While packing a cooler seems simple enough, there is a bit of strategy involved if you want to do it right. A little planning and organization can go a long way. Here are five tips for packing a cooler that will keep your camping meals, drinks, and snacks fresh and ready to go.
1. Cool the cooler
Your cooler should always be stored in a cool, dry place, especially in the days leading up to your adventure. If your cooler has been left out in the heat or sitting in a stuffy room, transfer it immediately to cooler quarters. This will help keep the ice frozen longer so your food can stay fresher.
2. Chill the contents
Think about the food and drinks you’ll pack and make sure those items are already cold when placed in the cooler. Freeze water bottles and anything else than can be frozen safely before you add them to the cooler. Cooked food should be chilled in the refrigerator before going in the cooler. Packing warm or room temperature items can quickly melt the ice and prematurely thaw the cooler’s contents.
3. Protect food from ice water
It’s a good idea to store your food in waterproof containers so that any melted ice cannot sneak into your snacks. All bottles, cans and containers should be tightly sealed to prevent water from seeping in. Use two or more storage bags to protect any frozen raw meat from water. This will also help prevent raw meat from contaminating other food.
4. Pack frequently used items on top
If you know you’ll be making repeat entries into the cooler for certain snacks or drinks during your trip, pack those items on top for easy access. This will prevent you from rummaging around to look for them, all the while keeping the cooler open. This is one of the most important tips for packing a cooler, as it will limit exposure to outside temperatures and, therefore, extend the life of both the ice and the food it is meant to protect.
5. Use ice blocks
One of the more useful tips for packing a cooler, especially for long trips, is to use blocks of ice rather than ice cubes. Ice blocks melt slower. You can make your own by freezing containers or bottles of water before embarking on your journey.
Related article: How to Build a Backpack Cooler & Enjoy Refreshments in the Outdoors with a Mountainsmith Cooler Bag
Featured Image from Sandrene Zhang/Unsplash
