What to Buy Hosting & Dining Outdoor & Patio The 10 Best Picnic Baskets for Dining Outdoors From simple and stylish wicker totes to all-inclusive, collapsible models, we have the top-rated models. By Clarissa Buch Zilberman Clarissa Buch Zilberman Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a freelance Commerce Writer at Food & Wine, specializing in product reviews and roundups. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, Entrepreneur and Realtor.com, among other print and digital titles. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 1, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food and Wine / Alli Waataja We are living in the golden age of picnic baskets. There are classic, Instagram-worthy wicker types, lightweight and collapsible bags, and even clever backpack models ideal for a hike. But with so many options, what's a picnic enthusiast to do? That's where we come in: We've researched over a dozen top-rated models, from high-end to affordable, old-school to design-forward. All of the picnic baskets we've chosen have notable durability, storage, and clever design. In short, we found a model for every type of outdoor diner. And while we have crowned one basket as the overall winner — spoiler alert: it’s spacious, affordable, insulated, and collapsible — read on to discover more of the best picnic baskets for your next outdoor meal. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Picnic at Ascot Patented Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tote: Rachael Ray Jumbo Chillout Thermal Tote at Amazon Jump to Review Best Insulated: PICNIC TIME Malibu Cooler Picnic Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wicker: Mark & Graham Belmont Picnic Basket at Markandgraham.com Jump to Review Best Collapsible: LIQING Large Picnic Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Modern: Rovr KeepR at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Date Night: Weston Table Picnic for Two Hamper Basket at Westontable.com Jump to Review Best for the Beach: Inno Stage Insulated Tote With Bamboo Snack Tray at Amazon Jump to Review Best Picnic Backpack: Sunflora Picnic Backpack for 4 Person Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: ALLCAMP Outdoor Gear Picnic Basket at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Picnic at Ascot Patented Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This picnic basket offers the best features all in one, from durability and space to perks like flatware for four and a collapsible design. Cons: It’s not as photo-worthy as a wicker alternative. When picking out the best picnic basket for your needs, there are many factors to consider, from design and durability to size and weight, included accessories, and of course, price. Here’s the catch with this Picnic at Ascot Patented Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket: It delivers in all of those areas and then some. It’s under $100, lightweight yet capable of carrying up to 65 pounds, collapsible, and features a durable, polyester exterior with an insulated interior. Not only that, but it also includes flatware for up to four people and is shaped like a traditional, old-school picnic basket with a steel rim and flexible side support, so it’ll maintain its form no matter what you pack inside. Case in point: This basket is suited for almost any type of picnic lover. Price at time of publish: $70 Weight: 5 poundsDimensions: 18.5 x 11.5 x 11.5 inchesMaterial: Polyester Best Tote Rachael Ray Jumbo Chillout Thermal Tote Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This picnic tote can also be used as a grocery bag. Cons: If you’re looking for a stylish picnic basket, you may want to consider a more traditional option. If you’re in the market for a picnic tote that can do more than simply carry a few snacks and bottles to the beach, the Rachael Ray Jumbo Chillout Thermal Tote doesn’t disappoint. On the one hand, you can use this durable bag for just about any picnic experience because it features a 10-gallon capacity, is collapsible, does not leak, and is well-made with Triple-Tek insulation and Temperfoil lining. On the flip side, this tote doubles as a strong, reliable grocery bag, able to keep food and drink hot or cold for hours. And get this: Thanks to two sets of handles, you can carry the bag both vertically and horizontally — so this tote can handle transporting pizza, cake, casserole, and even large wine bottles. Price at time of publish: $25 Size: 15 x 9.5 x 9.8 inchesItems included: NoneWeight: 1.54 pounds Best Insulated PICNIC TIME Malibu Cooler Picnic Basket Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This insulated, water-resistant bag features a convenient, collapsible design and dinnerware for two. Cons: It looks more like a lunchbox or cooler than a traditional picnic basket. The hallmark of a great picnic basket revolves around insulation. After all, if you can’t comfortably store a chilled bottle of wine and a few snacks, be it cheese and crackers or foot-long subs, then how will you orchestrate a true picnic? That’s where the PICNIC TIME Malibu Cooler Picnic Basket comes in. It features two separate insulated, water-resistant compartments in a convenient, collapsible design — so you can quickly break down the bag if you finish all your snacks. There’s even a padded divider for up to two beer or wine bottles, plus peek-through closures for tall bottles. A bonus is it includes service for two, from shatter-resistant wine glasses and melamine plates to stainless steel cutlery, a wooden cutting board, a cheese knife, and cotton napkins. Price at time of publish: $79 Weight: 5 poundsDimensions: 14.5 x 10.5 x 9 inchesMaterial: Polyester Best Wicker Mark & Graham Belmont Picnic Basket Mark and Graham View On Markandgraham.com Pros: This model includes all the plates and flatware you need but still has plenty of storage. Cons: A single top handle means this isn't the easiest to carry over long distances, and it shouldn't get wet. Made out of traditional wicker and leather buckle straps, this basket seems to be plucked straight out of the English countryside. But good looks aren't the only thing this model has going for it: it's also cleverly designed to hold the plates and flatware you need for your meal, as well as all of your food. The top flap is constructed with chic buckle straps and snaps to hold your dining tools, while the roomy basket interior fits both the included wine glasses and a separate insulated compartment. You can easily store chilled items like cheeses on one side, while drier items like bread can be stashed separately (and stay sog-free). A jaunty blue-and-white-striped lining completes the look; this bag will likely be the star in any photo you snap. Price at time of publish: $159 Weight: 9.5 poundsDimensions: 20.5 x 13 x 8 inchesMaterial: Woven wicker basket with fully-lined canvas interior Best Collapsible LIQING Large Picnic Basket Amazon View On Amazon Pros: This extra-large picnic basket is waterproof, lightweight, easy to carry, and collapsible. Cons: The size may tempt you to overpack — but that means you won’t be able to take advantage of the collapsible function when you’re done. Sometimes, you just need the essentials for a picnic meal: a few hunks of your favorite cheeses and a crisp bottle of white wine. For those occasions, there's no reason to lug a bulky picnic basket. Instead, opt for a model that's collapsible, waterproof, and easy to maneuver. It helps that this LIQING Large Picnic Basket is spacious, too. It can hold up to 45 pounds, or the equivalent of 25 bottles of 600 mL drinks or 10 lunch boxes. It also features cold and thermal insulation, so you can pack ice-cold beer and warm, crispy chicken tenders all in one bag. Price at time of publish: $23 Weight: 1.5 poundsSize: 17 x 10.5 x 11 inchesMaterial: TPU and high-density foam Best Modern Rovr KeepR Mobile Cocktail Caddy with Ice Bucket Rovr View On Amazon View On REI View On Rovrproducts.com Pros: A movable divider on the inside ensures food and drinks are always secure. Cons: There is no lid on this tote, so for long days in hot conditions, it isn't ideal. Looking for a liquid-only picnic bag? This tote from the camping company RovR is ideal. The sturdy bag can fit multiple bottles of different sizes (and cheese and crackers, if you'd prefer), and also comes with a double-walled, vacuum-sealed ice bucket so your drinks can stay frosty all afternoon. We also love the large, flat base of this rigid tote, which allows it to sit upright on various surfaces. Inside, the included dividers are moveable, which means any combination of wine bottles, glasses, and snacks will remain secure as you carry them. It's also constructed to withstand the rigors of outdoor life with high-density foam and waterproof TPU fabric. Price at time of publish: $150 Weight: 5 poundsSize: 15.2 x 13 x 12.6 inchesMaterial: TPU and high-density foam Best for Date Night Weston Table Picnic for Two Hamper Basket Weston Table View On Westontable.com Pros: This high-end basket has everything you need to create a romantic picnic. Cons: The price is higher than most, and it's on the bulkier side. If you're looking to curate a romance-fueled picnic meal and just haven't been able to find the perfect basket, you're in luck: This model from Massachusetts's Weston Table boutique is fully stocked. Nearly every feature of this classic model has been upgraded to a luxury level, from an interior and exterior trimmed with leather to porcelain plates, stainless steel knives, and a waiter-style corkscrew. All you need to add is your favorite bottle of wine and some snacks. Price at time of publish: $185 Weight: 5 poundsSize: 16 x 8 x 12 inchesMaterial: Wicker and leather Best for the Beach Inno Stage Insulated Tote With Bamboo Snack Tray Amazon View On Amazon Pros: It's lightweight, made out of durable materials perfect for outdoor activities, and includes a bonus snack tray. Cons: Space is limited, so you may not be able to carry enough food for more than a few people. By now, you might know that wicker and outdoor elements like sand, dirt, and leaves are not a great combination. So if you're having a picnic on the beach, bring a bag that keeps your food cool and the sand (and sea) out. And, since no one loves dragging a hard-sided cooler over bumpy mounds of sand, opt for this INNO Large Insulated Tote instead. This model is a great beach picnic bag for a few reasons: it's made from durable polyester, has a waterproof and insulated interior lining, and is equipped with a wine snack table — which even includes designated holes for one bottle and four glasses. Price at time of publish: $53 Weight: 5 poundsDimensions: 13 x 9.4 x 19.6 inchesMaterial: Polyester Best Picnic Backpack Sunflora Picnic Backpack for 4 Person Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Newegg.com Pros: The backpack has special pockets for wine, a blanket, and flatware, freeing up the center compartment for food. Cons: While there’s a designated spot for food, it doesn’t compare to the space of a standard picnic basket or bag. If your prime picnic location requires a decent walk to reach it, you'll know that carrying a standard picnic basket on a trail is a giant hassle. Instead, opt for the Sunflora Picnic Backpack. Unlike other picnic backpacks, this one doesn’t skimp out on space. The entire center compartment is free for food and drink, so you won’t have to compromise on that extra sandwich over carrying a few wine glasses. From the cheese knife to the wine opener to even a bamboo cutting board, every item included has its compartment, making it a breeze to pack and unpack. Plus, you won’t have to worry about flatware pieces or glasses jangling around inside because the included items are made to withstand a tumble: the wine glasses and plates are high-quality, hard-to-break plastic. Price at time of publish: $80 Weight: 6.5 poundsDimensions: 14 x 11 x 5 inchesMaterial: Cationic fabric Best Value ALLCAMP Outdoor Gear Picnic Basket Amazon View On Amazon Pros: A clever design allows this basket to collapse for storage, and it's versatile enough to function as a grocery bag. Cons: This model does not have any additional items like plates or flatware and lacks the typical basket aesthetic. The most crucial part of a picnic is the food, but the vessel in which it's carried can make all the difference. Our favorite low-cost model is this one from ALLCAMP — not only is it fully insulated, but it collapses as well, making it ideal for storing when not in use. Other features we love are ones often seen on much higher-end models: the heat-sealed, leak-proof lining (feel free to load this baby up with a ton of ice); an easy-to-clean polyester canvas exterior; a small zippered pocket in the front that's perfect for flatware; and an aluminum handle with a soft-grip, making it easy to tote to your picnic spot. While this basket's size won't fit enough food for a party of six, the flip side is that it easily doubles as an insulated grocery tote. Price at time of publish: $24 Weight: 1.54 poundsDimensions: 15 x 9.5 x 9.8 inchesMaterial: Polyester Factors to Consider Material Picnic baskets come in many different materials, from classic wicker to canvas and even leather. What you choose comes down to what you plan to use your picnic basket for. If you’re looking for something to take to the beach or on rugged outdoor adventures, you may want to invest in a waterproof, easy-to-clean material like canvas. However, if you’re interested in a traditional-looking picnic basket and aren’t as concerned with practicality, you can’t go wrong with wicker. Size and weight Think about what method you'll use to transport your basket: a car trunk can accommodate a large, suitcase-like vessel, but the back of your bike? Not so much. And if you're going on foot, we recommend opting for a backpack-style or a bag that fits under your arm. Features and accessories A picnic basket with all the bells and whistles (plates, glasses, cutting board) certainly helps take the guesswork out of packing, but all of those accouterments will add a lot of bulk. If you'd rather not lug that many pounds, choose a basket that doesn't come with all the extras and stock up on lightweight paper plates and cups. Insulation The traditional notion of a picnic basket — wicker, two handles, maybe a cheery, red-checker lining —may look great on Instagram, but it's not going to keep your cheese cool for hours on end. If you're the sort of person who's packing melty Époisses, delicate raspberries, and ice-cold white wine for your picnic lunch, then it's a good idea to invest in an insulated picnic bag or basket. The insulation will keep your food cool but the construction also has the added benefit of generally being sturdier than your average wicker type. Look for models that are also waterproof, as you don't want your basket to end up sopping wet after your ice melts. Handles All picnic baskets are portable by nature, but knowing where you might choose to have a picnic will determine the best kind of carrying strap. A standard top handle should do the trick if you're mostly just going from the car to your blanket. But if you're planning a beach lunch or even a celebratory meal after a long hike, then something sturdier like a backpack or shoulder handles will be easier to use. Frequently Asked Questions What should you pack in a picnic basket? You can pack just about anything in a picnic basket — from wine and cheese to sandwiches, salads, fruit, and more, especially if your picnic basket is insulated. If it doesn’t include insulation, be careful about transporting foods that need to be kept at a certain temperature. How do you keep food cold in a picnic basket? The easiest way to keep food cold in a picnic basket is to pick one with built-in insulation. You may also want to pack a few ice packs inside the basket for an added chill. What can I fill a picnic basket with as a gift? It depends on the occasion. Picnic baskets can hold all sorts of items, from food and drink to clothing, flowers, books, and even stuffed animals. Keep the basket’s capacity in mind, though. If you overpack a picnic basket, you risk breaking it. Our Expertise Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Specializing in lifestyle, business, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Realtor.com, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, among other print and digital titles. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit