A perfect picnic packing list
Since my childhood, winters meant time for a picnic. If you're from Europe or colder countries, summer may be the picnic season for you. In any case, we can all agree that picnic is one of the best fun activities to do with family. So, I've curated a picnic packing checklist so that you don't miss anything that spoils your fun.
If you are in Bangalore, I have the best list of one day trips for you which includes some amazing picnic spots nearby.
1. Picnic Basket
Well, you can carry your food in anything you want – reusable cotton bags, tote bags, etc. But a food basket or cooler is the best way to carry multiple food items for an outdoor lunch.
You can organize the food containers, utensils and napkins inside the covered basket and tuck it safely at the back of your car.
Check out the Picnic Baskets from Now & Zen made by Indian artisans.
2. Insulated Bag for Food
A cooler bag is essential for keeping the food warm and the chilled drinks as cool as possible during your journey to the picnic spot.
I use the Deoxys Insulated Cooler Bag Picnic Basket – a 32 liter portable cooler bag with handle making it the perfect companion for picnic and camping.
The heat preservation time is 4 hours and cool preservation time is 6-8 hours depending on the weather.
3. Thermos containers
If you are carrying cooked food which needs to be eaten hot or warm, just an insulated bag may not be enough. Especially if the weather is too hot and sunny.
Pack them in a thermos container. That will keep the food at a safe temperature above 140 F to prevent contamination.
Similarly for water or cold-drinks you can use icepacks to keep them cool.
Don't forget thermos bottles when travelling with infants and toddlers. Always carry boiled water in the flasks so that you can easily prepare milk or cereal for the little ones on the go.
4. Picnic Blanket or Sand-proof Beach Towel
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Picnic blankets are foldable foamed mats that you can lay on the floor and sit on. Ideally they should also be dust-proof and easy to clean up before you pack.
Beach towels are also a great alternative for this purpose. Because it’s easy to brush off the dust from them. You can use them anywhere, on the riverside, or on near the falls.
Check out the Hokipo Picnic Blanket with waterproof backing. This is a must-have for all outdoor activities.
5. Light-weight plates and cutlery
Don’t forget to pack lightweight plates and cutlery in your picnic basket. We use biodegradable disposable bowls like these.
But with more awareness about environment, we have started using light-weight Tupperware plates and reusable cutlery.
6. Paper Napkins
This is something obvious, yet often forgotten. Paper napkins are a travel essential always. Especially it’s good to wipe the extra food off the containers after eating.
That will prevent the foul smell from the utensils after some time.
7. Trashbag
Never forget to carry a trashbag when you go on a picnic. We always have some in our car as an essential part of our road trip packing list.
I firmly believe that as travelers we should leave only footprints to the places we go to. There aren’t dustbins everywhere. So bring back the waste so that you can dispose it properly.
8. Entertainment
For entertainment, I carry a portable speaker and a pen drive. Yes, it’s that simple. This is for places where playing music is not prohibited.
Create a picnic playlist and download them on Amazon Music so that you don't have to depend on the internet connectivity.
Otherwise the good old antakshari and card games will do. Don’t forget to carry an extra cork if you plan to play badminton. Those things are just meant to fall into unapproachable places.
9. Electric Barbeque grill
Who doesn’t like a barbeque in winter? Get a portable outdoor barbeque to add the extra bit of taste and fun to your picnic.
I love this foldable briefcase grill which comes with 8 skewers and a packet of charcoal in India. It’s great value for money.
10. Camera
– Ofcourse
– OfcoursePicnic is a place to make memories to cherish for life. So don't forget your camera behind. Be it the people, the fun-moments or the resplendent fields, the beach or the sunset – you wouldn't want to miss capturing the beautiful moments.
You can check out the best cameras for travel photography and best camera-phones in the blog.
That’s it! Just pick the right place and you are all set for the family picnic you were waiting for. What did I miss? What is your favorite picnic memory? Do share with me in the comment section. And don’t forget to pin the post.
In the UK its suddenly got really cold so the idea of a picnic is a long way from my mind! But some top tips here for when I can fulfill my dream & visit warmer climes again. Especially a rubbish bag…the thing I always forget.
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Hi. Great site just what I was looking for. great advice. great keep it up!
Who doesn’t love a good picnic! It’s the best family activity and creates fond summer memories.
Thanks. Here in India summers are unbearable. We reserve all picnic ideas for sunny and pleasant winter
I always scramble when it comes time to put a picnic together. So your list was good as a checklist to see if we even had everything we might need. Never thought of packing my own electric grill! Good thing the weather is good in Canada right now for picnics.
Just coming into summer now in Washington State USA and hoping for lots of picnics soon. Great tips as always.