Product test
Putting the Blackroll Recovery Pillow under the microscope
by Michael Restin
Blackroll Recovery Blanket: good sleep on the go
11.7.2021
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Good sleep is worth its weight in gold. A comforter like the Blackroll Recovery Blanket isn’t necessary. But it's easy to travel with and care for. And it’s comfortable.
Recovery and sleep go hand in hand. So, it’s no wonder that Blackroll, which first earned its name with its fascia rollers, has since discovered an interesting niche market: the nighttime and everything that goes with it. It makes sense that the sports and lifestyle company does well in this sector. The brand is well known, and quality sleep is in high demand. What’s more, the target group has an interest in self-optimisation, which they’re happy to pay for. These are good starting conditions for pillows and comforters with a sporty touch. The concept: take your stuff with you wherever you go. The Recovery Pillow and Recovery Blanket can be rolled and stowed in the compact bag that’s included. Two years ago, the Recovery Pillow won me over. It’s small and has since replaced my down pillow. And I take it with me just about anywhere I go.
In the case of a pillow, the idea of taking it with you everywhere makes sense. After all, it impacts the position of your spine during sleep. And it doesn't take up much space. A comforter, on the other hand, is more difficult to cram into your luggage and is less of a must-have, even at home.
First impression: large and thin
The handy black bag houses a considerable amount of comforter – at least in terms of surface area. The fact that it’s 135 centimetres wide and 200 centimetres long only works because it’s extremely thin. It doesn’t expand or unfold slowly like the pillow, and it looks a bit sorry next to a «real» comforter. Still, it’s supposed to work for all four seasons. If you’re prone to freezing at night, you’ll surely shake your head at the sight of the thin grey blanket and the thought of low temperatures.
Blackroll counters these concerns with 15 buttons on the Recovery Blanket. If you have two Recovery Blankets, you can combine them to either make one giant comforter or one thick comforter (and then proceed to fight over it with your partner). I tend to get hot at night, so I’m not put off by the less-than-fluffy appearance. Besides, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
The material
Your skin comes into contact mainly with cotton: the non-removable cover is made of 97 per cent cotton, while the rest (both inside and outside) is made of a synthetic fibre. If you’re not big on aesthetics, you can use the comforter without an extra cover, as it’s machine-washable at 60 degrees and can be tumble dried at low heat. Dealing with moisture is important with the Recovery Blanket. The Primaloft fibre used as filling is not only common in comforters, but in many outdoor products such as jackets or sleeping bags. It offers insulation similar to down, but is insensitive to moisture.
If you travel with the blanket and pack and unpack it regularly, it offers a good compromise between size, weight and robustness. Primaloft comes in different grades. Blackroll uses 480 g/m² Primaloft Gold, the top grade, which should actually provide sufficient warmth even on colder nights. This machine-washable synthetic fibre is also suitable for people suffering from allergies.
The experience
I do not need a whole lot of comforter. The thin Recovery Blanket doesn’t rustle or bunch up and, of course, is warm enough in the summer. What’s important to me is that I don’t break a sweat, so I’m happy with the Recovery Blanket. There are worse things than a comforter I hardly notice. The filling stays in place, so I don’t have to constantly shake it to get it into place. If you’re someone who needs that feeling of really snuggling in, you might need a second layer. But I’m happy with just one. I certainly don’t need a weighted comforter like the one by Gravity my coworker Pia Seidel reviewed. It seems to be a simple case of «it’s a matter of personal preference». But I can compare the Blackroll approach with the opinion of the top athlete sleep guru.
In recent decades, Nick Littlehales has optimised the nights of football stars and Tour de France pros, among others. And, of course, he also puts together travel «sleep kits» for his clients. His priorities are similar to those of Blackroll’s Recovery Blanket. There’s no way around hypoallergenic synthetic fibres, which are breathable and easy to wash, he writes in his book: «Nanotechnology allows for fibres that are only a fraction as thick as any natural fibre. They can’t be beaten when it comes to breathability and drying speed.» Light and simple – the same priorities. I find it really convenient that the Recovery Blanket fits in washing machines with a minimum capacity of 4.5 kilogrammes. It’s easy to put into the travel bag, which is also machine-washable. But the fact that you can button the blanket to the bag and then roll it up is more of a gimmick. It’s not necessary and takes five times as long to get in.
Verdict: good stuff
If you’re happy with your current comforter and don’t feel uncomfortable on trips, you can pass on the Recovery Blanket. If you’re looking for a lightweight solution for the road, your RV, or to replace the scratchy comforters found in some hotels, the Recovery Blanket just might be the thing for you. It’s high quality through and through and priorities the right things. The result is an easy-care and breathable comforter for on the go. This is thanks to all the synthetic fibre. Or, put differently: the comforter is 100% vegan. Moreover, it’s «made in Germany» and complies with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1.
The price tag is accordingly high – too high for occasional use, in my opinion. If you use it daily, it’s acceptable. In my eyes, Blackroll has once again succeeded in finding a good balance between everyday suitability and compact travel companion. The Recovery Blanket is certainly the Recovery Pillow’s logical companion. If you like the pillow, you’ll probably also like the blanket. While not a necessity, it’s a nice extra to indulge in.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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