Horizon Hound GR-20 Down Camping Blanket Review Review

When you first get your hands on this blanket, its low weight is the most striking feature. The outer shell is made from 20D ripstop nylon, a common choice in lightweight camping gear that offers a decent balance between durability and weight-saving.

Filling and Loft

Inside, you'll find RDS-certified sustainable duck down. This is what gives the blanket its impressive warmth. However, a recurring theme, even in positive reviews, is the loft. One 3-star reviewer was direct, stating "it’s not very well filled it seems" . A 5-star buyer also anticipated this, noting the blanket is "likely to be thin and that it needs to be allowed to ‘fluff up’" . This suggests that while warm, it might not have the plush, lofty feel some expect from a down product.

Durability Concerns

While most find the quality good , a couple of reviews mention minor issues. The most common is slight feather loss over time. A 5-star review mentioned they "Lost a few feathers of the last few weeks" , and a 4-star review echoed this sentiment . This isn't a deal-breaker for most and is fairly common with down gear, but it's something to be aware of for long-term durability.

In the field, this blanket's performance really shines, especially when you consider its size and weight. It punches well above its class in the warmth department.

Warmth and Comfort

This is where the blanket gets its highest praise. Users consistently report it being very warm and cosy. One 4-star reviewer found it "Perfect for camping during colder weather as it keeps you very warm" . Another, who used it while hiking the Camino, called it "Super cosy for the cold nights" . It's clear that for its intended purpose—providing a significant boost of warmth without the bulk of a traditional sleeping bag or duvet—it excels.

For some campers, it's even become a replacement for their sleeping bag in milder conditions. A verified buyer proclaimed it "Better than a sleeping bag" and "Ideal for wild camps" , highlighting its convenience and comfort.

Packability and Portability

For van life, backpacking, or even just a day out, space is always a premium. This blanket understands the assignment. It packs down neatly into its included stuff sack, taking up minimal room. Reviewers love this aspect, with comments like "packs down well in it's stuff sack" and "Klein, passt in jeden Rucksack" (Small, fits in any rucksack) . This ease of transport makes it a versatile piece of kit you're more likely to bring along, whether it's for an evening around the campfire or as an emergency layer in the car.

The feature set of the Horizon Hound GR-20 is simple and focused, favouring performance and portability over bells and whistles.

Core Materials

The main feature is undoubtedly the filling: RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) sustainable duck down. For ethically-minded campers, this is a significant plus, ensuring the down comes from animals that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm. This is paired with the 20D ripstop nylon, which provides a degree of water and wind resistance, crucial for unpredictable outdoor conditions.

Portability

A key practical feature is the included stuff sack. It's not an afterthought; it's essential to the product's appeal. Customers frequently mention how well the blanket packs away, making it genuinely easy to carry . One hiker specifically bought it because it "packs down well in it's stuff sack and doesn't take up too much room" .

What's Missing?

Compared to some other camping blankets on the market, this one is quite basic. It lacks snaps or clips that would allow you to wear it hands-free like a poncho, a feature some campers find useful for moving around a chilly campsite. While no reviewers specifically called this out, it's a feature we've come to appreciate on other models. The simplicity keeps the weight down, but it's a trade-off to be aware of.

In the world of camping blankets, the Horizon Hound GR-20 sits in a competitive middle ground. It offers significantly better performance than cheaper, bulky synthetic blankets, which can't match its warmth-to-weight ratio or packability. For many, it's a worthy upgrade, with one user finding it "Better than a sleeping bag" for their specific needs . However, when compared to high-end down quilts from specialist outdoor brands, it may fall short. These premium options often feature higher fill-power down and more technical designs, but come with a much steeper price tag. This blanket strikes a balance, offering the benefits of down insulation at a more accessible price, though with the trade-off that it can feel underfilled to some .