Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket Review

Bottom Line

From a classic American-made brand, the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket is a traditional wool blanket that is best for a combination of indoor and light outdoor use. It comes in multiple sizes, similar to bedding options (twin, queen, etc).

We tested the queen version of the Yakima and were pleasantly surprised at how roomy it is for two people. It offers generous coverage and fills up the full capacity of our two-person tent with fabric to spare.

However, the downside to an incredibly large blanket is the heavier weight and lack of packability. While the blanket came in a zippered plastic case, similar to how bedding comes, it wasn’t the most ideal storage bag for camping or outdoor pursuits. 

The wool is very thick and feels high quality. However, due to the softness of the material, it does absorb water quickly and clings to debris, making it difficult to clean (especially since it also has special dry cleaning instructions). We noticed that the fabric did absorb and retain odors (such as campfire smoke) and create lint on some synthetic clothing, depending on the fabric and material.

If price is not a concern and you are looking for a high-quality classic wool blanket, the Pendleton Yakima Camp is a great choice for those looking to style it at home and use it for glamping adventures.

For more blanket recommendations, check out our other top picks in our best camping blankets gear guide.

How We Tested

We’ve grown up around Pendleton blankets; they seem like they’re in every American household. Many CleverHiker staff know them to be a great addition to bedding when the mercury drops.

But we needed to compare how this blanket fares outside as a camping blanket. So we tested this blanket during the winter months in Northern California, most notably testing its packability and performance as a throw blanket while using it in our tent on coastal bluffs and while snuggling around a small campfire. We got the blanket wet and dirty to compare its water resistance and ability to shed debris.

Back at the house, we did 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

As a wool blanket, the Pendleton Yakima Camp does require additional care to avoid snagging the fabric and clinging to debris. If washing is required, it must be dry-cleaned to preserve the material.

When we poured water over the blanket, we found that it was significantly less water-resistant than the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket. The Pendleton absorbs water immediately – not an ideal pick for wet or moist environments. During our shake test, where we covered the blanket with debris, we noted that the Pendleton clung to debris easily and was difficult to clean and shake off.

Due to the large dimensions of the queen-sized blanket, it was even more difficult to shake off debris without the blanket dragging on the ground and collecting more dirt.

As this blanket is also advertised as indoor bedding, we suggest that it is used in the bedroom or in a glamping environment where the expensive material can be better preserved and protected. 

After snuggling around the campfire in the Pendleton, we noticed that the fabric absorbed more odors than other blankets in our review. The wool smelled like campfire smoke long after the blanket was aired out at home.

Lastly, we also noticed that the blanket shed a bit after I used it as a throwover for the synthetic pants I was wearing.

Warmth

In addition to experiencing the warmth of the blanket in the field, 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 Pendleton Yakima Camp lost 15.3 degrees. Although not the warmest blanket in our test, it still provided comfort with its heavier and thicker fabric. As a two-person blanket, it worked excellently for sharing warmth and body heat.

Due to its soft wool and large coverage, the Pendleton Yakima Camp made tent camping feel more luxurious and snuggling around the campfire more cozy.

Size to Packability

As one of the largest blankets we tested at 90” x 90,” the queen-sized Pendleton Yakima Camp provides incredible coverage for two people. One person can fold the blanket in half and still be completely covered. We were very impressed by its generous sizing compared to all the other products we reviewed.

However, it is still the bulkiest blanket (and one of the heaviest ones) that we tested and one of the least packable, coming at a packed size of 14” x 18.” However, keep in mind that smaller blanket sizes will pack down better than the queen size we tested.

The blanket comes in a similar packaging to traditional bedding: a zippered plastic case. While this is helpful for storage, it doesn’t make transportation any easier due to the large size and lack of a handle.

Comfort

Made from wool, the Pendleton Yakima Camp offers a softer material than polyester puffy blankets and traditional ground blankets. It is a thicker, larger, and heavier blanket, which adds to the overall coziness. However, those more sensitive to wool may find this blanket material a bit scratchier, especially when it is brand new.

When the Pendleton Yakima Camp first arrived, it did have a slight odor from being zippered up in the plastic storage bag. However, the smell did dissipate after being aired out – though it does take this blanket a bit longer to dispel odors than other products in our review.

As mentioned earlier in the review, the Pendleton does create some lint on certain clothing materials – something to be mindful of when using the blanket as a throw directly over your lap.

Features

The Pendleton Yakima Camp is a simple wool blanket that lacks extensive features. While it comes in a plastic storage bag, it does not include a convenient carry bag to transport the bulkier blanket.

However, Pendleton does offer this blanket in the most diverse range of sizes including throw, twin, and queen. It is advertised more as a durable bedding layer than an outdoor blanket. However, it can still be used at camp when it can be stored properly and kept clean. Since this is one of the most expensive blankets (and most specific regarding care instructions) in our review, taking good care of this blanket is essential for its longevity.

Lastly, Pendleton is an American-made brand, which also helps to reduce its environmental footprint and contributes to its high quality.

Should You Buy the Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket?

The Pendleton Yakima Camp is an excellent choice for those searching for a quality wool blanket that comes in a large size perfect for sharing snuggles. It is our top pick for a blanket that can be used indoors as bedding and also outdoors at camp – with extra care. Overall, the Pendleton Yakima Camp is an excellent value for those willing and able to invest effort in caring for the material.

However, those looking for a blanket that can easily withstand debris, dirt and various weather conditions and also pack down to an easily transportable size, we suggest reviewing our synthetic puffy blankets in our gear guide. For individuals who are sensitive to wool but still desire a comfy blanket, we recommend that you check out the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket that we highly rank.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Below are similar options to the Pendleton Yakima Camp blanket from our guide to the best camping blankets.

Sackcloth and Ashes Review: Also a wool blanket, the Sackcloth and Ashes ranks similarly to the Pendleton Yakima Camp but is softer, lighter, and easier to clean.

Oceas Sherpa Fleece Review: The Oceas Sherpa Fleece has a soft fleece lining and a waterproof lining and can be used as a ground blanket as well as a throw. It is more budget-friendly and comes with its own carry bag that is more packable than the Pendleton.