Horizon Hound Trek Camping Blanket Review

Bottom Line

The Horizon Hound Trek Blanket is our top pick for a down option on our list of the best camping blankets. Coming in at a very affordable price with an excellent packability-to-size ratio, this blanket is ideal for adventurous hikes and escapades. When stuffed into its included stuff sack, it is only slightly larger than a traditional 32oz. Nalgene. 

With its generous coverage, the blanket worked well with its “cape-clip” feature. This feature secures the blanket around the neck to allow wearers to go hands-free. The “clip” was a simple button, making it easier to use than other designs we tested.

Based on the warmth test we completed, the Horizon Hound Trek ranked as the second-warmest blanket! Due to its down filling, it was incredibly insulating and dependable for warmth and comfort.

However, there are some downsides to down insulation. The Horizon Hound Trek absorbs water more quickly than other puffy blankets we tested and is more difficult to clean due to its special care instructions. Since down should not be compressed for long periods of time, Horizon Hound recommends not storing it inside the carry bag it came with—yet they did not provide one for customers to use.

After extensive testing, the Horizon Hound Trek is still a high-quality blanket option with incredible value for the price. We highly recommend this blanket for those looking for downy warmth, packable comfort on hikes, and a budget-friendly price.

How We Tested

In the field, we tested this blanket during the winter months in Northern California, most notably testing its packability and performance out on the trail, lounging in a hammock in the woods, and on the chilly Northern CA coastline. We got the blanket wet and dirty to compare its water resistance and ability to shed debris. When back from the field, we completed a standardized warmth test where we wrapped the blanket around a heated hot sock for 30 minutes to track the loss of heat over time and rank its insulating properties.

Durability

The Horizon Hound Trek is made of high-quality down and ripstop nylon, showing no signs of wear after testing in the field. It performed excellently during our shake test, where we covered the blanket in a cup of sand to determine how much debris would cling to the fabric after giving it a quick shake. It shed all dirt quickly and didn’t snag easily. However, if it gets dirty, the blanket will require special cleaning care. Though it can be machine-washed, it requires a gentle cycle and must be kept away from open fires.

When pouring water over the blankets to test the water-resistant finish, we found that water beaded quickly off the material upon initial impact. However, it also soaked in faster than other puffy blankets we tested and stayed wet longer.

Lastly, due to the down in the blanket, Horizon Hound recommends not storing it in its compressed state in the included carry bag. They do not provide a separate storage bag, yet recommend letting the down expand when not in use as long-term compression flattens the down’s loftiness over time and decreases its effectiveness at insulation.

Warmth

The Horizon Hound Trek was the second warmest blanket we tested! Aside from subjectively determining its relative warmth in cold outdoor environments, we completed a standardized and controlled test, where we wrapped each blanket around a heated hot sock (136F) for 30 minutes in a 60F room.

We then took the final temperature with an infrared thermometer and determined the amount of heat loss that the hot sock experienced to quantify the insulating ability of each blanket.

The Horizon Hound lost a small difference of 1.8 degrees, proving the capabilities of its generous coverage and 200g down insulation. We stayed toasty warm while wrapped in the Horizon Hound while lounging in a hammock during chilly days and enjoying the sunset on Northern CA beaches.

Size to Packability

Although the Horizon Hound Trek blanket doesn’t come in multiple size options, we found its full size at 77” x 50” to be plenty large enough for one person or two smaller people.

Its ample coverage still packs down into one of the smallest stuff sack bags (noticeably with the smallest circumference) in our blanket test at just barely over a pound. We found that this blanket has the best coverage-to-packability ratio in our test, making it one of our top recommendations for your hikes and overnight adventures. 

The Horizon Hound also comes in its own carry case, which makes for convenient transportation, even though it isn’t designed for long-term storage and preservation of the down.

The stuff sack has a tight opening and reinforced thick band that folds over and clips at the top to create a small carry handle. We found it challenging to stuff the blanket without someone helping to keep the bag open. However, it was still possible to do solo albeit with extra patience.

Comfort

The Horizon Hound Trek feels soft to the touch like the other puffy blankets in our test. The material is smooth and quiet when moving, not creating any crinkly noises like some other synthetic or waterproof fabrics.

While it is a comfy blanket, we did notice that the material feels thin until the down begins to loft and take shape. While other puffy blankets such as the Rumpl Original expanded immediately, it did take some time for the Horizon Hound Trek to entirely decompress and provide its full capabilities of warmth and insulation. 

Once the down fully lofted and, with its ample coverage,  we found it to be perfect for snuggling on the trail while enjoying the scenery.

Features

The Horizon Hound Trek features an included stuff sack. It is made of a durable, stretchy material that folds over and clasps together to create a carrying handle. Although it took some coordination to hold the bag open and stuff the rolled-up blanket without letting it unravel, it got easier with practice. Since Horizon Hound recommends a different storage method for the down blanket, we were a bit disappointed that they didn’t include a separate bag to utilize.

In addition to being used as a throw blanket, the Horizon Hound offers a cape clip option that allows you to secure the blanket around your neck and go hands-free—ideal for wandering around camp or setting up your campsite. A snap button makes it much easier and more convenient to use with cold fingers.

Should You Buy the Horizon Hound Trek Down Camping Blanket?

The Horizon Hound Trek is our pick for a down insulated blanket. While it wasn’t the most budget-friendly blanket we tested, we consider it to be the best budget-friendly pick due to its warmth, coverage, and packability.

It is an excellent choice when looking for an affordable option that doesn’t lack in quality. We also highly recommend this blanket for those looking for a packable product that can easily be transported in a daypack for longer adventures.

However, if you are looking for a blanket that is easier to care for, stays dry, and doesn’t require special storage, then we suggest that you peruse our gear guide for our synthetic blanket picks.

Additionally, while the Horizon Hound sheds debris easily, we wouldn’t suggest using it as a ground blanket; if your goal is lounging on the beach or in the woods, we recommend that you also refer to our gear guide for blankets designed specifically for ground use.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Similar to the Horizon Hound Trek, we recommend taking a look at these synthetic puffy blankets from our best camping blankets gear guide. 

Rumpl Original Puffy Review: The Rumpl Original Puffy is more expensive and has reduced packability, yet it offers similar warmth, coverage, and comfort to the Horizon Hound. Due to its synthetic insulation, it doesn’t take as long for the blanket to fully expand after being compressed, and it dries faster.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Review: Although a smaller-sized blanket, the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy comes at a similar price point and even smaller packed size than the Horizon Hound. However, due to the thinner material and lower coverage, some warmth will be sacrificed.

Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Review: The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho is more versatile and slightly warmer than the Horizon Hound Trek. Although less packable and more expensive, it boasts more features and can be used as a pillow or a blanket and worn as a poncho. It also sheds water better than the Horizon Hound, resisting moisture absorption and drying more quickly.

REI Camp Blanket Review: The REI Camp comes in a more user-friendly stuff sack, yet lacks a cape-clip option and the same level of warmth as the Horizon Hound.