Picnic rucksacks are a sustainable alternative as there is no want to purchase single-use cutlery or plates, perfect for those who’re trying to reduce down or reduce out your plastic use.
For inspiration on what to incorporate in your picnic rucksack check out our assortment of picnic recipes, together with vegetarian picnic recipes and vegan picnic recipes. You’ll additionally want one thing sturdy and leak-proof to retailer meals in, so take a look at our roundup of the finest meals storage containers and finest lunch bins.
Greatest picnic rucksacks at a look
- Greatest mid-priced rucksack: ProCook insulated picnic backpack, £49
- Greatest blow-the-budget picnic rucksack: Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, £195
- Greatest for large teams: VonShef 6-person navy tartan holdall, £52.99
- Greatest compact rucksack: Regatta Stamford 4-person picnic coolbag, £41.95
- Greatest for house: Mountain Warehouse 4-person picnic set, £34.99
- Greatest for a romantic picnic for 2: Sunnylife Luxe picnic backpack, £150
- Greatest for a household picnic: Summerhouse Guatemala picnic backpack, £55.99
- Greatest picnic rucksack: VonShef Ash 2-person picnic backpack with blanket, £44.99
- Greatest picnic rucksack for cool bag: VonShef 4-person roll-top picnic backpack, £49.99
- Greatest picnic rucksack for feasts: VonShef 4-person picnic backpack, £54.99
How to decide on the perfect picnic rucksack
What’s a picnic rucksack?
Picnic rucksacks look similar to regular rucksacks, however they arrive with further options comparable to compartments for cutlery, melamine plates and napkins, in addition to bigger cool-bag fashion compartments. Some even include further cooler pockets for bottles of wine or different drinks.
What can a picnic rucksack be used for?
A picnic rucksack is simple to hold and infrequently small and compact, making it an excellent different to a basic picnic hamper. The rucksack design means it is comfy to hold for longer intervals of time, so you possibly can simply work up an urge for food over a protracted stroll earlier than you cease to eat. They’re suited to any climate, terrain and kind of picnic, whether or not it is lunch on the seaside or a mid-hike refuel.
What to look out for in a picnic rucksack?
- Measurement: The entire picnic rucksacks we’ve examined are designed for 2 to 4 folks. Take into account how many individuals shall be becoming a member of you before you purchase.
- Storage choices: Some picnic backpacks include one single pocket for storage, others include a lot of pockets in addition to further options like wine coolers. Work out how a lot house you’re more likely to want.
- Cool bag: Take into consideration how massive you want the cool bag pocket to be. Do you want further house for heat or ambient meals?
- Blanket: Usefully, some picnic luggage include a picnic blanket. Take into consideration whether or not that is one thing you want.
Greatest picnic rucksacks to purchase in 2022
ProCook insulated picnic backpack
Greatest mid-priced backpack
Execs: Compact, straightforward to hold.
Cons: May not be large enough for some
Star score: 3.5/5
This can be a well-designed, no-nonsense backpack that has all of the necessities for 4 folks. Even the color – navy blue – is sensible, although the contrasting navy and white cowl flap provides some further fashion.
The padded shoulder straps are adjustable and we appreciated the truth that the bottom of the crockery part lies flat once you open it, to make getting the crockery out less complicated. The plates, cutlery and glasses can go within the dishwasher – a particular bonus for those who don’t need to need to hand-wash wash all the things on the finish of a time out.
The backpack has two sections – an insulated 15 litre compartment for meals and a separate, smaller one for crockery.
The primary compartment, which is wipe clear, wasn’t large sufficient for our largest containers however we comfortably match 5 medium ones, or 4 with a few bottles. The entrance flap has adjustable buckles which actually add to the look. The clasps they match on to are hooked up to the physique of bag magnetically and we discovered they fell off a few occasions after we had been filling the bag.
Inside the opposite part is the crockery with all the things you want. Inside, packaging is minimal with just a few paper sheets between the plates. You get 4 plastic plates, that are described as dinner plates although in actuality you gained’t get far more than a sandwich on them. These are saved in place with a Velcro strap. There are additionally wine goblets, chrome steel cutlery (although the spoons are small), a cheese/ chopping board and a waiter’s pal bottle opener/ corkscrew. These are additionally saved securely in place with elasticated straps. The knife is sharp sufficient to cut an apple.
We discovered this mild and comfy to put on and it saved meals chilly.
Obtainable from:
Procook (£49)
Fortnum’s 2-person canvas picnic backpack, Eau de Nil
Greatest blow-the-budget picnic rucksack
Execs: Trendy, compact, properly designed, good high quality contents.
Cons: Spoons are small, no exterior bottle holders.
Star score: 4/5
As you’d count on from a Fortnum and Mason picnic merchandise, this oozes fashion. Designed for 2 folks, you’ll discover good high quality objects inside.
There are two enamel plates in an inside pocket which is secured with a Velcro strap. Cutlery, green-handled to match the bag, comes wrapped in two white cotton napkins which in flip go into their very own removable drawstring bag, secured inside with a leather-trimmed strap. You’ll additionally discover wine goblets, two salt and pepper grinders and a corkscrew/ bottle opener which has its personal holding hook on the prime.
There’s additionally a helpful separate bag which you should use for empties or further storage.
The rucksack itself is on the compact facet – although you may get some small containers in, it’s finest for objects like wrapped sandwiches and crisps. There’s a helpful further inside pocket and two elasticated loops to maintain drinks securely inside, however this does take up house.
You possibly can select the way you need to carry it – there’s a leather-based hand strap or two comfortable well-padded primary straps to hold in your again. This one fitted notably snugly.
The rucksack additionally scored properly for sustainability. The bag is comprised of recycled supplies and there’s a satisfying lack of plastic covers inside. Even the labels are printed on recycled paper.
General, the bag feels prime quality and really safe – there are two zips on every compartment and inside all the things is saved neatly and firmly in place. One draw back is each plates and napkins are hand-wash solely. The picnicware is barely heavier than among the others however because the rucksack is barely designed for 2 folks, it isn’t an issue to hold it even when it’s full and the load is properly distributed.
Obtainable from:
VonShef 6-person navy tartan holdall
Greatest picnic rucksack for large households or teams
Execs: Nice measurement, straightforward to entry the meals compartment
Cons: Fairly cumbersome
Star score 5/5
In the event you’re picnicking with a crowd, this spacious holdall has all the things you want. The primary compartment, which is insulated, holds loads – we slot in seven containers together with two giant (3 litre), or 5 and a few water bottles. You entry it from the highest and the large opening means you possibly can pull out your bins and meals simply.
This can be a completely different form to most we examined – it’s large fairly than tall. There’s a shoulder strap so you possibly can sling it over your shoulder, however you can too carry it by hand for those who choose. It isn’t too heavy (which is spectacular contemplating what number of it caters for) and all the things inside is well-secured, as are the compartments themselves, which shut with twin zips. The highest of the entrance pouch has Velcro.
Crockery is saved in three completely different compartments (two on the facet and one on the entrance) all of which open flat. The edges every have three glasses, one set of cutlery (we had been happy to see full-sized spoons), with a waiter’s pal on one facet and salt and pepper shakers on the opposite. This is a bonus you probably have a couple of meal, or don’t need to wash up all the things once you get residence, as you possibly can separate soiled from clear crockery. A minor inconvenience is that you need to guess which facet the salt and pepper is in.
Within the entrance pouch is the remainder of the cutlery, plates, a dinky cheeseboard and a cheese knife. There are additionally cotton napkins which match the trim on the facet of the bag.
The supplies really feel good high quality. Though it’s massive, you possibly can squash the perimeters in for simpler storage. We had been disillusioned that the cruet and goblets got here in bubble wrap – we might have most well-liked extra sustainable packaging. The holdall comes with an inventory of what can go into the dishwasher (cutlery and reducing board, although hand-washing is suggested).
Obtainable from:
Regatta Stamford 4-person picnic coolbag
Greatest for compact design
Execs: Engaging and neat
Cons: The shoulder strap may have achieved with some padding
Star score: 4/5
At first look, this doesn’t look large enough for 4 folks, nevertheless it has been cleverly designed and is deceptively spacious. We fitted 5 medium sized containers inside. Neat and compact, it covers all of the fundamentals and has added touches like a bottle holder on the facet – giving you extra space for meals objects. There’s a broad adjustable shoulder strap and a deal with for those who choose to hold it.
The primary, insulated compartment is large enough to carry 5 containers of various sizes. There’s one other facet compartment holding 4 tumblers which come individually wrapped in plastic (as are the knives and forks). This facet compartment is insulated too so you possibly can all the time put a drink in as a substitute and, for those who’ve room, transfer the cups to the principle compartment.
The entrance pouch – secured by straightforward Velcro fairly than a zipper – comes with commonplace picnic objects of 4 plates, cutlery (together with full-sized spoons) and a bottle opener/corkscrew. These are held in particular person straps so are straightforward to tug out and in. Cutlery is a deep blue color which makes a change from the same old white and the knife simply handed the apple-cutting check.
This rucksack gained brownie factors for being comprised of recycled polyester. There’s a bolstered base and a wipe-clean inside.
We felt this was nearly large enough for 4, particularly for those who wrap sandwiches fairly than take a lot of salads in bins. It’s mild and straightforward to hold with a double shoulder strap, although this could have benefited from further padding for consolation.
Obtainable from:
Regatta (£41.95)
Mountain Warehouse 4-person picnic set
Greatest for house
Execs: Very roomy, mild and straightforward to hold
Cons: An excessive amount of plastic packaging, no bottle opener
Star score: 4.5/5
In the event you’re searching for a picnic rucksack that makes you stand out from the group, this might properly match the invoice. It’s a really cheerful and brightly colored bag – and it’s very spacious too. If it’s a bit too garish on your tastes, it additionally is available in a extra standard blue with vibrant stripes.
You get a very deep primary insulated part with this rucksack – we fitted two massive and 4 smaller bins into it. It’s loads roomy sufficient for 4 folks and maybe a few others too, relying on how hungry you might be. You’ll be capable of put together tubs of salad, fruit and different picnic goodies earlier than you go with out the worry of getting to depart something at residence on the final minute.
The zip-up crockery compartment has plates, clear beakers, cutlery (together with full-sized spoons) and plates for 4. There are additionally salt and pepper shakers, a chopping board and a serrated knife, however no bottle opener.
We appreciated the removable insulated bottle holder on the facet – this leaves further room for the all-important meals in the principle part.
Every thing zips up securely and feels good, rugged high quality. The backpack is simple to hold with broad, padded straps. The one downside we had was that the glasses had been a bit fiddly to place again and saved slipping out of their holders.
We examined this out on the most well liked day of the 12 months (utilizing ice packs). Once we opened the bag after three hours, our sarnies and salad had been good and chilly.
There was additionally various plastic packaging over the cutlery and cruet however total it is a nice bag for a household with hearty appetites.
Obtainable from:
Mountain Warehouse (£34.99)
Sunnylife Luxe picnic backpack
Greatest for a romantic picnic for 2
Execs: Trendy, nice freezable divider, comes with picnic blanket
Cons: Dear
Star score: 4.5/5
Designed for 2 folks, it is a very trendy and well-designed canvas rucksack from Australian model Sunnylife.
The primary compartment has a detachable divider within the center so you possibly can maintain something you should separate, be it cold and hot meals or primary course and pudding. The divider doubles up as a detachable gel pack which you’ll freeze after which substitute within the bag to maintain the contents cool. One other plus of that is that it’s lighter than an ordinary freezer block. As a result of the gel pack is vertical, it saved the highest of our bottles cooler than another luggage.
The rucksack is loads large enough for a picnic à deux. We fitted in two giant and three smaller bins, although we needed to take away the divider.
Unusually, there are pockets on both facet so you possibly can each carry a unique drink, or a flask and a bottle, although these aren’t insulated. One other uncommon function is the closure of this primary compartment, which is with a drawstring fairly than the normal zip. The entrance flap additionally has a clasp for further safety.
The second compartment – which does have a zipper all the way in which round – is properly outfitted. Inside you get a full set of stainless-steel cutlery, two tumblers held in place with elasticated straps and a bottle opener (however no salt and pepper or cheese board). The plates (successfully shallow bowls) are secured with a cross of Velcro-fastened materials. The contents arrived with plastic luggage masking the tumblers and knives.
On the backside of the rucksack is the actual bonus – a great sized matching picnic blanket secured to the principle a part of the bag with buckles. It’s mild so doesn’t add a lot to the general weight. On the similar time nonetheless, this does make the bag fairly lengthy so it isn’t perfect in case you are notably brief. General, the bag is simple to hold with comfy padded adjustable straps.
Obtainable from:
Summerhouse Guatemala picnic backpack
Greatest for a household picnic
Execs: Properly designed, roomy
Cons: No separate bottle pocket
Star score 5/5
The most effective issues about this backpack is that it’s designed so you possibly can stand it up on a flat base whereas emptying it, enabling you to make use of each palms. The primary, insulated compartment is an efficient measurement – we managed to place in three giant meals containers in addition to two smaller ones, then repacked it with six medium bins and two bottles. It’s excellent for a household of 4 or group of buddies.
The entrance compartment holds your picnic crockery – 4 units of white-handled knives, spoons and forks in addition to plates, wine glasses, salt and pepper, a bottle opener and a small board. Every thing is properly secured inside. Each sections zip up neatly and easily so nothing can fall out. There are zips on both facet of each sections, making it even simpler to do up. There’s an additional (empty) small pocket on the entrance which might be helpful for something from a map to empty crisp packets or to slide your sun shades into.
If you’re after an uncommon design, this might properly be for you. There’s a fairly chicken design on the entrance of every compartment.
Carrying it is a breeze – there’s a hand strap for those who choose to hold it that approach in addition to two broad padded straps for those who’d fairly take the load in your again. These are simply adjustable. We crammed it with bottles of water as a part of the check and didn’t wrestle with the load in any respect.
Obtainable from:
VonShef 2-person picnic backpack with blanket
Greatest picnic rucksack
Execs: blanket with waterproof lining, insulated pocket for wine/drink, a lot of pockets
Cons: cutlery wrapped in plastic
Star score: 5/5
Not showy or garish, this rucksack has been designed purely with performance in thoughts.
Totally different tones of gray and brown fake leather-based accents make up the design. Padding on the handles make this backpack comfy to put on, even on longer walks. Essentially the most spectacular a part of the design is the various pockets – starting from the massive insulated cool bag on the again to smaller zipped ones, perfect for valuables and keys.
It’s designed for 2 folks and comes with the requisite cutlery and tableware, although we had been disillusioned to seek out that each piece of cutlery had a plastic masking, which appeared wasteful. We beloved the extras like salt and pepper shakers, a cheese board and cheese knife, napkins and a bottle opener – it is a backpack designed for individuals who take their picnicking severely.
The cool bag isn’t the largest, however we had been nonetheless in a position to comfortably match one giant Tupperware field and two smaller bins inside. Plus all these different secret pockets supply loads of house for further snacks. On the entrance of the bag sits a pouch for a bottle of wine or water bottle – whereas this isn’t insulated, it does have a drawstring function on the prime to maintain it safe.
A mushy, striped picnic blanket can also be supplied and there are straps to safe it to the facet of the bag. Usefully, the blanket additionally has a water-resistant backing and it is giant sufficient for 2 to take a seat on it comfortably, and even lie down post-picnic.
Spills are straightforward to wash up because the outer bag has a water-resistant coating so nothing seeps by means of. The liner of the cool bag is equally straightforward to wash. Cutlery and tableware needs to be hand-washed.
Value, pockets and practicality make this a profitable picnic rucksack.
Obtainable from:
VonHaus (£44.99)
VonShef 4-person roll-top picnic backpack
Greatest picnic rucksack for cool bag
Execs: giant cool bag, cool bag layer could be eliminated, very safe
Cons: no picnic blanket, some extreme packaging
Our rating: 4.5/5
Roll-top backpacks are fairly modern for the time being, so this providing from VonShef actually caught our eye. With its easy gray design and pretend leather-based accents, this rucksack is a classy possibility for picnickers.
The very first thing we observed about this rucksack was simply how giant it’s. Made up of 1 massive insulated cool bag, this backpack is good for these trying to journey for some time earlier than they attain their picnic vacation spot. There are additionally two further facet pockets on the skin of the bag for any slim extras. They will’t be secured however they’re fairly deep.
Contained in the cool bag we discovered a cutlery carry case and 4 cups. We had been a bit annoyed to seek out every cup had been individually wrapped in plastic bubble wrap; a extra eco-friendly different would have been preferable. The carry case has its personal mesh holder, so it’s straightforward to seek out when the bag is full of meals and Tupperware. Plates and cutlery for 4 persons are additionally included – we beloved the sunshine blue ombré design on the plates and thought they had been a welcome different to white. Like among the different backpacks we’ve examined, the cutlery included isn’t the very best high quality, nevertheless it’ll actually do for a picnic.
One of many neatest options of this backpack is that the cool bag is detachable. That is helpful not just for cleansing, however for carrying meals that doesn’t must be saved cool. Versatility is all the time an enormous plus in our eyes!
A picnic blanket isn’t supplied sadly and whereas one may simply match contained in the cool bag, this could imply compromising on house. We’d have appreciated to have seen no less than one further secured pocket for valuables as it is a massive bag, so we wouldn’t need to convey something further for issues like keys, a telephone or pockets.
The cool bag house is second to none, so that is the rucksack for you in case your picnic menu normally consists of a lot of chilly dishes.
Obtainable from:
VonHaus (£49.99)
VonShef 4-person picnic backpack
Greatest picnic rucksack for feasts
Execs: two bottle holders, picnic blanket included, a lot of pockets
Cons: individually wrapped cutlery, blanket is small
Our rating: 4.5/5
This VonShef backpack is the 4 particular person equal of our top-scoring picnic rucksack. Like our first-place VonShef, this backpack additionally comes with a wealth of pockets for further snacks and valuables.
Made up of tones of gray with brown fake leather-based accents, this backpack is just designed. It comes with not one, however two insulated bottle holders that sit both facet of the backpack. These could be eliminated for straightforward serving as soon as picnicking.
The primary physique of the rucksack is made up of a cool bag. We fitted one giant Tupperware field and two smaller bins inside, and there was nonetheless a bit little bit of house for malleable extras. Like the entire different cool luggage on this record, this one can also be wipe clear.
On the entrance of the backpack is a pocket for picnicware. There are 4 units of cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) in addition to melamine plates, tumblers and napkins. Ultimate for large meals, salt and pepper shakers, a chopping board and cheese knife are additionally included. We additionally discovered there was a bit bit of additional house for one more Tupperware field right here.
A picnic blanket is supplied too – the identical one which’s included with the first-place VonHaus backpack. Whereas the waterproof layer is beneficial and the blanket itself is cosy, it was too small for 4 adults to take a seat on it comfortably. With knees touching, there was no house for the meals, so we’d advocate bringing a second blanket.
When the backpack was full to the brim it does give a pretty big silhouette, however that is comprehensible contemplating how a lot foods and drinks we had been in a position to carry. Fortunately, the backpack straps are padded, making for a snug journey.
Obtainable from:
VonHaus (£54.99)
How we examined picnic rucksacks
We took our crammed picnic rucksacks on a stroll to an area park to check how comfy the shoulder straps had been when carrying the rucksack and the way heavy it was when full to the brim.
Our picnic meals consisted of basic dishes, together with cheese and bread, pasta salads, hummus and crudités, fruit and truffles all impressed by BBC Good Meals’s picnic recipes.
We examined the standard of the picnicware when consuming and the standard and amount of equipment. The capability of the cool bag/space for storing was examined through the use of a wide range of different-sized crammed Tupperware – we’ve famous what we may slot in every bag above. We questioned whether or not there have been sufficient pockets supplied and what measures had been in place to safe them. For instance, was there house for valuables, or will you should convey one other bag with you?
If a picnic blanket was supplied, we famous the standard and if it was the best measurement for the variety of folks the backpack had been designed for.
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This assessment was final up to date in June 2022 When you have any questions, options for future evaluations or spot something that has modified in value or availability, please get in contact at goodfoodwebsite@quick.co.uk.
