At Survivalstore, we have a wide selection of wool blankets for outdoor activities, nature life, and bushcraft. These are durable wool blankets without any fancy or delicate designs. They are made to provide warmth on cold nights, can be packed into your backpack, and withstand the wear and tear that naturally comes with use in the forest, on the beach, or wherever you prefer to sleep under the open sky.
You don’t need much
Many people think you need a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and the whole kit to sleep outdoors. That can also make the overnight stay more comfortable. In reality, however, you actually don’t need more than a wool blanket that you can wrap yourself in and sleep directly on the ground. But it doesn’t have to be used alone; it can also be used as an addition to your sleeping bag. For example, if you’re not quite sure whether you’ll stay warm enough in your sleeping bag, you can bring a wool blanket on your trip and use it together with the sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Additionally, a wool blanket works really well for camp comfort because it is durable and flame-retardant. In other words, you don’t have to be too careful with your wool blanket. They can handle a lot. That’s why they are perfect for times around the campfire and in the camp where you move around a lot. You might be cooking over the fire, fixing things here and there. Wool blankets are great for wrapping yourself in and keeping warm.
How to use wool blankets for overnight stays
A guide with good tips on how to sleep in a wool blanket. You can also choose to skip the entire text and watch the video, which we haven’t made, but which provides a good introduction to how you can sleep in a wool blanket.
Transport and storage
A wool blanket is simple and wonderfully easy to use. If you combine it with a classic roll-up sleeping pad for overnight trips (e.g., Thermarest Ridgerest Classic https://survivalstore.dk/products/thermarest-ridgerest-classic-liggeunderlag), we recommend rolling the wool blanket and sleeping pad together. That way, you have all your overnight gear in one bundle, can quickly spread it out, and be ready to sleep.
Wrap yourself in the blanket
You can definitely sleep directly on the ground, but you might also consider bringing a waterproof blanket, tarp, or cover to spread over the ground to minimize moisture and cold rising from the earth. A sleeping pad will always be part of our overnight kit.
Place the wool blanket diagonally on your sleeping pad and lie on top. Then fold the wool blanket up over your feet, fold one side over your legs and hips and tuck it under your legs on the other side. Next, take the free side and fold it over you and tuck it under your back. You can then tuck your arms under the wool blanket and be wrapped up like a little cocoon. Practically like being in a sleeping bag, just much simpler.
Video
You can also watch a visual presentation of overnight camping in the forest with a wool blanket in the video below:
Inspiration from the military. Proven overnight method
A wool blanket is not a new or revolutionary technology. Instead, it has been thoroughly tested by outdoor enthusiasts and soldiers for overnight stays in all kinds of climates. The reason many truly love wool blankets is their simplicity. They don’t just break, work in all kinds of weather, and you can use them for insulation in many different ways and for many different purposes. A wool blanket doesn’t have to be used only for overnight stays. You can use them for extra warmth while hiking or to warm your back when sitting and getting heat on your face from the fire.
When can you use wool blankets?
Wool and blankets can be used everywhere and all year round. One of the great things about wool is that it retains its insulating properties even if it gets damp or wet. Therefore, you can use it throughout the year in Denmark. We have a challenging climate, often both cold and damp—a combination that can make outdoor life and bushcraft difficult. But with a wool blanket, you are well equipped to better handle the challenges of the Danish climate.
Second-hand wool blankets
Besides our selection of new wool blankets, we also have a range of second-hand wool blankets. These are practically flawless wool blankets, only revealed by their fabric labels. They are warm and sturdy blankets where you get great value for your money. After receiving them, we have washed and prepared the blankets, so some may have shrunk slightly in the wash. Although we cannot guarantee 100% the exact dimensions of the blankets, we can guarantee 100% the high quality.
Advantages of wool blankets
Simplicity: The keyword for wool blankets is undoubtedly simple. Simplicity is one of the things that sets wool blankets apart from much other outdoor gear. Outdoor gear manufacturers tend to make equipment more and more complex to differentiate themselves from competitors. You avoid that with a wool blanket. A wool blanket is going back to basics. Making overnight stays and outdoor life as simple as possible. Simple here also means durable and hard-wearing. It’s so simple that there’s nothing that can break. Therefore, you can always rely on it to work 100%.
Flame-retardant: Unlike sleeping bags and other overnight accessories, which are made with thin and often less resistant materials, wool blankets are incredibly durable (which we will also discuss later), and they are flame-retardant. This gives at least one huge advantage: you can bring a wool blanket very close to the fire without fearing that a spark will burn a hole and damage your blanket before a cold night outdoors.
Multifunctional:
A wool blanket doesn’t just have one function. It can be used for many things when you’re on a trip. Besides being used as a cover and duvet for overnight stays, it can also be used as a cape—both while walking and while sitting by the fire. Additionally, a wool blanket can be used with your hammock for insulation and cover. The possibilities are endless.
Durability
As we have touched on already, wool blankets are incredibly durable and long-lasting. This makes them perfect for bushcraft and outdoor use. They are made of heavy wool that can withstand tough use and won’t get holes easily. They are great for trips but can also be excellent as permanent blankets for your garden fire pit.
Insulates and warms even when wet or damp
Wool is a natural material with properties specialized for being outdoors in nature. This means wool insulates and warms even when it gets wet or damp. Perfect for the Danish outdoors, where it is almost always a bit damp. Wool simply doesn’t collapse like down, and therefore retains its insulating properties in all situations.
Naturally odor-resistant
Wool is self-cleaning and odor-resistant, so it can always be ready for a cool summer evening by the fire. It doesn’t absorb much of the fire’s smoke smell, and any odor wool does take in can quickly be aired out by hanging the wool blanket outside for a short time.
Requires little maintenance
Because of wool’s natural properties, as described above, wool blankets require almost no maintenance. They are always ready to use, and you don’t need to do a lot of upkeep or repairs after use. A wool blanket is always ready for the next trip.
Summary
Wool blankets are an overlooked part of a complete gear set for outdoor life, nature activities, and bushcraft. Their simple functionality, natural properties, and long durability make wool blankets a must-have for anyone who spends time outdoors. Suitable for both short and long trips. Wool blankets are greatly underrated and can make most outdoor trips even better.
