Best picnic backpack

picnic backpack
(Image credit: Getty)

Picnics are the ultimate way to eat and relax outside. But you need to be organized to enjoy them and the best way to do that is with a picnic backpack. These handy packs hold everything you need for a delicious picnic in one easy-to-carry bag that you can put on your back while you walk to the perfect spot to lay down a picnic rug. Able to carry all your plates, glasses and cutlery as well as the all-important food and drink, they make picnics easier to set up and mean you won’t leave anything important at home. 

Most picnic backpacks have insulated cooler compartments so you can keep your food fresh and your drinks chilled. Look out too for dedicated wine coolers and water-resistant blankets to sit on and enjoy eating together. Here are the picnic backpacks we recommend. 

Best overall

picnic backpack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Sunflora Picnic Backpack

Keep food cool and dry for a four-person picnic

This backpack's large insulated pouch can hold enough food for a four-person picnic and keep it hot or cold for hours. A detachable waterproof pouch means ice or chilled drinks won’t get everything else wet. Eat off four sets of dishwasher-safe melamine plates, with TPE wine glasses, a bamboo cutting board, and four sets of stainless steel cutlery.

Best for size

picnic backpack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Nature Gear XL Picnic Backpack

Top-loading design with blanket and wine cooler

Easily pack and unpack your picnic with the backpack’s innovative top-loading design. It’s fully equipped with four sets of dinnerware plus a bottle opener and bread/cheese knife. Eat your picnic on the matching waterproof blanket and chill your wine in the detachable cooler, both held on the sides.

Best for insulation

picnic backpack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

Rugged backpack with pockets for everything

An insulated base compartment keeps food cool for over 24 hours and has enough room for up to 12 cans and an ice pack. The big main compartment also has mesh pockets to stash food and equipment. Made from heavy-duty water repellent Rain Defender fabric, a front zipper pocket keeps keys and other essentials safe.

Best for extras

picnic backpack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Hap Tim Picnic Backpack Cooler

Large backpack with all the accessories 

Three compartments make up this stylish backpack. The biggest central one is ideal for drinks and ice packs, the top pocket for dry goods, and on the side, there’s a wine holder. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to carry. It includes four sets of plates, cutlery, wine glasses, and cotton napkins plus a cheese knife, chopping board, salt, and pepper shakers, and a fleece blanket to sit on.

Bottom line

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The best picnic backpacks make eating al fresco with friends and family so much easier and stress-free. As well as making it comfortable to carry your picnic to the perfect spot, they contain everything you need so you can sit down and enjoy it. We recommend the Sunflora Picnic Backpack. A four-person picnic fits easily inside and will stay chilled in the insulated compartment. All the accessories you need are included and fit inside. 

For the ultimate in picnic backpack style, we like the Hap Tim Picnic Backpack Cooler. It has enough room for a good-sized picnic, spread across its three compartments with all the plates, glasses, and cutlery you need.

Advnture team

Launched in July 2020, Advnture is the ideal destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you're into epic hikes through the wilderness, camping trips with the family, climbing with your friends, or looking for a trail running personal best, our team of experts will point you in the right direction, with top buying advice and in-depth guides to help you get the most of your time in the backcountry.