Sackcloth & Ashes Wool Camping Blanket Review

Bottom Line

The Sackcloth and Ashes wool blanket was the comfiest we tested with its soft material and large size that provides ample coverage even for two people. 

Sackcloth and Ashes takes sustainability a step further by using only chemical-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free wool in their products. They also give back to local homeless shelters for every blanket that is purchased.

Compared to other “soft” blankets (e.g., wool or fleece), the Sackcloth and Ashes shed water and debris fairly well. While it did still soak up more moisture and cling to more debris than our puffy blankets, it surprised us with its durability and resistance to environmental conditions. With that being said, the material can easily snag on branches, twigs, and other abrasive elements.

Due to the lighter color schemes and the more vulnerable material, keeping the blanket clean outdoors can be trickier, as it can easily accumulate mud and dirt if not taken care of. Unfortunately, it does not come with its own carry case, making it not very packable due to its bulkier size and the concern of dirtying the material.

However, the Sackcloth and Ashes is still our top pick for staying cozy and a highly recommended blanket for chilly days at camp, on the road, lounging in a hammock or tent, or just enjoying the view.

To compare to other camping blanket favorites, link back to our main camping blanket gear guide.

How We Tested

In the field, we tested this blanket during the winter months in Northern California, most notably testing its packability and performance as a throw blanket at the beach and while lounging in a hammock on the trail. We got the blanket wet and dirty to compare its water resistance and ability to shed debris.

More than field testing, 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 Sackcloth and Ashes was our top pick for a wool camping blanket, made of tightly-woven durable wool. When pouring water over the blanket, we were surprised by its water repellency and how the water naturally beaded on the material. Although it didn’t stay as dry as the synthetic blankets in our test, it performed better than the other wool and fleece blankets we reviewed. 

While it exceeded our expectations in regards to water resistance, it would not uphold well if exposed to a significantly wet, muddy or moist environment over an extended period of time. Due to the light colored material, it shows dirt quickly and mud can take some work to remove. However, it is also machine washable which increases the ease of cleaning.

When pouring debris over the blanket during our shake test, we found that, while it still clung to some debris, it still performed better than other wool and fleece blankets we tested. When pulling out twigs and other more abrasive debris from the material, it didn’t snag or pull any loose threads, further indicating the high quality of this blanket.

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 Sackcloth and Ashes blanket lost 10.4 degrees. Although not the warmest blanket in our test, it was still warmer than the other wool blanket (Pendleton Yakima Camp). 

Due to its soft and cozy feel and its large coverage, the Sackcloth and Ashes felt incredibly warm when burritoed inside it when laying in a hammock or thrown over the shoulders enjoying the sunset view on the beach.

Size to Packability

At 72” x 60,” the Sackcloth and Ashes provided generous coverage for one person, yet could still be shared with a second. However, when folded, it was quite bulky and not very packable. Although not the bulkiest in our test, we still would not recommend taking the Sackcloth and Ashes for long hikes, treks, or outdoor excursions. It is more difficult to pack and does not come with its own carry case or a protective covering. However, it would be ideal for casual outings, road trips, car camping, or use in a hammock where it can stay clean off the ground. 

At 3 pounds, it wasn’t the heaviest blanket we reviewed, but still came in at a heftier weight for its coverage. Overall, the Sackcloth and Ashes doesn’t have the best coverage to packability ratio, but its comfort and durability as a softer blanket, still makes it our top pick for a wool throw blanket.

Comfort

This blanket was, hands down, the most comfortable and coziest blanket in our review.

With its soft, dye-free, cruelty-free, and chemical-free wool, Sackcloth and Ashes is an ideal pick for those sensitive to environmental allergies or synthetic chemicals. The fabric was truly soft to the touch, the softest of all the blanket materials we experimented with. Wool has a stereotype of being scratchy, yet the Sackcloth and Ashes proved this generalization wrong.

Also made from a combination of polyester and wool, it provides better insulation than the other wool blankets that blend cotton into their wool fibers. Polyester is known to retain more warmth and insulation than cotton fibers.

Although thinner than other blankets in our test, the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket still retains heat, provides extra comfort with its heavier protection and weight, and resists wind chill from going through the fabric.

Features

While the Sackcloth and Ashes blanket ranks well in other categories, it does lack competitive features for those looking for a multi-functional blanket. It did not come with an included carry case and doesn’t offer the versatility of being worn hands-free.

However, Sackcloth and Ashes is an eco-friendly option that tries to care for the environment, which is admirable in the manufacturing world. With every blanket that is purchased, they give back to the local homeless shelter of the delivery address. They value making a local impact and strive to reduce their footprint through the entire process of making their blankets.

Should You Buy the Sackcloth & Ashes Camping Blanket?

As our top pick for a wool camping blanket, the Sackcloth and Ashes is ideal for those looking for a comfy option to snuggle and stay warm while on a casual outing or enjoying the view. It is best used when kept off and away from dirt and excessive water exposure, such as in a hammock, inside a tent, or wrapped around shoulders.

For those looking for warmth while trekking long distances or going through rain and mud, we recommend you check out the synthetic blanket options in our gear guide. Due to its negligible packability and lack of comparable durability to puffy blankets, wool blankets are not the best for hardcore adventurers on the trail.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

Similarly soft and cozy to the Sackcloth and Ashes, we suggest you also check out our other favorite blankets from our guide to the best camping blankets.

Pendleton Yakima Camp Review: Also a wool blanket, the Pendleton Yakima Camp ranks similarly to the Sackcloth and Ashes. However, it is more expensive, slightly less warm and durable, has more of that scratchier wool feel, and traps more odors. Unlike the Sackcloth and Ashes, this blanket comes in multiple size options.

Oceas Sherpa Fleece Review: The Oceas Sherpa Fleece has a soft fleece lining reminiscent of the soft feel of the Sackcloth and Ashes wool. It also has 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.