Why a Puffy Blanket is a Must-Have for Every Camper

You don’t need much to camp well (depending on how much you like to “be at one with nature”). But one thing every camper should have? A puffy blanket.  If you’ve ever tried to make it through a cold morning at camp with just a hoodie, a cup of instant coffee, and your own optimism, a puffy blanket would have made life a lot easier. If you’ve never used one, you might be thinking: do I really need a blanket when I’ve already got a sleeping bag and a jumper? Short answer: yes. Here’s what ya need to know.

What is a Puffy Blanket?

A puffy blanket is a lightweight, insulated camping blanket designed to keep you warm without the bulk of regular blankets or bedding. It gives you the same warmth you’d expect from a down blanket, but without the animal products or heavy footprint.

The Nakie Outdoor Puffy Blanket, for example, is made with 500 grams of recycled plastic bottle fibres to create a 600 fill-power down rating and ensure you stay warm and cosy all night long. It weighs just 780 grams, packs into a 15cm by 40cm stuff sack, and is rated to 5 degrees Celsius. It’s breathable, water-resistant, and comes with a built-in cape clip so you can stay warm and still use your hands.

How Does a Puffy Blanket Compare to a Sleeping Bag?

A sleeping bag is great… for sleeping. But once you’re up and about, they’re a bit of a pain to lug around. You can’t freely move in them, or cook in them, and unless you’re doing a full-body shuffle to the fire, you’re going to need something else anyway.

That’s where a puffy blanket fills the gap. It gives you warmth without the restriction of a sleep bag. Some campers will use it instead of a sleeping bag in warmer weather, while others use it on top of a sleeping bag if the conditions are particularly icy.

Either way, a puffy blanket is more versatile, more social (it’s big enough to share!) and way easier to use when you’re half-awake and slightly damp from the morning dew.

How Can You Use a Puffy Blanket? 

Most campers plan for sleep and layers when it comes to keeping warm while camping. You’ve got your thermals, your beanie, and your sleeping bag sorted. But it’s the in-between moments where the cold creeps in. Like that early morning dash to the loo, or the stretch between getting out of your sleeping bag and finding the motivation to put pants on.

A puffy blanket is the exact piece of gear you need in these situations because you don’t need to zip it or climb inside it. You just throw it over your shoulders, wrap it around your legs, or clip it up and get on with whatever you’re doing. It also layers perfectly over a Nakie Hammock if you’re sleeping off the ground.

And when you’re not using it? Stuff it into its sack and use it as a pillow. It’s pretty dang comfy, especially when you're trying to turn a patchy camp mattress into something passable.

Related read: The Top 10 Gifts for Campers in Australia

What to Look for in an Outdoor Puffy Blanket

• Lightweight insulation

• A compact stuff sack

• Water-resistant fabric

• A cape clip or hand-free feature

• Recycled or animal-free fill

• Enough coverage (2m x 1.4m is the sweet spot!)

Nakie’s version is made from recycled plastic bottles and plants four trees per blanket sold. It’s warm enough for winter, light enough for summer, and comes with a waterproof stuff sack that actually fits it back in.

Where Else Can You Use a Puffy Blanket?

Camping isn’t the only time an outdoor puffy blanket comes in handy. You can use them at the beach, during road trips, at backyard dinners or even on the couch when someone else is hogging the other blanket. Because it packs small and dries quickly, you can keep it in your car or your weekender bag and just grab it when you need it.

Is a Puffy Blanket Warmer Than a Down Blanket? 

The answer depends on what you’re using it for. Traditional down is known for being ultra-light and super warm, but it comes with a few downsides. It’s not great when wet; it’s harder to wash, and it’s not the most sustainable option. 

A puffy blanket like Nakie’s uses recycled insulation that holds warmth well, even if things get a bit damp. It dries fast, and still packs down small. So while it might not have the exact thermally efficient gram-for-gram as top-end down, it’s a warmer choice when you factor in real-world conditions like wet tents, open fires, and unpredictable Aussie weather. And it won’t lose its loft the second it gets a bit of moisture.

Read more: Essentials for Camping in Winter

Shop Nakie’s Outdoor Puffy Blanket 

If you’re after a puffy blanket that’s warm, well-made, and better for the planet, Nakie’s Puffy Blanket is a pretty easy yes. Shop now.

And if you’re looking for more gear to round out your setup, we’ve got that too.

• Recycled hammocks for off-the-ground lounging

• Sand-free towels that won’t bring the beach into your tent

• Waterproof picnic blankets to keep your butt dry 

• Travel backpacks for everything else

Puffy Blanket FAQs

Can you sleep with just a puffy blanket instead of a sleeping bag?
Yes, depending on the conditions. If it’s mild and you’ve got a decent sleeping mat, a puffy blanket can be enough on its own. The Nakie Puffy Blanket is rated to 5 degrees and works well as a standalone layer in warmer months or as an extra layer when things get colder.

Is the Nakie Puffy Blanket water-resistant?
Yep! The outer fabric is finished with a water-resistant coating, which means light moisture, spills, and morning dew won’t soak through. If it does get damp, it dries quickly, especially in the sun.

How do you clean a puffy blanket?
It’s super easy – just throw it in a cold machine wash and air dry. No special detergents or care needed. It’s designed to hold up to regular outdoor use.

How small does the Nakie puffy blanket pack down?
It fits into a 15cm x 40cm stuff sack. You can pack it in your main hiking bag, toss it in the car, or leave it in your van full-time without it taking up much room.

Is it better than bringing extra clothes?
In a lot of cases, yes. A puffy blanket gives you instant warmth without having to pile on layers or deal with wet, bulky jumpers. It’s easier to use, packs smaller, and feels more comfortable around camp.