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Getting Summer Ready: 9 Tips to Pack the Perfect Summer Cooler
There’s nothing better than a cold drink and fresh food on a hot summer day—unless your cooler isn’t packed right.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, planning a weekend camping trip or just laying out a blanket for a lazy afternoon picnic in the park, knowing how to pack a cooler the right way can make or break your outdoor feast.
From picnic food favorites to camping-ready meals, this guide will help you keep things cool, organized and delicious all summer long.
Hungry for more? Wherever adventure takes you, we’ve got you covered. From picnic baskets and portable pizza ovens to grill baskets perfect for every meal, our collection of Picnic & Camping gear has just what you need to fuel up right.
Pick the Right Cooler for the Job
Not all coolers are created equal.
For quick picnics, a soft-sided cooler bag works well. For longer camping adventures or beach days, a hard-sided cooler with thick insulation is your best bet. Make sure it’s big enough to hold everything—but not so big it’s awkward to carry.
Pro tip: Pre-chill your cooler the night before using a bag of ice or frozen water bottles. Starting with a cold interior helps your cooler stay cold much longer once it’s packed—because the ice you add in the morning isn’t working overtime to cool down warm plastic. Swap out the overnight ice in the morning for fresh packs, and you’ll get colder temps that last well into the day.
Pack It in Layers
The order you pack your cooler matters more than you think. A well-layered cooler keeps things cold and accessible, without having to dig through melted ice to find your snacks.
- Bottom layer: Ice packs or frozen water bottles (the bigger the block, the longer it lasts).
- Middle layer: Heaviest items—think drinks, marinated meats and anything you’ll cook at the campsite.
- Top layer: Lighter items like sandwiches, fruit and other picnic food that you want to keep dry and intact.
Pro tip: Use sealed containers or silicone bags to keep food from getting soggy, and separate raw meats from ready-to-eat snacks to avoid cross-contamination.
Pack With a Plan
Smart prep goes a long way—especially in summer heat.
For camping food, do as much as you can at home: dice veggies, marinate proteins and pre-cook grains so you’re not juggling raw ingredients at the campsite. For picnic food, stick to items that travel well and don’t wilt or get messy.
Pro tip: Freeze some of your food items—like chili, pulled pork or even banana bread—so they double as ice packs and thaw gradually.
Keep It Cool (Literally)
Even the best-packed cooler needs some help to beat the summer sun. A few quick rules of thumb:
- Keep your cooler in the shade whenever possible.
- Limit exposure to warm air by closing the lid quickly and not leaving it propped open while people browse.
- Throw a towel or reflective blanket over the top for added insulation.
Pro tip: The fuller your cooler, the longer it stays cold. If there’s extra space, fill it with more ice or even folded dish towels. Empty air pockets warm up faster, so filling the space helps maintain cold temps and reduces how quickly your ice melts.
Separate Food and Drinks
People tend to open the cooler more for drinks, which can let warm air in. If you have space, bring one cooler for drinks and another for food. If that’s not an option, place drink cans near the top or in a designated corner for easy access.
Stock Up on Summer Favorites
No summer outing is complete without a lineup of crowd-pleasing food and drink. These tried-and-true cooler staples work for both picnic food and camping food:
Easy Camping Foods:
- Marinated meats (chicken thighs, kebabs or sausages)
- Pre-made pancake mix in a squeeze bottle
- Overnight oats or breakfast burritos
- Corn on the cob, pre-shucked
- S’mores kits (don’t forget the chocolate!)
Refreshing Drinks:
- Canned sparkling water or iced tea
- Homemade lemonade in a mason jar
- Frozen juice boxes (great for kids and adult mixers)
- Pre-mixed cocktails in cans or mason jars
Great Picnic Foods:
- Fresh fruit (grapes, berries or watermelon)
- Pasta salad or grain bowls
- Cheese and crackers
- Veggie skewers
- Wraps or sandwiches
Pro tip: Try one of our top chef-approved sandwiches on your next outing!
Don’t Forget the Extras
A perfectly packed cooler is only part of the picnic or camping equation. Round it out with these extras:
- Reusable utensils and napkins
- Trash and compost bags
- A cutting board and small knife
- Bottle opener or corkscrew
- Picnic blanket or folding chairs
Don’t Sleep on the At-Home Picnic
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a summer picnic—sometimes the best spot is your own backyard.
Fire up the pizza oven, toss a blanket on the lawn and load your cooler with chilled drinks, fresh salad or even dessert. Packing a cooler at home keeps everything within reach and saves you from constant trips to the fridge.
Bonus: no ants, no crowds and you can break out the real glassware for that perfect patio vibe.
Hungry for more? Wherever adventure takes you, we’ve got you covered. From picnic baskets and portable pizza ovens to grill baskets perfect for every meal, our collection of Picnic & Camping gear has just what you need to fuel up right.
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