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What is a Picnic Backpack?

Deborah Ng
Deborah Ng

A picnic backpack is exactly what it sounds like, a canvas or leather backpack intended for the sole purpose of carrying those items needed for the perfect picnic. Rather than packing a basket or cooler with edible goodies, plates, cups, silverware and other items, you can use a backpack instead. This should make for easier carrying.

Because the backpack comes complete with all components necessary for the perfect picnic, each item has its own specific place, making everything convenient to find, pack and carry.

In most cases the standard picnic backpack comes with the following features:

  • Linen for laying over a picnic table or on the ground
  • Linen napkins
  • Plates made from either melamine or Corel
  • Wine glasses, usually acrylic
  • Cutlery made of plastic or stainless steel
  • Wine tote
  • Cooler pocket for toting food
Melamine plates, which work well for picnics.
Melamine plates, which work well for picnics.

This isn't all, however. Depending on how much money you're willing to part with, your picnic backpack can contain other items as well. If you're going for one of the upgraded versions, your picnic backpack might also contain a corkscrew, a cheese board and knife, salt and pepper shakers, or a wine stopper.

The picnic backpack comes in a range of colors and styles. Since the person carrying the backpack will be toting quite a bit of gear, the items included are lightweight but sturdy. The backpack itself is styled for comfort. Most picnic backpacks come with a padded back and straps. A picnic backpack is fully insulated so cold food will stay cold and hot food will keep warm. Linens come in a variety of colors and styles. Usually they're plaid or gingham, though they are also available in a solid pattern.

Picnic baskets might also include a corkscrew.
Picnic baskets might also include a corkscrew.

There's a picnic backpack for all price ranges beginning in the low $20 range. They can cost well over $100 for deluxe models. As you can tell by the items included, these backpacks aren't for family reunions or company picnics, but rather for an intimate gathering of two to four people. Can you imagine a more romantic date than having a wine and cheese picnic in the woods or on a secluded section of the beach?

Sandwiches are a great item to bring on a picnic.
Sandwiches are a great item to bring on a picnic.

In case you're wondering about cleanup, you can rest assured that all picnic backpacks are easy to clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Many can be run through the washing machine as well. Be sure to read the care instructions on your model and follow them accordingly.

The next time you're stuck for a shower, wedding or anniversary gift for your favorite couple, why not consider a picnic backpack? The happy couple will be touched by your romantic gesture!

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@rundocuri- I agree with you. I go to the beach frequently to spend the day. Since I like to take other supplies like towels and a chair, it is very easy to bring along lunch or dinner in a picnic backpack. You can also put other beach supplies in it such as sunblock lotion and sunglasses.

Rundocuri

I have a picnic backpack, and I think that using it is much more convenient than using a picnic basket. I like that you simply through it over your shoulders and free your hands to carry other items to your picnic spot.

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    • Melamine plates, which work well for picnics.
      By: Santhosh Kumar
      Melamine plates, which work well for picnics.
    • Picnic baskets might also include a corkscrew.
      By: stevem
      Picnic baskets might also include a corkscrew.
    • Sandwiches are a great item to bring on a picnic.
      By: karandaev
      Sandwiches are a great item to bring on a picnic.
    • Sweet tea is a good picnic drink.
      By: karandaev
      Sweet tea is a good picnic drink.
    • Picnics may include barbecuing.
      By: Pietro D'Antonio
      Picnics may include barbecuing.
    • Many picnics include potato chips.
      By: nataliazakharova
      Many picnics include potato chips.
    • Pickles for sandwiches may be included as part of a picnic.
      By: Louella Folsom
      Pickles for sandwiches may be included as part of a picnic.