The Ultimate Picnic Packing Guide for Summer | Delta Roam

Some of the best summer afternoons aren't the ones you've planned weeks in advance. They're the ones where someone suggests, "Fancy a picnic?" and, before long, you're packing a bag, picking up a few favourite foods and heading outdoors.

The best picnics aren't about perfection or packing the most elaborate spread. They're about making it easy to say yes. A little preparation means you can settle in, stay a little longer and enjoy every moment, whether you're stopping by the coast, meeting friends in the park or finding a quiet spot after a countryside walk.

Here's everything we'd pack for a relaxed summer picnic, from practical picnic essentials to the little extras that help you stay outdoors for longer.

Start with one good bag

A great picnic starts before you've even found the perfect spot.

Choosing one bag that comfortably carries everything makes getting there just as enjoyable as the afternoon itself. A waterproof Roll-Top Backpack keeps everything organised, whether you're packing lunch for two, bringing layers for the family or heading off on a longer walk before finding somewhere to stop.

Practical, comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings, it's the kind of bag you'll reach for long after picnic season has passed.

Keep drinks perfectly chilled

Nothing says summer quite like opening a cold drink after a walk.

Created in collaboration with Della Vite, our limited edition Crossbody Bag in Sole Spritz was designed with exactly these moments in mind. The insulated bag comfortably carries four ready to drink Della Vite Spritzes, keeping them cool for up to four hours while leaving your hands free for the walk there.

Long after the spritzes have been enjoyed, it becomes the perfect insulated bag for snacks, soft drinks or everyday essentials throughout the summer.

Don't forget water

Whether you're spending the afternoon in the park or exploring the coast before stopping for lunch, staying hydrated is just as important.

An insulated water bottle keeps drinks refreshingly cold for hours, making it easy to refill throughout the day and carry wherever you're headed next.

Top Tip: Freeze your water bottle the night before. It will help keep everything else cool on the journey and slowly thaw throughout the afternoon, leaving you with cold water when you need it most.

Dress for a British summer

Even on the warmest days, the weather has a habit of changing its mind.

A breeze can pick up by the coast, woodland shade feels cooler than expected and evenings often stretch further into the day than you planned. Packing an extra layer means you don't have to cut the afternoon short when the temperature drops.

A coat that works twice as hard

One of our favourite picnic tips is packing kit that does more than one job.

The Beaumont is just as useful before and after lunch as it is when the temperature cools. Lay it on the grass while you unpack, creating a dry place to sit even if the ground is still damp from the morning. Stretch out with a book after you've eaten, then simply pull it back on when the evening breeze arrives.

It's one piece of kit that quietly earns its place in your bag all year round.

Pack food you'll actually look forward to eating

Food somehow tastes better outdoors.

It doesn't need to be complicated either. Fresh sandwiches made that morning, homemade quiche, sausage rolls, pasta salad, crisps to share, strawberries, cherries and brownies are all easy to pack and even better enjoyed outside.

Add plenty of cold water, something sparkling for when everyone settles down and a few sweet treats to share, and you've got everything you need for an afternoon that feels effortless.

Stay a little longer

The best picnics are rarely just about the food.

Read another chapter of your book. Throw a ball for the dog. Go for a swim. Wander a little further along the coast. Play a game of cards. Watch the children explore. Open another drink and let the afternoon drift into evening.

The best memories are often made in the moments you hadn't planned.

Leave no trace

The places we love deserve to stay that way.

Pack reusable bottles, take your rubbish home and leave your picnic spot exactly as you found it, ready for the next people to enjoy.

Looking after the outdoors means we can all continue to enjoy it for years to come.

One more hour outdoors

The best picnic you'll have this summer probably won't be the one you planned weeks in advance. It'll be the one where someone suggests stopping for a while, you find a patch of grass or a quiet stretch of beach, unpack good food and decide there's nowhere else you'd rather be.

A little preparation means there's no reason to rush home. One more conversation. One more chapter. One more walk. One more hour outdoors.

Pack well. Stay longer. Enjoy the moment.

Life is better lived outdoors.