All The Gear You Need To Take On Your Summer Picnic

The onset of the global pandemic saw a resurgence in the popularity of picnic gear. It's now cool to indulge in alfresco dining experiences, whether that's around an outdoor table or throwing a blanket on the ground and cracking open your best picnic basket. Far from just resting on the packing of some cheese, crackers and drinks, the perfect family picnic or outdoor feasting occasion needs some planning and thoughtful packing to make it special. Here's what you need to consider when it comes to what to pack for a picnic in summer!

Quick Links

• Find The Right Location
• The Importance Of Planning Ahead
• What To Take To A Picnic
• What To Do
• Important Picnic List Tips

Find The Right Location

While everyone will have different preferences when it comes to a picnic location, the place you choose (for you!) is super important. Beaches and coastal parks are always popular, lake-side noshing is a relaxing way to spend a day in the sun. If you like spending time in the mountains or you want to Instagram some unforgettable panoramic vistas, there are some spectacular spots - from the Dandenongs in Victoria to Mt Tamborine in Queensland, from the Blue Mountains in Sydney to the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. But possibly the most popular picnicking locations are the well-resourced and well-maintained parks and gardens in your local or nearby municipalities. Whatever you prefer, there's no shortage of places to choose from when planning the perfect family picnic.

The Importance Of Planning Ahead

Research and a little bit of forethought are important when planning a picnic and your picnic gear list. Probably the first thing to take into account is the weather. Obviously, you want the best possible conditions, so check if there's a late change forecast in the location where you're picnicking (this especially applies to picnickers in Victoria). Also, if it's going to be a warm day, have a look at how windy it's expected to be - beachside picnics aren't much fun when sand is blowing into your food and drinks (this is where a beach shelter comes in handy). Checking the expected UV index, no matter what the forecast temperature, is also a must. The other things to consider when planning your family picnic might include drive time (and the likelihood of a game of "are we there yet?!" from bored kids), parking options, how well the area caters to people with disabilities or health problems, the availability of shade, toilet facilities (and the distance of these facilities from where you plan to picnic) and whether pets are allowed. If your kids are a bit hesitant around dogs, knowing you're going to a dog-friendly park might give you pause to think about whether another location might be a better choice.

What To Take To A Picnic

This is the fun part: what to pack for a picnic! Whether you like to picnic in style or you have a more low-key approach, there are some basics you'll want to pack when it comes to your picnic gear list:

What To Sit On

When it comes to having the right picnic gear, a quality picnic blanket is essential for the perfect picnic. Good picnic rugs should protect you from wet ground if it's been raining or the local council had the sprinklers on that morning. For instance, the reinforced underside of a travel rug can protect you from the ground and offer that little extra comfort on firmer surfaces. Whatever you use for a picnic blanket, it needs to be something you're fine with getting dirty. The perfect family picnic does not need to compromise on comfort either. Camp chairs and camping tables can be used to add a touch of style and luxury to your picnic. They're easy to set up and fold away when you're ready to head home, they don't take up too much space in your car, and they are easy to store at home when you're not using them.

What To Store Your Food In

When it comes to food and drink, whether it's five-star gourmet all the way or your family is more of a cheese-and-vegemite bread roll kind of crew, making sure you have something to keep your food and beverages fresh and tasty in any kind of weather is vital. Portable fridges and coolers can do the job for you, and you can choose from soft chillers that store easily when not being used right through to large fibreglass units for bigger families. Our guide to getting the most out of your cooler or fridge is full of great tips for getting the best bang when it comes to what to take to a picnic.

How To Keep Food Warm For A Picnic

When it comes to how to keep food warm for a picnic, utilise insulated containers to keep food at its ideal temperature. Invest in a quality thermos for soups, stews or hot beverages, and preheat it with boiling water before filling it. Wrap warm items like grilled sandwiches or casseroles in aluminium foil and store them in an insulated bag. Utilise a cooler strategically, placing warm items at the bottom and covering them with towels or blankets. This way, your picnic food stays deliciously warm, ensuring that every bite is a comforting delight, even in the great outdoors.

What To Eat & Drink With

While it's tempting to use disposable cutlery and plastic cups at family picnics - and maybe, for some of us, a habit - they're not always great for the environment. Thanks to the popularity of camping and people's love for getting outdoors, there's now an enormous selection of stylish and functional reusable tableware and cutlery, insulated water bottles and hot drink containers that are perfect for taking on your family picnic. Considering picnics can also get messy, make sure you have wet wipes or moist towelettes on hand. Disinfectant wipes come into their own at picnic spots that provide tables and where you want the peace of mind of knowing the surface is clean.

Sun Protection & Waste

Shade and some form of sun protection from the elements are also very sensible when it comes to what to take to a picnic, regardless of the weather forecast. Always pack sunscreen, eye protection, UV-resistant headwear and sun-protective clothing. If you have the capacity to include it in your car or 4X4, a portable gazebo or shade awning can add that extra bit of comfort to your family picnic. Arguably, the most important part of your picnic arsenal should be having waste bags to take your rubbish home with you at the end of the day. There may be rubbish and recycling bins at your picnic spot but on busy days - especially on long weekends and public holidays - it's not unusual for bins to be overflowing. Play your part in keeping waste to a minimum, and helping preserve the beauty of the area by disposing of your picnic waste at home.

What To Do

There's no shortage of things to do on a picnic. Of course, finding a peaceful and scenic spot for a long lunch and doing nothing else may be the perfect option for some of us. But, capping off an invigorating hike or bushwalk, is another time when a picnic could be very rewarding. Depending on where you choose to have your picnic, it's also the perfect excuse for a day's kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or fishing trip. Finding a picnic spot that allows ball games or provides playground facilities is sure to work up an appetite with the kids or winding up a day of exploring local communities and cultural and/or historic landmarks with a picnic makes for a great day out.

Important Picnic List Tips

To make sure you get the most out of your day, here are some important picnic list tips to keep in mind, whether you are picnicking in a large or small group:

• Choose the Perfect Spot: Opt for a scenic location with a mix of sunshine and shade. Consider parks, lakesides or even a quiet meadow for that idyllic picnic backdrop. Also, consider if the location has facilities such as toilets.
• Pack Smartly: Keep it simple with a well-insulated cooler for perishables and a sturdy picnic basket for non-perishables. Don't forget essentials like napkins, cutlery and a bottle opener.
• Food Variety: Pack a mix of easy-to-eat finger foods and refreshing salads. Think sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese platters and crunchy snacks for a satisfying and varied picnic spread.
• Comfort is Key: Bring a comfortable picnic blanket for lounging and consider foldable chairs for extra cosiness. And remember that a small portable table can elevate your picnic experience if tables aren't available at your chosen picnic spot.
• Stay Hydrated: Don't underestimate the power of hydration. Bring plenty of water and perhaps some chilled beverages to keep everyone cool and refreshed.
• Sun Protection: Shield yourself from the sun's rays with hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. A collapsible umbrella or a pop-up tent can provide additional shade.
• Entertainment Essentials: Bring along games, frisbee or even a Bluetooth speaker for some mood-setting tunes. Keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.
• Cleanup Supplies: Bring along trash bags for easy cleanup, wet wipes for sticky fingers and a small first aid kit for any unexpected mishaps.
• Be Weather-Wise: Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Have a backup plan or be prepared to reschedule if rain is on the horizon.
• Leave No Trace: Respect nature and leave your picnic spot as beautiful as you found it. Dispose of waste responsibly and be mindful of the environment.

Remember, a successful picnic list is not just about the food; it's about creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. Enjoy your al fresco dining experience!

Find The Best Picnic Gear You Need At Anaconda Today

The family picnic is an easy and fun way to experience the great outdoors, close or far away from home. Making it 'picnic perfect', though, requires a little bit of advance planning but you'll be thankful that you did - your family picnic will be worth its weight in gold. Before you head out though, ensure you are fully stocked up on all your picnic gear needs and make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for exciting camping destinations that you can visit with your friends and family. If you liked our blog about All The Gear You Need To Take On Your Summer Picnic, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• The Ultimate Checklist For Hiking Essentials
• Easy Camping Meals And Food Ideas For Families
• 5 Main Features & Why You'll Love The Dune 4WD Fridge Range
• How To Choose The Best Camping Chair For Your Next Adventure

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive camping range for your next outdoor adventure