Stay warm wherever you go with these travel-sized options.
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A portable heated blanket is one of the best ways to ward off that winter chill, whether you’re traveling to a top American ski resort or planning a snow-dusted European city break. Travel-friendly versions are lighter and more compact than their standard-sized siblings — look for throw or twin blankets rather than those meant for queen or king beds.
Choose car-charger-compatible models if you’re embarking on a winter road trip or battery-powered ones if you’ll be outside for sporting events and camping adventures. Hard-wearing fabrics, the ability to throw the blanket in the washing machine, and a protective carry bag are also recommended for withstanding the rigors of life on the road.
With multiple heat settings and the ability to run off battery or outlet power, this is a versatile blanket for every occasion.
At over 5 pounds, it isn’t the lightest option on this list and is probably better suited to car travel than air travel.
Made from durable recycled polyester, the Gobi Heat Zen Portable Heated Blanket is water resistant and more than capable of standing up to life on the go, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or heading to the beach. It can be plugged into the wall for unlimited power when you’re relaxing in your vacation rental but also runs off battery for on-the-go adventures. You can choose between three heat settings ranging from 116 to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. On the lowest setting the battery can last up to 10 hours; on the highest, it can last up to six hours. An LED indicator shows the battery level so you’re never left without power unexpectedly.
The battery recharges fully via USB cable in approximately four to five hours. The blanket uses three heat zones and conductive thread technology to disperse warmth evenly throughout, while the fleecy polyester top layer is wonderfully soft. If it gets dirty, detach the battery and throw it in the washing machine. The fact that the battery can be detached also means you can swap it out for a backup if you’re planning a multi-day trip and want to extend the blanket’s runtime. Choose from a range of colors including pine (green), mist (gray), and stream (blue), and enjoy the peace of mind offered by a one-year warranty.
The Details: 70 x 50 inches | Recycled polyester | Max temperature: 136 degrees Fahrenheit | 3 temperature settings | Battery and mains powered | Up to 10 hours runtime
Ten temperature settings and a cozy foot pocket ensure just the right amount of evenly distributed heat.
This blanket does not have battery backup and is therefore only suitable for travelers with access to power outlets.
Retailing for roughly a sixth of the price of our overall winner yet packed with convenient features, the Hiundee Heated Blanket is our top budget pick. It features warm, cozy flannel on both sides and folds down small enough to fit in your suitcase without taking up too much precious space. It does require mains power, though, so make sure you’ve got access to plug sockets and the correct adapter for your destination.
The blanket offers 10 temperature settings ranging from 59 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit and reaches maximum heat in approximately five minutes. We particularly love the integrated foot pocket. Other key features include the ability to set a timer so that the blanket switches off after one, two, four, six, or eight hours; and the fact that it switches off after eight hours regardless to save energy and prevent overheating. It’s machine washable and available in beige, blue, or gray.
The Details: 62 x 50 inches | Flannel, non-woven fabric | Max temperature: 131 degrees Fahrenheit | 10 temperature settings | Mains powered
The hoodie style affords complete freedom of movement and up to 10 hours of heat.
The hem is calf length, which means you won’t have full body coverage unless you’re sitting down with your legs tucked beneath you.
If you love the idea of a heated blanket but don’t want to sit still to enjoy it, the Venustas Heated Wearable Blanket Hoodie is for you. Made from soft polyester with a cozy Sherpa fleece lining, it uses a 7.4-volt battery pack to power heated panels on the chest and back. With your hands free, you can take photos, build campfires, cheer on your favorite team, and then tuck your legs up into the oversized hoodie on the couch at the end of the day. The battery heats quickly and takes between four and five hours to charge.
Runtime is anywhere from three hours on the highest setting (130 degrees) to 10 hours on the lowest setting (95 degrees). You can also use the USB port to connect and charge your phone. The hoodie includes a compact carry bag, making it easy to pack into your trunk or suitcase. It’s machine washable and comes in a range of solid colors and fun prints from avocados to American-flag-wearing sloths.
The Details: Polyester, Sherpa fleece | 130 degrees | 3 temperature settings | Battery powered | Up to 10 hours runtime
This patented, battery-powered blanket has a built-in surge protection and an automatic shutoff feature.
It has a shorter runtime than our best overall pick.
We think the Cozee Battery-powered Heated Blanket is a worthy investment. Its major selling point is tried-and-tested quality. It’s the only patented battery-powered heated blanket on the market, with built-in surge protection and the ability to shut off automatically should any components fail. And with a durable, weather-resistant exterior suitable for rain and snow, it’s a great fit for outdoor adventurers.
The blanket warms up in just five minutes and stays hot for approximately three hours. Choose one of three temperature settings, with the hottest reaching 108 degrees. Whichever you go for, the micro-plush velour lining feels great against the skin. The battery can be topped up using the included mains or car chargers (great for long-distance road trips). You can also use it to charge your phone. Finally, a sturdy carry case adds to this blanket’s travel chops.
The Details: 60 x 60 inches | Polyester, micro-plush velour | Max temperature: 108 degrees | 3 temperature settings | Battery powered | Up to three hours of runtime
With the ability to run off a power bank or any device with a USB port, this heated blanket offers unparalleled versatility.
It takes a relatively long time (up to 15 minutes) to reach maximum temperature.
With an included 5-volt power bank and the ability to charge via the USB port on your laptop, car dashboard, or wall adaptor, the Ourea USB Heated Blanket raises the bar in terms of portability. It’s just as suitable for outdoor use as it is for lounging inside, too, with a DWR-coated polyester taffeta outer layer that’s both wind and water resistant. Want to keep your hands free? Use the magnetic buckle to convert the blanket into a cape. Need to secure it in high winds? Handy corner loops enable you to stake it to the ground.
The blanket offers four heating zones and three heat settings, with a maximum temperature of 149 degrees. It’s also eminently packable, with a zippered pocket for securing the power bank and any charging cables. You can fold the blanket into this pocket for easy storage and transport, too, and even use it as a pillow on your next road trip or long-haul flight. Choose yours in gray or green; both are machine washable and dryer friendly.
The Details: 60 x 50 inches | Polyester taffeta, fleece | Max temperature: 149 degrees | 3 temperature settings | USB powered
With a weather-resistant nylon shell and non-fuzzy fabric that repels dirt and other debris, this blanket is made for outdoor living.
The maximum temperature isn’t specified in the product description, so you shouldn't rely on it for extreme cold.
Portability and durability are priorities when choosing a heated blanket for your next camping trip, and this one from Dalos Dream delivers on both fronts. It’s battery powered, providing up to six hours of cordless heat. And, with a USB charger that can easily be plugged into a power bank or car dashboard, it’s easy to recharge on the go. You can even use it to juice up your phone if you’re stranded without power in the wilderness.
The 20-denier ripstop nylon shell is built to withstand the hardships of life outdoors. It also features a durable water repellent finish that makes the blanket virtually impervious to wind and rain. And although the material isn’t as cozy as that of a traditional heated blanket, the fact that it’s less fuzzy means it won’t attract every piece of leaf litter in the campground. The blanket offers five temperature settings and five shutdown timer settings and can be folded compactly into an integrated pocket.
The Details: 60 x 40 inches | Ripstop nylon, polyester | 5 temperature settings | Battery powered | Up to six-hour runtime
This car-charger-compatible blanket is ideally sized for use in the car, with an extra-long cable that reaches to the back seat.
It takes quite a while to fully warm up.
If you’re traveling by car this winter and worried about keeping warm en route, the Magiona Heated Car Blanket could be your new best friend. The top layer is made of thick flannel, while the lining is cozy Sherpa fleece. It’s purpose-built for car rides, too, with just enough coverage to ensure your lap and legs stay warm without dragging too much on the floor. It’s powered via a 12-volt charger that plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
The charger features a 6-foot long cable so that the blanket can stretch comfortably to the back seat. Worried about the kids spilling their snacks and drinks on it? Don’t be. As long as you remove the charging cable, the blanket is fully machine washable and dryer safe. It offers three heat settings from 82 to 126 degrees and takes roughly 10 minutes to heat up. If you want to maximize its usage, you can even purchase a separate AC/DC converter and plug it in at home.
The Details: 55 x 40 inches | Flannel, Sherpa fleece | Max temperature: 126 degrees | 3 temperature settings | Car charger powered
This blanket combines touch-controlled heating with the ability to pack away into a compact carry case.
The slimline battery is not the most powerful on this list, offering just 4.5 hours of heat on the lowest setting.
When packing a suitcase for your winter vacation, space is at a premium. Make the most of yours with the ActionHeat 7V Heated Throw Blanket, which uses proprietary ActionFlex fabric to deliver just the right blend of performance and lightweight packability. This is the smallest blanket on our list at 55 x 31.5 inches. But while it won’t provide full-body coverage, it does offer plenty of warmth when wrapped around the shoulders or draped over the knees.
It uses a 7-volt battery to power three heating zones. Use the touch-button controls to select one of three temperature settings from 102 to 135 degrees, with the lowest offering up to 4.5 hours of battery life. You’ll know when your battery is due for a recharge thanks to the blanket’s LED power level indicators. When not in use, the blanket folds and rolls into a compact, cylindrical carry case that’s just the right shape for slotting into your suitcase or backpack. It’s machine washable and available in practical black or gray.
The Details: 55 x 31.5 inches | ActionFlex fabric, synthetic fill insulation | Max temperature: 135 degrees | 3 temperature settings | Battery powered | Up to 4.5 hours runtime
This blanket combines high-end faux fur with Sherpa fleece to provide unbelievable softness at a surprisingly reasonable price point.
You’ll need access to mains power to use this blanket on your travels.
The PureRadiance Heated Throw Blanket from Pure Enrichment is a designer product with an ultra-soft faux fur top layer, a Sherpa fleece lining, and embossed stitching. Yet despite its luxury ski chalet aesthetic, it’s not the most expensive option on this list by a long shot. It requires mains power, but it’s neither too heavy nor too large to realistically pack in your checked luggage. It even comes with a premium storage bag to keep it looking brand new for longer.
It heats up quickly and offers six heat settings from 90 to 105 degrees. Shifting between them is easy using the blanket’s palm-sized, detachable LED controller. A two-hour automatic shut-off feature helps to prevent overheating and conserve energy so that you can drift off without a care in the world when relaxing fireside after a long day on the slopes. Finally, the blanket is machine washable and protected by a five-year warranty.
The Details: 60 x 50 inches | Faux fur, Sherpa fleece | Max temperature: 105 degrees | 6 temperature settings | Mains powered
How and where you plan on traveling and your preferred activities will dictate which kind of power source you should choose. If you’ll be using your heated blanket to stay warm on chilly nights in your vacation rental or hotel room and will always have access to mains power, then a model with a wall plug makes the most sense. Just choose one with a generous cable and make sure you have the correct travel adapters and/or converters if you’re headed overseas.
If you want to use your heated blanket outside (to stay warm in the tailgating lot or on a camping trip), a battery-operated model is a better choice. Look for one with a decent battery life, an LED battery level indicator, and the ability to recharge via your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port. Detachable batteries are ideal, because this feature allows you to connect a backup battery if you’re out for an extended period of time without the ability to recharge.
Many heated blankets work beautifully in your own home but are too large or bulky to be a practical travel companion. To save precious suitcase space, either look for models that are specifically labeled as portable and designed for lightweight compactness or opt for a throw-sized version of a standard blanket. A drawstring carry bag or one with cinchable straps also helps to keep your blanket compact. Of course, size will be less of a concern if you’re driving to your destination than if you’re trying to remain within an airline luggage allowance.
Different heated blanket models vary in terms of minimum and maximum temperature. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s description carefully to confirm that whichever one you buy is sufficient for your intended purpose. The ability to choose from a range of heat settings is a valuable feature that increases the blanket’s versatility.
We also love the ability to choose from a range of time periods after which the blanket automatically shuts off. This helps to prevent overheating and also avoids excess energy consumption. Finally, consider how many heating zones your blanket has and how well they distribute warmth across its full length and breadth to keep your extremities toasty.
Although you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific blanket, most modern heated blankets are now machine washable. Make sure to detach the controller and any cords and to remove the battery if your blanket is battery powered. Then, use mild detergent to wash the blanket on a delicate cycle that uses cool or warm water. Shorter cycles are best, since they limit the amount of water and heat the blanket is exposed to. Some models are tumble-dryer safe on a cool setting, while others will need to be line dried.
Heated blankets that are 10 years old or more are responsible for the vast majority of electric blanket fires. Newer models should turn off automatically if they reach an unsafe temperature, or if any faulty components are detected. Check that yours has been tested and certified by a recognized agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If it has, it’s very unlikely to cause burns or start a fire.
Nevertheless, those with specific health concerns, including diabetes and poor circulation, should consult their doctor before using a heated blanket. Never use a heated blanket that has visible signs of wear and tear.
It’s generally advised not to leave a heated blanket on all night. Even if the likelihood of the blanket overheating to the extent that it causes a fire or burns is tiny if you’re using a newer model, there’s every chance that you could get too hot — affecting your comfort and quality of sleep. Instead, use the blanket to preheat the bed before you get in and then turn it off before you go to sleep, or use a blanket with a timer and set it to shut off automatically after an hour or two. This also helps to save battery life if you’re using a battery-powered model.
Although rules may vary from one airline to the next, TSA’s official verdict is that heated blankets are permitted in both your checked and your carry-on luggage. As for whether or not you can use your heated blanket on the plane, that depends on how it’s operated and the policy of the airline you’re flying with. In 2021, for example, American Airlines banned the use of heated blankets onboard because they said that they posed a fire risk when plugged into the airplane power source. It was not clarified whether the ruling applied to battery-powered blankets. If in doubt, call ahead and ask.
Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear for more than 10 years. Having recently emigrated from South Africa to Scotland, she has a new appreciation for the value of heated clothing and accessories. For this article, she conducted hours of product research. First she read reviews from trusted industry sources, then she chose her category winners by comparing the specifications, cost, and customer reviews of more than 20 different products. Priority was given to travel-sized blankets with battery or USB charging options.
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