If you are looking for a versatile, inexpensive camping quilt, take a look at the Go-Anywhere Blanket from Tribe Provisions. This blanket not only makes a great summer throw, it rivals the ubiquitous military poncho liner in terms of versatility and is a great option as a base for converting into a top quilt and under quilt for hammock camping.
- Manufacturer: Tribe Provisions, made in China
- MSRP: US$29.95
Available Features/Specifications
Features
- Polyester inner and 240T ripstop nylon shell with triple-stitched edges
- Attached storage bag for packing convenience
- Hollow-fiber polyester insulation
- Machine washable
Specifications
- Dimensions: 68 × 56 in (172 × 142 cm)
Weight
- 2 lbs (895 g)
Product Description
The Tribe Provisions Go-Anywhere Blanket is a simple, rectangular quilt with sewn-through construction, which makes a pattern of squares on the outside fabric. The includes stuff sack is permanently sewn onto one side. The blanket features nylon fabric on one side and polyester on the other. The edges only looked double stitched to me, although the third stitch could be tucked inside.
Overal Impression
Tribe Provisions was very intentional about the fabric and construction of the blanket, trying to find a good balance of high-durability and performance for an outdoor recreational “go anywhere/do anything” blanket. To that end, I think they succeeded. It’s a gear item that works equally well as an all-purpose take-along, to a specific use item. My immediate impression of this blanket is that it is perfect for hammock camping, not only as a great summer top throw, but with a little DIY elbow grease, a great base point for a convertible top and under quilt.
The company doesn’t provide a temperature rating for this blanket, but based on the materials, thickness of the insulation (between 0.5 and 0.75 inch/1.27 to 2 cm), and my own experience, I would give it a 50°F (10°C) comfort range. I’ve used the blanket down to 45°F (7°C) and was comfortable.
Recommendations and Review
Modularity
Because of its simple construction and build, the blanket can be used in any number of ways: as a liner to boost the performance of another quilt or sleeping bag, emergency essentials, car camping, a summer insulator, or wrapping up around camp.
By itself, it worked okay in my hammock, but I found that I wished it had a foot box to tuck my legs into. I like quilt-style bags in a hammock because it is much easier to get in and out and to tuck a quilt around you, but it’s a little harder to keep my feet “tucked in” if I kicked a knee out. In the hot summer, this “venting” option is great! I certainly haven’t had any issues in all my indoor testing, but out in the field when the temperature is more variable, it is nice to have some security around my legs.
The good news is that it is easy to modify this bag and turn it into a modular workhorse. Adding a few snaps around one end quickly creates a foot box. Adding some bias tape and grosgrain webbing on the corners and edges can turn it into a bottom quilt.
Construction, Craftsmanship, and Aesthetics
Tribe Provisions distinguishes the nylon and polyester fabrics by both feel and performance, but my hands have a hard time telling a significant difference between the two, at least any perception that strikes me. The nylon does feel slightly stiffer, perhaps, but I don’t mind having either against my skin. It’s not a smooth or subtle as some other synthetics, but it is comfortable enough—not too “plastic” feeling. If the nylon is ripstop, I can’t see it. Both sides appear smooth.
I like how the stuff sack is attached from the inside. This means it turns inside out when the blanket is unstuffed. Still, I think the sack is annoying as it dangles from one side. To me, it gets in the way. I wish the stuff sack were constructed more like a hidden pocket, sewn along the baffles, so it could double as a little storage pocket for a light or cell phone when the blanket is used. So while I like the concept of an attached stuff sack, the execution is just a little off for me. The stuff sack snags on things and changes the aesthetics of the blanket.
Price and Value
The price is nearly unbeatable. MSRP from the manufacturer is only US$30. For me, this blanket rivals the comfort, durability, warmth, and modularity of military poncho liners at this price. As such, it makes a great option for converting into a top quilt or under quilt for hammocks, or just using as-is. For continued use in a hammock, I’m definitely going to add some snaps and run some shock cord to make this into a convertible top and under quilt. At this price, I may just buy a few to use as general use quilts.
Best Match
This is a great blanket for cost-conscious and value-conscious buyers who are looking for insulation options. It’s great for DIY-ers who are looking for an inexpensive base layer to create top or under quilts.
Similar Products
- Military poncho liners
Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear. I was under no obligation to publish a review of this item.
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