Matador Pocket Blanket

9.3
9.3 score
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Matador Pocket Blanket Review Facts
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The storage pouch on the Matador Pocket Blanket features a reminder to ‘put yourself out there’, embrace the outdoors and appreciate the joy that Mother Nature has to offer.

Whether you are going camping, trekking or planning a family picnic, you are sure to enjoy this handy, versatile and so useful product from Matador. Smaller than most smartphones when it is folded up, this compact blanket takes up so little pack space, and it is the ideal choice for anyone who appreciates lightweight portability and functionality. Designed to be tough and durable, this is a blanket that has been designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind.

I tend to keep the Matador Pocket Blanket in my purse most of the time, so when I am going out for the day with the kids, we have a blanket on hand to stop and enjoy lunch at the park. I even used it once to keep the youngest dry when I got caught in a shower and had forgotten the rain cover for the pram. If you would like to find out why we think this is a must-have item for any family, backpacker, hiker, or explorer, read our in-depth review of the Matador pocket blanket. A family favorite that any outdoor adventurer is bound to love.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Excellent portability
  • Waterproof
  • Puncture and tear resistant
  • Ultra-compact
  • Weighted corners and sand pockets
Cons
  • Weights not effective enough
  • A bit small

Features

- Lightweight and durable HyperLyte™ material
- Small and compact pack size
- Corner Stakes
- Integrated sand pockets
- Storage pouch
- One year warranty

Brand

Matador is well known for creating high-quality travel gear that is tried and tested in the Colorado countryside. The company was first founded in 2014 when a couple of friends were talking about how many people end up sitting on their jackets or the difficulty of having to carry a big bulky blanket to the beach. Matador’s flagship portable blanket has since become popular around the world. They are passionate about the outdoors and aim to ensure that you have the packable, convenient travel gear that you need for your trip.

Material

This portable pocket blanket is made from Matador’s patented HyperLyte nylon material. HyperLyte is a ripstop blend that is ultra-tough and durable, and yet fine and lightweight. It is soft and smooth to the touch, and will not stick to bare skin. One side of the blanket has been coated with polyurethane to promote further durability and waterproof protection. Protecting from sticks, dirt and bugs, the HyperLyte nylon is also resistant to wear and tear, and it is not likely to puncture. I have scoured the reviews on the internet, and I am yet to discover any reports suggesting otherwise.

Use

The Matador Pocket Blanket is super versatile and can be used in a wide variety of different environments. Whether you are planning a romantic picnic a deux or a family day trip to the beach, you are sure to appreciate the pure convenience and exceptional durability that the pocket blanket from Matador has. It can be used just about anywhere where you would normally need an outdoor blanket and the excellent portability, and tiny pack sizes make this is a convenient purchase that you will use again and again.

When we go camping as a family, we tend to use this blanket pretty much every day. It can be thrown across a picnic table as a tablecloth or even used as a groundsheet for a small one-person tent. It is the perfect choice for taking to the beach, with the included sand pockets keeping your blanket in place as you enjoy the seaside. The sand easily brushes off the soft satin top finish, and with a quick shake, the blanket is sand-free and ready to be stored.

This would also be a great option for anyone who enjoys backpacking or hiking, and in a pinch, you could even use it as a tent or tarp when you are out in the wild.

Usually, one of the biggest issues with these pocket purchases is getting the item refolded and pack into the storage pouch. However, Matador has thought of this already, with a stitched pattern on the underside of blanket which clearly shows you how to fold it. The red seams are a great touch, with reviews online suggesting that the Matador can be packed and unpacked in a matter of seconds. However, this is not necessarily the experience that I have had, and it can sometimes be a challenge to put the blanket back into the pouch. Several users have agreed with me, but if you are struggling with this, Matador does have a YouTube video online which provides the step-by-step solution.

Comfort

The Matador Pocket Blanket is soft and smooth, but it has not really been designed with comfort in mind. The satin fabric finish on the top of the blanket is soft against the skin, and will not stick to your skin, and it does provide an effective barrier between yourself and the ground. It has not really been designed to keep you warm, although it could provide an extra layer of waterproof protection in a spot. Whilst it is not the most comfortable of blankets, it could be considered that any extra padding or the use of a different material, would only add weight to the overall design.

Protection

With such excellent portability and top quality durability, the Matador pocket blanket is so versatile and can be used for so many different purposes. The pocket blanket from Matador is waterproof, so water will not seep through the blanket when you place it on a damp surface.

Furthermore, if you are planning on using the blanket in windy weather, the weighted corners will prevent it from blowing around. However, there have been some suggestions online that these weights are not quite as effective as what Matador makes out; with one user stating that even in light winds, the blanket still did not stay in place. When the wind is blowing a gale, the metal weights can also act as stakes, in that you can peg the blanket down for extra protection. Alternatively, the blanket also has sand pockets which can be filled with sand to keep it in place at the beach.

Durability

It can be difficult to find a portable picnic blanket with excellent durability, but the Matador pocket blanket is both puncture and tear resistant. The metal weights at the corner of the blanket are also rustproof, which is a useful touch. Made from fine ripstop material, this blanket does not necessarily feel tough, but it is definitely one of the most durable options on the market at the moment.

Lots of users online have reported that as a result, this blanket is likely to last for years to come. I only got my Matador pocket blanket a couple of summers ago, but it has been used a lot, and it still looks like new. The Matador pocket blanket is relatively easy to keep clean, and it is machine washable. Just wash on a cool wash and allow to air dry. You can also wipe clean the blanket, which is ideal after a picnic or if someone spills a drink.

However, while Matador says that you can place this blanket just about anywhere, you should probably still check the ground for any sharp objects or rocks that could potentially damage it. Moreover, the Matador pocket blanket even comes with a one year warranty for that all important peace of mind. There are very few reports online that have indicated that they have had any issues with durability, but the ones that do, have highlighted that Matador was quick to respond and super-helpful. A company that provides excellent customer service is always a bonus.

Waterproof

There is nothing worse than wet grass for putting a dampener on your picnic plans, and the use of HyperLyte nylon means that this blanket will not allow water to seep through. There will be no soggy bottoms at your picnic in the park! The vast majority of reviews online have reported that the water-resistant capabilities on this blanket are excellent and that water is not likely to seep through. However, there have been a couple of users who have said otherwise. I have only really used this blanket on damp grass, so I am assuming that such issues are related too much wetter conditions.

Size

When compared with similar blankets from other brands, the Matador is probably one of the biggest available, with that extra couple of inches making all the difference. At 160cm x 110cm unfolded, this blanket is reported to be big enough to seat 3-4 people. However, some reviews have suggested that this may be a little over exaggerated and some users have indicated that it is probably better suited to 2. Personally, I would rather deal with a larger pack size to get the extra blanket size. As a family of two adults and three children, we usually carry two of these Matador blankets, but it would be nice if we could manage with just one.

It is so small when it is folded, and the super small compact size makes it the ideal choice for anyone who is travelling with limited storage options. Smaller than the palm of your hand and weighing in at only 98 grams, you will hardly notice the extra weight when you are carrying this teeny tiny blanket from Matador.

Price

These blankets are relatively inexpensive as a whole, and the Matador mini pocket blanket is super affordable. Some reviews online have indicated that they still think that the Matador Pocket Blanket is a little on the expensive side, but personally, I can’t stress enough that it truly is worth every cent. I have owned my Matador around 18 months, with everyday use for at least four weeks in the summer, as well as picnics, beach days, and anything else. At the moment, it is currently taking pride of place as the groundsheet for my little one’s homemade fort. If you consider the price per use, we are already making money, and this blanket will be with us for years to come!

Colour

Whilst it really does not matter in the grand scheme of things, a few other color options would be nice. There are only two different colors available, the Alpine Green is your typical camping shade of khaki, and the Original Red is neat and stylish.

Weight

Taking a blanket for backpacking is not always feasible, and the idea of carrying a traditional picnic blanket throughout your trek is almost laughable. As a result, the Matador pocket blanket is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep their pack weight to a minimum. This versatile blanket has been packed full of features, yet it only weighs about the same amount as a pack of playing cards. The pocket blanket from Matador is super lightweight, at just 98 grams but some users have said that they cut the corner weights off to improve the weight even more.

Bottom Line

A portable blanket may not seem essential, but you will soon see that this one from Matador is a must have for anyone who spends time outdoors. The Matador pocket blanket is such a convenient purchase, and its high-quality and durable nature means that it is likely to last for years to come. With a handy wallet-size storage pouch, this is a big blanket that folds away to almost nothing. Smaller than most smartphones, the Matador Pocket Blanket will easily tuck away into your pack or even in your pocket.

Whether you are heading out on an outdoor adventure or just planning a day out in the park with the kids, the Matador Pocket Blanket provides a superb solution to your seating problems. If you are looking for a multi-purpose blanket that will provide the perfect spot to relax outdoors and last for years to come, you cannot really go wrong with Matador’s affordable, versatile and durable pocket blanket.