We talked about the evolution of picnic baskets and cooler bags in our review of the best insulated picnic baskets.
Thankfully, the picnic basket hasn’t only evolved to include integrated insulation. We can now also choose from a range of collapsible picnic baskets that sport advanced insulation technology as well as a beautiful picnic aesthetic.
HulaFish Foldable Insulated Picnic Basket
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What We Look for in a Collapsible Picnic Basket
There are so many soft-sided cooler bags on the market that admittedly are a perfect addition to any picnic set. However, when looking for foldable picnic baskets, we wanted more than just a cooler bag.
We have reviewed a selection of the best foldable picnic baskets that are practical, versatile and very stylish.
- We looked for baskets that have a classic picnic basket design – Think a modern take on the Red Riding Hood picnic basket.
- The basket must fold completely flat for easy storage as a core design feature, not just a possibility.
- Each of the chosen baskets has superior insulation and leak-proof liners.
- Sturdy construction with well-designed handles for strength and comfort is a must.
- As a bonus, some of our chosen baskets also come with a complete picnic set.
Happy Picnic Picnic Basket for 2 with Blanket
You Might Also Like: If you want a beautiful and practical classic wicker basket, we’ve reviewed the best wicker picnic baskets on the market to suit any style or budget. From picnic baskets for two or four, budget wicker picnic sets through to luxury heirloom-worthy picnic baskets.
Quick Guide to Our Favourite Foldable Picnic Baskets
See below for a full review of each basket.
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Top | Picnic at Ascot | Collapsible picnic basket equipped with picnic set for 4. Large capacity with quality leakproof insulation. | Check Price |
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Top | HappyPicnic | Large 20L collapsible picnic basket with 2 person picnic set and waterproof picnic blanket. Fully insulated and leakproof. | Check Price |
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Top | ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR | 22L picnic basket style cooler. Soft sided with lightweight aluminium frame for easy storage. | Check Price |
Top | HulaFish | Extra large 32L insulated picnic basket with lid. Foldable design for compact storage. | Check Price |
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Top | Picnic at Ascot | Insulated folding picnic basket cooler with leakproof lining. Holds up to 65lb. | Check Price |
The Best Collapsible Picnic Basket Reviews.
Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket With Set for 4
We love this modern take on the classic picnic basket. It also featured as our top pick in our Best Insulated Picnic Baskets edition. It is incredibly practical and has a gorgeous picnic aesthetic.
Key Features
- Complete picnic set for four including: Coordinated 9″ melamine plates & napkins, stainless steel flatware and acrylic wine glasses
- Large capacity and sturdy enough to hold up 65lb (29kg)
- Quality insulation to keep food hot or cold for hours.
- Leakproof liner for easy cleaning.
- Folds completely flat for storage.
- Available in multiple colours.
- Lifetime warranty.
The Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket is the full package at a very reasonable price.
It is not just the versatility of having a completely collapsible picnic basket that has a full picnic set for 4 people – the basket is sturdy and substantial in size so can take a heavy load which also makes it great for shopping trips.
Fully insulated, it will keep food and drink hot or cold for hours and the leak-proof liner makes it so easy to clean.
The zip shut basket style opening gives you easy access to the contents of the basket and the lightweight aluminium frame with padded handles make it comfortable to carry.
The only downside to this basket comparative to the others in our selection is the tapered design. While it gives the basket an attractive look, it means larger food containers might not be able to be stacked at the bottom working up to smaller items. Not a deal-breaker, but something to think about, especially if you carry large lasagna or casserole dishes often.
As with all Picnic at Ascot products, it is covered by a lifetime warranty which speaks volumes about the quality of this picnic basket.
Happy Picnic Large Insulated Picnic Basket Set for 2
Another incredibly versatile and practical collapsible picnic basket. While simple and practical in design, the Happy Picnic Collapsible Picnic Basket has everything you need for a picnic without the fuss.
Key Features
- Complete picnic set for two including: 8″ dinner plates, plastic wine glasses, 2 matching napkins, a cheese knife and a bottle opener. It also comes with a matching waterproof picnic blanket.
- Large 20L capacity.
- Quality insulation to keep food hot or cold for hours.
- Leakproof liner for easy cleaning.
- Folds completely flat for storage.
- Straight side design for easy stacking of containers.
- Available in two colours.
The perfect picnic bag for the person who wants a sturdy, convenient and collapsible picnic bag but with enough extras to still make a lovely picnic statement.
The picnic set stores conveniently in the designated lid area so everything stores flat when folded. It’s a perfect set for keeping in the car for impromptu picnics or for shopping trips.
The inclusion of a large 57″x57″ waterproof fleece-lined picnic blanket is also a big win. The blanket folds into itself with a handle for easy transport.
The leak-proof liner is made from thick PE foam padding and PEVA waterproof material using heat-welded technology so your food will stay hot or cold for hours and it will never leak.
All round, it is a wonderfully practical and stylish picnic bag suitable for all occasions.
Check PriceALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR 22L Collapsible Picnic Basket
The ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR Picnic Basket is one of those “I don’t know what I ever did without it” products. They also make a fabulous gift you would never think to buy yourself but will get so much use out of.
Key Features
- Large 22L capacity.
- Constructed with rugged polyester canvas with a lightweight aluminium frame with padded handles. Sturdy enough to hold up 65lb (29kg).
- Quality insulation to keep food hot or cold for hours.
- Heat-sealed leak-proof liner for easy cleaning.
- Basket style zip-top closure for easy access.
- Folds completely flat in seconds.
- Straight side design for easy stacking.
- Side support strips solve the problem of basket sag (a problem common with this type of basket).
The beauty of this picnic basket cooler is the sturdy yet stylish design and no fuss versatility of it. It really ticks so many boxes when it comes to choosing quality, practical, no-nonsense picnic gear.
While this basket may not come with a picnic set, it is fit for so many tasks.
It can take a heavy load and still be comfortable to carry. It looks much nicer than the average cooler and will hold ice for hours without leaking.
It folds completely flat so you can keep it in the car for market days or last minute picnics or bbq’s.
Many people who have bought this basket as a gift end up buying one for themselves.
Check PriceHulaFish Foldable 32L Insulated Picnic Basket with Lid
While very similar to the ALLCAMP OUTDOOR GEAR Picnic Basket, HulaFish Foldable Picnic Basket does have a few very distant features that could be the decider between the two.
Key Features
- Extra-large 32L capacity.
- Constructed with rugged polyester canvas with a lightweight aluminium frame with padded handles. Sturdy enough to hold up 65lb (29kg).
- Extra thick high-quality insulating fabric liner to keep food hot or cold for hours.
- Heat-sealed leak-proof liner for easy cleaning.
- Basket style zip-top closure for easy access.
- Folds completely flat in seconds.
- Straight side design for even and easy loading of items.
- Extra sturdy padded soft-grip handles for carrying heavy loads.
- Zip front pocket.
- Comes in 5 colours.
With all the same stylish picnic basket aesthetic, features and quality, lightweight construction as many of the other collapsible baskets, the HulaFish foldable picnic basket has one of the largest capacities in the collapsible picnic basket range.
It also has a front pocket with zip closure for safe storage of keys and other personal items. Something the others lack.
If you want a large capacity, quality cooler bag but with the classic Red Riding Hood style basket design, the HulaFish is perfect for the job.
Check PricePicnic at Ascot Insulated Folding Picnic Basket Cooler
A similar elegant design to our first choice – the Picnic at Ascot Collapsible Insulated Picnic Basket With Set for 4, this is the basket only version but with all the quality features expected from Picnic at Ascot products.
Key Features
- Large capacity and sturdy enough to hold up 65lb (29kg)
- Thermal Sheild insulated to keep food hot or cold for hours.
- Leakproof liner for easy cleaning.
- Folds completely flat for storage.
- Built in side supports to prevent basket sag.
- Available in multiple colours and patterns.
- Lifetime warranty.
A high quality basket with large capacity, Thermal Shield insulation will keep food and drink hot or cold for hours. You can load it with ice without fear of leakage thanks to an easy to clean leak-proof liner.
The lightweight aluminium frame can take heavy loads to match the capacity – up to 65lb (29kg) and the padded handles make it comfortable to carry.
The only downside to this foldable picnic basket as with the Picnic at Ascot basket with picnic set is the tapered design which can make stacking large dishes or containers awkward sometimes. I don’t believe this is a deal-breaker for the quality and gorgeous design of this basket, more of a consideration.
As with all Picnic at Ascot products, it is also covered by a lifetime warranty.
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