Wool Blanket

[johnnytheboy]

Some help knowledgeable people please, I known to take a sleep in the van from time to time (young kids) if I’m out and about, I was looking for a wool blanket to keep in the van for this reason and part of a 24 hour bug out kit.

I guess you only buy one wool blanket in your life so I don’t want to get it wrong, what do you folks recommend?

Thanks in advance

John

 

[Woody girl]

I've bought 3 blankets from charity shops, one is a Witney, that I often use on its own, doubled over. Its realy warm, and I love it. The other two are merino /wool mix. Currently in a storage bag, so can't give details atm. I don't think you can go far wrong with a traditional Witney blanket.
I love my wool duvet. That could be an option as I think they are even warmer. Baavat or Woolroom do them and also at least one of these firms does blankets too. I forget which. Worth a look perhaps.
New Wool blankets cost a small fortune, but should be a lifetime investment if looked after. My charity shop buys were £6.50 each, so I've only spent about £20 for 3 good blankets.

 

[Tengu]

Wool blankets these days can be expensive.

Merino is soft and warm.

Ask your charity shops.

 

[johnnytheboy]

I've bought 3 blankets from charity shops, one is a Witney, that I often use on its own, doubled over. Its realy warm, and I love it. The other two are merino /wool mix. Currently in a storage bag, so can't give details atm. I don't think you can go far wrong with a traditional Witney blanket.
I love my wool duvet. That could be an option as I think they are even warmer. Baavat or Woolroom do them and also at least one of these firms does blankets too. I forget which. Worth a look perhaps.
New Wool blankets cost a small fortune, but should be a lifetime investment if looked after. My charity shop buys were £6.50 each, so I've only spent about £20 for 3 good blankets.

Thank you for this, I do have a wool duvet funnily and love it but it’s really for a quick 40 winks rather than camping out and packable in a 24 hour bug out box, I think the Whitney is exactly what I’m after, thank you for this, I really appreciate it!

 

[Laurentius]

I have wool blankets from my childhood, Dutch blankets which were a thing back in the 60s and quite clearly last forever. These days though you should look for army surplus as even though you will be hard pressed to find 100% wool you will likely get something good enough.

 

[Barney Rubble]

I think you have a few good options to consider. I can recommend the merino wool blankets sold by Outhaus. They're useful because they're relatively compact and also a decent size (approx 160x240cm), ideal for when you want to wrap up. Reasonably expensive though at £60. Tough and dependable.

A cheaper alternative are the wool blankets made here in the UK by Tweedmill, you can pick them up in a variety of sizes, colours and types of wool (merino or lambswool). Available from Amazon and other outlets as well as the National Trust store. I have a small (120x150cm) recycled wool picnic blanket from them which I have used as a liner to boost the warmth in my sleeping bag.

Surplus products are good and probably your chepest bet. British army blankets are thin but good. The eastern European blankets are very thick and consequently very bulky.

Witney blankets are the creme de la creme of wool blankets. Unfortunately, unless you're lucky enough to pick one up in a charity shop, they cost an absolute fortune!

 

[Toddy]

I have 'household' woollen blankets that are beautiful and warm, but they're very 'clean', very pale coloured, easily stained (Himself spilled coffee....) and I wouldn't recommend unless you really don't mind grubbiness in short order if used outdoors or in a van.

I also have an utterly superb Dutch army blanket it's thick, it's really warm, it dark green and it has had a lot of use and still looks pretty new

You might contact Kev at Endicott's and ask what he has available ? It'll probably say out of stock on the website, but folks who know, know to phone and ask.

About Us | Endicotts Army Surplus l The Best Military Surplus

With more than 80 years experience as a family run business buying and selling army surplus and associated products, we have established a system for (almost!) getting it right. Working with trusted suppliers - some for over 50 years - we can typically include discounts of 5% to 25% (off RRP)...

www.endicotts.co.uk

 

[ijohnson]

I'm a big fan of these guys.

British-Made Wool Blankets | The British Blanket Co

Shop naturally cosy blankets made in the British Isles. Wool and cotton blankets, merino lambswool throws, luxury picnic rugs and baby blankets. Free UK delivery & returns.

thebritishblanketcompany.com

Not cheap but they have a wide variety of sizes, colours, weaves etc and it's supporting a British company.
We currently have 3 of their blankets and also 3 of their scarves. As the old saying goes, you'll love the quality long after the price is forgotten.