There's an art to packing a cooler efficiently, but anyone can master the technique with a little practice.
So, to begin, let's say the family is going camping for a few days, and there's no camp store nearby, so you'll be taking most all the food you'll need for the duration of the trip and you need to keep it cold so that it doesn't spoil.

How can you fill your ice cooler(s) so that the ice will last and you won't have to drive down the road to find more?

Most importantly,
 you need a quality ice chest for storage of perishables.
Ideally, this should be a larger cooler with good insulation, including the lid, a drain plug, and an inside bin for those items you don't want sitting in melted ice.

An idea cooler: a 150 quart Coleman marine cooler, has a deep bin and two lids, with panel inserts to create compartments inside the cooler.

 Can hold a block of ice to last in this "refrigerator" for over two weeks in 80º weather.
Also, take along a second, smaller cooler just for drinks, which keeps you from frequently opening the storage cooler.

Basically, that's the main trick: 
avoid opening the cooler as much as possible,
particularly during the heat of the day, because that let's in warm air, which melts the ice.

Here's some other tips to help prolong the ice:

pre-chill, or freeze, food and drinks

put food in first, then cover with ice

keep the cooler out of the sun

make sure you close the lid tight

don't drain all the cold water

keep meats/perishables directly on ice

avoid opening frequently

Cover the ice in a picnic cooler with foil to help it last longer

COMPANY ADDRESSES Do you need an address or phone number for an outdoor gear company? Here is a listing of a contact information for some of the major gear companies.

           Copyright © 2000 Jon's Images, Inc. All rights reserved   

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using  any info from this site, you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms by clicking here. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. All information on this web site is provided as a free service. Under no conditions does it constitute professional advice. No representations are made as to the completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or otherwise of the information provided. This site is considered publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS  IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.