Planning a giant picnic or outdoor meal with your loved ones? Has your cooler been limited for a while when it comes to taking meals to your picnic area? We think it's time for you to invest in a picnic basket.
In order to have the best picnic possible, it is obvious that you will need the right equipment. It should be able to safely store the food, drinks and utensils you need. Most hikers think of traditional coolers. However, these containers are quite compact and are not tote bags. Simply put, they get in the way of enjoying an outdoor meal. Yet, by adopting a picnic basket, you can be sure to have a successful event.
To choose your picnic basket on the market, you must take into account certain characteristics. These include the material, carrying options, size and insulation of the picnic bag. Of course, accessories and the selling price are also criteria that should not be overlooked.
In order to help you make a concrete choice, we have established a top 3 of our best picnic baskets. But before you do, we suggest that you discover the rest of this guide which explains in detail the criteria listed above. On your marks, get set, let's picnic!
Choosing your picnic basket based on the design material
The material is the first feature you should consider when choosing a picnic basket. To this end, there are two types of materials that go into the picnic bag manufacturing process.
Natural materials
This category of raw material includes mainly the wood that adorns the traditional picnic trunks. Specifically, you can choose between wicker, rattan and bamboo. Want to know the specialty of each material? Here are some details:
- Wicker: this is the first reference that comes to mind when we talk about a picnic basket. In fact, it gives the container a distinctive look that makes it the perfect equipment for meetings in nature. Wicker is a soft and sturdy material, which means that it can easily be folded into the trunk of your car. It is therefore understandable that the wicker basket offers you less risk of breakage during its use.
- Rattan: made from tropical palm trees, this material is a particularly strong wood. This is one of the reasons why it is used in the furniture design process. By adopting a rattan basket, you are assured of unparalleled durability.
- Bamboo: Often overlooked by most customers, bamboo is known to add an aesthetic touch to your tote basket. For more efficiency, we combine it with willow.
Synthetic materials
The progress has caused the birth of new materials, called insulating, which constitute the new variety of baskets on the market. In concrete terms, these are synthetic materials, essentially represented by a polyester fabric.
Does this sound confusing? Just note that synthetics are baskets made of BPA-free polypropylene plastic. They are generally flexible and have walls made of aluminum foil, cotton, etc.
So if you're looking for something that's durable, easy to transport and easy to clean, consider synthetic baskets.
Choose your picnic basket based on carrying options
Are you a lover of long hikes, walks in the forest, park or waterfront? It is important to choose a picnic trunk that offers easy portability. To do this, always check the carrying options that the product comes with.
The handle for your picnic basket
This handle is the most common among traditional picnic bags. Because of its minimalist design, we recommend it if you plan to move or travel on short trips.
The shoulder strap for your picnic basket
Still known as the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap is often the preserve of lunch coolers. And as its name clearly indicates, it sits on the shoulder like a purse. Best of all, it's the easiest way to carry your basket over medium distances.
The shoulder strap for your picnic basket
Currently trending on the market, the shoulder strap is a kind of strap that you wear across your chest. If you have chosen an insulated basket, it will allow you to enjoy a comfortable transport.
We do not forget to mention that the carrying options must necessarily be adjustable to facilitate their adaptability on the body.
Choose your picnic basket according to the size
The size of your picnic trunk will essentially depend on the number of guests you plan to accommodate. For a family dinner, it is obvious that only a model designed for at least 5 guests will do. On the other hand, if you are going to have a picnic with your partner, a small basket for two people is more than enough. In short, baskets are classified according to the number of people they are supposed to serve.
Choose your picnic basket according to the internal compartments
The main purpose of a picnic basket is to carry both food and cutlery. Therefore, its main compartment should be spacious enough. If you are going on a trip with a large group of people, it is normal to provide a large compartment to store enough products including a bottle of wine.
However, this is not a necessity if you are planning a discreet romantic outing. And if you don't have any information about the capacity of the product, don't hesitate to check its dimensions.
Choose your picnic basket according to the thermal insulation
Do you want to keep your fresh products as long as possible under a low temperature? You want to keep your rillettes or your pasta salad warm for a long time? Check if your basket is isothermal, i.e. if it has a thermal insulation system. This is the only way to get the best results when it comes to keeping food cool or warm.
Choose your picnic basket according to the accessories
Most picnic baskets are sold as a kit with accessories included. So, you may end up with napkins, cutlery, plates and wine glasses. It's important to remember that the accessories can change depending on the style of basket you choose. For example, the previous equipment corresponds to the classic or traditional wicker basket.
As for the evolving models, they can include a bottle opener, pepper shakers, salt shakers and even a picnic tablecloth. Further down the line, other models come with a folding camping table. However, don't take everything that comes your way. Always remember to check the quality of the accessories that the suitcase carries. Most of them should have a stainless steel or recyclable plastic finish.
Choose your picnic basket according to the price
We have inserted this criterion of choice as a last resort, because it varies according to the characteristics previously listed. Naturally, a trunk with insulated walls will not have the same price as a simple wooden basket that is not insulated.
Our best picnic baskets
Now that you have mastered the rules that define an ideal choice, we invite you to take a look at our best picnic basket models.
The Red Picnic Basket
This cooler bag made of isothermal materials will make "lovers" happy. Because of its red color, it promises to create a nice romantic atmosphere wherever you go for a picnic. Its weight of 660 g is quite reasonable and its strong resistance will preserve your meals: ham and butter, yogurt, pies, etc. We do not forget also the presence of two handles of transport which facilitate the displacement. Moreover, it is a good gift idea with an excellent quality-price ratio.
The Green Picnic Basket
Whether it's in the woods, at the whitewater park or on a mountain top, this tote bag fits in anywhere. Underneath its beautiful green color, it is made of Oxford 600 D. For material technicians, this is a particularly waterproof and leak-proof material. Moreover, you will have a pleasure to integrate everything you have for a complete picnic: roasted meat, sandwich, cheeses, stainless steel water bottle, etc.
Indeed, it is a large basket that offers you a nice capacity of 32 liters. It also has an insulated liner for long term preservation of food at the temperature of your choice.
At the end of this mini guide, it is easy to understand that the tote basket is the perfect product for people who love to gather at picnic areas. And to choose the one that will meet your needs, respecting the size, materials and other criteria is essential. At Healthy Lunch, we ensure practical choices for your enjoyment. You can trust us!