Pack and Go Tips for the Ultimate Summer Trip
Whether you’re headed outdoors for an afternoon or a weekend, you’ll need to go prepared. These packing tips ensure a carefree, fun summer adventure.
Active-ities
Wondering what to bring along for when you’re on the move? These items will keep you going without weighing you down.
Perfect for biking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking.
Lighten Up
You don’t want to work harder than you have to, especially in the hot summer sun. When shopping for supplies, opt for smaller, lightweight options so your bag doesn’t become a burden.
Expect the Unexpected
Don’t let a flat tire or a little rain ruin your fun. If you’re venturing into nature, it’s best to anticipate plans going awry. Pack gear to get you through any situation—rain or shine; day or night.
H2O-Yeah!
Did you know that if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? It is important to consume plenty of water and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) throughout the day to account for what is lost in sweat.
Flat-Free Food
It’s a good idea to pack small, shelf-stable food (like canned items) that won’t get smashed in your bag. Wraps work better than sandwiches, and hardy fruits like apples and bananas hold up more than raspberries and grapes. Use travel-sized, hard containers for fragile foods.
Digital Diligence
Before you leave, download maps of wherever you’re traveling (in addition to carrying a physical copy) so that you know you’re safe even without a signal. We also recommend making a playlist of your favorite songs and saving it to your phone. Not only will this save on data costs, but it will fuel your adventure and allow you to focus on the moment.
Mix + Match Trail Mix Guide
Choose one or more items from each category below to create your ideal travel snack.
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
Salty & Sweet Treats
Cereal, cheese crisps, chocolate, crackers, granola, popcorn, pretzels
Dried Fruit
Apple, apricot, banana, berries, coconut, mango, pineapple, raisins
Seasonings
Black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, garlic powder, sea salt
Packing List
Vessel
Backpack, bike bag or fanny pack
Food
- Beef jerky
- Energy bars or granola bars
- Hardy produce such as bananas or apples
- Powdered electrolyte drink mix
- Trail mix
- Wraps or pinwheel sandwiches
Gear
- Bug repellent
- Clothing such as a baseball cap, moisture-wicking attire, packable rain jacket and sunglasses
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Impact-resistant phone case
- Insulated water bottle
- Matches
- Multi-tool
- Portable phone charger
- Portable speaker
- Repair kit for bike or boat
- Sunblock
- Trail or road maps
At Your Leisure
Need a relaxing weekend getaway after a long week? Bring these items along to ensure your excursion is smooth sailing.
Perfect for outdoor events, float trips, road trips and poolside.
Frozen Assets
Consider replacing some of the ice in your cooler with frozen water bottles—not only will this make the most of your space but there will always be a refreshingly cool beverage on hand! Keep chopped fruit, berries and grapes fresh by freezing them ahead of time as well!
Look For Short Cuts
Save time with Schnucks Short Cuts! We offer a wide variety of chopped, ready-to-eat fresh fruits and vegetables that can be added directly to your cooler. Pick them up from Schnucks on the way to your destination (along with a bag of ice for your cooler) to ensure you have the freshest produce possible for your trip.
Be Mindful of Melting
Even with a cooler, it is best to avoid foods such as chocolate and ice cream that can melt in the summer heat. If you don’t want to walk around with a heavy cooler (or you just want to make more room for drinks), stick with non-perishable foods that can be carried in your tote or basket.
Finger Food for the Win
Make more time for summer fun with foods that don’t need to be dished out. Finger foods, single-serve drinks and individually portioned dips will allow everyone to serve themselves and eliminate the need for dishware and utensils!
Mix + Match Pinwheel Sandwiches
Choose one or more items from each category below to make fun and flavorful finger food. Just fill, wrap and slice!
Wraps
Corn tortilla, flour tortilla, flattened white bread, whole lettuce leaves, whole-wheat tortilla
Sauces & Spreads
Cream cheese, guacamole, hummus, jelly or jam, mayo, mustard, refried beans, tomato or corn salsa
Proteins
Black beans, cooked bacon, chicken salad, egg salad, deli meat, hazelnut spread, leftover grilled meat, nut butter, rotisserie chicken, tuna salad
Sliced or Diced Toppings
Apple or pear, avocado, banana, bell pepper, berries, cheese, carrot, cucumber, leafy greens, melon, nuts, onion, pickles, tomato, olives
Packing List
Vessel
Beach tote or picnic basket and small cooler
Food
- Bite-size or chopped fresh fruits and veggies such as grapes, berries, chopped melon, celery and carrot sticks, bell pepper strips and cherry tomatoes
- Cheese sticks
- Dips such as guacamole, hummus, salsa and nut butter
- Pinwheel sandwiches
- Salty snacks such as Schnucks potato chips, crackers or popcorn
- Canned or bottled drinks such as soda, beer or water
- Schnucks bakery sweets like brownies or cookies
Gear
- Beach towel or blanket
- Beach umbrella
- Bottle opener
- Bug repellent
- Card or dice games
- Clothing such as flip flops, sunglasses and a sunhat
- Drink koozies
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels or napkins
- Portable speaker
- Sport gear such as a beach ball
- Frisbee or football
- Sunblock
- Water bottle or thermos
Set Up Camp
Whether it’s a backyard buffet or a fireside feast, follow this guide when the meal is the main event. Best of all, you won’t have to cook once the party has started.
Perfect for camping, picnics, cookouts and reunions.
The Day Before
Add a bag or two of ice to your coolers, fill them with cold tap water and place in a cool location. Gather and prepare all food. Add all food to leak-proof containers and keep refrigerated. Freeze anything that will not be used for a few days. If you won’t use an entire package of something, portion into smaller vessels to preserve space.
The Day Of
Remove old ice and water from coolers, then add a layer of ice packs to the bottom of each. Add food to cooler in reverse order that it will be used. Add drinks to second cooler. Top both with ice cubes to fill in any gaps. Keep coolers closed as much as possible. Do not drain meltwater.
Mix + Match Summer Salads
Choose one or more items from each category below to create a stellar pasta or grain salad.
Cooked Pasta or Grains
Barley, bulgur, couscous, farro, pasta (such as spaghetti or penne), quinoa, rice (such as basmati or wild rice), steel-cut oats, wheat berries
Cheese
Blue cheese, cubed cheddar, feta, goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, ricotta, shaved Parmesan
Sliced or Diced Fruit
Apple, avocado, blueberries, dried cherries, grapes, mango, orange or grapefruit segments, peaches, raisins, strawberries, tomato
Sliced or Diced Veggies
Asparagus, basil, beets, bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, jalapeño, kale, mushrooms, olives, onion, peas, potato or sweet potato, radish, spinach, squash, zucchini
Protein
Bacon, black beans, chickpeas, cubed ham or salami, hard-boiled eggs, lentils, pepperoni, shredded chicken, shrimp, sliced steak, tofu
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower kernels, walnuts
Dressing
Mix equal parts oil and acid (vinegar and/or juice), then stir in salt, pepper and additional seasonings to taste.
- All-Purpose Citrus: light olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, honey (if desired)
- Orange Sesame: sesame oil, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced or ground ginger, wasabi (if desired)
- Sweet Caprese: extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, chopped basil
- Spicy Cilantro: avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, hot sauce, chopped cilantro
- Thai Peanut: peanut oil, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garam masala, chopped mint (if desired)
Packing List
Vessel
Large cooler, drink cooler
Food
- Chips and dip or salsa
- Cold-cut sandwiches
- Pasta or grain salads
- Schnucks fried chicken (served cold)
- Sides from Schnucks Deli (dairy-free sides will last longer in the sun and cooler)
- S’mores ingredients
- Wine, beer or simple cocktails (such as lemonade + vodka or rum + cola)
Gear
- Board or card games
- Bottle opener and/or corkscrew
- Bug repellent
- Disinfectant wipes
- Firewood and firestarters
- Hand sanitizer
- Lanterns
- Large thermos
- Lighter or matches
- Paper towels and napkins
- Picnic blankets
- Portable speaker
- Reusable (or disposable) cups, plates and utensils
- Roasting sticks
- Sunscreen
- Tablecloth