Best Wool Blankets for Survival and Emergencies

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A good wool blanket is hard to beat in an emergency situation. They are also very nice to have during the cool months and evenings.

At night, they can actually help you save on heat because an extra wool blanket can keep you warm enough that you can manage to turn down the thermostat a few degrees or burn less wood.

Why Buy a Wool Blanket?

Wool blankets are great to keep you warm, we all know that. What you might not know is that warmth is only one of the reasons why you should consider buying one,

Sewing Other Items Out of Wool Blankets

Beyond the obvious of splitting a blanket up to form several smaller ones, you can also use wool blankets as fabric to sew all kinds of gear.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Coats
• Heavy curtains for insulation
• lining for pants or as pants themselves
• Hats

Wool blankets are cost-effective when used as just cloth for other household items you may need. As someone that has done a lot of sewing projects and quilting over the years, I know that fabric can be $10-$20 per yard for thin to mid-weight cotton. Wool is a bargain both for warmth and durability.

Wool Is A Natural Fire Retardant

Wool repels fire without being specially treated. This is a good thing to know in an emergency. While some people talk about how things are sprayed with fire retardants, there is no reason to do this to wool so unless you have an allergy to wool, it is a great way to have some naturally fire-resistant blankets and clothing.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before you go ahead and buy a blanket, you should think about the following factors and how they’ll affect your usage and experience.

Weight

A wool blanket provides a lot of warmth per pound. Depending on your location and needs, you can make do with blankets of varying weights. In some climates, a 2 lb blanket is all that you might need year-round, in others you’ll need to add more during the colder months or use it for layering.

If you want versatility and live in a temperate climate then several lighter blankets may be better than a single heavy one. You can always add another blanket.

Percentage of Wool

The blankets in this post range from 55%-100% wool. I have indicated the percentage for each in the description. The remaining percentage is usually made up of rayon, nylon, or a blend of synthetic fibers.

Size

Most of the sizes are pretty generous for the blankets I found. A few come in several different sizes in order to fit different beds. A smaller size may be better if you are packing this blanket in a pack and sleeping by yourself.

Toddler and Baby Blankets

If you are handy with a sewing machine or don’t mind a little hand sewing, you can cut a wool blanket in half and hem or stitch the resulting raw seam, for two small blankets. A wool blanket that measures 66″ x 90″ could actually be cut and the raw seams stitched to make 4 small blankets that measure 33″ x 45″.

Cost vs Durability

I included some very budget friendly wool blankets in this post but I also included a few that have a higher price point since they are from some brands that are known for their high-quality wool. I would say the higher-cost blankets are best for use at your house or a small cabin whereas the less expensive military-style blankets are good for general camp use.

If you get a stain or get a cheap blanket dirty then no big deal. A $100+ blanket is not something you want to pack in your bag and head into the bush with. Cheaper wool blankets are good for situations where there is trauma, body fluids, etc.

Keep in mind that less expensive wool blankets are plenty durable but they often don’t have the same feel as a finer wool blanket and they may not be washable in a regular machine.

For best results, use a detergent that is designed for wool. These often contain lanolin which will help preserve your blanket and keep it soft.

The Itch Factor

Our Shetland ram, Truman with a full fleece.

One thing that gets mentioned a lot when it comes to wool blankets is that wool can be so darn itchy. The basis for this is valid. Wool can seem pretty rough. I raise Shetland sheep and they love nothing more than to find a good place to rub on.

Apparently, wool can be quite itchy for those that are growing it too! Nowadays we have methods of refining wool that make it less itchy. Some brands such as Smartwool are very soft. Unfortunately, some of the softer wools do cost substantially more.

Wool blankets are often used as a layer that is not directly against your skin. Keep in mind any clothing you have on is going to provide a barrier to the actual wool as well.

In a true emergency, the itch factor is not going to be your main concern anyway. I am not saying that all less expensive wool blankets are going to be super itchy but it is something to consider if you sometimes find wool irritating.

Care Guidelines

Some wool blankets will be ruined if you put them in the washer and dryer. Make sure to carefully read and follow the care guidelines for any blanket you buy. If you only want those that you can wash then be prepared to pay a little more for the convenience. On the other hand, dry cleaning or at home dry cleaning kits can add up.

Spot cleaning wool blankets is often the way to go if you have one that you can’t just throw in the wash. On the other hand, a few of the blankets out there are inexpensive enough that if they get too dirty you can just toss them.

Sometimes an emergency situation means not caring much about how clean you keep something. This is the argument behind keeping some budget-friendly wool blankets around.

Our Top Recommendations for Wool Blankets

Now that you know what to consider before buying, let’s get into our top blanket picks.

Stansport Heavy Weight Wool Blanket

• 55% wool and 45% polyester
• 60″ X 80″ finished size

This is basically the classic style Army issue inspired wool blankets that I remember having as a kid. You can get them for very little, especially at military surplus stores, so if you’re looking for a wool blanket for bushcraft, this one’s for you.

Fortunately, they are fairly soft for the price. This particular version contains less wool than other blankets on this list.

The percentage of polyester helps make the blanket softer. For those looking for a good inexpensive camp or emergency blanket, this is a blanket worth looking at. This would be a good option for packing or stashing in your car just in case.

EKTOS 80% Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool 20% Synthetic
• 3.7 lbs
• 66″ x 90″ finished size

SE Wool Blanket

• 50% Wool 50% Poly Fiber Blend
• 2 lb
• 51″ x 80″ Finished Size

This weight is great for warmer climates or in-between seasons. This blanket is excellent as a supplement to a sleeping bag. If you want a heavy-duty blanket that you can pack with you then this is a blanket that offers affordable durability at the same time.

This is also a machine washable blanket so you can use it for a lot of different situations and enjoy easy clean up. If you got kids that like to play outside a lot or that are avid backyard campers then this blanket is a no-brainer.

I know that this is just a a 50-50 blend but for most of us this blanket would be just fine in an emergency or for layering if the power went out. They are a pretty good deal so you can afford to have a few put back for those hard times.

EKTOS 100% Wool Blanket, Navy Blue

• 100% Wool
• 5.5 lb Weight
• 66″ x 90″ Finished Size

One thing I noticed about this blanket is that despite the reasonable price point and the 100% wool content, it is presented as being non-itchy. This blanket is very heavy making it suitable for extremely cold climates or major situations. Due to the weight, I would recommend this as a blanket for home or “bugging in” use.

The tightly finished edge stitching is a nice touch that offers increased resistance to fraying over time even in tough conditions with consistent use. I really like the navy blue color. The color is a nice alternative to the traditional grey and OD green colors I am so used to seeing when it comes to wool blankets.

At this price, it is amazing that this 100% wool blanket is made to be totally washable so it is super easy to maintain and use regularly.

Rothco Wool Blanket

• 70% Virgin Wool
• 3.4 lbs
• 62″ x 80″ Finished Size

This is a basic military style wool blanket. Rothco makes a lot of different survival gear so you may be used to seeing their name or have some of their other gear. This would be a good utility blanket for camping or emergency use. It is a mid-weight so it is a good choice if you are just going to have a few wool blankets on hand.

This is a slightly smaller blanket than some so it is not large enough to cover some beds. Furthermore, the label does say that it is to be dry cleaned only on the care tag.

Some customers say they have washed this blanket using the delicate cycle and cold water then tumble dry for 10 minutes and then air-drying the rest of the way. If you do this the blanket will shed some and then be very soft.

Arcturus™ 80% Heavy Military Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool
• 4+ lb Weight
• 64″ x 88″ Finished Size

For those that want some major cold protection, there is this blanket that comes in at just over 4 lbs. It is a few inches smaller in width and length than some of the blankets on this list but still plenty long enough for using to layer on a bed or cutting up and hemming for smaller blankets for kids.

The blanket is lock stitched on all sides. This is a machine-washable blanket making it great for everyday household use as well as camping out!

The seller does state that the blanket may have a slight odor when you get it. This is pretty common with military surplus grade blankets. Simply wash this blanket a few times when you first get it and there should be no odor left.

Woolly Mammoth Woolen Country Wool Blanket

• 80% Premium Virgin Merino Wool
• 4 lb Weight
• 66″ x 90″ Finished Size

This is one of the more luxurious wool blankets on our list today. I include it because sometimes you want something that is nice for your house but that can take on the cold during a power outage or long term emergency when needed.

You can choose from different sizes and colors to match your taste. This heavy wool blanket is made of very soft wool that is designed to actually get softer with each washing!

Ever Ready Medical and First Aid Olive Drab Green Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool
• 3.45 lbs
• 66″ x 90″ Finished Size

This is another classic OD green military surplus style blanket.  At 3.45 lbs, it is a mid-weight to heavyweight option due to the high wool content. I like that this blanket has the heavy lock stitch hem that I have come to expect from a good emergency wool blanket.

Orion Blanket Co. “Vestige” Military Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool 20% Synthetic
• 4 lbs
• 66″ x 84″ Finished Size

Orion Blanket Company donates 1 blanket to charity for every 5 that they sell. Luckily, they also make a very good quality and attractive blanket. This blanket is a good alternative to the common army green ones for sure.

It is washable so care is easy, making it an option for daily use in your household. Orion does recommend using a detergent designed for wool for best results when cleaning. Your blanket will last longer and be super soft.

Pendleton Easy Care Throw Twin Oxford Plaid

• 100% Wool and Washable! This blanket is made of the best quality wool out there and treated so that it actually gets softer when washed!
• 3 lbs
• 66″ x 96″ Finished Size

Pendleton is a name that always brings to mind quality to me. This is a very high-quality blanket that will last for many years with proper care. Since it can be washed, the care is hassle free, the fact that it gets softer after washing makes it even better. Finally, the sizing of each blanket is generous.

This is a good blanket for keeping at your home for emergencies or daily use during the cold months. It is not inexpensive so not a good choice for camping. You can choose a variety of color patterns and Pendleton has an excellent guarantee on all its products.

Swiss Army Reproduction Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool 20% Synthetic
• Just under 4 lbs
• 60″ x 84″ Finished Size

I am a big fan of these blankets. I have owned one for many years and although it is rarely cold enough here to feel the need to get it out, I like to have it around. When we were living in a camper while building our small house it was hard to keep the inside temperature more than about 60 degrees when it was in the single digits or 10s.

This blanket helped get us through that and we still have it. Actually, I think our Swiss wool blanket has been around for over a decade at this point since we had it even before we started building our house!

This is a very warm blanket and I personally do not think it is overly itchy. It is pretty soft for the price and the tight stitching around the hems has not failed yet.

Woolrich Civil War Gettysburg Wool Blanket

• 80% Wool 20% Synthetic Blend
• Around 3 lbs
• 60″ x 80″ Finished Size
• Made In USA

This blanket offers a traditional look from quality outdoor gear maker, Woolrich. The 3 lb size is a good mid-weight range for a wool blanket. This would be a good blanket for layering or using to supplement a sleeping bag. Most people use this blanket as a layer on their bed at home or in case of a power outage.

It is not a blanket most choose to take out with them on the trail. Some of those that are into reenacting use these blankets regularly at events. This blanket must be hand washed or dry cleaned so just spot clean when possible.

Hudson Bay 6- Point Queen Size Blanket

• 100% Wool
• 10 lbs 5 ounces. This is the heaviest wool blanket in this post.
• 90″ x 100″ Finished Size

While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability.

All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. You will truly have this blanket for a lifetime and enjoy it if you take care of it. It is dry clean only. This is perhaps the most luxurious wool blanket and great for keeping at your home for an emergency or daily use.

What’s your favorite wool blanket? Have any tips for cleaning them? I noticed that most wool blankets are 2 lbs or more. Is there any super light yet warm ones out there that you have found?