You've got the lead, the treats, and a very excited dog in the back seat. But if you're heading out for the day — beach, park, markets, or a long walk — what actually goes in the cooler matters more than most people think. Especially when your dog is coming too.
Here's the full packing list we recommend for a dog-friendly day out, plus the one cooler feature that makes it all a lot easier.
For You
Cold drinks — obviously
Pack more than you think you need. A hot day with a dog means more stops, more sitting in the shade, and more time outdoors than you planned. A soft cooler that holds drinks cold for up to 24 hours means you're not rushing back to the car by midday.
Snacks that won't melt or spoil
Cheese, dips, fruit, sandwiches — the cooler keeps them fresh. If you're using a wheeled trolley cooler, the removable divider system lets you separate drinks from food so nothing gets soggy.
Ice packs or loose ice
Loose ice gives you more flexibility and keeps the temperature more consistent. If you go loose ice, a drain plug is non-negotiable — otherwise emptying the cooler at the end of the day is genuinely unpleasant. The Winkies Soft Coolers come with a built-in drain plug for exactly this reason.
For Your Dog
Water — more than you think
Dogs need significantly more water on warm days, especially if they're active. A medium-sized dog can need up to a litre per hour of exercise in warm weather. Pack it cold, in the cooler, so it stays fresh and appealing — warm water in a hot plastic bottle isn't always something dogs will drink.
A proper water bowl (not a cupped hand)
This is where most people come unstuck. You remember the water but forget something to put it in. Collapsible dog bowls are the solution — they fold flat, take up almost no room, and your dog can actually drink properly from them rather than lapping at a puddle in your palm.
Both the Winkies Wheeled Soft Cooler and the Winkies Backpack Soft Cooler come with 2 zip-up foldable dog water bowls built into the side pocket — so you never have to remember them separately. They're always right there when you need them.
Dog treats
Keep them in a small container in the cooler if they're soft treats — they'll last longer and won't dry out or crumble in the heat.
A towel
If there's any chance of water — beach, river, puddles your dog found that you didn't — pack a towel. A wet dog in a hot car is its own special problem.
The One Thing That Ties It All Together
The reason most people forget dog water bowls is simple — they're an afterthought. You think about drinks and food for yourself, and the dog's water gets remembered at the last minute or not at all.
Having the bowls built into the cooler pocket solves that completely. Pack the cooler, and you've automatically packed the bowls. It's a small thing, but on a busy morning when you're trying to get out the door with an excited dog, small things matter.
Both Winkies Soft Coolers — the Trolley Cooler ($149) and the Backpack Cooler ($119) — are built around exactly this idea: a cooler that thinks ahead so you don't have to.
Ready to pack smarter? Shop the full Winkies Soft Cooler range here.