Tuesday
Feb092010
February 9, 2010 WANTED: Lightweight blankies
MAGELLAN’S 12 OZ. OFFERINGWith American Airlines charging $8 for a blanket and pillow combo in coach, the next need for the cold-natured light traveler may just be a super-light travel blanket. Let the search begin. Share your suggestions.
Reader Comments (21)
My charcoal grey pashmina was used almost daily for something or other on my month-long trip to Italy - very handy.
http://www.graphicice.com/index.php/action/prodspec/itemID/131643643
BUT as with many, this is the per unit price for a promotional piece meant to have a logo placed onto it, very much like that small messenger bag I used on my last trip. Anyway, probably many stadiums or team shops carry these. Beyond that, however, they are bulky to carry, and not jmuch use for anything else. Personally, I simply plan to move my pullover sweaterfrom my larger bag, to my smaller underseat bag, which will also carry my pillow (discussed elsewhere.)
Hmmm. I wonder if my wife has one. I can see a DUAL use for one while traveling, not just the airplane, but as a theater wrap, or for use while reading, etc. It certainly eems like a gift idea for me to keep in mind.
Sure it's a lot more expensive than a fleece blanket, but more attractive, more useful, more elegant... wait a minute, I think I'm describing my WIFE!
I agree with Linda - pashmina type is great! I bring a cashmere-silk blend shawl when I fly. It's thin, so very little bulk. I can fold it up to fit in a small plastic sandwich baggie! It's very warm, surprisingly so. It's almost gossamer in weight so it's not bulky when wrapped around you in the narrow coach seats. The plus - I use it as an elegant shawl, a scarf, and it can even be wrapped around as a dress or skirt if so inclined. I buy them with patterns and that means any linty bits do not show. However, they are expensive so I am extra cautious when the food or drinks are served.
For me personally, this item adds a little touch of class to flying like a bunch of cattle, or so the airlines seem to treat us so. Plus, the patterns and colours of the shawls I bring mean my entire wardrobe can be black - and I always have something colourful to wear! Easy to pack this way!
In this case, the cost of a cashmere or cashmere/silk blend pashmina was definitely worth the price considering how useful, warm, and compact it was. And I still use it all the time at home.
Oh, and Alan? Trust me - a woman can always use more than one pashmina - I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you got her another, perhaps for Valentine's Day....
So that's two votes for a pashmina style wrap as a blanket on the plane! At least for the ladies.
For the gentlemen, I think Brad is spot-on with a sportcoat. But what about a blanket? Hum...? A travel towel rolled up for lumbar support? I have seen men's versions of a cashmere wrap (and they are masculine looking too) but that may not be to everyone's taste. But I like them!
I laughed too....until I got one. It's great.
http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/endeca/search.do?keyword=Snuggie
LizL - great point about pashmina's not liking water! So true!
They sell Snuggies at Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target for $15. Depending on where you buy it, they come in blue, pink, green, burgundy, leopard, camel and zebra. (No tiger).They now make them for kids and dogs as well.
* Size - For most average size adults this will need to be at least 60''.
* Fabric - Choose a fabric traditionally known for keeping warmth, such as wool (cashmere) and silk; or some of the new fibers such as polar fleece, micro-fleece and CoolMax®
some Extras to look for are:
* A pocket to keep track of small travel items like earplugs, eye-shade or an iPod.
* A foot pocket to keep your toes warm and toasty.
As you will need to travel with this blanket, it still needs to be lightweight and compact, the following two seem to be perpetual favorites:
Design Salt Coolmax Travel Blanket
Cabin Cuddler Patented Travel Blanket & Pillow Combo