Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 Review

The Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 is a remarkably lightweight pocket blanket that folds down to a size that can fit in the palm of your hand. There have been some nice improvements compared to the previous version, which we will get into later. Its water-resistant materials offer long-term ground protection for worry-free seating anywhere, anytime. It is perfect for various scenarios like hanging out at the park, relaxing at the beach, or lying under the stars. 

Its small size means it’s easy to fold up and carry in a bag or slip into a pocket, hence the name “Pocket Blanket,” a moniker that does not disappoint. While not explicitly designed to provide warmth or protection from any elements, it can offer a small degree of water resistance in the event of unexpected rain. While we did not test this particular feature, the previous models of this blanket are made with a similar material that did a great job protecting from moisture.

The Rundown

The Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 is made from recycled materials and meets bluesign® criteria and Matador®’s sustainability goals. It uses a combination of 20D recycled ripstop, PU waterproofing, PFC-free DWR, 70D bluesign® span, PFC-free DWR, and 70D up-cycled polyester.  In layman’s terms, this just means that in addition to meeting strict safety and environmental requirements, these recycled materials are designed to be incredibly resistant to water. The super thin fabric is not entirely see-through but does allow for some visibility since it is so thin and malleable. 

Unfortunately, its thinness does not offer any kind of padding or plush for comfort, so we recommend finding an already soft surface to place this down. It will do a great job of preventing your clothing from getting wet or dirty. When determining where to sit, especially with a blanket as thin as this, one important factor to consider, similar to in real estate, is location location location.

While fairly straightforward, one of the nicest features of this blanket is just how useful it can be. It is perfect for outdoor concerts, camping trips, sporting events, barbecues, and even yoga sessions, although you should keep in mind it’s not padded. It is pretty useful for any situation when you want to avoid getting dirty or damp when sitting or lying down. Matador claims it has the capacity to seat two to four adults, but two is really the sweet spot, while three pushes those limits. Four adults probably can fit on one blanket; however, it would probably be too cramped to move comfortably.

Similar to the Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0, this blanket offers two options to keep it securely in place. Each of the four corners has a hidden pocket with a metal ground stake safely secured inside. It does an excellent job housing the metal stakes so you do not accidentally sit or lie on them. It also provides a dedicated space to return them so that after packing up, any excess dirt is contained in the pocket instead of potentially getting on the blanket. The metal stakes themselves feel solid and sturdy. Sticking them into the ground was simple, although we recommend aiming for softer ground since they are still fairly thin and could potentially break if it is too hard.

The dedicated sand pockets on each corner are the other option for keeping the blanket down and secure. Using them is pretty straightforward; you can fill them with sand at the beach, and they anchor the blanket down, preventing it from blowing away with the wind. With a blanket as thin and lightweight as this, that is definitely a concern. 

Packability

The Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 is incredibly compact, fitting easily in the palm of your hand. It comes in an attached storage pouch, which is nice since you do not have to worry about losing it. It folds in on itself when you are putting it away. The instructions on how to fold it back up so that it fits neatly in its pouch are printed on the blanket itself, removing the worry of trying to remember how to refold it or accidentally doing it the wrong way so that it does not fit in the attached pouch. Because the pouch is attached at a specific spot, following the predefined set of instructions on where to fold makes a difference in order to ensure that it compacts down on itself enough to actually fit in the storage pouch.

Doing so is pretty straightforward and intuitive to the point where, after a few passes at it, you don’t really need the instructions anymore, but they are always there just in case. The process involves folding the blanket repeatedly at specific creases hamburger style. However, on this particular colorway, the color scheme of black print on a gray blanket seems somewhat questionable since the instructions are so small. This is not a huge issue, especially once you get the hang of it, but it is an important factor to bear in mind. Folding the thin and lightweight material can also be slightly challenging, especially in a windy environment.

Quick Comparison

Compared to its predecessor, the Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0, the updated version now includes bluesign® certified recycled materials. It also introduces the printed-on Easy-Pack Pattern, which is the instructions for folding instead of the sewn-in instructions on the last one. This is supposed to enhance the water resistance and offer more longevity. 

Compared to a similar product, the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket and Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 are both compact yet designed with two different purposes in mind. The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel blanket provides warmth and comfort in frigid environments. It includes insulation similar to down blankets for warmth and is stain and water-resistant to provide light protection from dirt and water when laid down. It is also machine washable. In contrast, the Matador’s Pocket Blanket will not provide warmth and probably will not even provide decent protection against the wind, but it will protect your clothing from dirt and water. It could potentially be used as a cover to protect from light rain, although it’s unclear how effective this would be. The blanket is water-resistant, but there is no mention of it being machine washable, and there are no instructions on how to wash it properly. While the Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 is a fraction of the size and far more portable, it is designed more as a place to sit rather than a blanket to cover you.

The Matador Pocket Blanket 4.0 is an excellent lightweight, portable, and water-resistant blanket. It is super compact and easy to carry around. Its versatility works in a variety of scenarios. It may not offer any warmth or padding, but it excels in its versatility in providing a clean and reliable place to sit. So, it may be right for you if you are looking for a convenient, multipurpose, and durable seating solution.