People have tried other forms of baskets and they keep coming back to Rattan. Rattan is strong, flexible and has incredible longevity. It is very common to have the same basket through several balloon envelopes. The envelope is what wears out faster. Generally, the baskets also have a wooden floor in them so you aren’t just standing on rattan directly. Also, the frames of the baskets are made of aluminum or steel tubing. The rattan is wrapped around the frame. The envelope is attached to the aluminum framing via carabiners or other systems.
Parachutes for passengers: When balloon pilots take up parachutists to jump out of the balloon, it is generally recommended that the pilot of the balloon also has a parachute, but I don’t know of any that have actually had a chute on board when dropping jumpers.
Are there any hobby class balloonists who fly helium-filled balloons, or is it too expensive or impractical?