Oceas Sherpa Fleece Camping Blanket Review

Bottom Line

With its low cost, the Oceas Sherpa Fleece is our pick for the best budget-friendly camping blanket. Like many blankets in our test, the Oceas Sherpa Fleece also came in its own carry bag with a side handle. We found it to be decently lightweight and packable for the price. While it was too large to fit into a small daypack with other hiking gear, the carry case made it easy to transport. 

The outer waterproof layer is extremely durable, while the internal fleece lining is soft and cozy. That being said, the waterproof layer deflects debris and moisture easily, while the fleece does not. We found that the inner lining absorbs moisture quickly, stays wet longer, and collects sand and debris, making it difficult to clean. We also noticed that the fleece lining started to shed slightly during use. Due to the above durability results, we preferred to use this blanket wrapped around our shoulders rather than as a ground blanket when in sandy environments or places where the fleece could snag.

When hiking with the Oceas Sherpa Fleece, we did notice that the fabric was loud and made crinkly noises with each step. It isn’t a deal breaker, but rather something to keep in mind if you plan to be doing a lot of movement or walking while wrapped in the blanket. Overall, it is a great quality blanket for the price.

For more recommendations on top blanket picks, head over to the rest of our camping blanket gear guide.

How We Tested

Field testing the Oceas Sherpa Fleece blanket happened during the winter months in Northern California. We assessed its packability and performance as a ground blanket at the beach and a throw blanket while hiking in the redwoods. We got the blanket wet and sandy to compare its water resistance and ability to shed debris.

Back in the frontcountry, 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 Oceas Sherpa Fleece Blanket’s durability is reflected in the price. That being said, it still is a great value for a hybrid blanket that can be used both as a throw and also a ground blanket. 

The waterproof bottom lining passed all our durability tests with ease. Sand and debris didn’t cling to the material and water beaded off the lining quickly and seamlessly. However, the fleece inner layer of the blanket lacked the same durability. When we poured sand over the fleece during our shake test, it stuck into the fabric and was difficult to shake off. When we poured water over the material to test its weather resistance, the fleece absorbed it immediately and took a long time to dry.

Due to the performance of the inner lining of the blanket, we found that it is more functional to use it as a throw than as a ground mat. However, if the blanket were to need deep cleaning, it is machine washable.

Lastly, we noticed that tufts of fleece started falling out of the blanket after little use. It wasn’t a significant amount, but enough to be mindful that the blanket does require extra care due to the lower quality and durability.

Warmth

Ground blankets aren’t inherently designed for warmth, yet since the Oceas Sherpa Fleece is also designed to be a throw blanket, it offers more warmth than most others we tested. Its waterproof lining helps to trap in body heat and the fleece offers a level of comforting warmth that polyester can’t compare to.

Aside from experiencing its insulating properties ourselves, we completed a standardized and controlled test, where we wrapped the blanket in 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 Oceas Sherpa Fleece lost only 5.8 degrees, proving the capabilities of its generous size, waterproof lining, and ability to function as a throw blanket. This was one of the warmest ground blankets that we tested. However, when the fleece gets wet, it decreases the feeling of warmth quite significantly when out in the field.

Size to Packability

At 79” x 58,” the Oceas Sherpa Fleece is a large blanket for just one person and can be used by two people while still providing significant coverage as either a throw or ground blanket. This was one of the largest blankets we tested.

Although this blanket is not the bulkiest one in our review, it is also not the most packable when stuffed into its included carry case. At 15” x 8,” it is a bit too large to simply throw into a small daypack.

However, it is lightweight and easy enough to transport with the attached convenient side handle. The style of the carry bag is functional, efficient, and easy to use without requiring much effort to stuff.

Comfort

The Oceas Sherpa Fleece is very comfortable when the fleece lining doesn’t get wet or sandy. Having fleece on the inner side of the blanket keeps it cozy against any exposed skin, more comfy than traditional polyester blankets until it gets damp or dirty. 

While the waterproof lining provides protection from the elements, it is a very loud material that is noticeable if moving or walking with the blanket wrapped around your shoulders. It makes a noisy crinkly sound with every step; however, if the purpose of this blanket is more for stationary use as a ground mat or throw, the noise is unnoticeable. 

Overall, the Oceas Sherpa Fleece feels thinner than we would have liked. While the fleece layer is cozy, it lacks the quality and padding we would appreciate for additional comfort. However, if weather resistance, versatility, and staying within budget are your top priorities, then we still recommend the Oceas as a viable option.

Features

Aside from its hybrid performance and versatility as both a ground mat and throw blanket, the Oceas Sherpa Fleece is a very simple blanket without many standout features.  Its combination of fleece with a waterproof lining creates a unique blanket design that offers both a cozy material and a durable outer shell. 

It comes in a very user-friendly stuff sack that is easy to pack and transport. The blanket also includes an attached elastic band that cinches over the blanket when rolled up to make it easier to stuff into the carry bag. At just over 2 pounds, it is a lightweight blanket option for the excellent coverage that it provides.

Should You Buy the Oceas Sherpa Fleece Camping Blanket?

The Oceas Sherpa Fleece is a unique and versatile blanket that is our pick for the best budget-friendly camping blanket. As the most affordable option in our review, it is an excellent pick for those looking to save money on some gear while still receiving a functional, warm, and weather-resistant product.

However, those desiring a blanket with the durability to function solely as a ground mat or the comfort of a throw blanket simply for campfire snuggles may want to consider blankets with more targeted purposes than the Oceas Sherpa Fleece.

Campers searching for increased quality may want to continue to peruse our gear guide for other excellent blanket picks. While this blanket offers great quality for the price, it lacks some of the other features and durability that some people may prefer to invest in.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Aside from the Oceas Sherpa Fleece Blanket, we also encourage you to look at other ground blankets in our camping blankets gear guide. Here are some options comparable to the Oceas:

Nemo Victory Patio Blanket Review: The Nemo Victory Patio Blanket is of the highest durability, yet comes in at twice the price of the Oceas Sherpa Fleece in size medium. While it is a slightly thinner ground blanket and much heavier, it is of a higher quality and durability than the Oceas Sherpa Fleece. However, it is not fleece-lined and is not designed to double as a throw blanket.

Nomadix Festival Blanket Review: Although very thin, the Nomadix Festival Blanket is the most packable ground mat and comes at an affordable price. Although it doesn’t come with its own carry case, it can be folded up to about the size of a 32 oz Nalgene. However, it lacks the softness, durability ,and weather resistance of the Oceas Sherpa Fleece.

Yeti Lowlands Blanket Review: Lastly, the Yeti Lowlands Blanket is our most expensive (and bulkiest) ground blanket, yet it offers the utmost durability and quality. It also comes with a waterproof lining underneath a plush, insulated top layer. Like the Oceas Sherpa Fleece, it also comes in a carry bag with an attached handle.