It won’t be long before summer comes rolling around again and most of us would agree that time spent outdoors is time well spent. Taking a picnic to a secluded spot and enjoying quality time with your family or friends is a great British pastime but lugging all that food and drink to your chosen spot can be back breaking.
But why does it need to be when there are so many excellent picnic trolleys on the market? These trolleys are foldable, lightweight and super easy to transport and yet provide you with ample space to take everything you need for al fresco dining.
In this guide, we’ll be introducing you to some of the best picnic trolleys out there and giving you some helpful tips on how to choose the best one.
Picnic Trolleys - Our Top 5 Picks
Type ‘best picnic trolley’ into any search engine and you’ll be overwhelmed by retailers telling you that their product is the cream of the crop. Don’t waste your time scrolling through endless listings when we have done the hard work for you. Here are five picnic trolleys that won’t let you down!
OUR TOP PICK
We love this trolley from Umi which provides users with a large amount of space to carry essential items and not so essential ones. With up to 80kg of carrying ability and an 85x45x25cm basket, this is the ideal trolley for long days out with all the family.
The frame is made from a high quality tubular steel which offers the perfect balance between being lightweight and being durable. What’s more, the polyester material is strong and reliable and also features two handy drinks holders. You’ll also get a storage bag to protect the trolley when not in use.
Where user comfort is concerned, Umi has left nothing out. The handle is fully extendable allowing you to set it to a height that suits you and also features foam padding for additional comfort. While this trolley may be slightly more expensive than some others, it’s performance and user friendliness make it worth the investment.
Pros | Cons |
Strong frame | We couldn’t find anything wrong with this trolley |
Lightweight | |
Easy to fold | |
Adjustable handle | |
Wheels designed for rough terrain |
BEST FOR BIG ADVENTURES
If you want a trolley that will stand up to the demands of a big family adventure then there isn’t much we would recommend more than this one from Beau Jardin. It’s super strong, super large, and yet still folds away for convenience and easy storage.
The trolley holds up to 116 litres/80kg which is plenty big enough for food, drinks, sports equipment, and maybe even a small tent if you fancy staying in your picnic spot overnight. What’s more, it’s made from incredibly durable materials including 600D Oxford fabric which is waterproof and tear resistant.
The strong steel frame is lightweight yet won’t rust or warp and folding is a cinch in just a couple of easy steps. It’s beautifully comfortable to use thanks to an adjustable handle that’s been ergonomically designed for optimum user friendliness no matter what the terrain or how far you have to pull the trolley.
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable to use | Expensive |
Easy to fold for storage and transportation | |
Super robust | |
Large capacity | |
Lockable brakes |
BEST FOR KEEPING FOOD COOL
If you don’t intend on chowing down as soon as you reach the picnic spot then you’ll need a way to keep your food cool and fresh. Failing to do this could lead to its deterioration which could make you sick and nobody wants that.
While the VOUNOT trolley isn’t as large as others on this list it does benefit from being insulated so it’ll keep your food cool (or hot) for longer. The material is fully waterproof and pretty durable so it can be used in a variety of situations without worry.
What’s more, the VOUNOT trolley is fitted with strong rubber wheels that are designed for quieter and smoother operation. Since this trolley is largely designed for carrying groceries, the three wheel stair climber function is ideal for moving up steps and over uneven ground.
You can carry up to 30kg in this trolley and what’s great is that it will also function as a backpack if you don’t fancy pulling it around. That’s versatility at its best!
Pros | Cons |
Strong and sturdy wheels | Smaller than some other options |
Doubles as a backpack | |
Keeps food cold and fresh | |
Waterproof | |
Can climb stairs |
BEST VALUE
A lot of the time, you have to be willing to fork out a significant amount for a decent trolley but that isn’t the case with this one from Runolig. While the price is much more wallet friendly, you still get all of the features you expect and a surprisingly strong piece of equipment.
With the ability to carry up to 150kg, this is by far one of the strongest trolleys on our list and so it’s ideal for big family days out and even camping trips. With a robust steel frame, it won’t rust or warp so you’ve got something that will stand the test of time.
The Runolig trolley features solid rubber wheels with good traction that makes it suitable for use on a variety of terrains without the risk of toppling over. What’s more, the handle is designed for optimal user comfort and easy manoeuvring. The manufacturers are so confident of the quality of this trolley that they’ll give you a five year warranty; that’s plenty of time for lots of picnics!
Pros | Cons |
Two cup holders | Heavy |
Strong wheels | |
Lengthy warranty | |
Excellent load capacity | |
UV and mildew resistant |
BEST VERSATILE TROLLY
Looking for something that’ll carry everything you and the family need for your next picnic? Well this amazing trolley from Nasscarts has everything you could ever want! Not only do you get a large trolley for transporting chairs, play equipment, bags etc but you also get a thermal bag to keep cold food cold and hot food hot!
But it isn’t just this that makes this trolley one of our favourites. It’s also ideal for use on a huge number of terrain types thanks to the solid, heavily tractional rubber wheels. It’s also incredibly stable and won’t topple over but is also very easy to manoeuvre; you really are getting the best of everything.
The trolley folds away easily to a relatively compact size but still gives you the opportunity to cart up to 80kg so it’s a perfect choice for large families on a day out.
Pros | Cons |
Thermal bag included | Some problems with welding on the front wheels |
Strong, reliable build quality | |
Suitable for all types of terrain | |
Good load capacity | |
Easy to fold |
How To Choose The Right Picnic Trolley
We’re super confident that the picnic trolleys we have looked at in this guide are among the elite. However, not every trolley will suit every need so it’s important to take a closer look at features before making a commitment. Below you’ll find our advice for choosing the right trolley.
Weight Capacity
For some people, a smaller picnic trolley will do the job but if you’re heading off on an outdoor adventure with the whole family for an entire day then you’re likely going to take a lot more equipment. For this reason, it’s essential to find a picnic trolley that can handle this and one of the most important things to look at is how much weight it can take.
The weight capacity of the trolley will be given in the product listing or on the packaging and we cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to this. Overloading your trolley will weaken it which will eventually lead to it breaking. Nobody wants to have to fork out twice so it’s crucial that you buy a trolley that will meet your needs.
Size
In much the same way that a picnic trolley needs to be able to handle the weight of whatever you put into it, it needs to be able to handle the size. These trolleys come in a variety of sizes so you’ll be sure to find something that suits how you intend to use it.
It’s also worth considering the size in terms of storing the trolley as even when they are folded, some can still be pretty large and the last thing you want is to find that it won’t fit in the boot of the car.
Foldability
As we have just mentioned, some picnic trolleys will fold. This is the case 99% of the time as manufacturers realise the need for space-saving equipment. This design feature will allow you to collapse the trolley making it much easier to put into the car as you travel to your location. Moreover, when the trolley isn’t in use, being folded will make it easier to store in a shed or the cupboard under the stairs.
We’d also recommend looking for a trolley that is easy to fold and doesn’t require a complicated take down process either. The last thing you want after a relaxing day in the sun is to have to struggle with folding the trolley and getting everything packed away.
Materials and Waterproofing
There are several things you will want to look out for when it comes to choosing the right material for your trolley. For starters, the frame should be made from either steel or aluminium; both of these materials are strong and reliable as well as being lightweight. Steel is the heavier of the two but boasts greater durability while aluminium is much lighter but won’t put up with as much as steel.
Polyester is one of the most common materials for this type of equipment and ensures tear resistance and durability. You want to check the density of the fabric and also whether or not it is waterproof. Since the UK weather can be so unpredictable, it isn’t uncommon for the heavens to open and nobody wants their stuff getting soggy. Oxford fabric is by far the most superior when it comes to being waterproof but you’ll likely pay more for this. Moreover, trolleys that benefit from a cover will offer better protection from the elements.
Wheels
The wheels of your picnic trolley aren’t merely a means for it to move around freely. Their design and the materials from which they are made tell you a lot about how well they will perform.
For example, solid wheels are much better for this type of equipment as you may be going over uneven ground which could deflate or even puncture a pneumatic tyre. Yes, air-filled tyres offer greater shock absorption but unless the kids are riding in the trolley, this isn’t something you need to worry about.
Moreover, you want to make sure that the wheels are able to handle the terrain without the cart tipping over. If you’re heading off to a very remote spot where the ground is incredibly uneven, wider tyres are much better and will give the trolley adequate stability.
Handles
The handle of your trolley might seem like an irrelevant feature but try telling us that after you’ve pulled the trolley over rough terrain for a decent period of time. In this case, you’re going to want something that is padded and feels comfortable on the hands.
Moreover, it’s important to look for a trolley whose handle is adjustable as this will allow you to make the operation of the trolley more suitable according to your height. If you’re taller, you won’t find yourself bending over while shorter users won’t have to over-reach the arms.
Conclusion
A picnic sums up pretty much everything about the British summer time; basking in the sun, enjoying fine food and drink, spending time with the family, enjoying nature, playing outdoor games and much more. But with that adventure comes the responsibility of carting your food and other equipment to a peaceful spot.
Short of loading everyone up with bags, which nobody wants, a picnic trolley is the most viable solution. There’s plenty out there but after some serious research, we believe we have sourced five of the very best!
