Kammok Firebelly Review

The Kammok Firebelly is a lightweight ripstop blanket that is machine washable, which makes it relatively simple to take care of after a long spell on the trail or in camp. It comes with some extras that elevate it well above the typical blanket.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Firebelly is a fair comfort contender. Its 55 x 88 inch dimensions are generous and earn it points in this metric. We love being able to wrap this blanket completely around our bodies without any gaps. The 20D ripstop nylon is soft, and the down is cushy. On more than one occasion, we found ourselves just basking in the luxury of this blanket. It is even large enough to share if two people need to stay warm at an outdoor gathering.

Our primary complaint about the comfort of this blanket is that the fabric is the same all around. That is, there is no special interior liner, which makes for a very synthetic feel against bare skin. In warmer weather, when we started to sweat under the blanket, our skin stuck to it, making it a less decidedly less comfortable experience.

Warmth

This blanket is rated to 30 degrees, and it mostly lives up to its billing. Though we wouldn't want to use it as our only insulator in a tent when nighttime temperatures hover around freezing, with a base layer underneath, this blanket can certainly keep you warm during waking hours. It has a nice moderate loft, and we appreciate that the poncho mode provides significant coverage in the backand front, which is not the case for other models that have more of a cape style. Snapping up the edges also helps significantly with heat retention.

Typically, down loses its insulative property when it gets wet. However, between the DWR-coated ripstop exterior and the treated down on the inside, this model can stand up to mist and humidity without sacrificing any warmth. These moisture-repelling properties, along with its light weight, also allow it to dry out very quickly even if it does get damp.

Our only complaint about the warmth factor is that the baffles, while narrow, are only horizontal, not boxed. Functionally, this means the down sometimes shifts around and bunches to one side and needs to be redistributed to reduce the number of cold spots. To be clear, if you are a cold sleeper or know that you use a sleeping bag or quilt with a warmer temperature rating below the conditions you usually sleep in, this blanket is no different (i.e. it's not a zero-degree sleeping bag). However, if you are an avid summer backpacker and want to lighten your load, this is a great blanket that can keep you warm while doing it.

Versatility

This blanket is absolutely tops in versatility and can do so much more than keep your lap warm during a chilly outdoor gathering. Snaps along the side can be utilized in a couple of different ways. The bottom sets can be buttoned up and the cinch cord closed to make a cozy footbox when sitting in an Adirondack or camping chair. Or the blanket can be fully snapped and cinched at both ends to create a sleeping bag. But wait, there's more! It also comes with a pair of straps that fully convert this blanket into a lightweight quilt that can be used in place of a sleeping bag. The straps loop around a sleeping pad and attach to the snaps along the edge of the blanket to hold it in place.

If you are more of a hammock camper, this blanket also has you covered there. It comes with an additional set of hooks that convert it into a hammock quilt, or it can be used as an underquilt to keep your backside warm. In the chill of the early morning, the zipper in the middle of the blanket can be opened up, allowing it to be worn as an insulating poncho to keep you toasty while packing up camp or eating breakfast.

Other models have a poncho or 'cape' mode, but this one is made more effective because of the elastic cords and snaps, which can be done up to help reduce the size of the openings that would otherwise allow heat to escape.

Packed Size

The down Firebelly packs down small. This super compressible blanket can be stuffed around other gear to fill in the gaps in a backpack. It comes with a waterproof roll-top stuff sack and a large laundry-sized bag for long-term storage.

At one pound, 12 ounces, it is also super lightweight, providing yet another reason why this one is a top choice for long outings in the backcountry.

Features & Design

As noted elsewhere, the features of this blanket are phenomenal. From the elastic cords and snaps that make it possible to cinch up tightly, to the zipper opening that converts the blanket into a full coverage poncho, simple additions really up the expectations of what a blanket can be.

The elastic at both ends makes it easy to close up gaps where heat would otherwise escape, and the host of conversion straps and stuff sacks elevate this blanket above the rest.

Should You Buy the Kammok Firebelly?

This blanket is definitely at the front of the pack. It's adaptable, lightweight, and wind and water-resistant. With that in mind, it is a niche, pricey product, so we recommend it for those who know they need something beyond a traditional blanket. It's great for people who go backpacking with a hammock or want a lightweight sleeping quilt instead of a sleeping bag. It will definitely serve you well as a regular around-the-house blanket, but there are other models that will do that too at a fraction of the price.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

If you like the versatility that the Firebelly has to offer, but the price point is outside of what you're looking for, we recommend the REI Camp Wrap. It's less expensive and doubles as a wrap that's great for outdoor gatherings. If you want a more technical blanket, the Rumpl Down Puffy is another great option. It doesn't have quite the same versatility, but it packs down small and has nice loft. However, if we are being honest, no other blanket comes close to having the versatility that this one does, so in that sense, if that is what you prioritize above all else, there is no other blanket to consider.