ProView – GSI Rakau Picnic Table Review

This is a year-round product that, when collapsed for storage, can disappear into almost any gear bin, backpack or seat-back. It’s not ultralight but it’s not meant to be. This is for summer concerts and ski resort parking lots where the intent is clear: we’re here to have fun. It’s size defines its limits. You’re not going to present a five-person charcuterie spread or serve the entire campsite with its 15’’ x 10’’ footprint, but you can get two plates on it and it’ll even hold your wine glasses. And if your backpacking trip is short and without a hard-mission, this table can absolutely make the hike—have your buddy carry the bear can.

The table was tested from late fall to mid-winter in and around the Lake Tahoe region of California, used during an array of outdoor activities, many planned, many not, meaning this table is compact enough to just always have around. We may be dirtbags, but a little civility now and then is a nice change of pace

Features

GSI’s decision to include on the Rakau pivoting wine glass holders clearly stems (get it?) from the table’s intended role in the company’s ecosystem of frontcountry-oriented kitchen products. It sells collapsible wine glasses. Okay, fine. However, a wider berth on the glass support notch could allow for a wider selection of receptacle types without putting the subtle pressure on the consumer to collect all of the products. In fact, they could consider a number of creative use cases that leverage that stowaway design. They could offer an additional flat surface for condiments or small bowls or plates, a flatware holder and even a stove support. I could also envision a net or pouch spanning the leg attachments for storage.

All that said, the wine glass supports are clever and useful, but limiting.

The legs rotate in and out of use, laying flat along the table bottom and when in that position, result in a little less than a two-inch total height for storage.

The bamboo table surface looks great, cleans in a snap, and is super solid. It’s the last component of the product I would expert to experience an issue, like a crack or some form of warping over time. 

Functionality

There isn’t a lot that can go wrong with a product like this. Nevertheless, there is always the risk of an over-designed product becoming more hassle than it’s worth, not uncommon in the outdoor gear space.

I own a previous version of the accordion-folding GSI Micro Table and while it’s still part of my regular camp setup, there are some issues arising as a result of the manufacturer’s design choices. I also think the Pinnacle Soloist Windscreen is kind of tedious when actually put to use. (I was one of the first industry testers to have their hands on GSI’s stove lineup and its Escape HS collapsible pots.) Still, for every clunky windscreen there’s a Pinnacle Pro 2 Burner Stove, an exceptionally well-engineered and compact camp kitchen quiver killer. The “top seller” tag is there for a reason.

While I digress slightly, my point in touching on other company products is to say that GSI’s team really thinks through its stuff. The wine holders are a minor and admittedly bias hiccup.

Thankfully, GSI didn’t do anything it shouldn’t have with the Rakau Picnic Table.

The legs move into position as they should and after a couple months of regular use showed no sign of losing friction, loosening or not doing what you expect them to do each time you want to use it. Same goes for the wine glass holders. It functions as promised.

Quality

In short, I found nothing to really worry about it. It’s the nature of building something so simple in concept with a universal need. I spend a lot of time with other people who camp and lead trips and live in vehicles for months at a time and all of them have some sort of table. There’s no shortage of market need.

The legs are sturdy with no evidence of poor manufacturing, such as differentiation in length or inherent design flaws. The glass holder-wings can handle some pressure and like the supports, showed no sign of weakening in resistance. I would add that this table spent most of its time floating around the back of my truck amidst the menagerie of splitboards, skis, boot bags and other winter requirements.

The Final Word

Small, functional and versatile, the Rakau Picnic Table is a terrific addition to any camp kitchen, glamping setup or Sunday evening town-square concert. It’s lightweight for its durability and priced right, too. I would be remise if I didn’t mention that it could make a great home office monitor stand or a handy extra work space in tight kitchens. GSI is obviously invested in heavier-duty, cleverly designed outdoor gear and this nifty table is yet another solid example.

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