Anyone ever make their own blanket?

[Crewdawg445]

I've obtained multiple military blankets over the years from traveling, I've done much the same as you've mentioned minus the custom aspect.

We issue smaller woolen blankets (100% wool) to those traveling on a space A basis. Those little wool blankets have accumulated in over the dozen in my catch all closet, as have the large all wool blankets.

Even with those blankets and a smaller one over the feet I've just found they don't do it for me like my HB blanket in colder weather.

Now I am extremely anal about my HB blanket touching the ground, :youcrazy: hence why I've made a doubled canvas ground cloth. For treks I do tend to lean towards my military woolen blankets as I'm not concerned with them gathering dirt and forest floor debris.

In all, if one takes care of their woolen blanket it'll certainly last for years.

 

[Black Hand]

Regardless of the blanket, a ground cloth is a must. As fir branches are my primary material for a bough bed, it keeps the sap off (though rubbing alcohol will remove pine or fir sap).

 

[Crewdawg445]

Yes, ground cloths are a must. Here in the Eastern woodlands, no shortage of natural insulating materials for bedding.

 

[Black Hand]

Here in the Eastern woodlands, no shortage of natural insulating materials for bedding.

No such luck here - pine straw is the closest and not available in many/most places...

 

[Crewdawg445]

In the fall/winter months you could build one of those play ball pits with all the fallen leaves on the forest floor. Needles to say we are in no shortage of pine either.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Found a 3 1/2 point candy stripe Whitney on side of the highway one day at work. ( Old highway hand) Went straight to dry cleaners. Good blanket!

Early in my ronny experiences I was told (apparently incorrectly) that HBC blankets were made by Whitney and both were identical except for 'points' and price. So my capote was made from a Whitney. Sadly, it does not stop the wind at all. Even at about 30 degrees it will not keep me warm if there is any wind. So, I had made a weskit and short jacket both of which can be worn under the capote to provide warmth. Never mind I can't move or breath with all three on and, to boot, over my frock coat, I stay warm. I have found a number of wool blankets at yard sales and resale shops. Good buys are there for the looking.
Hudson Bay blankets are definitely the way to go for warmth. Worth the investment. Life ain't worth living if yer cold.

 

[Crewdawg445]

You bet! I'm not a fan of being cold, nor hot!