If outdoor adventures and impromptu picnics are part of your lifestyle, the Kelty Bestie Blanket might just be the companion you didn’t know you needed. With Colorado’s rugged landscapes as its testing ground, this insulated throw has become a staple in our gear collection.
Its Cloudloft insulation offers a surprisingly high warmth to weight ratio that comes in handy when the temperatures drop. The dual-nature materials give you a water-resistant side for damp grass and a plush side for cozying up. We’ve found it indispensable for evenings by the campfire or as an added layer on chilly nights in the tent. If you’re looking for other camping blanket options, check out our best camping blankets article.
We appreciate how it’s easy to tote around with its included stuff sack—leave it in your car, and you’re prepared for any spontaneous outing. Though it may not boast the premium status of higher-end blankets, its value is undeniable for casual campers and beachgoers needing warmth and versatility without the extra bulk.
Bottom Line
The Kelty Bestie Blanket strikes a balance between functionality and affordability.
With its smart insulation and dual-sided design, we’ve deemed it a solid pick for anyone seeking reliable comfort outdoors.
Ready to make your outdoor lounging more enjoyable? Click here to purchase the Kelty Bestie Blanket and embrace the elements in comfort.
Overview of the Kelty Bestie Blanket
As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the value of a good blanket. The Bestie by Kelty has been our companion on a number of trips, enduring different weather conditions without a hitch. Its Cloudloft insulation really does provide considerable warmth considering its lightweight nature. It’s almost like having a slice of home comfort wherever we roam.
When the ground calls for a dry spot to sit, we’ve flipped the Bestie to its water-resistant side, keeping us and our gear from getting damp. The soft brushed fabric on the reverse makes for a snug wrap around our shoulders during chilly evenings. With its compact size and a stuff sack that it easily tucks into, we’ve found no trouble taking it along on every trip, stashing it in the car for impromptu use.
We’ve lounged and laughed around campfires, draped in the Bestie, which has proven to be more than adequate during cooler weather. However, if you’re looking for something to replace a heavy-duty sleeping bag, this might not be the best fit. But as a versatile and handy layer, it’s excellent.
The Bestie isn’t just for camping; we’ve found it equally useful during picnics, beachside reading sessions, or just cozying up at home. Despite being lightweight, it strikes a fine balance between warmth and portability. While the aesthetics of the two sides might cause some debate in the style department, the Bestie serves its functional purpose without any complaints from us.
High Warmth to Weight Ratio
When we’re out in the wild or simply chilling at home, the first thing we look for in a blanket is comfort without the bulk. The Kelty Bestie Blanket shines in this area. The Cloudloft insulation provides exceptional warmth, considering its light build, so you stay toasty without feeling laden down. Every adventurer values a piece of gear that punches above its weight, and that’s precisely what this blanket offers.
Our experiences with the Bestie Blanket during chilly evenings were a delight. It kept us warm whether we were stargazing in the backyard or needing an extra layer in our tents. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is a real asset—it meant we could pack it for trips without second-guessing the decision. What stood out was its portability; stuffing it into the included sack and tossing it into the car was a breeze.
However, it’s fair to say that if you’re facing extreme cold, the Bestie Blanket alone won’t be sufficient. It’s perfect for mild to cool temperatures, but for those harsher conditions, you’d need to layer up or opt for more substantial gear. But for the majority of outings and day-to-day use, it’s adept at keeping the cold at bay comfortably.
Versatile Usage
We often find ourselves in various outdoor situations where a cozy, reliable blanket would make all the difference. When we discovered the Bestie Blanket from Kelty, we were immediately impressed by its versatility. Whether we needed an insulating layer during a chilly evening around a campfire or a dry spot for a picnic, the Bestie Blanket has been more than up to the task.
Its Cloudloft insulation is surprisingly warm given how lightweight it is, making us feel comfortable without being burdened by bulkiness. The materials mimic those of a high-quality sleeping bag, with one side designed to resist the elements and the other providing a soft touch against the skin.
Convenience hasn’t been overlooked either. The blanket is easily packed into its included stuff sack, ensuring we’re always ready for an impromptu adventure. From keeping it in the car for unexpected stops to snuggling up in our living room on a rainy day, the Bestie Blanket has proven to be a do-it-all accessory that seamlessly fits into all aspects of our active lifestyle.
The fact that it’s machine washable is the cherry on top, saving us from the hassle of special cleaning routines after it’s been out in the great outdoors. We’ve found this blanket to be a practical companion for not just camping but nearly any activity that has us out and about.
Compact and Portable
We recently had the chance to use the Bestie Blanket on a weekend camping trip, and it really stood out for its compactness and portability. The blanket folds into a surprisingly small size, making it a breeze to pack without taking up much space. We appreciated that at only 1.5 pounds, carrying it around was no hassle at all—whether attached to a backpack or simply tucked under an arm.
What impressed us further was its versatility as a groundsheet. While some packable blankets can be too bulky or awkward to repurpose as a ground mat, the Bestie Blanket transitioned smoothly from a cozy cover-up to a picnic staple. However, we did notice that when fully spread out, the blanket provided just enough space for one, possibly limiting its function for larger groups.
Overall, its light weight and easy-to-manage size make the Bestie Blanket a smart pick for those who value convenience and are always on the move. It’s ideal for solo outdoor enthusiasts looking for a multi-functional gear that won’t weigh them down.
Design and Materials
In our hands, the Bestie Blanket feels both rugged and comfortable. It’s clear the brand has prioritized a balance between durability and comfort. The outer material is designed to resist the elements, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics. When flipped, the soft brushed fabric invites you to wrap yourself up for coziness whether indoors or out.
The Cloudloft insulation is impressive, as it doesn’t add bulk yet provides significant warmth. This quality makes the blanket a trusty companion for various outdoor conditions and easily stowable in the provided stuff sack. Its construction suggests thoughtful consideration of practical versatility without compromising on the ability to keep you warm.
Although primarily designed for casual use, the materials hint at a likeness to sleeping bags, which resonates with its intended use as a camping throw. In our experience, it repels moisture decently and has endured multiple machine washes without any significant wear, which speaks volumes about the materials chosen by Kelty. The construction quality is solid, ensuring longevity even with regular use in different environments.
Pros and Cons
After wrapping up with the Kelty Bestie Blanket during our latest outdoor escapade, we’ve gathered our thoughts on its performance. Despite a few hiccups, this blanket turned out to be a trusty companion for our chilly nights under the stars.
Pros
- Warmth: The Cloudloft insulation is the real deal – it provides significant warmth for its weight, which came in handy when the temperature dropped unexpectedly during our trip.
- Versatility: Whether used atop a sleeping bag for extra coziness or as a picnic ground sheet, this blanket adapts to a range of situations. At the beach or by the fireside, it served us well.
- Convenience: This blanket is easy to carry — it tucks away into its stuff sack without a struggle, making it a non-invasive addition to our gear.
- Durability: One side is built to endure the elements, giving us peace of mind when spreading it over damp grass or rocky terrain.
- Aesthetics: The design is slick – the blue side garnered compliments for its looks, even if opinions on style can be subjective.
Cons
- Texture: While the blue side looks great, it’s not as soft as we’d like, and comfort ought to be king with any blanket.
- Style: The orange side, though softer and more comfortable, might clash with more refined aesthetic sensibilities. It’s unfortunate when one has to choose between comfort and style.
- One Size Fits Most: It’s perfectly sized for an individual, but if you’re looking to share the warmth, you might find it a bit snug.
In summary, the Kelty Bestie Blanket strikes a fine balance between utility and comfort. It’s a solid choice for anyone in need of a lightweight, insulating layer that doesn’t take up too much space. Armed with both a protective and a plush side, it’s committed to keeping you cozy, though it may have you flip-flopping between its two faces to suit your style and texture preferences.
Customer Reviews
From our hands-on time with the Kelty Bestie Blanket, we’ve combed through the myriad of feedback to give you a snapshot of what users are saying. We found that the overwhelming majority of the 143 reviewers are beyond satisfied, awarding it an impressive 4.8-star rating.
Outdoors enthusiasts appreciate its versatility, noting how its lightweight yet warm nature comes in handy across a range of settings, be it tucked inside a sleeping bag for added coziness in chilly temperatures, or as a comfy layer during summer nights. Its compact design is repeatedly praised for being convenient to pack, a factor which seems to resonate strongly with the camping community.
One user found it particularly enjoyable when used by the fireside or during crisp mornings, highlighting its role in family camping trips. Another described the Kelty Bestie as offering unmatched value, especially when comparing its warmth to weight ratio against pricier options on the market.
Despite the high praise, opinions on its aesthetic attributes vary, with some users particularly fond of its look and feel, while others were less impressed with certain textures or color choices. However, these opinions seem more like personal preferences rather than deal-breakers, suggesting that the blanket’s functional benefits vastly outweigh any subjective design critiques. Overall, users consistently report that this blanket is indeed their ‘bestie’ in a variety of outdoor settings.
Conclusion
After ample time spent with the Bestie Blanket, we’ve come to appreciate its versatility. Whether it’s a chilly evening by the campfire or a relaxing afternoon at the beach, this Kelty throw has proven to be a reliable companion. Its ability to provide just the right amount of warmth in moderate temperatures was highly appreciated, staying cozy during those 30-50 degree nights outdoors. Its compactness is a boon for any camper looking to save space without sacrificing comfort.
That said, it’s important to note that the two-sided design may divide opinions. The blue side boasts a more stylish look, but it doesn’t feel as soft to the touch. Conversely, the orange side is softer, yet it has received some criticism for its visual appeal—reminding us that style is subjective.
In summary, the Bestie Blanket has met our expectations, making outdoor experiences more enjoyable without the bulk. Given its performance, we feel confident in saying that it stands its ground as a value option among more expensive competitors in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Kelty Bestie Blanket?
The Bestie Blanket boasts Cloudloft insulation, which offers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, making it a trusty companion for various outings. It’s crafted with sleeping bag materials; one side is designed to resist the elements, doubling as a picnic blanket, while the other provides a soft, brushed feel. Its size is ideal for lounging around or outdoor activities, and the inclusion of a stuff sack makes transportation a breeze.
How does the Kelty Bestie Blanket compare to the Rumpl blanket in terms of quality and comfort?
Based on our experience, the Bestie Blanket gives more costly options like the Rumpl a run for their money, especially when we consider value. It’s warm for its weight and packs down compactly. While the Rumpl might edge out slightly in material feel, the Bestie’s cozy side is soft and comfy. Overall, the quality and comfort are on par with higher-end alternatives, minus the steep price tag.
What is the temperature rating of the Kelty Bestie Blanket, and is it suitable for cold weather camping?
The Bestie has a “Comfort” temperature rating, with feedback suggesting it performs well within the 30-50 degree Fahrenheit range when combined with a sleeping bag. It’s suitable for adding that extra layer of warmth but may not suffice as the sole heat source on very cold nights. It’s a versatile addition to our camping gear, providing warmth without the bulk.
Can you provide instructions for the proper care and washing of the Kelty Bestie Blanket?
Certainly! Caring for the Bestie entails a simple approach: it’s machine washable for easy cleaning. We recommend washing with mild detergent in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low, and avoid bleach to keep the insulation fluffy and the fabric integrity intact. Regular care extends its life, ensuring it remains our faithful outdoor companion.
How does the Kelty Biggie Blanket differ from the Kelty Bestie Blanket in size and use?
The Biggie stands out as the larger sibling, providing more coverage and fitting more than one person, making it perfect for sharing during outdoor activities or as a cozy cover for couples. The Bestie, however, is tailored for individual use, easy to tote around, and ideal for solo adventurers who need a personal wrap for warmth.
What materials are used in the Kelty Bestie Blanket, and are they environmentally friendly?
The Bestie Blanket is made of a 75d Polyester Pongee and Taffeta paired with Cloudloft Synthetic Insulation. These materials are chosen for their durability, comfort, and lightweight properties. There’s no direct claim of environmental friendliness mentioned for these materials, but polyester is a common recycle-friendly fabric, which suggests considerations for sustainability.