First off, the size of this blanket is a game-changer. At 80"x80", it comfortably fits my family of four with room to spare for snacks and drinks. I've used it at the beach, park, and even in our backyard – it never feels cramped.

The waterproof backing is legit. At first I was skeptical, but after sitting on damp grass during a morning picnic, I was amazed how dry we stayed. Sand brushes right off too – no more gritty sandwiches!

What surprised me most was the comfort. The acrylic top layer is soft enough that my toddler can nap on it, while the foam middle layer makes sitting for hours at outdoor concerts bearable (my back thanks you!).

Folding takes some practice – those straps had me frustrated the first few times. Pro tip: Fold it like a burrito before rolling to make strap management easier. Now I can pack it up in under a minute.

The only downside? The stitching could be more durable. After several months of weekly use, I'm seeing some threads come loose along the edges. Still functional though.

This lives in my car trunk now – ready for spontaneous picnics or beach trips. For the price, it's outperformed blankets twice as expensive that I've owned.