Horizon Hound Trek Tenting Blanket Assessment

Backside Line

The Horizon Hound Trek Blanket is our high decide for a down possibility on our record of the most effective tenting blankets. Coming in at a really reasonably priced worth with a wonderful packability-to-size ratio, this blanket is good for adventurous hikes and escapades. When stuffed into its included stuff sack, it’s only barely bigger than a standard 32oz. Nalgene. 

With its beneficiant protection, the blanket labored nicely with its “cape-clip” function. This function secures the blanket across the neck to permit wearers to go hands-free. The “clip” was a easy button, making it simpler to make use of than different designs we examined.

Primarily based on the heat check we accomplished, the Horizon Hound Trek ranked because the second-warmest blanket! As a result of its down filling, it was extremely insulating and reliable for heat and luxury.

Nonetheless, there are some downsides to down insulation. The Horizon Hound Trek absorbs water extra shortly than different puffy blankets we examined and is tougher to wash as a consequence of its particular care directions. Since down shouldn’t be compressed for lengthy intervals of time, Horizon Hound recommends not storing it contained in the carry bag it got here with—but they didn’t present one for patrons to make use of.

After intensive testing, the Horizon Hound Trek continues to be a high-quality blanket possibility with unbelievable worth for the worth. We extremely advocate this blanket for these searching for downy heat, packable consolation on hikes, and a budget-friendly worth.

How We Examined

Within the subject, we examined this blanket in the course of the winter months in Northern California, most notably testing its packability and efficiency out on the path, lounging in a hammock within the woods, and on the chilly Northern CA shoreline. We obtained the blanket moist and soiled to check its water resistance and skill to shed particles. When again from the sector, we accomplished a standardized heat check the place we wrapped the blanket round a heated sizzling sock for half-hour to trace the lack of warmth over time and rank its insulating properties.

Sturdiness

The Horizon Hound Trek is made from high-quality down and ripstop nylon, exhibiting no indicators of damage after testing within the subject. It carried out excellently throughout our shake check, the place we lined the blanket in a cup of sand to find out how a lot particles would cling to the material after giving it a fast shake. It shed all grime shortly and didn’t snag simply. Nonetheless, if it will get soiled, the blanket would require particular cleansing care. Although it may be machine-washed, it requires a mild cycle and have to be refrained from open fires.

When pouring water over the blankets to check the waterproof end, we discovered that water beaded shortly off the fabric upon preliminary influence. Nonetheless, it additionally soaked in sooner than different puffy blankets we examined and stayed moist longer.

Lastly, as a result of down within the blanket, Horizon Hound recommends not storing it in its compressed state within the included carry bag. They don’t present a separate storage bag, but advocate letting the down develop when not in use as long-term compression flattens the down’s loftiness over time and reduces its effectiveness at insulation.

Heat

The Horizon Hound Trek was the second warmest blanket we examined! Except for subjectively figuring out its relative heat in chilly out of doors environments, we accomplished a standardized and managed check, the place we wrapped every blanket round a heated sizzling sock (136F) for half-hour in a 60F room.

We then took the ultimate temperature with an infrared thermometer and decided the quantity of warmth loss that the new sock skilled to quantify the insulating capacity of every blanket.

The Horizon Hound misplaced a small distinction of 1.8 levels, proving the capabilities of its beneficiant protection and 200g down insulation. We stayed toasty heat whereas wrapped within the Horizon Hound whereas lounging in a hammock throughout chilly days and having fun with the sundown on Northern CA seashores.

Dimension to Packability

Though the Horizon Hound Trek blanket doesn’t are available a number of dimension choices, we discovered its full dimension at 77” x 50” to be a lot massive sufficient for one individual or two smaller folks.

Its ample protection nonetheless packs down into one of many smallest stuff sack baggage (noticeably with the smallest circumference) in our blanket check at simply barely over a pound. We discovered that this blanket has the most effective coverage-to-packability ratio in our check, making it one among our high suggestions to your hikes and in a single day adventures. 

The Horizon Hound additionally is available in its personal carry case, which makes for handy transportation, despite the fact that it isn’t designed for long-term storage and preservation of the down.

The stuff sack has a decent opening and strengthened thick band that folds over and clips on the high to create a small carry deal with. We discovered it difficult to stuff the blanket with out somebody serving to to maintain the bag open. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless potential to do solo albeit with further endurance.

Consolation

The Horizon Hound Trek feels mushy to the contact like the opposite puffy blankets in our check. The fabric is easy and quiet when transferring, not creating any crinkly noises like another artificial or waterproof materials.

Whereas it’s a cozy blanket, we did discover that the fabric feels skinny till the down begins to loft and take form. Whereas different puffy blankets such because the Rumpl Unique expanded instantly, it did take a while for the Horizon Hound Trek to thoroughly decompress and supply its full capabilities of heat and insulation. 

As soon as the down absolutely lofted and, with its ample protection,  we discovered it to be good for snuggling on the path whereas having fun with the surroundings.

Options

The Horizon Hound Trek options an included stuff sack. It’s made from a sturdy, stretchy materials that folds over and clasps collectively to create a carrying deal with. Though it took some coordination to carry the bag open and stuff the rolled-up blanket with out letting it unravel, it obtained simpler with follow. Since Horizon Hound recommends a unique storage methodology for the down blanket, we have been a bit upset that they didn’t embrace a separate bag to make the most of.

Along with getting used as a throw blanket, the Horizon Hound provides a cape clip possibility that means that you can safe the blanket round your neck and go hands-free—best for wandering round camp or establishing your campsite. A snap button makes it a lot simpler and extra handy to make use of with chilly fingers.

Ought to You Purchase the Horizon Hound Trek Down Tenting Blanket?

The Horizon Hound Trek is our decide for a down insulated blanket. Whereas it wasn’t the most budget-friendly blanket we examined, we take into account it to be the greatest budget-friendly decide as a consequence of its heat, protection, and packability.

It is a wonderful alternative when searching for an reasonably priced possibility that doesn’t lack in high quality. We additionally extremely advocate this blanket for these searching for a packable product that may simply be transported in a daypack for longer adventures.

Nonetheless, in case you are searching for a blanket that’s simpler to look after, stays dry, and doesn’t require particular storage, then we advise that you just peruse our gear information for our artificial blanket picks.

Moreover, whereas the Horizon Hound sheds particles simply, we wouldn’t recommend utilizing it as a floor blanket; in case your purpose is lounging on the seashore or within the woods, we advocate that you just additionally consult with our gear information for blankets designed particularly for floor use.

What Different Tenting Blankets Ought to You Take into account?

Much like the Horizon Hound Trek, we advocate looking at these artificial puffy blankets from our greatest tenting blankets gear information. 

Rumpl Unique Puffy Assessment: The Rumpl Unique Puffy is dearer and has lowered packability, but it provides comparable heat, protection, and luxury to the Horizon Hound. As a result of its artificial insulation, it doesn’t take as lengthy for the blanket to completely develop after being compressed, and it dries sooner.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Assessment: Though a smaller-sized blanket, the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy comes at an analogous worth level and even smaller packed dimension than the Horizon Hound. Nonetheless, as a result of thinner materials and decrease protection, some heat will probably be sacrificed.

Therm-a-Relaxation Honcho Poncho Assessment: The Therm-a-Relaxation Honcho Poncho is extra versatile and barely hotter than the Horizon Hound Trek. Though much less packable and dearer, it boasts extra options and can be utilized as a pillow or a blanket and worn as a poncho. It additionally sheds water higher than the Horizon Hound, resisting moisture absorption and drying extra shortly.

REI Camp Blanket Assessment: The REI Camp is available in a extra user-friendly stuff sack, but lacks a cape-clip possibility and the identical stage of heat because the Horizon Hound.