The Neat Sheet has been the only blanket we've used for outdoor play over a year now. But recently, I discovered JJ Cole's Essentials Blanket - which gives the Neat Sheet a run for the money.

The Essentials Blanket is water resistant - we first used it at my niece's soccer game (rain, rain, rain) and I was very impressed how well it held up given the wet conditions. In fact, it held up better than the Neat Sheet would in a similar situation - which is why I recommend this blanket for any wetter, muddier conditions that you may be picnicking in this fall.

Also, it's thicker, so it's certainly nice to have the padding between you and the ground.

It wraps up really efficiently - right into a carrying pack that you can sling over your shoulder, making it easy and convenient.

You can buy the Essentials Blanket on Chit Chat Baby with coupon code jjcole10 for 10% off your order of the blanket or anything else on their site.