Sleeping Bag vs. Wool Blanket vs. Woobie for Outdoor Use

When it comes to sleep systems for outdoor use, you’ve got three main options for staying warm: sleeping bags, wool blankets, and poncho liners (aka woobie). The choice is partly a matter of personal preference. However, when it comes to certain important traits—such as warmth per weight, fire resistance, and durability—there are clear winners.

Let’s break it down to see when a sleeping bag vs. wool blanket vs. woobie is best.

Warmth

Winner: Sleeping bag

When it comes to warmth per weight, you can’t beat a good sleeping bag. The shape holds heat better than a wool blanket or woobie. Sleeping bags also often come with temperature ratings. For example, theUSFS Issue Cold Weather sleeping bag is rated to 20F. Wool blankets and woobies can also be warm, but you have to test them out yourself to determine how warm they are.

Versatility

Winner: Woobie

A sleeping bag can only be used as a sleeping bag. By contrast, a wool blanket or woobie can be put to many more uses, such as a ground cover or improvised shelter. Of the two, a woobie is slightly more versatile than a wool blanket because it can be worn with a poncho. By contrast, wool blankets are heavy and bulky, so not very comfortable to wear while moving.

Wet Conditions

Winner: Wool blanket

The wool blanket is the clear winner here because it retains its insulating properties even when wet. Both sleeping bags and poncho liners will lose their insulating properties the moment they get wet.

Durability

Winner: Wool blanket

Good wool blankets can take a beating and survive. Woobies and military-issue sleeping bags are also pretty durable, but don’t expect them to outperform a wool blanket.

Packability

Winner: Woobie

A woobie has a quilted design that makes it easy to fold and pack. There are some sleeping bags for backpacking that are more compact, but these usually cost a fortune. Wool blankets are bulky and heavy, so not ideal for situations where you need to carry them long distances.

Comfort

Winner: Tossup

This is a matter of personal preference. Sleeping bags are cozy but some people find them constricting. Wool blankets have great breathability but can be itchy. Poncho liners have decent breathability, but don’t keep you warm like a wool blanket or sleeping bag.

Fire Resistance

Winner: Wool blanket

If you want to sleep in front of an open fire, then go with the wool blanket. Wool is fire-resistant and will self-extinguish if a spark hits it. By contrast, even a tiny spark will immediately melt a hole in a synthetic sleeping bag or woobie.

Cost

Winner: Wool blanket

Military wool blankets can be found for very cheap (check outsurplus wool blankets here) and will last a lifetime. Woobies are also fairly cheap, though, but you will likely need two of them for cold temperatures. Military surplus sleeping bags can be affordable. However, high-tech sleeping bags designed for backpacking cost a small fortune.

The Verdict?

Like with all gear, the best choice depends on how you will use it. Here’s when we recommend a wool blanket vs. woobie vs. sleeping bag:

Bug out bags: Woobie or sleeping bag

Car emergency kit: Wool blanket

Backpacking or camping: Sleeping bag (cold temps) or woobie (warmer temps)

Bushcraft camping: Wool blanket