ThePADDLER
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Voited Cloudtouch blanket https :// voited . co . uk Dale Mears @ Standuppaddleuk
So it ’ s the end of the summer , and the weather will start changing and dropping a little cooler for paddle sessions .
Last season saw the massive rise of the changing robe . Change robes are everywhere , and why not ? They are great . We love a change robe because they keep us warm , and cover us when changing . However , other options have some other uses that may benefit many .
Now the issue with change robes , apart from the look , isn ’ t for everyone because they are a bit of a one-trick pony and an expensive one . It can , for some , be difficult to store and weighty to take along on adventures . For others , they are the best thing in the world .
I want to share another option for all year round . Adventure blankets , basically big fleecy or insulated blankets , have taken a bit of a starring role on some Instagram pages , usually modelled by some hot model in a cool beautiful location . However , please bear with me .
I got hold of a Voited Cloudtouch blanket , and here ’ s why I love this as an alternative to a change robe .
It ’ s an insulated and water-resistant blanket featuring a ripstop side covered in really cool designs , and the range is extensive . On the other side is a soft , cosy fleece similar to a change robe . You can use this off the water in a van , picnic etc ., but you can wrap it around you to cover your modesty . What makes this particular blanket stand out is the multiple uses . If wearing as a change product , it ’ s huge ( double bed huge ), and there ’ s plenty to snuggle ; it also features poppers around the edges that you can flip together , making a cape / little change area to your requirement .
You can fasten all the poppers fully and turn this into a single-person sleeping bag . Or , if you own two blankets , pop them together , making a double sleeping bag .
It doesn ’ t end there ; the whole blanket stuffs into a zip-up pocket , making a pillow – ideal for slinging in my case on the rear bench of my van or in the bed . The issue with changing robes is that you must buy a separate bag for this purpose or case , and I love that it just lives there . If you don ’ t want to leave it in pillow form , it comes with a funky stuff sack and karabiner similar to a sleeping bag set up . I don ’ t even know where I ’ ve put this bag as it is living as a pillow .
If used as a blanket or change robe-style product , the hidden pillow stuff sack doubles up as a great storage pocket for maps and other gear you want to stash away . Tested to lows of 8 ° C / 46F to ensure warmth when wearing / using ; however , I will say if using as a sleeping bag , it is popper fastened , so airflow out of edges exists .
These come in a little cheaper than a change robe or at a similar price point to some of the cheaper robes yet pack much more quality and practical uses . One product that does many has its advantages over one with just one actual use ?
Ok , let ’ s talk environment . This blanket is made of recycled plastics rather than virgin materials , including the outer ripstop and the fleece . It is also coated in Teflon EcoElite , a new environmentally friendly stain repellent and waterproof .
Here are the product dimensions : Packed : 36x20x20cm ( 14x8x8inch ) Pillow : 48x48x10cm ( 19x19x4inch ) Blanket : 137x203cm ( 54x80inch ) Weight : 1630gr ( 3.59lbs / 57.49oz )
This is a superb product , especially if you are not fond of robes yet want something warm to wrap around you when getting off the water , serving so many other uses , including sleeping and van life .
Price : £ 125