The basket is usually made of wicker or rattan, both of which are very strong for their weight. The wicker is sometimes woven around a steel or aluminum frame, which helps to support the upright posts upon which the burner is mounted. The top rim of the basket and the uprights are usually padded and covered in suede or leather. Inside the basket are the fuel tanks and the flight instruments. Balloon burners come in all shapes and sizes.
Balloons can have from one to four burners, depending on the size of the balloon.
The envelope is carried in a surprisingly small bag. It's packed to allow it to be quickly and easily assembled. When the time comes to put the balloon up, the envelope is removed from the bag and laid out in a long line. The burners are attached to the uprights, and the basket is attached to the cables on the bottom of the envelope. An engine driven fan is used to fill the balloon with air.