A Guide to Buying a Heated Blanket

There are tons of heated blankets on the market; they have been around since 1930, and the technology has only gotten better. The evolution of heated blankets can make deciding which one to purchase difficult. 

Luckily we are here to help you sift through some of the top heated blankets so you can get the best bang for your buck. 

How Do Heated Blankets Work?

The majority of heated blankets on the market require a wall outlet to operate. This makes most heated blankets difficult or impossible to take anywhere outside the house. Enter the Zen Heated Blanket by Gobi Heat. The Zen blanket is powered by a 12 volt, 20,000 mAh lithium-ion battery and can last up to six hours or more. Using a battery instead of a plugin has a lot of upsides so let's check it out! All heated blankets have an insulated wire placed between the fabric layers of the blanket. These wires heat up to a certain temperature depending on your setting. 

The Zen Blanket vs. Top Heated Blankets on the Market 

The most obvious difference is that the Zen blanket can go wherever you go. You can take it camping, snowshoeing, ice fishing, youth sports, stadiums, and or just on your couch at home! Besides taking the Zen places your traditional heated blanket can't go, it is also a better quality product. Most heated blankets use a carbon fiber thread to conduct. Meanwhile, the Zen blanket is filled with a conductive thread. The difference between the two heating elements can be seen below. To summarize, carbon thread has a lower conversion rate than a conductive thread; it attenuates over time and can only produce heat in a small zone. 

Can You Wash a Heated Blanket?

Yes! The Zen blanket is easier to wash than typical plugin blankets! All you have to do is unplug the battery and take it out of the designated pocket before you throw it in the wash. Once done in the wash, take it out and throw it in the dryer on a low or delicate cycle. No matter how many times you wash it, the conductive thread will not wear out and will continue to retain heat. 

What Blanket Should I Get?

If you wonder what the best heated blanket is for you, take a look at what you need it for. Do you need a portable, lightweight, and versatile blanket for your trips to the mountains, or do you need a blanket for your bed at night? If you picked the first option, the Zen blanket is a must-have. Weighing in at 3.75 lbs, you can bring it on all your adventures, so you can stay warm doing the things you love.