Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket Review

Bottom Line

As the lightest blanket and most packable in our test, the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket is an ideal go-to if you’re short on space or anticipating a long trek to your campsite. Like all of Rumpl’s blankets, the NanoLoft comes in diverse color schemes that make for a vibrant and cheerful addition to your camping gear.

The included stuff sack helps store the blanket, though it is a bit tricky to use on your own due to the tight opening of the bag. However, with patience and practice, it gets easier to maneuver. 

Rumpl also includes a “cape-clip” on the NanoLoft so that the blanket can be worn hands-free. We prefer this clip design compared to the one on the Rumpl Original, as it literally just clips together, making it efficient and simple – especially with cold fingers.

The NanoLoft performed similarly compared to other puffy blankets in our water and debris tests. The main difference we noted was in quality. We did notice that the material felt thinner and experienced some fraying on one of the seams after little use; however, it did not affect the performance of the blanket and could easily be trimmed.

While the NanoLoft performed decently in our warmth test, we lowered its warmth rating due to its lack of coverage for an adult. As a smaller blanket, it does not fully wrap around an adult body when using the cape clip or even just pulling it over our shoulders. It would offer more warmth for a more petite frame, child, or young adult. However, it would also work well as a throw blanket. Overall, the Rumpl NanoLoft Blanket is an excellent choice for a lightweight and packable blanket when you’re on the move. 

For more top camping blanket picks, you can link back to our main camping blankets gear guide.

How We Tested

The NanoLoft traveled with us along the chilly Northern CA coastline. We tested how much of a “wet blanket” this little wonder could possibly be by pouring water on it, laying it on wet ground and using it in places where lots of debris could rough it up.

Back in the frontcountry, we completed a standardized warmth test where we wrapped the blanket around a heated hot sock for 30 min to track the loss of heat over time and rank its insulating properties. 

Durability

The Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket is a durable and quality option that excels at handling various environmental conditions. However, after little use, we did start to notice some minor wear in the fabric where loose threads were starting to fray. The Rumpl NanoLoft appeared to be of a slightly lower quality than the Rumpl Original, though still a great value.

After covering the blanket in a cup of debris for our shake test to determine the rate of debris cling to the fabric, we found that it shed sand and dirt easily without sticking to the material. However, when the blanket did get dirty, it was easy to clean without staining – while also being durable enough to be machine washable.

Further, after pouring water over the blanket, we noticed that the moisture beaded off easily with its DWR finish. However, with significant water exposure, moisture did start to absorb into the fabric.

Warmth

The Rumpl NanoLoft is one of the warmer blankets from our “hot sock” test. However, from testing it in the field, we reduced its warmth ranking due to its lack of coverage for an average-sized adult. For youth, it would provide much more warmth and comfort due to the smaller blanket dimensions.

 Aside from subjectively determining its relative warmth in cold outdoor environments, we completed a standardized and controlled test, where we wrapped each 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 Rumpl NanoLoft only lost 4.5 degrees, showing its similar insulating properties as the Rumpl Original which read just slightly warmer.

However, when out on chilly morning winter hikes in the shade of the forest, we couldn’t fully wrap the Rumpl NanLoft around our bodies due to its small dimensions, causing us to lose much of the insulating properties of the blanket.

Size to Packability

By far, the Rumpl NanoLoft is the smallest blanket in our gear guide, measuring 52” x 38” at full size. This is about 20” smaller all-around than other blankets we reviewed. We were disappointed about the coverage this blanket provided; when wearing the blanket with the cape clip, it couldn’t even wrap around our shoulders. However, for youth or more petite adults, this blanket may offer better coverage and warmth. Rather than wrapping it around our shoulders, it did provide better comfort when used as a throw over our legs.

However, the Rumpl NanoLoft stands out with its excellent packability and light weight – it is the most packable and lightest blanket that we reviewed. When packed away, it measures only 3.5” x 11” in its carry bag. While the carry bag is convenient, it is difficult to use when stuffing the blanket away by yourself. The reinforced thick band at the top of the bag has to be held open while also trying to slip the rolled-up blanket into the stuff sack. Also weighing just under a pound, this blanket is excellent for carrying on longer treks and enjoying the view.

Comfort

The Rumpl NanoLoft is made of a similar soft polyester material as other synthetic puffy blankets in our test. Although it isn’t as soft as fleece or wool, it still feels smooth and plush to the touch. However, it does feel slightly thinner than the Rumpl Original blanket, though just comfy against exposed skin. The material was quiet when moving, not making any crinkly noises like some synthetic or waterproof fabrics.

However, we gave the Rumpl NanoLoft a reduced comfort ranking due to its lack of coverage. The blanket doesn’t offer the same coziness since it is not large enough to fully wrap yourself inside of it. We found it to be more comfortable when thrown over our shoulders horizontally rather than vertically (where the cape clip was located), due to those wider dimensions that offer slightly more coverage.

Features

The first feature we notice with the Rumpl Original is the included stuff sack that comes with the blanket. It is made of a durable and stretchy synthetic material, which folds over and clasps together to create a carrying handle. As mentioned above, the carrying case is a bit difficult to stuff without help due to the tight opening of the bag. However, with a second set of hands, it is easy and efficient.

Rumpl also offers beautiful blanket colors and patterns to choose from. We tested the blanket in a multi-colored pattern that offers a vibrant and bold addition to our camping gear collection. 

In addition to being used as a throw blanket, the Rumpl NanoLoft comes with a cape clip which allows you to secure the blanket around your neck and be hands-free – perfect for walking or moving around camp. While we love the cape feature, we found that when in use, it didn’t provide enough coverage for adequate warmth and comfort. However, we did prefer the design of the cape clip on the NanoLoft over the plastic clasps on the Rumpl Original.

Lastly, Rumpl values sustainability and the Rumpl NanoLoft reflects this with its fabric made of 20 recycled plastic bottles. When choosing camping blankets (or any outdoor gear), we love to consider the environmental impact and where our money goes when making purchases in the outdoor industry.

Should You Buy the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket?

As the most packable and lightest blanket we tested, the Rumpl NanoLoft is our top pick for a blanket designed to take on the trail. It is an excellent value for those looking to save some space in exchange for extra warmth. We highly recommend this blanket for adventurous children and young adults, who will benefit more from the smaller size of the blanket.

However, if you are looking for a blanket with more coverage for an average-sized adult, we highly recommend that you review our gear guide for additional excellent picks that come in larger dimensions. For those searching for a ground blanket, we also suggest that you check out our gear guide further where we include our favorite ground mats for lounging at the river, beach, or grassy field.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Here are three other insulated camping blankets from our guide to the best camping blankets to consider: 

Horizon Hound Trek Review: The Horizon Hound Trek offers a budget-friendly price and similar packability for more warmth and coverage than the Rumpl NanoLoft. However, it does require more specific care and storage instructions due to its down insulation.

Rumpl Original Puffy Review: The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is much larger and bulkier, while slightly warmer and more durable than the Rumpl NanoLoft. They both come in the same style of carry bag with similar features; however, the Rumpl NanoLoft cape-clip is easier to use than the one on the Rumpl Original. 

REI Camp Blanket Review: Lastly, we suggest you take a peek at the REI Camp Blanket. It’s not as packable as the Rumpl NanoLoft, but it’s still easier to transport than the Rumpl Original. The REI Camp comes in a more user-friendly and packable stuff sack, yet lacks a cape-clip option.