Shapeless wearable blankets aren’t exactly flattering, but would you be more tempted to wear one anyway if you knew it was heated?

Young woman wanders the outdoors in her cozy V-Blanket

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“The Original Blanket with Sleeves,” the Snuggie, has become a bit of a cult classic despite how ridiculous people look while wearing it. Because, let’s face it, everybody likes to be comfortable. A new product called the V-Blanket is not exactly more fashionable than the Snuggie, but it does offer several useful functions that make it a sort of Snuggie for outdoor adventures.

Sure, you can curl up with a V-Blanket on the couch, but where it really comes in handy is at sports games, on road trips, or while camping. It’s a waterproof heated blanket and cape in one, and you can use it in a variety of ways. Sit on it like an ordinary waterproof outdoor picnic blanket, sit under it for warmth, or wear it like sweater.

Promotional materials breaking down the V-Blanket's material composition

Several images illustrating the V-Blanket's many applications

The blanket cape’s Kickstarter page reads: “During the winter, the weather changes fast and becomes cold. We know all the people need something easy to take with them that’s convenient to use. So, we came up with the idea of the heated throw and called it V-Blanket. The product can keep up a human’s body temperature but also generate heat to help people get warm.”

The V-Blanket is a portable battery-powered heated blanket, with heating material woven in with ultra-fine carbon fibers so the wiring is imperceptible to the wearer, distributing heating evenly. This helps it stay flexible, too, so it doesn’t feel stiff when you’re wearing it or have wires that are uncomfortable to sit on. Turn on any of its three adjustable heating zones with the press of a button, and enjoy a toasty 85-degree blanket in just 30 seconds.

The V-Blanket comes equipped with built-in LED lights for added safety

The interior is lined with cotton twill to trap the heat, and the exterior is 100-percent waterproof, so you can rely on it even in rain or snow. A built-in USB port allows you to keep your devices charged, and there are even two LED lights built into the chest and back of the cape, either for visibility while cycling or walking after dark, or for reading and completing tasks without needing a separate flashlight.

The V-Blanket’s creators add: “Unlike traditional heated blankets, which are notorious for bulky components and tangling cords, V-Blanket works at a non-hazardous 5V low voltage that can be powered by any type of USB external battery pack. It also has a built-in female USB-A connector to charge your mobile device while keeping you warm and cozy. It is ideal for outdoor sporting events, untethered use on the couch, or chilly airplane cabins.”

Couple enjoys reading outside beneath the comfort and warmth of their V-Blanket

“V-Blanket is incredibly lightweight and packable. It measures 54.5 x 38.5 inches when laid flat and weighs just 1.5 pounds. It compresses into a stuffed pack that measures 14.8 x 7.9 inches. With V-Blanket, you are always prepared for unexpected weather on vacations and holidays. V-Blanket is both machine and hand-washable, so you can just throw it in the washer with no worries. It can also be spin-dried at a low temperature.”

The V-Blanket is available in khaki, purple, or green. For an extra $10, you can add on a pretty nice feature: making the hood heated, too. You can learn more and pre-order one for yourself at Kickstarter.