Last Updated on June 6, 2022 by Ecorf
Camping, hiking, fishing, and other related activities are exciting in summer when temperatures are favorable. All the same, you need to keep yourself refreshed during your adventure. To achieve this goal, you can use ice packs for coolers where you will pack your refreshments. However, to get the best ice packs for coolers, there are certain factors that you should consider.
As such, this guide gives you crucial factors that can help you make informed decisions in getting the right ice packs for coolers. It also reviews some of the best products that you can also consider.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide for the Best Ice Packs for Coolers
If you want to prolong the period of ice retention of your cooler, then ice packs for coolers are specifically designed for that purpose. However, you need to pay extra money to enjoy maximum ice retention that can satisfy your needs during your entire camping expedition. You can achieve this if you choose the best ice pack for cooler. The following are some of the things to consider.
Size and Weight of the Ice Pack
You should know the size of your cooler so that you can get the right size of the ice packs that will properly fit inside. You should also know that if you choose bulky ice packs, you risk lowering the carrying capacity of your cooler. You may not be able to stuff the cooler with all the beverages and food you may require for your journey.
Apart from getting the right size of ice packs for your cooler, you must also consider their weight so to avoid the burden of carrying a heavy load while you have limited foodstuffs and beverages inside. Ice packs weigh considerably less than regular ice so you will not require many packs to keep your food and beverages cold.
Quality and Material Type
It is also significant to consider the durability of the material of the casing of the ice pack. You must ensure that the casing is sturdy such that it can withstand incessant movement that can also lead to damages. On the other hand, ice packs with flexible material are also advantageous since they are easy to pack in your cooler.
You should avoid petroleum ice packs since these are cheap and often harmful products that consist of chemicals and other toxins that can impact on your health. Many companies try to make a quick buck by introducing substandard ice packs that can be harmful to the users.
Nowadays, companies that manufacture ice packs for coolers use special material that is called phase-change material, or (PCM). This material is chemical-free and it is also biodegradable which means that it does not pose and harm to the health of the users. The packs made from this type of material are also eco-friendly and they are safe for use in any environment.
Price of the Ice Pack
In most cases, the total amount of money that you are willing to pay for a specific product determines its quality. Cheap and quality often represent an inverse relationship where the value of each variable moves in the opposite direction to the other.
When you opt for a cheaper product, then you cannot expect it to be of higher quality though it can serve the intended purpose of buying it. On the other hand, a pricey product is likely to give you more value. Expensive products often have quality features compared to products with lower prices. Therefore, you must consider the cost of the ice packs before you buy them.
Other products with higher prices also come with better performance than others at lower prices. You may be wondering about how you can know about the performance of the product if you are buying it for the first time. Well, you can overcome this challenge by checking the reviews of other customers who have bought the product from sites like Amazon.
When you go for top-rated ice packs for coolers, chances are high that you will also love their performance. These products are rated by people who have firsthand experience using them so their feedback is likely, to be honest. You can never go wrong if you opt for a product that is highly rated by many people.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Ice Packs
The main advantage of using ice packs in your cooler is that they do not flood it when the ice melts. This means that you can safely store your food in the cooler and eat it while dry, unlike a scenario where you use real ice. When ice melts, it can wet your sandwiches inside so you might not enjoy such a situation.
Ice packs are also reusable meaning that you do not need to buy ice on a regular basis. This can help you save money if you are an ardent hiker or camper. Once frozen, the ice packs can hold ice for a longer period than regular ice. However, if you choose ice packs, then you should freeze your food first before packing into the cooler if you want it to last longer in that state.
On the other hand, you must also know that crushed ice takes comparatively less space than ice packs which is their downside. When you use real ice, you can pack more beverages and food and this may not be possible when you are using ice packs in your coolers.
It is vital that you should also consider these pros and cons of ice packs for coolers so that you get something that will satisfy your needs. The nature of your journey should also help you to make an informed decision about the most appropriate thing to choose from.
Review of Best Ice Packs for Coolers
The following are some of the ice packs for coolers that you can consider. Your ultimate choice depends on your personal preference though since these products have various specifications designed to fulfill the needs of different people.
YETI ICE Refreezable Reusable Cooler Ice Pack
Yeti is capable of absorbing heat so that the contents in the cooler can stay colder for a longer period. It also consists of impact-resistant material and it is ideal for different environments. You will not experience any messy inside your cooler.
Pros
- Durable material and break-resistant material
- Custom shape that reduces freezing time
- Makes your contents stay colder for longer
Cons
- The material does not bend which can lead to breakage if you force it
Rubber Maid- Blue Ice Brand
The Blue Ice Weekender Pack is reusable and it helps to keep the contents colder for longer. No ice mess inside your cooler when you use this ice pack.
Pros
- Stays frozen for longer and no mess of ice
- Reusable- multiple uses
- Non-toxic material
- 3 Pack for effective cooling
Cons
- Bulky, can occupy more space in the cooler
Cooler Shock 3X Lg. Zero°F Cooler
Cooler Shock has many advantages since it can freeze easily and it can also keep the contents inside colder for a longer period. It is easy to fill and great for expeditions like fishing, parties as well as boating among others. The material is durable and it can retain cold for about 48 hours.
Pros
- Easy fill and easy freeze
- Lasts for 48 hours
- Reusable cooler pack
- Three flexible packs
Cool Pack
Cool pack is a convenient option that can help to keep your food cool and it is ideal for everyday use. It can be used in lunch boxes and also suitable for school going kids. You can also use this convenient ice pack at the beach. It is made of durable material.
Pros
- Non-toxic material
- Reusable
- Durable material
Cons
- Shorter ice retention period (between 6 and 12 hours only)
Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers
The ice packs can help to keep your food and drinks cool and fresh for a long period. The ice packs are versatile and convenient and they are ideal for everyday use.
Pros
- Slim Reusable Ice Packs for Lunch Boxes
- Slim and convenient
- Perfect size
- Freezes quickly
Conclusion
Ice packs for coolers are specifically designed to prolong the period of ice retention of your cooler which is an advantage compared to regular ice. There are different types of ice packs that you can choose from if you intend to buy one. These products consist of different features that are designed to fulfill the needs of different users.
From the reviewed ice packs above, Cooler Shock 3X Lg. Zero°F Cooler is the best since it has more advanced specifications and features compared to others. It has the longest ice retention period of about 48 hours.
However, you should know that these ice packs cannot perform magic and function like mobile freezers or refrigerators. You also need to pay attention to factors like price, size as well as weight of the ice pack. More importantly, you must avoid products that consist of toxic material that can pose a danger to your health.
