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If you’re a frequent traveler, you don’t want to miss out on the must-have accessory called a “pillow blanket”. Whether you’re taking a flight or going on a road trip, longer journeys call for a travel pillow and blanket set for some added relaxation. The ideal pillow blankets should offer comfort, a perfect size, and tick all the important boxes. These products can also feature some pretty tech-forward fabrics, too — helping you stay at the right temperature for some added comfort. And they can even provide some extra privacy when you’re taking a nap, especially on an airplane when you’re feeling a little imposed upon by your seatmate.
And even when you’re not traveling, these pillow blankets can be great things to have on hand. They can provide you with an extra comfy system to help keep you warm and cozy when waiting during extended layovers. You can also help elevate your experience using pillow blankets by evaluating them based on your typical travel experience. And to help you avoid searching through hundreds of products, we’ve curated a list of some of the premier pillow blankets for 2024 — and we’ve even included some of the features to look for and some uses for these products. So let’s check them out!
Comparing the Top Pillow Blanket of 2024 in Detail
Bluehills Pillow Blanket — Best Overall
You can make traveling more enjoyable with this ultra-soft option from Bluehills, and it comes in some vibrant colors, too. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, this fluffy blanket can keep warm and all wrapped up. This pick can be perfect for people who tend to feel cold inside airplanes or even at the movies. There’s also some adorable detailing and a logo on the front. Plus, after you’ve used this blanket, you can conveniently fold and store it inside the pillowcase.
This product is compact, and you can easily attach it to the handle of your suitcase using the carabiner clip. With this pick, there’s no need to make extra space inside your luggage either — it’s so lightweight that you can just carry it around, which helped make this option the best overall on this list.
Pros
- 60-inch long design
- Very giftable to frequent travelers
- Machine-washable fabric
- Bleed-free colors
Cons
- Folding it up can be tricky
Pavilia Pillow Blanket — Compact Design
Packing a blanket in your luggage can take up a lot of space. This is where this portable pick from Pavilia can help save the day. Using this pillow blanket, you can help amp up your relaxation without wasting space inside your suitcase. And it has a handy strap on the back that you can attach to your luggage or use as a handle. Since it’s made from microfiber fleece, this product feels cloud-like, and it can be perfect for people who like to nap a lot. Plus, it’s machine washable and works with tumble dry settings.
This versatile blanket can also be used as a pillow too, and you can use the strap to attach it to your seat's headrest. Plus, you can also get great lumbar support by placing it under your back during long flights.
Pros
- Usable as a hand warmer
- 43-inch long design
- Available in different colors and patterns
- Includes two durable zippers
Cons
- Can’t use both parts simultaneously
EverSnug Pillow Blanket — Most Luxurious
The Eversnug Travel Pillow Blanket is great for people who travel with their kids. You can use it as a silky blanket to help keep your child warm or as a pillow for giving them some extra neck support on the plane. This travel blanket comes in different colors too, including light pink and green. And it’s made with microfleece, an ultra-soft fabric, which is great for people who love being extra cozy. Plus, there’s a thick strap on the back as well as a carabiner.
Since this pick is such a versatile product, you can even use it as a throw pillow for your couch — and the cozy fabric and sleek design should add a touch of chic to almost any furniture.
Pros
- Zippers have eyelets for name tags
- Lightweight and portable
- Machine washable
- Large, 65 x 40-inch design
Cons
- The stitching could be stronger
Well Traveled Pillow Blanket — Elite Design
This pillow blanket is pretty much a must-have for people who travel frequently. It can be used as both a blanket and a pillowcase too, providing some extra comfort almost anywhere. And you can even use the square-shaped pillowcase for a bed or couch, too. This duo set is also available in many beautiful colors, including pink and green. Plus, you can even match the colors of your pillow blanket with your luggage and travel with some swanky style.
Speaking of luggage, there’s no need to pack this blanket away inside your suitcase since the carabiner lets you attach it to the handles. This option is also made of soft, machine-washable fleece — and the back of this handy pillowcase is lined with waterproof nylon.
Pros
- Includes an anti-snag zipper
- Carrying strap on the back
- Easy to fold
- Large enough for covering the whole body
Cons
- Could be a bit thicker
MasterManner Pillow Blanket — Great Value
Do you take a lot of spontaneous naps? If you do, look no further than this product from Mastermanner that can provide a ton of comfort during long flights or at home. This pillow blanket is unique because it has a hood attached to it, which helps keep your entire body warm. And unlike other travel blankets that are hard to fold up, this pick folds up pretty easily and you can store it in the handy carrying case.
Plus, you can even wear the blanket as a poncho, making it great for road trips. The carrying case has plenty of space inside too, so you can stash away any valuables inside. And it’s made from soft fleece, which feels a bit like silk.
Pros
- Big enough to cover your whole body
- Easily machine washable
- Washing doesn’t ruin fibers
- Zippable hoodie
Cons
- The poncho is backless
Finding Your Next Pillow Blanket: A Buyer’s Guide
A pillow blanket duo set can be the perfect product if you travel frequently, regardless of your how you get from place to place. Now that we’ve gone through some quality examples, it’s time to dig a little deeper and learn some more about these travel essentials — this should help you find an ideal product for your specific needs as well as help you get the most out of your new comfy, cozy travel buddy.
Why Are Pillow Blankets Good for Traveling?
“Why do I need a separate blanket set and pillow when I already have so many blankets at home?” is a common question that might pop up in your head right before you hit the “buy now” button. You might still be a little confused about buying a separate blanket for travel — and that’s okay! After all, you probably don’t want to struggle with a throw blanket in the middle of an airport or on road trips. But this is exactly why you need a travel blanket.
Most of the blankets people have at home are large and don’t really fold into compact, easy-to-carry sizes. Since travel pillow blankets are designed to be portable, they can have just the right size, materials, and features to help keep you warm and cozy during trips. Pillow blankets are lightweight, compact, and easily fit in your backpack, leaving plenty of space for other things. These products also tend to incorporate some pretty high-tech fabrics, which can make you feel a bit like an astronaut during extended trips — all snuggled up and safe in temperature-controlling materials. Plus, there are plenty of other things these products can help with.
Here are some more reasons why you need a travel pillow blanket:
- Domestic or budget airlines may not always provide a blanket. If you often feel cold on airplanes, having your own blanket will have you covered — literally.
- Delays for flights or buses can leave you stranded in a large, cold room for hours. And if you have your trusty pillow blanket, you can help stay warm and feel more comfortable while you’re waiting.
- If you cannot rest or nap without being covered up, you can just pull out your pillow blanket and find yourself in a comfortable spot pretty easily.
- Some airlines may not provide enough blankets if you need extras. Having a lightweight travel blanket can let you enjoy some peaceful sleep without worrying about these kinds of annoyances.
Features To Consider When Buying Pillow Blankets
So now that you’ve made up your mind and are ready to get your hands on one of these travel essentials, here are the top features you should consider before buying a pillow blanket.
Fabric
Generally, travel blankets are made using three main materials — fleece, polyester, and down. And each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.
- Fleece: This material is pretty common in travel pillow blankets. It’s soft, durable, and can be perfect for keeping you warm and cozy. The only downside is that this softer material can be a little challenging to fold up.
- Polyester: Another common material is polyester, mainly because it is durable and still affordable. These blankets are plush and lightweight, making them easy to carry while traveling. Some pillow blankets are blended with other materials too, which can enhance their quality.
- Down: If you are looking for a blanket that offers a lot of warmth without being super heavy, down can be a great choice. It is compact, super lightweight, and very warm. One of the downsides is there might be a steeper price tag. And while this material can be sustainably sourced, there are also animal-cruelty concerns — plus, since it’s made from bird feathers, it may not be appealing to vegans.
Weight
Heavier blankets just aren’t great for carrying around on the go. They can eat up a lot of your carry-on luggage space and can be difficult to manage. Most travel pillow blankets are super lightweight though — and they’re also compact and easy to carry. But if you like to travel super light, think about your options before choosing a product.
Size
This factor really depends on your size or the size of the person you’re getting a pillow blanket for. These blankets are compact — but they should still be able to cover you entirely and help keep you warm. You shouldn’t choose an overly large blanket either since it will be bulky even when folded up. You should try to choose something in an appropriate size to stay comfortable throughout your journey.
Portability
One of the main reasons we recommend investing in pillow blankets is because of their portability. These two-in-one products usually have a zippered sack that turns into a pillow when the blanket isn’t in use. And you can stuff it with a pillow and use both simultaneously. Other than built-in carry bags, some models can even feature straps or carabiners that can be attached to a backpack or luggage.
These features are especially important when you’re traveling with kids. Instead of carrying several things in your hands, the extra portability can help make sure you can keep your pillow blanket with you without a lot of struggle.
