A picnic in the park

By Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe Staff, 05/19/02

		Destinations  Where they went  Travel gear  Student travel  Sensible traveler

Shoulder your picnic

This picnic backpack comes with everything you need to host a perfect picnic for two: plates, wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, cutting board, serrated knife, napkins, cutlery, even a pewter-topped wine cork. All you have to do is provide the food. A lined compartment keeps your gourmet fare at just the right temperature, and a dedicated wine pocket holds your bottle. The picnic backpack costs $89 and is available in navy blue or forest green from Flax Art (telephone 888-352-9278, or online at www.flaxart.com). Red Envelope offers the two-person backpack ($85) and a four-person version ($110), both in navy blue only; you can order at 877-733-3683, or online at www.redenvelope.com.

Save yourself grass stains

Now ..... for something to sit on. You can grab a blanket from the bedroom or pick up an inexpensive afghan, but a small rug that you can roll up is easy to carry and sturdier than a blanket when you're eating outdoors. Pier 1 has a variety of cotton Chindi rugs from India in several colors — a 3-by-5-foot rug can seat two and costs about $25. Available at Pier 1 stores, 800-245-4595 and www.pier1.com.

Repel your attackers

What's a picnic with no bugs? Find out — with insect repellent in the form of a moist towelette, Skinsations by Cutter. Tuck the small dispenser into your purse, coat, backpack, or pocket: A 3-ounce container measures 4-by-2.-by-1. inches and holds 18 of the 6-by-8-inch towelettes. The repellent smells fresh and light and contains Vitamin E and aloe so that it doesn't dry out your skin (but wash your hands before you pick up that sandwich, just to be safe). It costs about $4.50 per pack and is available at many grocery stores and pharmacies, including Shaw's and Star Market, and at www.medichest.com/skinsationstowelette.html and www.doityourself.com/store/campingsupplies-5795.htm.