10 Best Waterproof Picnic Baskets of 2023

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Al fresco dining is almost here, and a waterproof picnic basket keeps your meals well-insulated and easy to carry to your favorite spot, whether it's at the beach, riverside, or campsite.

With the spring and summer months on the horizon, you’re probably itching to get outdoors and ditch mundane meals at the dining room table. What better way to celebrate the return of al fresco dining than getting a waterproof picnic basket for all your outdoor adventures? Rather than tossing everything you need into a flimsy tote bag, cumbersome cooler, or tiny lunch box, waterproof picnic baskets keep your favorite bevs and bites fresh, cool, and protected from the elements—not to mention ultra portable.

While you may be picturing the classic wicker picnic basket that accompanied Julie Andrews and the children on the mountainside in The Sound of Music, modern picnic baskets have gotten a bit of a facelift. Now, many options are designed like coolers thanks to waterproof insulated liners, with convenient designs like backpacks. Others are reminiscent of traditional baskets, but they’re fit with dishes, blankets, and insulation for your food.

Bring your favorite meals on hikes, beach days, or walks in the woods with the best waterproof picnic baskets on the market.

If your waterproof picnic basket is accompanying you in different terrains, or you’re taking it on a longer trek, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re more concerned with picnic ambiance, prioritize aesthetics and a good waterproof seal.

It might be obvious to look at the weight and material of your waterproof picnic basket, but it's very important to consider depending on what you plan to use it for. A bulky, heavy picnic basket made with thick materials like canvas or wicker isn't ideal for long treks or avid hikers used to lightweight gear.

Along with dimensions, keep in mind the weight of the basket itself. It may weigh six pounds to start, but after you’ve loaded it up with food and beverages, it can get quite heavy. For long hikes, make sure to get something ergonomic and lightweight.

The more convenient the picnic basket, the better. It's a hassle to haul multiple bags of supplies to your family day at the park, so check the included items like flatware, napkins, and cups. You might want an insulated cooler bag for keeping drinks or snacks cold, or a picnic table or blanket for serving. Many designs come equipped with all the picnic basics, while others only come with absolute essentials.

Most importantly, we looked for picnic baskets with waterproof or water resistant properties, like leakproof liners and outer shell materials that are less likely to absorb moisture. We looked at the weight, dimensions, and usability of the waterproof picnic baskets, selecting a variety of designs from traditional baskets to backpacks and totes. We also considered everything that comes in the basket, from the bare-bones basics to fully stocked picks. We’ve rounded up the best waterproof picnic baskets to take with you on your next outdoorsy adventure.

While it might be a basket alternative, this picnic backpack is sure to be your best friend on your next hike. It's made with durable polyester fabric, and the interior is fully insulated to keep your snacks tasting fresh. There's also a detachable waterproof pouch on the interior so the backpack doesn't get wet inside.

The bag comes fully equipped with almost everything you would need for a picnic, including a cutting board to chop fruits and veg, a blanket to sit on, wine glasses, flatware, and more. It even comes in two- or four-setting options.

Wicker is a good material to prevent absorption or liquids, which makes it a common design for picnic baskets. This vintage style from HappyPicnic has a waterproof, insulated inner cooler compartment, as well as a waterproof picnic blanket.

The handles and straps are made from faux leather, and the basket can easily be carried on its side. There are charming details all over it, with a nostalgic and classic design.

If you don't have the space at home to store a traditional picnic basket, opt for this collapsible design. It can be folded to three inches high, so you can easily stow it away when not in use.

The outer shell is made from a durable Oxford fabric, and the inner lining is made with insulated foam. With a waterproof aluminum carrying handle, you can be comfortable taking this one car-camping without worrying about it getting damaged.

Camping with the kids? Take on new adventures with a trusty picnic cooler by your side, like this design from L.L. Bean. It has a zippered flip-top lid for easy access that also stays open while you’re searching for snacks.

Besides the main compartment (which is lined to prevent leaks), there are four additional pockets to store necessary picnic items like cutlery and napkins or hand sanitizer and wipes.

Another classic wicker basket style, this design comes with a picnic blanket that has a waterproof backing to protect you from wet grass or mud while you’re lounging around.

There is a cooler compartment made from waterproof PE foam and laminated with aluminum foil. The basket is designed in a suitcase style so you can easily carry it, and it has plenty of room for food with the dishes tucked neatly in the lid.

Taking the whole gang to the park for the day? Don't forget the food and everything you need to eat it. This backpack has almost everything you need for a picnic of four, down to wine glasses and napkins.

There is a waterproof cooler compartment to keep foods and beverages cold for the kids, and an insulated wine holder for the adults. There's even a charging dock to juice up your cellular devices, and a bonus folding cutting board that can double as a small table, too.

A canvas picnic basket is chic yet sturdy, so it's great for a beach day or a day at the golf course. This design is best suited for toting around light snacks and hors d’oeuvres, which you can assemble or divvy up with the included cheese knife and cutting board.

The exterior and interior are both water-resistant, but you may want to bring along a cooler bag as there isn't an insulated compartment in this basket.

A tote bag might be the most convenient way to carry your picnic fixings. This is the priciest picnic basket on our list, but it's built to last. The outer shell is made with a durable and waterproof waxed cotton material, so moisture and liquids roll off.

There's a foam insulation in the interior, and a folding table comes included in the main interior pocket for convenient serving. It doesn't hurt that this one is stylish, too.

Spending hours outdoors doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a solid meal. The closed-cell rubber insulation of this trusty Yeti picnic cooler keeps all of your food and bevs cold until you’re ready to head back home.

Besides the leakproof zipper, the interior and exterior materials of the Hopper Flip cooler are treated to be mildew-resistant to prevent moisture buildup.

Another great collapsible picnic basket, this design is built to carry necessities, food, and beverages for up to four people. Since it's made from a polyester fabric, there are built-in side supports so the basket stays open while you load and unload.

It has a durable aluminum frame and a leakproof interior lining to keep the bag dry, keeping your favorite dishes at the right temperature for several hours, too. It's lightweight and has place settings for up to four people.

Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.

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