Jun 25, 2014

10 Tips for Keeping Goods Cold in a Cooler

There is nothing worst (almost) than reaching for a "COLD" drink out of the ice chest on a hot sultry day or night and pulling out a borderline cool one... It's even worse when getting ready to prepare a meal over the campfire and finding out the ice in the cooler wasn't maintaining the proper temps. It's like running the air conditioner with the windows wide open and expecting the entire area to stay cool.


Engel 80 Deep Blue Cooler

1)Keep the ice chest out of the sun,you may need to move periodically to maintain ice condition

2)If possible cool down the inside of your ice chest 24 hours prior trip to avoid making the fresh ice work harder than needed by placing an ice pack inside to start the cooling process.

3)Wrap cooler with a blanket, tarp or a reflective material to deflect sun rays and provide proper insulation.

4)Freeze water in plastic 1/2 gal juice containers and add to your cooler. Since the large bottles take a couple of days to defrost, making a great source for cold drinking water..

5)Avoid using party ice purchased at convenient storesif possible,(tends to melt faster)

6)With your empty plastic bottle, add 1/4 cup of salt to it. Salt in water helps it freeze faster and makes it extra cold, make sure to label them to avoid drinking.

7)Pack your cooler with the frozen food, and raw meats at the bottom near the ice containers, then layer food such as eggs stored in a plastic egg holder to avoid breakage and keeping items needing less refrigeration such as fruit & vegetables are at the top.

8)Minimize opening of cooler hatch, if possible have a 2nd cooler for drinks and snacks to keep the campers happy and the cooler items chillin...Also, when getting inside cooler at night simply stick a cooler light on the inside of lid instead of using a flashlight to keep your hands free.

9)If you are able to find a place that carries "dry ice" it can be very effective when cooling is needed over long periods of time. Make sure to wrap the ice to avoid direct skin contact.

10)Thermal Ice Packs can be placed around food and along the inside of the cooler as well, also having on hand is great for use as a first aid treatment when needed.

What have you found to be an effective cooler tip?

















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