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One great way to spice up your outdoor time with your significant other, family, or friends is with a picnic.
Below are some picnic basket backpacks we have found that will only help enhance any outdoor eating environment. Picnic baskets have long been a popular wedding or shower gift and will now make an ideal holiday or corporate gift idea as well.
These backpacks are filled with all the cutlery, utensils, wine glasses, and blankets needed for a 2-4 person picnic and all have roomy insulated compartments that will keep your food as warm or cold as needed. The included waterproof blankets will also make picnicking on wet grass a breeze and their ergonomic straps make them easy and comfortable to hold.
Premier Picnic Basket Backpacks in Detail
Sunflora Picnic Backpack — Best Overall
This picnic backpack is an all-in-one catering backpack that will keep food and drinks fresh and organized. This backpack comes with everything needed for a four-person outdoor picnic including all tableware, an insulated wine pouch, wine glasses, and an insulated and waterproof food compartment. Other accessories include cotton napkins, stainless steel forks, knives and spoons, salt and pepper shakers, and a handy bamboo chopping board.
Hap Tim Picnic Backpack — Runner Up
This picnic backpack and cooler can accommodate four people comfortably and comes with everything needed for a perfect day at the beach, hiking, camping, BBQs, etc. This cooler has three large compartments that can each hold a substantial amount of food, drinks, and all picnic supplies including a cutlery set, cotton napkins, wine glasses, bottle opener, chopping board, and a water-resistant fleece blanket. The wine cooler is detachable and the lower cooler compartment keeps food fresh and drinks cool for 5-10 hours.
Nature Gear Backpack — Honorable Mention
This top-loading XL picnic basket is another great option and comes with everything needed for a perfect picnic for four. All dinnerware is included with the addition of a bread knife and a generously sized waterproof blanket. The spacious main compartment is insulated ensuring your hot foods stay hot and cold foods stay cold and the included blanket means you can picnic anywhere, even on wet grass that won’t soak through the blanket.
California Picnic Backpack — Sleekest Design
If you desire a more intimate-sized picnic, this stylish all-in-one backpack is a perfect option. This is a top-of-the-line basket with service for two that comes complete with high-quality tableware, a cheese board and knife, a corkscrew, and a waterproof picnic blanket. This backpack also has two insulated pockets that can hold an abundance of food and wine or coffee.
Plush Picnic Backpack — Best Small Option
A sleek black and white checkered design upgrades the interior of this black canvas picnic backpack. With a complete setup for two, this backpack has a modern design and comes with all the utensils and plates needed for a two-person picnic. It also has a rear large insulated cooler compartment with heavy insulation to ensure food stays cold or hot and a detachable, insulated wine holder makes for convenient storage.
ALLCAMP Picnic Backpack — Also Consider
This comprehensive picnic backpack is fully featured with enough tableware, cutlery, wine glasses, and napkins for two. A large interior cooler compartment keeps food cooler and fresher for longer and makes a great storage place for cold meats, sandwiches, cheese, fruit, dips, and desserts. The backpack also contains a waterproof fleece blanket and soft padded shoulder straps that make for comfortable carrying.
Buying Guide: Picnic Basket Backpacks
Picnic basket backpacks are the new hype because they are so much better than the classic picnic baskets. Not only do they have separate compartments to help organize your food and utensils, but they also have insulated compartments to keep your food hot and drinks chilled. So, if you love a good picnic with your friends or loved ones, you should invest in a picnic basket backpack right now.
How Do I Choose the Right Size of Picnic Backpacks?
Since they are gaining popularity over time, there are a lot of manufacturers who are providing picnic basket backpacks in the market. There are quite a few options to choose from, which can make it difficult to decide which one to choose. The overall size of the backpack you choose will depend on the number of people with who you usually go to picnics. If you and your partner often go on picnic dates, a compact backpack with enough utensils for two people will be ideal for you. Just make sure the backpack you buy has all the necessary items that you will need on your picnic date.
However, if you are looking for a picnic backpack for a complete family, you can find options that are designed for three to four people. These will obviously be ideal if you have kids or you plan a double date with your friends. Just make sure that the food compartment is large enough to easily carry all the snacks that you want to take with you. One thing to remember is that picnic backpacks are not great for huge gatherings of people. Most are designed to pertain to 4 people. So, if you are planning a picnic with your extended family as well, you will either need more than one backpack, or you may want to stick to the traditional picnic basket.
What Makes a Picnic Basket Backpack Ergonomic?
It is absolutely essential that the backpack you buy is ergonomic, especially if you will be carrying it with you during hikes or camping. So, when browsing through the different picnic backpacks, you should keep a few things in mind. Firstly, the picnic backpack should not be extremely heavy, as it can cause prolonged pain in your shoulders and back. Make sure that the utensils included in the backpack are lightweight, so that the overall weight of the backpack is bearable on the shoulders. Next, the straps need to be very comfortable so that it is easier to carry the backpack. You can look for backpacks that have wide and adjustable straps, so you can adjust the length easily. If you are looking for extra comfort, you can opt for bags with heavy padding, so they are soft and gentle on the shoulders, even if the backpack is heavy.
How to Choose a Good-Quality Picnic Basket Backpack
Quality is the dealbreaker for many people when they are purchasing any product. Similarly, when you are purchasing a picnic basket backpack, you want to ensure that it is durable and will last you a long time. When browsing for different backpacks, you can check for a few features that will help you in estimating the quality of the backpack you buy.
Insulation
One of the main purposes of your picnic backpack is to keep your food warm and fresh, and your drinks cold. The quality of the insulation technology in your backpack will determine how long your food stays fresh in it. Some manufacturers mention the number of hours your food will stay edible, so always check the insulation period or confirm with the manufacturer before you purchase a backpack.
Blanket
If your picnic basket backpack comes with a blanket, make sure you check its dimensions and materials. It should be large enough to fit an adequate number of people depending on the number of people you plan to have a picnic with. Also, since the blanket will be placed on grass, make sure the bottom of the blanket has a damp-proof layer so you can sit on it comfortably.
Zippers
The zippers are a small part of your backpack, but they serve the big purpose of keeping all your food, drinks, and utensils safe. For this reason, their quality matters a lot. The zipper on your backpack should be strong enough to handle constant opening and closing. It needs to be smooth because a faulty zipper can render your picnic bag useless.
How to Maintain a Picnic Basket Backpack
It is important to clean your picnic backpack frequently, especially if you use it regularly. It is normal for your backpack to get stained as you will be using it outdoors. An advantage of getting a picnic backpack is that most of them are machine washable. This makes them easier to clean, even frequently. However, before throwing it in the washer, make sure you check the label and confirm with the manufacturer. Only use a mild detergent and steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach. Avoid putting it in the dryer as it can damage the straps and the overall material. Letting them air dry is the best option. If your backpack is not machine washable, you can always wash it by hand using mild soap. You can even use a damp cloth and vinegar to spot treat any stains or spills. However, it is better to invest in a picnic backpack that can be washed in the machine as it will make your life much easier.