Wool blanket or sleeping bag, which one is better for a camping trip? Having a perfect trip means having the right gear. Thus we have a detailed comparison to help you make the right decision.
So, which one is better, wool blanket vs sleeping bag?
Well, if you ask me it really depends on your preference. There are concerns about comfort, safety, and insulation. Moreover, you need to consider the mobility, availability, and durability of these. Washing drying time is also a major factor. And you also have to take into account a very important feature, which is the cost.
Now, these are some of the determining factors that might help you choose. Plus there are more details on these down below. So, come take a tour of our comparison to find out!
Table of Contents
Wool Blanket Vs Sleeping Bag: Quick Comparison
To start off, here’s a preview of the features of sleeping bags and wool blankets. This might help you to understand all the details a little better.
| Feature | Wool Blanket | Sleeping Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Very comfortable, however, consider wool allergy | Comfortable as well |
| Safety | Protects from fire, and water | Protects from bugs. Might not be fire or water-resistant |
| Warmth | Natural warmth | Controlled temperature and down sleeping bag for natural warmth |
| Drying | Might take 12 to 24 hours or more | Take about 3 hours |
| Mobility | Lighter to carry | A little heavier comparatively |
| Durability | Lasts for a decade or more | Might last you about 3 to 10 years depending on the type |
| Availability | Available in different sizes | Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and C |
| Camouflage | Can be camouflaged | Possible in terms of vision |
| Toxicity | Not Toxic | Toxic to some extent |
| Cost | Comparatively affordable | More on the expensive side |
Now that we have an overall idea, let’s have a look at these in detail!
Wool Blanket Vs Sleeping Bag: Comparing Features
There are some significant differences between wool blankets and sleeping bags. Although they are used for the same purpose. And this variation might be something that’ll help you choose the right one for you.
Cost
Now the price will vary according to the quality of your blanket and bag.
For a good quality blanket, you might need to spend between $50-$300 or more. This might depend on whether it is made of pure wool or mixed fabric.
Here’re 3 of the wool blankets that are affordable without missing out on quality.
| Arcturus Buffalo Plaid Wool Blanket | EKTOS Wool Blanket | Woolly Mammoth Woolen Co. |
| – Comes with 550 GSM thickness -80% wool, washable | -Non scratchy and odor-free -100% wool, washable | -Water Resistance – Suitable for hikers, bushcrafters, hunters. |
| Grab it now | Grab it now | Grab it now |
Similarly, sleeping bags might range from $50-$200 for a 3 season one. While the synthetic ones are cheaper and around the price of $100. However, for a really good quality one, consider a price above $300!
You might get confused about which sleeping bag would be both affordable and durable. Here is our recommendation on that.
| TETON Sports Celsius XXL Sleeping Bag | TETON Sports Fahrenheit Mammoth | Klymit KSB 30°F Double Two Person Sleeping Bag |
| – Unzips at both top and bottom – Double-layer construction | – Comes with cotton flannel lining – Double size | – Designed for a 3 season comfort – Removable Top |
| Order Now | Order Now | Order Now |
Diversity & Availability
When choosing a sleeping bag, you might notice the wide range of collections. There are season-based ones, which include summer and winter. There’re also some that include 3-season compatibility. Like the Oaskys Camping sleeping Bag.
Then there are shapes which include mummy, rectangular, semi-rectangular ones. Moreover, they are categorized by temperature ratings as well. And also has a variety of insulation types which are down and synthetic. A popular heavy insulated one is the Soulout 4 season sleeping bag.
However, when considered a wool blanket these are widely available. These too have variety when it comes to shape and material. Some are mixed with other fibers for motor durability.
Comfort
When choosing the right camping gear, we first think about our comfort. This basically helps us determine which are the absolute necessities. And which we can live without.
Now, not all of us can use a pure wool blanket. This is because wool material is considered to be an allergen. And thus it can make your eyes watery, skin irritated, and nose runny, etc.
Thus, in this case, you can opt for the sleeping bag. These come in a lot of varieties that you can choose one that meets your preference. Here’s a list of varieties of sleeping bags that we recommend.
- Both warm and cool weather-Bessport Sleeping Bag
- Cool weather- Coleman Brazos
- Hot weather- Coleman Sun Ridge
- Very Lightweight- TETON Sports LEEF
- Wearable+waterproof-Sportneer Sleeping Bag
Moreover, sleeping bags and camping pads are particularly great. Because it’ll protect you from grass poking through. And this will provide you with an added layer of insulation.
Warmth
This is another thing you need to consider along with safety and comfort. Besides depending on your area, this might be very important.
Heat Insulation
When It comes to insulation wool might not be the appropriate choice. This is due to the fact that the wool ones might not entirely be suitable for colder climates.
On the other hand, you can regulate the temperature of sleeping bags. These are the cold-rated ones. So, let’s see what the temperature rate of a sleeping bag is?
The temperature might range according to your season. To start off the 3 seasons one has a temperature range from 15℉ to 30℉. The summer one has a temperature of 30℉ and higher. While the winter ones are 15℉ and lower.
You can also find the ones with natural insulation.
Radiant Heat
Now the wool blanket will give you plenty of insulation. It can also give a strong enough protection against colder climates.
However, at times, the temperature might be too extreme for the blanket to handle. And that’s where temperature-rated sleeping bags come in.
Moreover, you can use a sleeping bag according to the weather outside. But wool can only be used only in colder areas.
Weight to warmth ratio
When it comes to weight and warmth ratio the wool takes the win. Wool can provide you with excellent thermal, insulation, and breathability. Besides, it’ll also keep you warm, when the weather is rainy outside.
However, when it comes down to measurement, sleeping bags are much better.
Let’s consider a 5-pound blanket, the temperature can be down to a minimum of 32℉. This is good enough insulation. But a sleeping bag of the same weight can bring the temperature down to -40℉.
Comparatively, the insulation will be the same with a 5-pound blanket or a 1-pound bag! Thus you can consider the weight to warmth ratio for the bag to be 1:32. whereas for a blanket’s ratio will be 1: 6.4.
Safety
Besides comfort, feeling safe in your mode of gear is also important. Therefore, before you buy one you must consider water and fire resistance. Also, you need to take into account how safe these are from bugs.
Now let’s start off with how water-resistive each one of these is.
Water Resistance
Your blanket or bag needs to keep the water out when it rains. So that you feel safe and protected through the night. Now if you’re considering buying a wool blanket, a question might pop into your mind.
Are wool blankets waterproof?
Yes, wool blankets are water-resistant. They can absorb about 30% of the moisture. Besides, the material also repels water and will keep it out. Moreover, to make it more waterproof, you can add a backing of ripstop nylon or oilcloth.
Now wool blankets keep the water out and keep you dry. But are sleeping bags waterproof?
No. Sadly, sleeping bags are not waterproof. And thus if you get them, or there is a thunderstorm outside, it’ll get wet. Therefore, if you’re going camping in a damp area, it’s best to go for the wool one!
However, some sleeping bags do offer water resistance to some limits. A popular one is the 3 season Sleeping bag.
Fire Resistance
When considering your mode of living in the woods, fire resistance is a vital feature. Because you don’t want to be stressed about the campfire catching fire while you sleep. So, you might wanna choose between Hexamine or Trioxane as they have less burn time!
Now whether we choose the sleeping bag or wool blanket, will depend on this. So, are sleeping bags flammable?
Technically yes! This is because most of these bags are flammable. This is because the fabric with what these are made of is combustible. And these are easy to ignite. Hence they can be dangerous.
Now you might be curious: are wool blankets fire-resistant or not?
Yes, they are! Wool is naturally flame-resistant because of its high nitrogen and water content. Thus they require comparatively higher levels of oxygen to burn.
And hence, you can sleep feeling very safe and at peace. Because it’ll take much more oxygen in your camping surroundings to burn your wool blanket. So you can enjoy your camping trip in bliss. And also sleep without worrying about this.
A quite popular fire-resistant wool blanket is Olive Drab Green.
Bug Protection
When you’re out in the woods, bugs can be a huge problem. You don’t want them crawling inside your safe haven. Moreover, they can spread viruses, and some might even cause skin irritation. And so you need to get rid of bugs during camping!
So, can bed bugs get through sleeping bags?
Nope! There’s no chance for these bugs to get in your bag. This is because these bags have a toggle that secures them tightly. Plus, there aren’t any folds for the bugs to hide. So there’s nothing for you to worry about.
Now let’s bed bug proof sleeping bag. First, start by washing your bag. You can use a regular laundry detergent, and wash it in your washing machine. After that, dry it for 20 minutes at the highest settings. And voila a bug-free bag!
Now, can bed bugs live in blankets as well?
Bed bugs can sometimes attract bugs that might bite you. So, this blanket might not be too suitable when considering areas with many insects. And you might be better off using a sleeping bag!
To get rid of these bugs, you can use Permethrin 10. But you need to mix Permethrin 10 in a certain way. Place the blanket in the dryer. At 118 degrees Fahrenheit, leave it there for 90 minutes. There you go, no more bugs.
Mobility
The sleeping bags are pretty much compact and lightweight. These bags won’t weigh more than 3 pounds. And due to their weight to warmth ratio, they work the best for much less weight. An extra lightweight sleeping bag is the TETON Sports LEEF
So, are there any lightweight wool blanket camping editions?
A lightweight blanket might weigh about 4-5 pounds. And some may even weigh about 6 pounds. There are a few good ones which are about 3 pounds. But as we can see that these are moderately heavier than the sleeping bags.
Durability
A down sleeping bag might last you a good 10-15 years depending on your care. While the synthetic ones might last about 4 years.
Now the wool blankets are the most durable. They can last for more than a decade. Moreover, these materials are able to bend over 20,000 times without splintering. Hence making them the most reliable and durable ones here.
And if you do end up with splinters, sew it in with thread and needle. Or you can use a piece of wool to repair it.
However, in the case of sleeping bags, you might need duct tapes. Or the gear aid tapes and seal the ripped or affected area temporarily.
Gear aid tapes are a must-have when you go camping. So you can grab some from these recommended ones down below!
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
GEAR AID Nylon Repair Tape | Check Price |
 |
GEAR AID Tenacious Tape Mini Patches | Check Price |
Comparatively, the sleeping bag might be easier to repair if you have this tape.
Drying & Washing
Now when it comes to cleaning- both of these are washable by machine or hand. For instance, Pendleton wool blanket is an eco friendly washable product.
To clean a sleeping bag, you just need to put it on your machine on a gentle cycle. Use warm water and mild detergent for the full wash. Now, once complete you can set it out on the line to dry. Or you can place it in the dryer on low settings.
Now, how long do sleeping bags take to dry normally or in a dryer?
Well if you consider using a dryer, this might speed up the process. It’ll take only about an hour to dry. However, if you want to air dry it, it can take about 3 hours or more depending on its size.
To clean a wool blanket, you need to follow a few simple steps
- First, soak it in cold water for 15 minutes.
- Take a wool-friendly detergent and in the delicate mode run the machine for 2-minutes.
- After that, switch to the rinse cycle option and let it run.
- Use the dryer to dry it.
Follow the instructions on the tag that is placed on your wool. Use the correct temperature to finish the process.
Now the air-drying process might take a little longer than that. At times, it’s recommended to leave it for more than 12 hours for the wool to fully dry. The thick wool blanket might take more than a day to dry.
Therefore, in comparison, a sleeping bag might be less hassle. Especially when you’re in the wild and you’ve accidentally soaked your bag in the water.
Camouflage
When it comes to camouflaging the wool blanket is the best here. No matter how well your sleeping bags might be, these might make more sound. This may be due to the type of materials used on them. Hence, when you’re out in the woods, these noises might attract animals.
The wool blankets, on the other hand, might make a lesser sound. And you can find a wide variety to find the one that best fits your surroundings.
In terms of vision, both of these can be disguised pretty well. The only difference is in terms of sound.
Toxicity
Your camping gears might have toxic chemicals on them. Because research shows that these gears are potential health and environmental risk. So you might be wondering, are sleeping bags toxic?
Yes, these too contain these harmful chemicals called poly- and perfluorinated compounds. And these have high-risk factors and can cause irreversible environmental damage. Besides at times, it might irritate your skin, or even cause reactions.
Therefore, when considering one you should go for the wool. Because they are rarely treated with chemicals if you use the pure ones. Moreover, the chemicals on the mixed blankets are comparatively better than the sleeping bag ones.
Wool Blanket Vs Sleeping Bag: Which One Should You Go For?
Now for the final verdict, the decision might depend on your camping area. Also, it’ll depend on the weather of the place you’re in.
For example, consider an area beside the waterfalls, or in a damp jungle. It might be best to go with the wool one. This will help you stay warm throughout the night. And protect you even through the rain.
However, if you’re in a place where there is scorching heat, take the sleeping bag. This is because you can control the temperature and help you keep cool.
In my opinion, it’s best to go with a wool blanket. This is because the pros of using a wool blanket outweigh the cons a lot.
Moreover, when compared to the features of the sleeping bag, this is the winner for me.
The size of the tarp also helps to choose your mode of living. This is because according to this, you can choose between the bag or blanket.
In Case You Couldn’t Pick A Side
There’s an added option for you to carry the bags and the blanket together. Although this might weigh more in comparison. However, in a life of restiveness, it’ll become much more reliable.
Suggestion 1: Use A Sleeping Bag As Blanket
For this, you can open up the sleeping bag and basically use it as a blanket. This will protect you from bugs. And might even keep you at a controlled temperature.
Suggestion 2: Use A Wool Blanket Over Sleeping Bag
This will give you an added layer of insulation. And keep you warm in colder weather. You can open it up to fully utilize it as a blanket.
Suggestion 3:Use a Wool Blanket Inside Sleeping Bag
For a cozier sleep, you can use it as backing inside. You’ll get better insulation this way. And will also protect you in case the bag gets damp or wet.
Suggestion 4: Use Wool Blanket Under Sleeping Bag
This will prevent the dampness from the ground from leaking into your sleeping bag. Hence keeping you dry throughout the night.
Well, this is basically it! You can weigh these features and come to a decision.
FAQs
Question: How often should I wash my wool blanket?
You should wash your wool blanket every 3 months. These blankets are pretty easy to clean. Also, keep in mind to read the instruction manual for a guide as you clean.
Question: What is the best way to store a wool blanket?
For this, you need to use a breathable container, preferably, a cotton bag. Then fold it neatly and store it in a dark, dry place. Before storing your blanket, be sure to clean it first.
Question: How do you store a camping sleeping bag?
To store your bag, you first need to clean it. Wash it and dry it thoroughly. Then take a cotton or mesh sack and store it. Keep it in a cool and dry place.
End Note
Let us know if you have any queries about wool blanket vs sleeping bag. You can basically go with that one you prefer after weighing in all the features.
Now an added tip onto storing them properly. Always place mothballs in with your bag or blanket. Because even in cold, dark places there might be insects harming your items.
Wish you a very happy day ahead, goodbye!
