How to Pack a Cooler Without Ice
- 1). Place drinks and cold foods in the fridge a few hours to a full day before placing them in the cooler. This will lessen the need for ice.
- 2). Place frozen cooling gel packs into the cooler on top and to the side of the cold items. If you use the type that can bend, squish the gel packs so that they are between and around the cold drinks and foods for optimum cooling.
- 3). Fill the cooler to the top so that it is completely full. While the ice packs will help keep the temperature cold enough to maintain the food for a short time, filling the cooler will limit the amount of air, which keeps the food colder longer.
- 4). Pack hot food in a separate cooler or container to maintain heat rather than placing them with the cold cooler and raising the temperature.
- 5). Place food items and drinks in separate coolers. This will prevent as much hot air getting into the cooler when it's opened for a drink.
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