Recommend me a very thick, very warm large winter blanket

The original poster seeks a thick, warm large winter blanket with a $300 budget, specifically asking about wool. The discussion reveals a divided community with two competing schools of thought. One camp advocates for wool blankets from established brands like Pendleton, Faribault Mill, and Woolrich, citing their durability (one commenter's husband used the same Pendleton for 30+ years), breathability, and BIFL quality. However, multiple commenters note wool's itchiness problem, requiring use of cotton sheets or duvet covers as a workaround. A significant counterargument emerges from users who champion down blankets and comforters, with one commenter explicitly stating that down provides more warmth than wool and criticizing the conventional wisdom favoring wool. This sparked a debate: another commenter countered that down traps moisture and sweat, while yet another acknowledged that wool users need 2-5 blankets to achieve the same warmth as a standard down duvet. The discussion also introduces wool duvets (not blankets) as a middle ground, with users noting duvets breathe better than down while avoiding wool's itchiness by using a cotton exterior. Practical solutions emerge, including a specific recommendation to layer a cotton blanket with a merino wool blanket for under $300 total, and suggestions to purchase quality blankets that can serve multiple seasons. Cultural considerations arise when one commenter highlights Eighth Generation blankets as an alternative to Pendleton, noting Pendleton's history of cultural appropriation litigation and positioning Eighth Generation as supporting actual Native artists. Budget-conscious options like Petros Gear (Ukraine-based, significantly cheaper) and thrifted alternatives (vintage down sleeping bags, inherited Hudson Bay blankets) are also mentioned.