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How To Pack a Cooler For 5 Days Ice Retention and Cold Food In Hottest Conditions

Updated: Mar 12


Muddy Ruttzz Youtube Channel

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I Stuck With Coolers Instead Of Electric Fridge: Why?


Many Overlanders on multiple day trips use a 12 volt refrigerator. My Jeep and Xventure XV-3 off-road trailer are both 12 volt capable. Why do I still use a high quality cooler?

  • What is a high quality cooler and how is it constructed.

  • Pre-cooling the cooler and what type of ice to use.

  • Packing the cooler for long term ice retention.

  • Efficient use of the cooler on your camping/Overlanding trip.

  • Why do I still use a cooler when a 12 volt fridge is more convenient.

  • Why IGBC bear resistant coolers and dry food storage is important.


Muddy Ruttzz Youtube Channel

My Blog Posts are unsponsored and gear you see I use in my outdoor adventures.



When You Know How To Pack A Cooler It Doesn't Seem Crazy To Spend $300 to $600 On A Good One


Camping and "Overlanding" for nearly 60 years I have used many methods of keeping food and drinks cold on trips. From cheap throwaway styrofoam, coolers, propane/electric fridges in RVs, and now a high end cooler. I have learned how to pack a cooler and make ice last for up to 5 days in hot weather.






Tough Plastic, More Insulation, High Quality Gasket In Lid Increases Ice Retention


Not just a status symbol. Recognize a great cooler that will keep food cold in hottest conditions by how it is constructed. Quality coolers are rotomolded and have thick layer of durable plastic on the exterior and interior. Sandwiched in between is polyurethane insulation in top, bottom, sides and lid providing thermal retention. Robust stainless steel hardware hinges and fasteners hold it together. The lid should incorporate a durable gasket that effectively seals the cooler when closed. Latches positively engage and can accommodate padlocks. With up to 3" of insulation, high end coolers will have less interior volume than cheaper coolers. I may also be IGBC bear resistant. All good coolers have a drain with a plug. To maximize cooling potential you need to know how to pack a cooler.


Pre-Cooling Is First Thing To Do When You Know How to Pack a Cooler


Start pre-cooling your cooler at least 2 days prior to your trip. I use a 20 lb. bag of ice in my cooler. Colder ice can help. Grocery store ice is often melting when you purchase it. Many home freezers are 0 degrees or below. If you have access to a walk in cooler or freezer leave your cooler there for a couple days prior to your trip.






Thermal Sandwich Created With Zero Degrees Block Ice and Frozen and Chilled Food To Pack a Cooler


Cooler is pre-cooled. Prior to packing that ice is tossed out. Using my silicone mold I make blocks of ice 7 pounds each. The home freezer goes to zero degrees so blocks are colder than store ice. All food that can be frozen is and what can not be frozen is chilled to 37 degrees. We roll the cooler near fridge for quick loading. Block ice on bottom, frozen food next, and then refrigerated. Lastly, a layer of 0 degree cubes is spread around the top. Lid is quickly opened and closed during this process to retain cold.




Plan Your Meals Place Food In Cooler First Day Top To Last Day Bottom is Best Way To Pack a Cooler


Plan your meals and organize them in the cooler by each day. Efficient use of the cooler means less opening for shorter durations. Block ice on the bottom helps with this. Not having 20 pounds of ice to dig through to find that days Tri-Tip or veggies makes it easier to open and close quickly. Items used with every meal should also be near top. Any leftovers should be a cool as possible before introduced back to the cooler. Drain water out of the cooler everyday. Water will melt ice faster.





Bear Resistant Coolers Are Common But Bear Resistant 12 Volt Fridges Are Not


I don't know of a bear rated 12 volt fridge. That is the main reason I stick with a cooler over a fridge. I explain in my video. My Overlanding trips are often to bear country. I want my food storage to be IGBC Bear Rated. It is easy to find bear rated coolers. Keeping food safe from bears and more importantly, keeping bears safe from human food is high priority for me. If your set up for 12 volt power on your rig fridges are convenient way to store cold food. If my trip exceeds 5 days I will. more than likely cross paths with a town where additional ice can be purchased. For dry food storage I use a Zarges Aluminum Case. For more information on Zarges cases click here. To purchase Zarges click here.



xventure off-road trailer with my Zarges Case Visible
Click Here For My Zarges Blog Post


Evaluating What You Need Out Of a Cooler Can Save You Money and Knowing How To Pack a Cooler Can Make a Mediocre Cooler Perform Better


Cooler purchase decision: my checklist

  1. Bear Resistant? Going to bear country get a bear resistant cooler.

  2. Price. How much are you willing or able to pay for a cooler

  3. Durability. How often will you use your cooler.

  4. Ice Retention. How long will you be off-grid.


These are a few considerations and I'm sure you have your own also when considering a cooler purchase.


Orca Cooler green color against a artificial background depicting mountains and snow
Orca Coolers Are Highest Quality Made In USA



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Great Gear


✅ - Orca Coolers - Made In USA - My favorite Coolers. (Amazon)

✅ - Yeti Coolers - Great Coolers, Extremely Popular, Great Products (Amazon)

✅ - Amazon Purchases - Use This Link To Shop On Amazon


✅ - Aluminum Cases - Best Made Overlanding Cases German Made (Zarges)


Great Jeep Products And Tools


✅ - Folding Tailgate Table (Amazon)

✅ - Amazon Purchases - Use This Link To Shop On Amazon



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Click here to See my Zarges Blogpost.


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