Holiday Gift Guide: Blankets and Quilts

Whether enrobed in warmth around the fireplace, tucked into a hand-hewn cabin or watching Red Bull stunts on the couch at home, there’s good reason to wrap up gift-giving in a premium blanket or quilt. And even to look ahead to warmer climes and breaking free for a sun-bleached picnic. No matter, Active Junky’s got you covered.

Thermarest Vela HD Double Quilt: This is your life

Thermarest Vela HD Double Quilt

Why does adventure, by default, mean a struggle to relax and go deep in sleep? Vela HD ignores bleary-eyed assumptions about sleeping at campground or hike-in site with 650-fill, hydrophobic down pumped into an intelligent quilt pattern. As important, perhaps, are the side baffles that combine with an elasticized footbox to secure without strapping the sleeper(s) in. Better design brings the Double Quilt to the 35 to 45-degree zone, plenty for most fall through spring cabin and RV scenarios. And at home? Sub it in for a beat-up bed quilt and pull it into the guest or media room, day or night. Using Thermarest’s loop attachment system, Vela HD Quilt connects with inflatable camping mattresses even as it tucks in nicely with other brands as well.  

Best For: Promoted for its front-country mettle, Active Junky finds more reasons and occasions to pop the Therm-a-Rest Quilt out and send the shivers packing 

Woolrich Appalachian Trail Wool Blanket: Miles of smiles

Woolrich Appalachian Trail Wool Blanket $176.63 - $181.30

Whether you’ve done it (all or in part) or dream it, the Appalachian Trail is a wander through some of the country’s best environments. Plus history in every gap, along every ridgeline and passage through more urban segments. Testers know the southern-most sections of the AT well, and this anytime 40” x 60” blanket turns 95% soft wool into 100%, end-to-end comfort (the other 5% is nylon). And the memories come back with every glance at the trail marker emblem that becomes a traveler’s solace in rain, shine or snow. Whip-stitched edges turn pioneer vibes into a more complete package ready to give in a zipped storage bag.

Best For: Those who celebrate, aspire to or simply appreciate the Trail

Pendleton Camp Blanket, Twin: History unfolds to enfold

Pendleton Camp Blanket, Twin

Active Junky’s been to one of Pendleton’s mills. This wool blanket is the authentic article, made in the United States. Featuring subtle-but-stunning pattern options, the Camp Blanket is the right thickness to use most of the year. The twin size is an easy choice at 66” x 84” to fit one generously or two when snuggling is the program. Mixing 86% virgin wool with 14% cotton, the weaving wizards at Pendleton created a blanket that drapes easily, never feels stiff and endures heavy use. A favorite here is the Hemich Stripe pattern, but every color combination is a guaranteed winner this winter and well beyond.

Best For: Everyday bed or couch use, weekend and cabin travel

Alite Meadow Mat, Large: Beauty below

Alite Meadow Mat, Large Starting at: $45.81

Meadow Mat stakes a claim to laying down the law (of fun and protection) to replace more precious blankets with pure durability. With a rated capacity (kidding here, sort of) of eight bodies and a large Thermos of sangria, this 84” x 55” spread takes parks, campgrounds and festivals by storm. And handles windy incoming weather with stakeable corner loops. Active Junky appreciates the well-secured straps and handles that simplify handling, roll-up and storage as this one belongs ever-ready in the trunk. Waterproof but still washable, Meadow Mat braves dirt, beach sand and yes, even meadow grasses, to go where you belong. A tremendous value for the outdoor life.

Best For: Year-round utility, special gatherings and spontaneous star-gazing

Rumpl Jeremy Collins Super Fleece Blanket, Queen: Snooze with the views

As if the plush, sleep-inducing properties of the Rumpl Super Fleece Blanket weren’t enough, Jeremy Collin’s expansive artwork tucks into this limited-edition design. Know that this serious coverage unites a DWR knit top and anti-microbial fleece bottom. Rather than floating above the napper (who will fight their way out of this luxury), Rumpl lands enough weight to keep the blanket in position through long winter nights. Not limited to extreme cold, a light sheet underneath makes this a transitional blanket for bed, campground, pop-trailer or tiny house. If none apply, throw it on the sofa back to become Playoff Central for favorite sports and X Games replays.

Best For: Year-round use at home or on road trips with cabins an ideal setting

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