How to Pack a Light Picnic for a Hike

Lighten your load by packing a little and using items that can be used as multi-tasking tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hand held/finger food
• Collapsible water bottle
• Zip lock bags
• Grocery bags
• Napkins
• Chalk

1. Pack hand held food that doesn't need an ice pack, such as: peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese sandwiches, chips, or sliced cheese and crackers.

2. Stay hydrated by storing water in a collapsible water bottle. Freeze first to keep the water cooler longer. Collapsible water bottles can be found on Amazon.com or at a local sports store.

3. Pack food in plastic bags that can be disposed of easily. If you are packing items like chips or crackers that may crush easily, blow air into the nearly closed plastic bag with a straw to inflate the bag.

4. Wet a few napkins and place them in a zip lock bag to clean up sticky hands and faces.

5. Take care of the earth by cleaning up the picnic area responsibly. Bring along a grocery bag to put all the trash and uneaten food in.

Tips & Warnings

• Take some colored chalk along with you on your hike. If you decide to wander off the trail to a picnic area with a view, mark trees and rocks with the chalk to easily find your way back.
• Leaving trash and uneaten food unattended for may attract unwanted critters.