Both picnic baskets and insulated cooler bags have come a long way. So far, in fact, the two are no longer mutually exclusive. Insulated picnic baskets are becoming the al fresco hamper of choice.
The classic picnic set saw a massive transformation with the introduction of picnic backpacks – a picnic design we personally love. But now, we are seeing the classic picnic hamper catch up to modern picnic needs and the formerly ugly cooler bag become more of a design statement than mere practicality.
You Might Also Like: We’ve rounded up the most beautiful and practical waterproof picnic blankets to make your picnic set complete.
These days, insulated picnic bags are an expectation rather than the exception. While classic wicker picnic baskets don’t always have insulation built-in – yet, many are including insulated inserts to add modern practicality to the classic design. We’ve covered the most beautiful and practical baskets in our wicker picnic basket edition.
Insulated picnic baskets don’t always have to be the classic wicker type either. Giving the picnic basket a modern makeover, cooler bags have evolved. Modern technology and materials, ergonomics, sturdy handles and closures and fashionable design are all core features. Some modern insulated picnic bags also feature a full picnic set with everything you need for your portable feast.
Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket with Service For 4
While keeping your picnic food cold or even hot is paramount, so is the design of your insulated picnic basket. We have sourced insulated picnic bags, including insulated wicker picnic baskets, that all have insulation at the core of their design, but also appeal to varying tastes, budgets, and picnic styles.
6 Stylish Insulated Picnic Baskets
From full service insulated wicker picnic hampers to collapsible insulated picnic sets and contemporary multi-use picnic basket style cooler bags.
These are the best-insulated picnic baskets on the market, guaranteed to keep your picnic food hot or cold and make your picnics more portable. Each one also makes a beautifully practical picnic gift.
Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket with Service For 4
In the realm of insulated picnic baskets, the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket with Service For 4 is one of our top picks.
Substantial in size, fully insulated to keep food and drinks at their optimum temperature for hours, it also has a full picnic set for four people including stainless steel cutlery, plates, napkins, and wine glasses. It really is the full package.
With a modern take on the classic picnic basket design, the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket has a sturdy leakproof lining for easy cleaning, a zip shut basket style opening, lightweight aluminium frame with padded handles and durable canvas outer shell. It also has a lifetime warranty which speaks volumes about the quality of this picnic basket.
The big winner of this insulated picnic basket is not just the modern design and full package features, but it also folds flat for easy storage.
Details
- Will hold up to 65 lbs (29.5kg)
- Open Measurement: 18.5″W x 11.5″D x 11.5″H (47cmW x 29.2cmD x 29.2cmH)
- Picnic Service Set includes: Set for four people – 9″ melamine plates & napkins, stainless steel flatware, acrylic wine glasses. Assorted picnic set designs available.
Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Picnic Bag with Service for 4
Taking it up a notch, the sophisticated yet practical Picnic at Ascot Original Insulated Picnic Cooler with Service for 4 offers a larger insulated picnic hamper, with divided cooler compartments to allow drinks to be kept on ice, while food stays cool and dry. It also includes a few more accessories in the picnic set such as a corkscrew, chopping board and wooden salt and pepper shakers.
The zip-top access has a clever separate quick grab opening for drinks ensuring food stays at its optimum temperature.
The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap as well as carry handles for easy transportation no matter how loaded up your picnic hamper is. If you do plan on carrying heavy loads, there is also a version available with a removable wheeled cart with telescopic handles.
Details
- Open Measurement: 14.5″ wide x 10.5″ deep x 12.5″ high (36.8cmW x 26.7cmD x 31.7cmH)
- Picnic Service Set includes a combination corkscrew, hardwood cutting board with juice groove, cheese knife, salt & pepper shakers with non-spill tops, acrylic wine glasses, 9″ coordinating melamine plates, stainless steel flatware and cotton napkins. Assorted picnic set designs available.
- Lifetime warranty.
It would seem this insulated picnic basket has the lot. A beautiful classic wicker hamper with thoughtful and clever modern design features – our top pick in the insulated wicker basket category.
First, let’s talk about the clever integrated wooden table to hold wine glasses and serve food on. The lid folds out from the basket and using the included stake, it secures into the ground creating a stable 15″ x 11″ table. The table has space to hold 4 wine glasses securely and serve food on.
Insulated lining keeps food at optimal temperatures and a side wine holder has room for two bottles. It has strong leather straps and beautiful cotton print linings and covers to protect all your contents. It also has a full picnic set for four people with quality accessories such as real ceramic plates.
Made from natural wicker with leather fasteners, this insulated picnic hamper will last a lifetime.
Details
- Basket Dimensions: 17.50″ x 10.6″ x 9″ (44.5cm x 27cm x 23cm)
- Picnic Table Dimensions: 15″ x 11″ (38cm x 27cm x 28cm)
- Picnic set includes: quality stainless steel flatware, 7″ ceramic plates, wine glasses, all in one bottle opener, removable bamboo wine table.
Happy Picnic Insulated Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4 Persons
The best of both worlds with this beautiful classic wicker picnic basket. It has a full set of picnic wear for four people and, fully integrated insulated compartment inside.
Made from durable and naturally steamed willow, this picnic basket has been designed to last. The custom lined cooler compartment will keep your food fresh for hours and long-lasting leather-look straps and finishes keep everything in its place even when transporting.
In addition to a full set of picnic wear for four people, this insulated picnic basket also comes with a large waterproof picnic blanket that secures to the side of the basket when not in use.
This beautiful insulated wicker picnic basket is also available in white as a 2 person picnic hamper.
Details
HappyPicnic ‘Huntsman’ Willow Insulated Picnic Hamper for 4 Persons
With a slightly more romantic classic picnic basket design, this beautiful picnic basket boasts all the same features as the previous Happy Picnic insulated wicker basket. The integrated cooler compartment, it is made from durable and naturally steamed willow and long-lasting leather-look straps and finishes and includes waterproof picnic blanket.
However, it does pack in some additional features with the four-person picnic set including salt & pepper shakers, bottle opener and cheese board. It also includes a handy cutlery roll to keep all your bits and pieces in one tidy place.
Details
ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR 32 ltr Insulated Picnic Basket
For those who want a contemporary take on the classic picnic basket and don’t want all the added extras, this is the insulated picnic basket for you.
ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR Insulated Picnic Basket is a high quality multi-use insulated basket. It’s as perfect for traditional picnics as it is for grocery shopping, camping, BBQs or beach picnics.
I really like the simplicity of the modern design. And while it looks good, it is built for purpose. With a strong and flexible frame and durable outer shell, the basket is designed to fold flat for easy storage.
The interior leakproof insulation layer is easy to clean and will keep food hot or cold for hours. It also comes with 2 ice packs.
Large enough to hold 40 cans (300ml) or 20 bottles (550ml), you will have plenty of room for all your picnic needs.
Details
- Overall size: 18.5″ x 10.6″ x 10″. (47cm x 27cm x 25.5cm)
- 32L capacity
- Comes in 2 shades of grey.
Get More Tips for Perfectly Simple Picnics
Make your picnics perfect every time.
Essential Tips for Picnic Perfection
Picnics shouldn't be complicated. These tips for picnic perfection will help simplify any of your al fresco dining endeavours.
Grilled Pear Appetizer with Blue Cheese, Fig & Walnut.