Grabbing a basket and stuffing it with delicious food is a fun way to spend time outdoors and try something new for dinner or lunch. First, you need a storage container with enough room to feed everyone. That's where picnic baskets come in.
Traditional wicker baskets are classic options, thanks to their lightweight construction and sturdy build. Newer-styled baskets come with a way to keep food cold while you travel and, perhaps, dishes and napkins. There’s something here for everyone, from couples to solo travelers to families on a budget, and we've selected the best ones.
Apollo Walker picnic backpack bag
Service for four in a shoulder-ready style
The Apollo Walker picnic backpack has a cooler compartment, wine bag, service for four, and a picnic blanket.
Pros:
- Easy-to-carry backpack
- Service for four
- Insulated interior to keep food cold/warm
- Blanket and utensils included
Cons:
- A pricier option
The Apollo Walker picnic backpack slings over your shoulder and is easier to carry than traditional handheld baskets. It comes with a host of clever compartments for food and utensil storage. This unique offering includes with cutlery, glasses, napkins, an insulated interior, a wine storage pouch, a cutlery board, a cheese knife, and even a blanket. Whether you’re going to the backyard or hiking to a special destination, the Apollo Walker will serve you and three guests well.
ALLCAMP insulated basket cooler
Practice sensible food safety
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold with the ALLCAMP insulated and collapsible basket cooler.
Pros:
- Soft handle for comfortable carrying
- Holds food temperatures well
- Available in medium and large sizes
- Carries up to 65 pounds
Cons:
- No organizational pockets
With no willow or wicker in sight, this picnic basket from ALLCAMP is modern through and through. Made using grey polyester fabric, it has a waterproof exterior—just the job for when the weather turns or if the basket is placed on wet ground. It's also lined with heat-sealed aluminum foil insulation so that your food remains at the proper temperature for most of the day. The large-capacity ALLCAMP comes in medium and large sizes and several color options.
ZORMY wicker picnic hamper
Everything you need but the food
ZORMY’s natural wicker picnic getup comes with dishes for two and a blanket.
Pros:
- Plates, wine glasses, napkins, and flatware for two included
- Waterproof blanket included
- Made from all-natural wicker
- Lightweight
Cons:
- It costs a little more
Couples and solo diners will appreciate the well-thought-out design and little touches of the ZORMY picnic basket. This beautiful setup, constructed of all-natural wicker, comes with plates, utensils, and glasses for two. There’s even a waterproof blanket included to throw on the ground. The ZORMY basket comes in several color options and is a purist picnicker's dream come true.
California Picnic picnic basket
A beautiful eco-friendly style
The waterproof California Picnic basket is made from eco-friendly wood chips and comes lined with a gorgeous cloth.
Pros:
- Open design
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Value
Cons:
- The lack of a lid is not for everyone
The natural woven basket from California Picnic is our value pick and also tops the eco-friendly category. This open basket is made from recycled wood chips and lined with a beautiful cloth. The basket is waterproof, durable, and lightweight. If you want a basket for less and one that’s made of recycled materials, put this in your cart now.
INNO STAGE wicker picnic basket
A suitcase-style basket with goodies for four
Inno Stage comes with service for four and everything you could ever need for a picnic in an easy-to-carry wicker suitcase.
Pros:
- Large enough for four
- Lots of extras
- Fleece blanket included
- Made from wicker
Cons:
- No top carry handle
The INNO STAGE picnic basket has a suitcase-style design and holds all items needed for four people. There’s a fleece blanket with a waterproof layer to throw on the ground, cutlery, plates, wine glasses, bottle opener, napkins, and even salt and pepper shakers. The INNO STAGE basket is an excellent gift for others or your family and comes with everything you need to enjoy a meal at the park.
Bottom line
A picnic basket is something most of us don’t think about until we need one. They’re great gifts for yourself or others and don’t take up much space to store but are endlessly useful.
The best picnic basket on this list is the Apollo Walker picnic backpack. We love the over-the-shoulder carry straps, plus the many extras included. This set comes with dinnerware and utensils for four, a cutting board, a wine holder, and an insulated interior to keep foods at a proper temperature.
Picnic foods spoil quickly under sunny skies. For food safety, the ALLCAMP insulated basket cooler is best. With a padded handle, zippered closures, and thermal insulation, hot foods stay hot and cold foods remain cold all afternoon.
If you prefer a picnic basket without a lid so you can pile contents high, you’ll love the basket from California Picnic. This eco-friendly basket is waterproof, has an open design, and is a real money saver.
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