Ditch the Bulky Coolers — I’m Buying This $40 IKEA One That Looks So Sleek

I’ve been in a “catch me outside” mindset this summer — and by that I mean that I’ve been picnicking and beach hopping at every opportunity. I didn’t account for all the heat waves we’d get this season, though. So if I have any hope of yapping over ice-cold drinks in the park this summer, I’ll need more than just a regular ol’ backpack or picnic basket: I’ll need this SOLUPPGÅNG Cooler Basket from IKEA. 

Part of the SOLUPPGÅNG outdoor collection that IKEA launched this spring, the cooler basket is the more functional take on old-school wicker picnic baskets that I didn’t know I needed until now. Of course, I plan to grab one ahead of the next 98-degree day. Here’s why. 

The SOLUPPGÅNG basket is a 13 1/2 x 14 1/4 x 8 3/4-inch braided bamboo basket designed to keep food and drinks fresh in the scorching summer heat. How? There’s a zip-up, recycled polyester inner bag that’s insulated to keep cold items cold when the forecast is anything but. The inner bag also has handy compartments to keep items from clanging against each other in transit. It’s finished with a solid bamboo lid (that doubles as a serving surface!) and a sturdy bamboo handle that’s poised for park hangs. 

For starters, the SOLUPPGÅNG cooler basket’s unique proportions have regular picnic baskets beat. It’s taller than most with a four-gallon capacity, which means there’s more room for snacks and treats. And while most coolers and baskets have only one central compartment, the SOLUPPGÅNG has several, which keeps everything inside organized, minimizes the chances of spills when you’re on the move, and allows everything to cool evenly. The zippered top adds another layer of protection, too. 

Not to mention, the cooler basket’s braided bamboo material gives it a modern, natural look that’s way easier on the eyes than a bulky cooler or rickety wicker basket (and it actually doesn’t contain any plastic, which is a huge bonus). I could also see the basket’s bamboo lid working double duty: Use it as an elevated flat surface to prepare snacks on top of the basket, or remove it and use it as a makeshift serving platter.  The SOLUPPGÅNG cooler basket will run you a cool $40 — not bad, considering all the use it’s going to get from me this summer. Plus, the durable design seems like it will last well beyond beach season. Oh, and it’s a limited-edition item — so grab yours before it goes out of stock for good. 

Buy: SOLUPPGÅNG Cooler Basket, $40