If you're getting ready for a beach picnic or a camping trip, you're probably packing a cooler with all your favorite snacks, drinks, and treats. To keep everything cool, ice packs and ice are the most common options. If you're packing food, you'll want it to stay as dry as possible to avoid the soggy mess at the bottom. So which one should you choose to keep the mess at a minimum? Here's a guide to help you out.
Should You Choose Ice Packs or Ice for Coolers?
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It comes down to two things: what you’re packing and how long it needs to stay cold.
If you're packing food, you'll need the cooler to stay as dry as possible to prevent a soggy mess. You'll also need it to stay cold for longer to prevent spoilage. So the best option is ice packs. They're sealed up, so there’s no melting —but you might still get some condensation, which you can manage by packing your food well. They also last a decent amount of time with some companies claiming that their ice packs can stay cold for up to 24 hours, way longer than regular ice. Plus, you can refreeze them and use them again, which is nice if you’re camping for a few days. You can either use gel ice packs or dry ice packs. Dry ice packs are a better option since they have a higher freezing point and don't create any condensation.
If you're packing liquids like cans and bottles, you can go for either ice cubes or ice packs or a combination of both. The combination will ensure that once the ice melts, the ice packs will continue to remain cold due to the cold water at the bottom.
How to Prevent Food from Getting Soggy
Place the food in solid, leak-proof containers (either plastic or glass). If you have delicate items, like berries or eggs, add plastic wrap inside the container or put a paper towel at the bottom to catch any moisture. If you have any raw meat or seafood, double box it in a second container and wrap plastic wrap around it to prevent cross-contamination
If you don’t have watertight containers, you can use ziplock bags. Make sure to use two bags, especially if the item is fragile or has liquid in it, like dips or salads. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
How to Pack a Cooler
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With Food:
- Chill or freeze whatever food items you can before they go in the cooler.
- Place a layer of gel packs or other ice packs at the bottom of the cooler.
- Place heavier items like meats and any other food that needs to stay extra cold on top of the ice packs. Stack lighter or fragile items, like sandwiches or veggies, on top of the heavier items so they don’t get squashed.
- Place additional cold packs on top and around the food. Since cold air sinks, this helps keep all the food cold.
- If you have any empty space in the cooler, fill it up with wet towels or frozen water bottles to keep the cooler cold.
Note: If you're packing your drinks with the food, place them with the heavier items at the bottom. Do not use ice cubes.
With Liquids:
- Spread a layer of ice cubes at the bottom of the cooler. You can either use store-bought bagged ice or make your own in an ice tray.
- Place your cans and bottles on their sides on top of the ice to keep the drinks cold.
- Add more ice on top of the drinks. Fill in any extra space with frozen water bottles or ice packs to increase the cooling capacity of the cooler.
Helpful Tips
- Pre-chill your cooler by throwing in some ice an hour before packing.
- Limit opening the cooler. Try to grab everything you need in one go, so the cold air doesn’t escape.
- If you’re using loose ice, do not drain the water if it's still cold. If it's warm or turning room temperature, you can go ahead and drain it.
Summary
The choice between ice packs and regular ice for coolers depends on your priorities. Ice is convenient, easily available, and a solid option for quick, low-cost trips. However, if you’re a frequent camper or outdoor enthusiast, ice packs can save you money and keep your food dry, and they’re better for the environment.
Need the best ice packs that keep your food and beverages cold? Try the Nice Packs dry ice pack. They’re designed to stay cold for hours without any melting mess, making them the perfect addition to your next adventure. Shop with us today.