Types of Picnic Baskets

From Yogi Bear at Jellystone Park to Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz, the picnic basket is an iconic image in pop culture that represents the outdoors. As technology, designs, styles and preferences have changed over time, there has been a growing number of variations on the traditional picnic basket. Here is some information on the four main types of picnic baskets.

Traditional Picnic Basket

The design of the traditional empty picnic basket is simple. It is often made out of wicker or some other woven fiber and has a handle to make it easy to carry. The inside is typically lined with decorative material to protect the inner basket. Unlike more modern baskets, the traditional basket does not have any additional equipment, like insulation or coolers.

Picnic Baskets with Coolers

There are two main types of picnic baskets with coolers. The first looks exactly like a traditional picnic basket, complete with woven fiber and handles, but has an insulated cooler within it. The design of the insulation varies. For example, some picnic baskets feature a zippered thermal foil lining that maintains the temperatures of foods and beverages. These baskets keep the traditional look but add a new layer of function and convenience.

The second type of picnic basket with a cooler is the modern-looking collapsible basket. Instead of wicker, the basket is made out of durable polyester and comes in an array of colors and fashions. What makes these so convenient is that they can double as a reusable grocery bag, because they keep delicate food at the right temperatures.

Picnic Backpacks

Though not necessarily a basket, picnic backpacks fulfill the same function and provide separate advantages. The first major advantage is their ability to be carried on the back. This frees up your hands to deal with other needs. Another advantage are their fantastic utilization of compartments. Most picnic backpacks have an abundance of pockets, sections and openings. For example, on the side of the backpacks is an area for a bottle of wine and a rolled picnic blanket. They also have room for utensils, dishes and foods that need to remain chilled.

Lunch Totes

Like the backpack, a lunch tote is not necessarily a picnic basket, but it's still a great way to carry food to and from picnics. There are different styles of lunch totes, though the most common design features two shoulder straps connected to a bag made out of polycanvas. One of the strong points of the lunch tote is that it's essentially a carryall, so it can be used for more than picnics. Most totes are insulated, can be sealed and have pockets in the front to secure the food.

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