EKTOS Wool Review

The Ektos Wool blanket is a 100% wool fiber blanket. It comes in a single size and color. 80% and 90% wool options that we didn't test are also available from Ektos, as are several synthetic options.

Performance Comparison

Staying warm on a chilly morning camping in the desert.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Comfort

When we think of a wool blanket, we might think of the word scratchy. The Ektos 100% Wool blanket is made of 100% wool, not a wool-cotton blend like many other "wool" blankets, and is scratchy. It's rather unpleasant against bare skin or even over a very thin shirt or bed sheet. Compared to other wool blankets we tested, this one is exceptionally abrasive. Yet used in a full bed ensemble, over a flannel sheet, we don't notice this and can instead appreciate the comfortable weight and warmth. While Ektos claims this blanket is 66" x 90", ours measured 71" x 80", which is both smaller and a different overall shape. It's barely large enough to use on a queen-sized bed (typically 60" x 80") and is better suited to a full mattress.

The Ektos (right) is much more abrasive and coarse, and feels much scratchier than the Pendleton Yakima (left).

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Warmth

As a wool blanket, the strengths of this blanket are different than other camping blankets with their DWR coatings and synthetic or down insulation. Wool is renowned for its ability to retain warmth even when wet, as wool fibers will still trap (warm) air even when they're wet. Still, in our insulation testing, the Ektos proved to be only slightly below average at preventing heat loss compared to the rest. If you were to use this blanket as an insulator against the wind, you'll find it may not be the best option. However, the best intended use of this blanket is as an addition to a bed set-up, whether that's on a blow-up mattress in your tent, a bunk in your RV, or your regular bed at home. And for that purpose, used in conjunction with at least a sheet and likely another layer on top, it works just fine.

The Ektos works very well as a mid-layer on your bed in the winter.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Versatility

In a category of blankets that include options which pack down into tiny bundles or turn into wearable ponchos, the versatility of the Ektos is rather limited. Even compared to other wool blankets we tested, it proves to be unimpressive in its uses and overall durability. It isn't our first choice as a picnic blanket, as it brings home dirt, grass, twigs, sand, and other ground debris. We also don't like it as a furniture cover for pets, as it collects fur like a bad habit and starts losing little balls of wool fibers from critter claws. Its large size and heavy weight also prevent it from being a go-to option for sitting around the campfire, even if it wouldn't pick up all sorts of junk just from touching the ground.

When it comes to durability, you can wash it in your front-loading machine at home, but ours shed an exceptional amount of dye and fuzz for several washes, leaving us to question how many times you could wash and use it before it has thin, see-through patches or even holes in it. For our testing purposes, this blanket is best used as a bed mid-layer; we would treat it gently and wash it infrequently.

Unfortunately, this blanket holds onto debris too easily for us to really enjoy using it outdoors.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Packed Size

Packed size is another metric in which wool blankets just don't have a leg up against the competition. They're naturally heavier and bulkier and don't really compress - though we did try, just to give it a whirl. The Ektos doesn't come with a storage bag, which would keep it clean and neat when not in use. It weighs a mammoth 94 ounces, which is just shy of six pounds! But then again, it's not really made for travel.

The Ektos wool blanket is large, heavy, bulky, and has no storage bag.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Features & Design

The two notable design features of the Ektos are the stitching around all four edges and the ability to wash it at home when you need to; we've already discussed the issues surrounding the home-laundering situation. Though the stitching around all four edges helps in holding the blanket together, the fibers lost when cleaning are from the center of the blanket, and there's no stopping that.

We're glad this blanket is machine washable at home because it gets dirty easily and quickly.

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg

Value

The Ektos is sold for a low price, especially compared to other wool blankets on the market. However, we find its uses (and potentially its lifespan) are rather limited. If you're after a wool blanket to add as a wintertime bed mid-layer and you're able to treat it gently, then this blanket could be a steal. But if you want a rugged blanket you can camp with on the weekends, lay on the couch for the dog, and easily wash without worry, we think you'll be happier spending a little more on a different option.

Conclusion

The Ektos is a straightforward wool blanket whose main draw is its low price. Because it's 100% wool rather than a wool-cotton blend, our testers found it to be scratchy. It's heavy, doesn't come with a storage bag, collects dirt and hair, and is difficult to launder. It's well-suited to be a gently used mid-layer for a bed, but not much else.

Big enough to be ground cover, but it'll bring home part of the beach when you leave!

Photo: Maggie Brandenburg