Kelty Biggie Review

The Kelty Biggie differentiates itself on its size and price. It is safe to go in front-loading washing machines, so it's quick to clean. The CloudLoft insulation doesn't have the same loft as down, but it's plenty warm as an extra layer on a brisk night.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Biggie is among the most comfortable that we tested. It is one of the few models that has a soft interior-facing liner. It is still synthetic polyester, but it has a feel that is most similar to natural fiber. Because of this, there's no cold-on-contact sensation when you first wrap it around. It is nice against bare skin, and even when we got too toasty, the blanket didn't stick to us, which is a huge plus.

At 80 x 82 inches, it is also the largest blanket in this review. It lives up to its name and provides ample coverage for two adults. If you just use it as a single, the extra blanket makes for a cozy cuddle that you can really bury yourself in. If you go car camping with an air mattress and don't want to bring your comforter from home, this is a great stand-in that is well-suited for lowkey camping.

Warmth

This blanket really covers a lot. Though it is relatively thin, for one person, it can easily double up or bunch up to create another layer of protection. Though the outer polyester fabric doesn't have the wind resistance of ripstop nylon, it can wrap around multiple times.

The square baffles also keep the CloudLoft insulation securely in place so that it doesn't bunch up over time. One of the main downsides to this model is that it doesn't have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, so it isn't waterproof. Because the insulation is synthetic, the whole thing dries out relatively quickly if it does get wet, but it's not an outdoor blanket for a rainy day.

Versatility

The Biggie is as simple as blankets come. Having said that, there are a few different ways that we preferred to use this model. Its size and comfort make it a good option for staying cozy on the couch on a rainy day. It's also good for a kids' room if you are looking for a playful blanket that can pull double-duty when the family goes on an adventure.

It thrives outdoors during social gatherings that extend into a chilly evening or happen in the shoulder seasons when you still need an extra layer to stay warm. Having said that, because of its lack of water resistance, it doesn't make a great picnic blanket if the grass or ground is damp at all. Otherwise, it is liable to absorb a lot of moisture, and dirt would certainly work its way into the soft underside. On the other hand, it has the durability to stand up to outdoor use. It's still a blanket, of course, but we were much less concerned about damaging the thick polyester than we would have been with thinner ripstop nylon.

we also found a use for it as a seat cover as well. If you have a wooden outdoor loveseat (like one of those swinging ones that hangs on a covered porch), you can spread it out over the seat, which adds just a little extra padding.

Packed Size

This is one of the bulkier blankets that we tested. No surprise, given its double-wide dimensions. The synthetic fill is also less stuffable than down, adding to its heft. With all of that in mind, it still fits in the included 9 x 16 inch drawstring stuff sack.

The bag also has a large handle which makes it easy to tote around. With its 75D polyester outer material, it has a correspondingly lofty weight of just under three pounds. This pretty much disqualifies it from practical use for overnight backcountry travel, but it's great to have on hand in a car trunk or stored in the mudroom for easy access when a cool afternoon turns into a chilly evening on the deck. Though it doesn't stack up in terms of weight or space savings relative to other camping blankets, if you plan to use it as a replacement bedspread for air-mattress camping, then it is worth considering that it is significantly lighter and less bulky than a traditional comforter — that is, it's all relative, and the large dimensions of this model have us considering it as a potential contender as regular bedding.

Features & Design

The Biggie is straightforward with minimal features. It's just a large rectangle — no special cut, no straps, clips, or zips. It comes in a few different playful patterns that are more interesting to look at than the neutral solid block colors of most others. The underside is soft, and the dimensions large. There's nothing especially fancy about it, it's just an inexpensive blanket that delivers on value. Because of its price point, we would even consider having multiple around for different occasions or to have in rotation.

We appreciate that it is machine washable, making it easier to take care of it, especially if its primary use is for parties or sticky-handed children. Though it is susceptible to clinging pet hair, it can serve as a makeshift animal bed in a pinch if you didn't happen to bring one along on a camping trip and your four-legged friend is looking for somewhere cozy to relax.

Should You Buy the Kelty Biggie?

The Biggie is one of our favorites for affordability. It offers big coverage with a small price tag. Though its heft precludes it from going on long backpacking adventures, we would highly recommend it for any activity closer to home, including backyard campouts with the kids, staying warm in the bleachers at a ball game, or car camping. It'd be good to have on hand when the sun goes down during an outdoor party or concert.

What Other Camping Blankets Should You Consider?

If price is your primary consideration, the Kelty Bestie is an even less expensive option. Though its dimensions are meant for one, it comes with the same comfort liner and a different set of playful patterns to choose from. If you want size and affordability, the Snugpak Jungle is worth a look. Though it's a little less comfortable, it packs down much smaller, and the price is right.