As much as we love the waterproofing of polyester picnic blankets, the material isn't conducive to heat, so they can get pretty chilly when the temperatures drop. For fall picnics—and maybe even winter picnics on mild days—you'll want this fleece blanket. The flip side of having a blanket that's so lightweight and breathable is that it doesn't stand up to rough terrain very well. Make no doubt about it: This is not the blanket you want for a picnic in the woods. But for everyday use in the park, on the ball field, or at the beach, it should be just fine. Emma from readyfreddiego.com loves the Vertbaudet Outdoor Rug (which can be used indoors as well as outdoors!). You'll also want to think about the size. Smaller blankets, like the Little Unicorn Blanket, can usually accommodate two adults in a cross-legged position, plus a picnic basket. But if you want to be able to lie down or fit more than two people, look for a larger option (the Three Donkeys Extra Large Picnic Blanket could be a good choice for you). Bigger blankets may not fold up as compactly, though it depends on the material. Introducing the ultra-compact but oh-so-roomy ClicMat from oimmie. Made from eco-friendly materials, it’s like a huggable cloud of cuteness. With an attachable smooth zinc alloy clip and detachable anchors, we found it the perfect companion for any adventure. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. We have a super one from GLTC which has a waterproof base and also carry handles when folded to keep it compact. It’s comfy and a great size.” Our only wish was that it were a little bigger, because at five by five feet, we could really only fit one to two people on it (and that’s just sitting, not laying down). However, this could be a great option for smaller children or a parent with kids. For its convenient portability, soft fleece, durability, and budget-friendly price, we’re pretty thrilled with this on-the-go picnic blanket. After this, we lounged, stretching out on the length of the blankets to see if they could fit our whole bodies comfortably, or if we started to touch the ground (which we would not want on potentially wet terrains). Then, we tested the polyester side's waterproof abilities, dumping water and grape juice onto the surface to see if it soaked up or stained. To take it an extra step further, we got a bit of sand on it too, just to see how much (or little) each fabric would hold on to the granules as we shook them out, as if we were leaving the beach after a long day on the shoreline.

Saltwater Picnic Co

Kid-friendly and easy to fold, Joy Supply Co designs are woven right into the blanket making them super durable and much more resistant to fading. Machine-washable AND able to be tossed in the dryer, they’re available in four stunning prints. While we love the fleece top layer on this blanket, it is a bit of a double-edged sword. The fabric isn't waterproof, so we'd advise opting for something else if you've got kids or pets on the move while on your picnic. It's also on the smaller side, coming in at just 59" x 69".

In addition to keeping you dry while sitting on the ground, these weather-ready materials help prevent wine, juice, and other spilled drinks from soaking through and won't harbor dirt, crumbs, and other dry debris. And some options are reversible, meaning both sides are water-resistant (take the Roebury Outdoor Picnic Blanket, for example). Designed in Australia for indoor and outdoor use, Oliochi blankets boast a water-resistant top, fully waterproof base and a padded middle layer for extra comfort on uneven, hard surfaces. It’s so cushioned, in fact, that it doubles as a playmat for babies too. Buy online at https://rubbastuff.com 3. Recommended for being Comfortable Family Picnic Blanket from Great Little Trading Company

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