Learn how to pack a picnic in a backpack so your sandwiches don’t turn into pancakes! Tips for keeping food cold, fresh and un-squished on your next outdoor adventure.
Last weekend, some friends came to visit from out of town, and we knew right away what one of our “adventures” should be: packing a quick picnic and taking them to one of our favorite scenic spots. The catch? The forecast called for rain in the afternoon, so we hustled to throw together a delicious picnic in just five minutes.
What I Packed in Our Backpack Picnic
This simple spread was easy to carry and made for the perfect casual meal:
- Sourdough bread sandwiches – I made them with ham, turkey and real Swiss cheese. Since I wasn’t sure what sauces our guests liked, I kept things neutral with a thin layer of mayo-style dressing and Dijon mustard.
- Red pepper and carrot sticks – Easy to prep and even easier to eat on the go! I packed them in a lidded container and tucked in a small container of hummus for dipping.
- Grapes – A classic, no-fuss picnic fruit.
- Pickles (packed in their own little container) – They add a zingy crunch and pair perfectly with sandwiches. I might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they taste way better when eaten outside!;)
- Homemade date balls – These no-bake treats were the perfect little sweet bite to finish with.
- A bag of chips – Because what’s a picnic without chips?
Handy Extras We Always Bring Along
You don’t want to find out in the middle of the trail that you forgot something essential that would have been easy to pack. Here’s what else goes into the backpack:
- Reusable water bottles
- A wet bag with: A damp cloth to wash our hands A dry cloth to dry them
- Paper towels (they double as napkins)
- Mints (for fresh breath!)
- A bandage (just in case)
- Hand sanitizer
And don’t forget your phone or camera to snap a photo. You’ll love looking back on the memory someday.
Watch Me Pack This Backpack Picnic!
Click the play button below (and hit the “stay” button to keep watching) to see me pack the picnic for this fun day out!
How to Pack a Backpack Picnic So Everything Doesn’t Squish
Packing a picnic in a backpack is a bit of an art form that we’ve had fun perfecting over the years. You want everything to stay cold, fresh and not smushed! Here are a few of my best tips to keep your backpack picnic in tip-top shape:
- Place ice packs in zip-top bags – If they spring a leak or create condensation, the bag keeps everything else safe and dry.
- Use a mix of containers and bags – Plastic containers give structure and protect delicate items, while zip-top bags are lightweight and perfect for snacks or produce.
- Place ice packs in the laptop sleeve – This keeps the cold close to your back (a win on a warm day!) and also gives comfortable padding while you walk.
- Layer smartly – Put heavy or flat items (like drinks or containers) at the bottom, then lighter snacks or sandwiches on top.
Backpack Picnic Supplies
To make your picnic prep even easier, I’ve put together a curated list of the exact or similar items we use for our backpack picnics, from the backpack itself to reusable containers, ice packs and more!
I’ve turned our picnic adventure into a sweet little downloadable Picnic Packing Guide just for you! It includes:
- A printable checklist so you never forget the extras
- The easy recipe for my homemade date balls
- Links to all my favorite picnic supplies
Happy backpack picnicking! Whether you’re headed to a mountaintop, beach or just your local park, I hope this inspires you to pack up a quick meal and make a beautiful memory.
