Like so many new picnic blankets, the Internet-beloved puffy picnic blanket from Baggu ($70) was designed by someone who understands that trying to lug around a wadded-up old quilt is less than practical. Baggu’s blanket is easy to roll up, has a carrying handle, and is as soft as an actual quilt, to boot. With hyper-vivid patterns that are reminiscent of Windows 95 screensavers — think clouds, grass, waves — Baggu’s blanket gets meta (look, you’re sitting on a grass picnic blanket, in the grass!) in the best possible way.
Transportability is also one of the big selling points of my personal picnic blanket, a waterproof Pendleton version ($57) that I’ve lugged everywhere from creek beds to grassy patches in parking lots. It folds into a zippered tote so cleanly that even my preschooler can do it, and has a cabin-inspired look that gives even the tamest of picnics gathering-’round-a-campfire sensibility.
For those who skew more classically refined in their picnic blanket aesthetic, a striped and monogrammed version from Mark and Graham ($129) still rolls up for easy toting with leather straps and a handle. It’s also waterproof, which is another common-sense hallmark of modern picnic blanket construction.
To wit, the waterproof, PEVA-backed picnic blanket from Scuddles ($26.99) means you’ll never have a soggy, sand-crusted beach picnic again (and it also comes in a wide range of sizes), while the NEMO Victory picnic blanket ($149.95) has waterproof backing in addition to a cuddly flannel top and grommeted corners for staking it down on windy days. (It also has a secret “stash pocket” for storing keys, phones and other personal items out of sight. Convenient!) And if you value the back-to-the-land energy of old kantha quilts but want to picnic without risk of permanent wine-spill stains, then the waterproof patchwork picnic blanket from Natural Life ($59) offers the best of both worlds.
If you’re concerned about your picnic blanket’s impact on the environment, then Rumpl’s recycled camp blankets ($125) are the water- odor-, and stain-resistant version you need thanks to their ability to repel dirt, spilled drinks and — yes — pet hair. A tree is planted for each Trek Light blanket ($165) purchased, with each fringe-trimmed, Southwest-inspired piece ethically handwoven by Indigenous artists in Mexico using upcycled and recycled materials. (Bonus: there’s an optional leather carrier.) Looking to support National Parks with your picnic blanket purchase? The Parks Project recycled camp blankets are an eco-conscious choice made from recycled polyester that give back to conservation efforts at national parks. And really, who could resist prints like these groovy frogs trippily two-stepping with mushrooms?
Article from Eater.com
