You cannot fly without the basket

All parts of the hot air balloon are important none more so than the basket which carries the pilot, without whom you will be going nowhere, the propane cylinders for supplying fuel to the burner, but importantly your good self.  There have been a variety of baskets coming in all shapes and sizes, but traditionally this will be a square or rectangular in shape.

They can be made from aluminium or plastics, but traditionally they are constructed from cane for a number of very good reasons. Cane is sturdy and will flex, particularly important when the balloon lands, absorbing the impact. Because the balloon and the basket have to be transported from place to place, light and hard wearing materials are important and cane has proved itself over a period of a hundred years.