: Lacks auto shut-off and temperature control.
- Best for Daytime Use: Recommended for use while awake or during the day due to the lack of advanced features.
Love fall and winter camping but starting to notice the cold more than you used to? A heated camping blanket may be the solution. These are travel and outdoor specific versions of the electric blankets folks have used for decades to warm up their favorite armchair or nightly blankets. Today we’re covering the best heated blankets available to figure out which ones work best for car and RV camping.
Contents
- 1 Best Heated Blankets for Camping Reviews
- 1.1 Sojoy 12V Heated Smart Multifunctional Travel Electric Blanket
- 1.2 Stalwart Electric Heated 12 Volt Fleece Blanket
- 1.3 Roadpro 12 V Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket
- 1.4 Car Cozy 2 12 V Heated Blanket
- 1.5 Maxsa Innovations Comfy Cruise Heated Blanket
- 1.6 Camco Polar Fleece Heated Blanket
- 1.7 Schumacher 12V Heated Travel Blanket
- 1.8 Zone Tech Car Heated Travel Blanket
- 1.9 Electrowarmth Twin Heated Pad
- 2 Buyers Guide to Buying the Best Heated Blanket
- 3 Top Heated Blankets Video
- 4 FAQ: Best Heated Blankets for Camping and RVing
- 5 Best Heated Blankets Recap
- 6 Final Thoughts
Best Heated Blankets for Camping Reviews
When you’re comparing heated blankets it really comes down to just a few features. You need to know how you intend to use your blanket and what kind of performance you’re looking for.
We picked out some of the best heated camping blankets that cover a range of features, price points, and styles. Check them out and let us know what you think.
Sojoy 12V Heated Smart Multifunctional Travel Electric Blanket
I’ve relished every opportunity to use my Sojoy 12V Heated Smart Multifunctional Travel Electric Blanket on numerous outdoor escapades. It’s become a trusted companion whether I’m nestled in my tent after a rigorous hike or enjoying a serene evening stargazing at the campsite. The dimensions of 60” x 40” are just about right to wrap around myself snugly or share it with my little nephew when he joins in on the adventures.
I’m particularly impressed with the rapid 3-minute heat-up feature. After a long day treading through trails, quickly transitioning into a warm, cozy blanket is nothing short of bliss. The lightweight polyester fleece material isn’t just light on the backpack but also offers a good amount of insulation, a crucial aspect when camping in chilly terrains.
Navigating through the three heat settings is a breeze, making it simple to find that sweet spot between toasty and warm. I appreciate the 30, 45, or 60-minute auto shut-off feature, a thoughtful addition that ensures I don’t wake up in the middle of the night to a drained car battery.
Speaking of power, the 12 V DC cigarette lighter style plug is quite versatile. It’s convenient not only in my SUV but also with my portable generator, extending the blanket’s utility beyond just car use. The 72″ long power cable is ample, providing enough leeway to move around without feeling tethered.
Despite the comfort, I do wish it was machine washable. Cleaning it up with a wet cloth post-camping is a tad bit cumbersome. However, the hand-washable aspect doesn’t overshadow the blanket’s overall functionality and the warmth it provides in the great outdoors.
The Sojoy blanket is indeed a value-packed addition to my camping gear, offering swift heating, quality material, and a price point that didn’t dig deep into my pockets. It’s not just a purchase, but an investment for someone who thrives in the wilderness yet enjoys a warm retreat. Plus, it’s a fantastic emergency kit for those long, unpredictable road trips during the winter months. The certification for safety with UL Overheating Protection puts my mind at ease, making every use worry-free.
On a recent winter camping trip to the Rockies, the Sojoy 12V Heated Smart Multifunctional Travel Electric Blanket proved its mettle. As the temperatures plummeted in the evening, I plugged it into my SUV, and in a mere three minutes, it was ready to battle the cold. I wrapped myself up in its warm embrace and sat by the campfire. The serene, starlit sky was a sight to behold, and the contrasting warmth from the blanket against the crisp cold air created a surreal experience. The blanket maintained a consistent warmth throughout, and I could easily adjust the temperature settings as the night grew colder.
It was a simple yet significant comfort that added a layer of coziness to my rugged outdoor experience. The ease of use, coupled with the effective heating, made that night under the stars a memorable one. The blanket didn’t just provide warmth; it added a touch of home comfort to the wilderness, making the adventure all the more enjoyable.
All in all, the Sojoy 12V Heated Electric Blanket has enriched my outdoor experiences, ensuring I’m warm and cozy even as I venture into the cold wild. And it’s a product I’d heartily recommend to fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Quick Heat-Up: Rapid 3-minute heat-up is incredibly convenient, especially in cold conditions.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for car, camping, and general outdoor use, thanks to the 12V DC cigarette lighter style plug.
- Multiple Heat Settings: Three temperature settings allow for personalized comfort.
- Safety Features: The auto shut-off after 30, 45, or 60 minutes and UL Overheating Protection are reassuring safety features.
- Size: At 60″ x 40″, it’s spacious enough for an adult or two kids, making it a versatile choice.
- Quality Material: The lightweight polyester fleece is both warm and lightweight, ideal for outdoor expeditions.
- Long Power Cable: The 72″ power cable provides good flexibility and movement.
Cons:
- Not Machine Washable: Cleaning with a wet cloth can be a bit cumbersome, especially after outdoor use.
- Only for Car Use: The blanket is primarily designed for car use which might limit its functionality if a portable generator is not available.
- Single Color Option: Lack of color variety may not appeal to everyone.
- No Battery Option: A battery-operated function could have extended its usability beyond car and generator access points.
Stalwart Electric Heated 12 Volt Fleece Blanket
The Stalwart Electric Blanket is a 12 V DC heated camping blanket made from durable polyester fleece. It measures 59” x 43” and has a 96” long cord.
That’s just about right for one adult or two kids with a long enough cord to get in a comfortable position in relation to the outlet. It uses a standard DC cigarette lighter style plug that works with car outlets and most portable or solar generators.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Stalwart is a very basic electric blanket. It doesn’t offer an auto shut off feature or allow you to adjust the temperature. Once you plug it in the Stalwart warms up to operating temperature and stays there until you unplug it.
Because of this, it isn’t a great option for overnight use. It could easily drain your car or generator battery before you noticed it. While you’re awake or on the drive out to your campsite though it’s an excellent and low-cost choice.
Roadpro 12 V Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket
The Roadpro 12 V Heated Travel Blanket is a compact and easy to use heated blanket. It’s made from 100% Polar Fleece and uses a standard 12 V DC cigarette outlet style plug.
It measures 58” x 42.5”, perfect for one to two people to use comfortably. Because it’s made from polar fleece it does a good job keeping your comfortable even when turned off.
Like many other lower priced camping heated blankets the Roadpro lacks an auto shut off or temperature control. It warms up when you plug it in and keeps you fairly comfortable even in really cold weather.
We like how easy it is to use but wouldn’t be comfortable sleeping with it. As long as you’re okay with a regular fleece blanket for the night the Roadpro makes for a great daytime use blanket to keep you warm and toasty.
Car Cozy 2 12 V Heated Blanket
The Car Cozy 2 is a feature-packed heated camping blanket. It’s made from ultra-soft polyester fleece and is powered by a standard 12 V DC cigarette outlet style plug.
It gives you 58” x 42” of cover, plenty for one to two people willing to snuggle up close. The fleece construction makes it a pretty good option if you need it to do double duty as a regular blanket.
It only has a single temperature setting but it used an intuitive auto shut off timer system. You can choose from either 30 or 45 minutes when you set it up. If you want to keep it going after that time period there’s a reset button you can hit to start the timer over again.
The Car Cozy 2 has a 7-foot long cord with independent fusing. This helps give it an excellent safety track record overall.
If you’re looking for a good heated blanket for the drive up all the way into the coldest nights the Car Cozy 2 is a good option.
Maxsa Innovations Comfy Cruise Heated Blanket
The Maxsa Innovations Comfy Cruise is a heated travel and camping blanket. It’s made from polyester fleece and powered by 12 V DC.
It gives you 57” x 41” of coverage, just about perfect for one to two people. It heats up rapidly as soon as you plug it into an outlet.
It includes an auto shut off timer that gives you either 30 or 45 minutes of warmth before needing to be restarted. There’s a reset button right on the control disk that allows you to do this at any time.
The only real downside to the Comfy Cruise blanket is its single temperature setting. It’s quite warm, to the point where you can overheat if it’s not cold enough outside.
All in all though the Maxsa Innovation Comfy Cruise is a well made heated blanket perfect for daytime use or getting to sleep.
Camco Polar Fleece Heated Blanket
The Camco heated outdoor blanket is a polar fleece electric blanket. It uses a 12 V DC cigarette outlet style plug and measures 59” x 43”.
That’s large enough for one to two adults or several smaller kids. It has an 8 foot long power cord that gives you significant flexibility in where and how you use the blanket.
Because it’s made from polar fleece you can stay warm even after you unplug the blanket. It doesn’t offer any temperature control and lacks an auto shut off.
It’s great for use during the drive to your campsite or while sitting out by the fire but shouldn’t be used for sleeping unless you remember to unplug it before you actually fall asleep.
Schumacher 12V Heated Travel Blanket
The Schumacher 12 V polar fleece camping heated blanket offers quality warmth and comfort during camping trips and car rides. It measures 58” x 42” and is powered by an 8 foot long 12 V DC power cord.
That lets you use it comfortably just about anywhere and gives you a lot of flexibility in where you sit or lay down. It can be powered from your car’s cigarette lighter outlet or by a portable generator.
Its polar fleece design makes it a pretty good blanket even when not turned on. This allows you to quickly warm it up then sit comfortably under the blanket without power.
One thing to keep in mind though is that there is no temperature control. Once you plug it in the blanket heats up rapidly and stays that way till you unplug it.
Because it lacks an auto shut off it shouldn’t be used for sleeping with while plugged in. Overall though the Schumacher 12 V heated camping blanket is a good option for cold days spent relaxing around camp.
Zone Tech Car Heated Travel Blanket
The Zone Tech Heated Travel Blanket is a feature-packed option for travelers and campers in cold weather climates. It’s made from lightweight polyester fleece and measures 56” x 40”.
The Zone Tech is perfect for one person to wrap around themselves or two to lay underneath. It has a really nice temperature control device that lets you truly customize the warmth to your needs.
You can adjust the temperature pretty much endlessly. It also has a 45 minute auto shut off device to prevent the blanket from accidentally draining your battery.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a way to get to sleep on a cold winter’s night without worrying about it running all night long.
Electrowarmth Twin Heated Pad
For those in really cold climates, you should also consider heated sleep pads. The Electrowarmth Heated Pad is a twin bed size heating pad perfect for car or RV camping.
It gives you a gentle radiant heat that helps keep you warm and toasty all night long. Because it works as a pad rather than a blanket you can lay your sleeping bag on top of it or use blankets.
It doubles as a padded place to sleep while preventing the cold ground from taking all your warmth. The Electrowarmth offers 7 different levels of heat with a simple to use dial control.
One thing to keep in mind is that it takes a while to warm up. Make sure you turn it on at least 15 minutes or so before you’re ready for bed.
Heated sleep pads are definitely heavier and bulkier than heated blankets but they can be a really good option nonetheless. We accidentally found a great way to use them for the whole family.
Lay the sleep pad out horizontally at everyone’s feet. It keeps your feet and lower legs nice and warm without heating your upper body too much.
Buyers Guide to Buying the Best Heated Blanket
Heated blankets are pretty simple as far as outdoor products go. There are a few basic features you need to look out for, but other than that it really comes down to your preference for price, appearance, and size.
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Price
Heated blankets are very affordably priced. You can pick one up for under $20, with only a few priced above $50.
If you want an absolutely top of the line heated camp blanket you are going to have to spend some serious money. A few big-name hiking and camping brands have gotten in on the game and while their products can be excellent, they’re definitely pricey.
Power Supply
One of the biggest misconceptions with heated camping blankets comes down to power. Currently, there aren’t any camping blankets that have their own power supply.
At first, this can seem like a downside, but we definitely think it’s a good thing. Instead of having to charge up a blanket itself you can plug it into a variety of different power sources.
The majority of heated blankets rely on 12 V DC power connectors. These work perfectly with a car cigarette lighter outlet plus a ton of great power banks and solar generators.
You can use your blanket on the drive up to a campsite then switch over to a solar-powered generator with a DC port for in-tent or in-hammock use. You can also use a portable generator. This lets you use both AC and DC powered heated blankets.
Auto Shut-off
An auto shut-off device is one of the most important things to look for in a heated camping blanket. This works using a timer and automatically turns off your blanket once the time limit is reached.
Most of the time they have increments running up to two hours. This is plenty of time to warm up for bedtime. It also makes it way less likely anything can happen while you’re sleeping peacefully.
Temperature Control & Heat Levels
In the past, heated blankets had one setting: On. Nowadays you have way more flexibility in the temperature and intensity of your heated blanket.
Many blankets will have a dial system that allows you to choose between low, medium, and high. The best and most expensive heated blankets now use digital temperature controls that let you set a specific temperature you want to be warmed to.
Speed of Heating
While this may seem counterintuitive you actually don’t want your camping blanket to heat up too fast. That can indicate that the heating element within is overpowered or even malfunctioning.
The best heated blankets warm-up to working temperatures within about 3 to 5 minutes. This is plenty fast enough to warm you through.
Blanket Insulation When Off
One thing a lot of people overlook when picking out heated blankets is how warm the blanket itself is. You really shouldn’t run your blanket all night long, so you need it to have a basic level of insulation to keep your cozy after it shuts off.
Most heated blankets are made using two layers of polar fleece or a similarly lightweight and flame retardant material. This allows you to enjoy a gentle warmth when the blankets on or off.
Length of Power Cord
The length of your blanket’s power cord is a lot more important than you might think. The last thing you want is to be tethered to an uncomfortable position because your blanket ran out of slack.
We recommend at least 5 feet, with 7 to 10 even better.
Battery Life
The battery life of your heated blanket depends entirely on how you choose to power it. If you’re running it off your car’s cigarette lighter you need to be careful not to run down your car battery.
Portable generators, battery banks, and solar generators all provide different capacities. Which one you use will affect how long you can operate your blanket.
One important caveat to battery life involves safety. Heated blankets are extremely well-made and safe, but it’s still a good idea to shut them off when you go to sleep.
During a cold winter’s day though you’re good to go as long as your battery will last.
Top Heated Blankets Video
FAQ: Best Heated Blankets for Camping and RVing
As temperatures drop and the chilly nights of camping and RVing approach, staying warm and cozy becomes a top priority. That’s where heated blankets come in. These innovative blankets offer a comforting solution, providing warmth and a snug feel even in the great outdoors. However, we understand that you may have some questions about using heated blankets during your camping and RV adventures. To help you make informed decisions and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the best heated blankets for camping and RVing. Read on to find answers to common queries and gain valuable insights on using heated blankets in outdoor settings.
What is a heated blanket?
A heated blanket is a blanket that is equipped with electric heating elements. It is designed to generate warmth and provide comfort during colder temperatures. These blankets typically come with adjustable heat settings and safety features for convenient use.
Are heated blankets safe to use in camping and RVing?
Yes, most modern heated blankets are designed with safety features that make them suitable for camping and RVing. They often have auto-shutoff mechanisms to prevent overheating, and some even have battery-powered options for use in outdoor settings. Always ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using a heated blanket.
Can I use a heated blanket while sleeping in my RV?
Yes, heated blankets can be used while sleeping in your RV, but it’s essential to follow safety precautions. Make sure the blanket is in good condition without any visible damage, and use a suitable power source, such as an RV outlet or an approved portable power supply. Additionally, avoid trapping the blanket’s cords and ensure proper ventilation when using any electrical device.
Can heated blankets be used in wet conditions?
No, heated blankets are not designed to be used in wet conditions. Water and electricity do not mix well, and using a heated blanket in wet conditions can pose a safety hazard. Always ensure that the blanket is dry and avoid exposing it to moisture or rain.
Can heated blankets be used with battery power?
Some heated blankets are designed to be used with battery power, making them suitable for camping and outdoor activities. These battery-powered blankets offer more flexibility, allowing you to use them even when there is no access to a power outlet. However, it’s important to consider the battery capacity and duration of use when relying on battery power.
How do I clean a heated blanket?
Cleaning methods may vary between different heated blanket models, so it’s crucial to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, most heated blankets come with removable and machine-washable covers or liners. However, the electrical components of the blanket should never be submerged in water. Carefully read the cleaning instructions provided with your specific heated blanket.
Can heated blankets be used for pets?
Yes, heated blankets can provide comfort for pets as well. However, it’s important to use heated blankets specifically designed for pet use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that your pet can easily move away from the blanket if they become too warm and never leave them unattended with a heated blanket.
Are there any safety precautions I should take with heated blankets?
Yes, here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when using heated blankets:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid using heated blankets with damaged cords or visible wear and tear.
- Never fold or bunch up a heated blanket while it’s in use.
- Do not place heavy objects on top of a heated blanket.
- Ensure proper ventilation and avoid covering the blanket with other materials.
Remember, while heated blankets can provide warmth and comfort during camping and RVing, safety should always be a top priority.
Best Heated Blankets Recap
- Sojoy 12V Heated Smart Electric Travel Blanket
- Stalwart Electric Heated 12 Volt Fleece Blanket
- Roadpro 12 V Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket
- Car Cozy 2 12 V Heated Blanket
- Maxsa Innovations Comfy Cruise Heated Blanket
- Camco Polar Fleece Heated Blanket
- Schumacher 12V Heated Travel Blanket
- Zone Tech Car Heated Travel Blanket
- Electrowarmth Twin Heated Pad
Final Thoughts
Picking out the best heated blanket really comes down to where and how you intend to use it.
If you just want something to keep yourself warm during the day pretty much any blanket works. Even ones that just plug right in and warm up are fine when you can monitor battery and temperature levels.
If you really want a heated blanket to sleep with make sure it has safety features like adjustable temperature settings and especially an auto shut off device.
Just bought the Sojoy 12V Heated Blanket for our RV trip next month. Can’t wait to try it!