Prettier Than Plastic Bins: The Rustic Storage Solution That's A Rare Thrift Find

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Some storage solutions are purely utilitarian, prioritizing function over style, and that includes many plain, plastic bins. However, if you want a storage container with a little more personality, something that adds character to the room, it might be worth a trip to your local thrift store. There, you can often find a variety of unique secondhand storage baskets and bins, typically at a reduced price; a great option for hiding clutter in a more stylish way. You may even be able to track down one type of storage solution with an especially rich history, and that's a pack basket. These woven baskets date back to at least 900 B.C. and were used by multiple Native American tribes, particularly in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada.

Pack baskets were traditionally made from hand-woven wooden splints, sweetgrass, or other plant fibers, and often affixed with straps so they could be worn on a person's back for easier transportation. They were used for daily tasks like fishing, hunting, foraging, and storing provisions. The Wabanaki Confederacy, a coalition of several Algonquin language-speaking Indigenous nations, largely stretching across areas that include Maine and parts of Quebec, are notably connected to the origin of pack baskets. French fur trappers later adopted a similar woven basket design, and today you will, alternatively, see pack baskets referred to as "trapper baskets" or "Adirondack packs." Throughout their existence, pack baskets have come in various shapes and sizes, all stemming from a history that traces back nearly 3,000 years ago.

If you're into rustic decor and want to add a pack basket to your home, you can find both older, vintage options and new, mass-produced ones. No matter the exact style, pack baskets are a simple, clever way to store blankets, pillows, children's toys, and other miscellaneous household items. As an alternative to perusing local thrift stores for a pack basket, which involves some luck, there are plenty of online listings for various styles and prices. Pack Baskets of Maine produces some reasonably priced options and sells them at third-party retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods for $100. Since pack baskets are generally considered outdoor gear rather than home decor, it's worth checking local outdoor retailers.

When it comes to true vintage pack baskets, which tend to look even more rustic, secondhand sites like Etsy and eBay are great options. However, prices can get much higher. The Etsy account GaidisAntiques lists a 1960s pack basket for $275, and some other listings are even more expensive. While the quality isn't intrinsically linked to when a pack basket was manufactured, older ones often have more rugged straps made from leather or canvas instead of nylon, and the patina of older wood may also add to the rustic, farmhouse style. In general, these baskets can provide more warmth and character to a room than sterile plastic bins, especially considering the rich history that's woven into pack baskets.