
We’re coming up to the height of summer and what better way to make the most of the mild weather than enjoying a picnic with your friends and loved ones? Picnic baskets can make or break a successful day out with those you love, so getting the right one can absolutely be worth every cent.
Getting the right picnic bag for your needs can be a little tricky however, which is why we’ve put together our Top Picks. In this article, all the hard work has been done for you, as we’ve scoured the internet to bring you the best options available. Better still, our in-depth reviews give you the real insight as to which picnic hamper will work best with your needs.
The Best Picnic Basket
1
Picnic at Ascot Folding Picnic Basket
Our first option and Top Pick is a great bag that works as both a cooler and full picnic bag in one. This insulated picnic basket is completely PEVA food safe and has been created with an open-cell foam to provide long-lasting freshness to all your foodstuff. This has then been covered with an easy-clean lining to make it that much quicker to wipe down your picnic basket cooler if there are any slips or spills during your day out.
Finally, the seams are heat-sealed to ensure no leaks at the weakest points, making this a great option for carrying around cool food all day. Top this off with a rugged 600 denier canvas around the outside and you have a fantastic, durable and heavy-duty picnic basket that will keep your food fresh all day long.
This basket also folds up easily and the lightweight materials ensure that this picnic bag doesn’t become a headache to carry around when you’ve finished up your picnic. With plenty of space for food and drinks, and easy to store when not in use, this is one of the best picnic baskets on the market, today.
PEVA food safe
Fully insulated with open-cell foam
Lifetime warranty included
Steel rim and flexible side support for added stability
- BrandPicnic at Ascot
- Model 400-B
- Weight 2 pounds
Heat-sealed lining is leakproof
Can fold completely flat when not in use so much easier to carry and store
Can carry a lot, with a maximum capacity of up to 65 pounds
Created with very high quality materials for maximum freshness
Metal studs at the base of the bag are prone to rusting
2
Picnic Time Country Picnic Basket
If you prefer to have a more classic look for you picnic hamper, then this wicker and rattan picnic basket is the perfect choice for you. Available with a removable and washable liner to make clean-up an absolute breeze, this item will remind you of all your favorite classic and romantic films – this is the picnic basket of dreams!
The dual entry lid works to keep your food and drink compartmentalized, while also doubling-up as a handy little table, thanks to the level surface and hard wood creation. Made with poplar wood and attached using leatherette straps, these add to the rustic, traditional design and really sell the overall authenticity of the classic look.
Overall, this is a strong, reliable option that is extremely highly rated online, thanks to its robust materials and simple design. Truly a style that will never go out of fashion, this picnic basket is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting basket for your picnics, for many years to come.
Dual entry lid
Very large picnic hamper
Removable liner
Lifetime guarantee included
- BrandPicnic Time
- Model 138-00-300-000-0
- Weight 2.6 pounds
The classic design looks beautiful as a timeless wicker picnic basket
The removable liner is machine washable for easy cleaning
Wooden lids can also be used as a level stand for drinks
Can’t be folded for easy storage
3
Allcamp Insulated Picnic Bag
Another great choice as a collapsible cooler bag, this 22-liter insulated option from AllCamp Outdoor Ltd is a fantastic choice if you want all the benefits of a fabric cooler bag, without the need for all the extra space. This item has been structured with an aluminum frame and collapsible sides, so you can easily fold away your purchase when not in use, to store it away until your next trip out.
Meanwhile, the inside of this picnic basket cooler uses insulated aluminum foil to keep hot food hot, and cold food cold while the reinforced zipper also helps to maintain a good temperature for your needs.
Also able to carry up to 65 pounds, this neat little folding picnic basket is a great choice for a variety of environments, from festivals to relaxing picnics with loved ones. Being rugged, lightweight and comfortable to carry, this is a great choice for longer days out.
Fully insulated
Folds flat for easy storage
Aluminum frame and padded handles
Lifetime warranty
- BrandALLCAMP
- Model ACP-1498
- Weight 1.54 pounds
A fully insulated option that has a heat-sealed liner to avoid leaks
Can carry up to 65 pounds
Padded handles and a tough polyester fabric make this a rugged option
Bottom isn’t rigid, so items can collapse inwards
Smaller than many of the other options on our list
4
Juvale Picnic Basket Set
A very large option which is perfect for outings with the family, or simply for a day out with close friends, family and loved ones, this picnic basket set has everything you need for up to four people. The double lid set up makes it much easier to find everything you need, while the additional storage pockets, which have been integrated into the overall design of the lining, allows you to completely organize your entire food and drink set up. This is furthered by the use of straps along the inside of the lid, to ensure your cutlery stays where it needs to be and is easy to reach when needed.
The natural, authentic wicker build gives a real feel of traditional, rustic charm which we know you and your friends with love. Meanwhile, the inside hosts two compartments, one of which is a full cooler bag, allowing you to separate different temperatures between your food and drink items within the bag.
Complete flatware set for 4
Double lid set up for easy access to what you need
Fully lined
Very large
- BrandJuvale
- Model COMIN18JU033334
- Weight 5 pounds
Beautiful, rustic picnic basket set with complete flatware for up to four people
Very large and able to fit everything you need for your picnic
Separate cooler compartment is perfect for ice or simply to keep your food fresh
Can be quite difficult to carry due to its size
A very expensive option
5
VonShef Wicker Picnic Basket Set
A comparatively affordable set which has proven to be a big hit with buyers, this two-tone wicker basket adds an extra hint of individuality to your picnic hamper without the need to be too eye catching. With ample storage, even with the full set of high-quality goods, which are held down by additional straps and pockets, this picnic basket can hold everything you need and much more.
Including everything from napkins to salt and pepper shakers, you can be sure that you’ll never again forget anything you need when it comes to getting your picnic together for your day out. This complete set will have you covered from starters to desserts, drinks included, so you can focus on enjoying your time together with your loved ones.
Being neither too small nor too large, you’ll be able to pack in everything you need for your trip without spilling out or finding yourself struggling for space. Just be aware that the ceramic plates and stainless-steel cutlery, along with the added accessories, can mean that this picnic basket can quickly begin to weigh you down, after a while.
Complete set for four people
Two-tone design for a unique touch
Leather look fastenings
- BrandVonShef
- Weight 7.25 pounds
Plenty of internal pockets and storage space allow for extra organization
Includes high quality goods and materials for a great picnic experience
Can be a heavy option when compared to others on our list
Handles can be a little flimsy at times
6
Household Essentials Picnic Hamper
A wonderfully unique design that is sure to catch the attention of your friends and family, when you present them with this picnic basket, this woven willow option comes with a truly classic feel. The dual lid access allows for more than enough room to ponder your next dish as you’ll be able to see the full extent of your hamper, once opened, without the need to blindly feel your way around.
The securing straps do a great job of keeping all your items in place, while the interior is lined with a soft cotton to add a touch of extra security during transit, as well as giving a beautiful plaid design. This basket is loved for it’s traditional feel and simple design.
There are, however, a few complaints when it comes to this option. Namely, the poor quality of the cutlery and crockery, which are said to be weak and flimsy. Because of this, we would suggest buying a new set of items, should you decide on this picnic basket.
Unique design
Made from all-natural willow
Dual lid design for easy access
- BrandHousehold Essentials
- Model ML-2660
- Weight 6.79 pounds
A cute little picnic basket with full flatware for up to 4 people
Cotton liner and secure straps ensure no breakages or mess
Flatware is made from cheaper materials
Can be awkward to carry, with wood sometimes jutting out
7
Best Choice Products Wicker Picnic Basket
If you aren’t sold on the idea of having such a large picnic basket, or simply need a picnic basket set for two people, this option might be the best choice for you. Made with wicker and PU leather, this reasonably sized basket is a great choice for carrying everything you need for a romantic picnic for two. Of course, if you do prefer the slightly larger version, you’ll be pleased to know that this selection is also available as a four-person set.
Including everything from a cheese knife to a non-chlorinated PEVA-backed fleece picnic blanket, this option has got you covered when it comes to making a day of it for you and your loved one. While the plates and glasses inside aren’t made from ceramic or glass like many of our other options, this does mean that you won’t have to worry about the weight of your picnic basket like you may have to with others.
Complete picnic basket set for two people
Good mid-range picnic hamper
Classic wicker basket look
- BrandBest Choice Products
- ModelSKY2728
- Weight 5.2 pounds
Great for use as a romantic picnic hamper
Blanket has a fleece upper and PEVA, waterproof lining, with the added benefit of being machine washable
Handle is likely to break as the capacity for weight is very small
No insulation
8
Picnic Time Verona Insulated Picnic Basket
The perfect choice if you’re looking to delve into more of a gift-giving picnic set, this cylindrical-shaped option from Picnic Time is the perfect choice if you’re seeking out the ideal romantic gift for an anniversary, wedding or holiday present for couples. With a focus on wine and cheese for two, this item comes with wine glasses and cotton napkins, plus a corkscrew, bottle stopper, cutting board and cheese knife.
The additional accents of this picnic hamper work wonders to give a really authentic, classic and romantic feel. With the napkins being color-coordinated to the lining of the hamper itself to really tie everything in together. This basket also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so should there ever be an issue with your purchase, your item will be replaced or refunded with no questions asked.
The only negative here, is that this item is only small when compared to many of the others on our list. Unfortunately, this means that this picnic hamper isn’t best suited to full picnics or longer days out. It can, however, be added to the back of your bike or taken with you on trips without taking up much room.
Insulted wicker basket
Unique cylindrical design
Picnic hamper with a focus on wine and cheese
- BrandPicnic Time
- Model 224-82-515
- Weight 5.5 pounds
A lifetime guarantee ensure that you receive a great quality basket for life
Fully lined with a classic look, along with high quality items, this picnic basket would make a great gift
An expensive option when considering value-for-money
Can’t pack more than a few items, so not suitable for a full picnic
9
Picnic Time Willow Picnic Basket
Our final option has a fantastic, casual look and even comes with a canvas strap for a very comfortable way to lug your dinner around. Made with a durable willow construction, this item works brilliantly for two people, with everything you need in one place from napkins to porcelain plates, for a really high-class feel.
Just be aware that, again, this is not the largest option available and you therefore may need to bring another bag along if you’re looking to have a full picnic with your loved ones.
Complete picnic hamper set for two
Durable willow construction with canvas strap for comfort
Beautiful, rustic and unique design
Lifetime guarantee included
- BrandPicnic Time
- Model 216-76-777
- Weight 8.25 pounds
Includes everything from tablecloths to a wine opener, including cheese knife and board
Secure straps ensure no damage or mess when in use
Very expensive option
One of the heaviest choices in our selection
No room for food, once accessories are included
Our Top Pick
We love the Patented Insulated Folding Picnic Basket Cooler by Picnic at Ascot because it provides such an amazingly high-quality purchase at a very reasonable price. Made with food safe lining and designed to keep your food and drinks fresh all day, every layer of this picnic bag has been thought through, designed and created with real quality in mind.
The zipped closure works wonderfully with keeping hot food hot and cold food cold, while the open-cell foam lining does wonders at keeping your temperature regulated and food fresher, for longer. Meanwhile, being able to fold down your picnic basket when not in use is ideal for those who live in smaller homes and will appreciate being able to keep the extra space.
The sewn-in steel rim provides great support, to ensure all your items are squashed together during transit and the reinforced sides allow for plenty of room for your food and drinks. There’s also a handy front pocket to keep all of your accessories and bric-a-brac, when required.
Source:
- How to pack the perfect picnic - BBC Good Food