Finally, we considered each picnic blanket's overall value, looking not only at the price but performance during testing. We thought about whether we'd pay the listed price, more for it, or wait until it was on sale to buy it. Our editors then assessed all of the results from the 30 outdoor blankets and whittled them down to the top performers you see in this list. This extra-large blanket features a classic gingham pattern that will inspire many family picnics to come. It’s lightweight, yet large enough to comfortably seat six to eight adults, and the water-resistant taffeta fabric is extremely stain-resistant. We were able to clean a grape juice spill with just a few wipes, and the sand shook out with ease, making this a great option for those planning on doing lots of eating and drinking on their blanket. Plus, we found this blanket to be very water-resistant on both sides, so laying it over damp grass will be no issue. And for folks with pets or kids, there’s no need to be afraid of this blanket getting dirty—it’s machine-washable for easy cleanup. A picnic blanket's material impacts its comfort, durability, and resistance to moisture. While most traditional blankets are made from fleece and wool, such materials will not withstand wet and sandy conditions on their own. Most modern picnic blankets are made from cotton, polyester, or a water-proofed blend. “Look for two things: water resistance and a material that won't attract grass and leaves,” says Lauren Kimmons, owner of Pop Up Picnic Co. Picnic blankets for the beach also are frequently seen in nylon or polypropylene, since both materials are lightweight and make it easy to shake off sand and debris.

But even if you do experience a little staining, this blanket is machine-washable for easy cleanup. The sand came out with little effort when we shook the blanket, too. We also love that this picnic blanket features loops on each corner so you can use stakes to keep it firm to the ground in case of windy conditions (although it’s already the heaviest on our list). The manufacturer also suggests placing the blanket on the couch or in the car with the water-proof polyester side up to protect your upholstery from pet hair or stains. The fleece side was not particularly stain-resistant in our testing, although the entire blanket is machine-washable. For our final test, we evaluated the durability of each picnic blanket, including its claim to water-resistance: We poured water over each blanket and allowed it to sit for 15 minutes, then wiped it up with a towel, taking note of how much moisture remained. While it may take some practice to refold this blanket correctly, it is secured by a bungee wrap and has a carrying strap. There's also a zippered pouch where you could store items such as your keys, and you can adjust the shoulder strap for easy carrying. Dirt and sand fell off this blanket after just a few shakes during our testing, and though liquid does soak into the fleece fabric, it’s fairly easy to blot out. The one big downside of this picnic blanket is you can't machine wash it, so you have to spot-clean any stains. However, it’s a good value considering its large size and quality construction. There is quite a variety of fabrics used to make picnic blankets, so you should always defer to the manufacturer’s care instructions when washing. Many picnic blankets are machine-washable, while others may be spot-clean only. Because so many picnic blankets feature waterproof, stain-resistant fabrics, they’re easy to wipe down between uses and spot-treat or machine wash only when needed. “At the end of the day, this is a base for a meal and leisure time with friends and family and the last thing you want to be concerned with are spills and cleaning up later,” says Hect.We were really impressed with the quality of the Oniva Blanket Tote, especially considering its affordable price point. Even with its extra-large size, it folds up nicely and weighs just over two pounds. Plus, the attached shoulder strap means you can free up your hands for carrying other items, such as sports equipment or a picnic basket. When deciding on the size for your picnic blanket, consider where your blanket will be used and by whom. “If you’re having a beach picnic, thin blankets work great, but you’ll want to have more coverage than normal to create a big area that doesn’t get sandy,” says Emily Hecht, co-founder and creative director of Gather Picnic Co. Smaller picnic blankets (less than 60 inches long) can be used for kids or pets without taking up too much space when rolled up. But for most people, having a blanket that can accommodate a group is important for a picnic, beach day, camping trip, and more. We’re of the opinion that it’s better to have more space than not enough, but do keep in mind that a larger blanket will take up more storage space when not in use. Portability

We also evaluated each blanket's water resistance (or waterproofing) during our durability test. We poured a quarter cup of water onto each blanket, let it stand for 15 minutes, then wiped up the moisture with a towel and turned the blankets over to see how much the water soaked through. For blankets with a fluffy side, we also considered whether they would snag easily if caught by jewelry or a standard picnic basket. In our stain testing, grape juice did leave a faint stain, although this is to be expected with fleece. However, we did find this picnic blanket to shake out sand very easily. On the downside, its lightweight construction comes with a trade-off—we’re doubtful that it will stay put in windy conditions, and it doesn’t feature any way to keep it down, such as stake rings or weighted corners. For this reason, we don’t recommend this towel for the beach, but for pretty much any other purpose—including camping, picnics, outdoor concerts, and sporting events—this easy-to-carry and comfortable picnic blanket is a great choice. Wekapo Sand-Free Blanket: We were excited by this blanket's "sand-free" name, and testing proved that the smooth material allows sand to easily rolls off of it. However, this blanket is not waterproof and we're wary of how the combination of wet bathing suits and nearby sand would affect this blanket's performance. If you plan to not get in the water at the beach, then this blanket may not be for you, but families with eager children may want to opt for a definitively waterproof design. This picnic blanket costs less than half the average price of all those we tested, yet it was among the best in terms of performance. It’s extremely lightweight at less than two pounds, and features a carrying tote for easy transport. But where it really stood out was in our spill test: The polyester fleece was surprisingly stain-resistant, and the grape juice mostly pooled rather than soaked into the fabric. Therefore, we think this makes an excellent choice for people looking to accommodate accident-prone kids or pets. The feel and comfort of this blanket is similar to that of a bed comforter. According to the manufacturer, the outer layer features a waterproof “hydrobarrier,” which held up remarkably well in our testing: Grape juice pooled on the blanket and left no stain behind, and no water soaked through.We acquired 30 of the best picnic blankets and tested them in our Lab over two days. We first examined the material and construction of each picnic blanket, considering its overall quality and look. We also took note of whether it included a carrying case, a storage pouch, or straps.