The Best Gear for Upgrading Your Picnic Setup

May 1, 2025 3

From a backpack that comes with a full fancy-meal rig to a flask that holds an entire bottle of wine, these dining accessories will majorly elevate your al fresco experience

Picnics are underrated; they have a lot of appeal for a variety of dining scenarios. They’re a smart, low-commitment choice for an early-in-the-relationship date, with no reservations required — just a sack full of sandwiches and some one-on-one time in which you can linger as long as you want (or cut and run without worrying about sticking around to leave a tip if things get weird). If you’re visiting a city where you’ve got a bunch of old friends, but you dread the whole “I’m in town, who wants to hang out with me???” prompt, you can post up at the park for an afternoon and invite friends to drop by without being too formal about it. And, they’re a lifesaver for parents eating with small kids, because your crew can be louder and messier than you would dream of being inside a restaurant because you’re outside and, presumably, cleaning up after yourselves.

I’m a big fan of all al fresco dining experiences, especially the ones I create myself with my favorite sandwiches and canned wine, but even the breeziest picnic requires some logistical handiwork. You’ve got to keep the cold stuff cold, your butts off the grass, and the vibes exquisite. Here are my tried-and-true favorite blankets, baskets, and extras for making sure every picnic is a resounding success.