how to make ice last for as long as possible?

[mrman]

I have heard of filling the cooler as much as possible to retain low temps, and I have also been told to try freeze larger blocks of ice in order to last longer. But I have not been told if there are certain kinds of cooler that hold ice better than others. I need to keep the ice and the contents cold for as many days as i can "it is going to be week long trip". I was looking at one of those plug in coolers and buying a blacker and decker battery pack to run it, but I don't know how much power the cooler draws and how long it would last before I would have to recharge the battery pack.

Any good suggestions on equipment or methods are welcome.

[Dave]

I did a review on a cooler insulator that helps extend the life of ice, it worked better than expected.  Here is a link cooler insulator.

[campman]

There are coolers out there that are rated 5,6, or 7 day coolers.  Coleman makes a few chest coolers like these under their Coleman "Extreme" branding.  I own one of these 5 day coolers and it easily keeps ice for a 4-day weekend.  So I would imagine that a 7 day cooler would keep ice for an entire week.  Hope this helps.

[CrazyCamping_Greg]

I have heard of filling the cooler as much as possible to retain low temps, and I have also been told to try freeze larger blocks of ice in order to last longer. But I have not been told if there are certain kinds of cooler that hold ice better than others. I need to keep the ice and the contents cold for as many days as i can "it is going to be week long trip". I was looking at one of those plug in coolers and buying a blacker and decker battery pack to run it, but I don't know how much power the cooler draws and how long it would last before I would have to recharge the battery pack.

Any good suggestions on equipment or methods are welcome.

I've always used dry ice in a separate smaller cooler to keep items frozen, steaks, chicken, prepared dinners, ETC. and move the frozen items to regular ice cooler for preparation/eating, which in turn keeps regular cooler colder. I also agree that the "extreme" coolers are worth the money, I'll be getting one soon.

[campman]

I have never thought about using dry ice for frozen steaks, chicken, etc.  Great idea!  With the "Extreme" coolers, I just bought an Igloo cooler under their "Maxcold" line and it is awesome.  Just another option to look at when you are looking for that 5 to 7 day cooler.

[Lighthearted_jelly-Bean]

I have heard of filling the cooler as much as possible to retain low temps, and I have also been told to try freeze larger blocks of ice in order to last longer. But I have not been told if there are certain kinds of cooler that hold ice better than others. I need to keep the ice and the contents cold for as many days as i can "it is going to be week long trip". I was looking at one of those plug in coolers and buying a blacker and decker battery pack to run it, but I don't know how much power the cooler draws and how long it would last before I would have to recharge the battery pack.

Any good suggestions on equipment or methods are welcome.

I've always used dry ice in a separate smaller cooler to keep items frozen, steaks, chicken, prepared dinners, ETC. and move the frozen items to regular ice cooler for preparation/eating, which in turn keeps regular cooler colder. I also agree that the "extreme" coolers are worth the money, I'll be getting one soon.

where can I find dry ice at? it seems no one uses it anymore due to chilled cargo trucks ;(

[dylace]

One trick we use when going camping for more extended periods is to cover the cooler with a blanket. I know this may sound odd but it actually helps keep the cold in.

[tplife]

In campouts longer than a 3-day weeikend, a seperate cooler with dry ice is THE WAY TO GO.  Dry ice will keep your frozen food frozen and not contaminate your wet ice cooler with meat-borne bacteria.  Remember to use an insulating device like newspaper or cloth to not let the dry ice tough the cooler's bottom lest it get warped from the cold.

[MGibZen]

Dry ice can be found at most large chain grocery stores. Just ask for it at checkout. Best of all, dry ice can be used to store additional wet ice. Just remember to keep the dry ice on top of everything you wish to freeze. Also, keep the dry ice seperated from your frozen items with a paper grocery sack or similar material. Hope this helps.

[OutdoorDad]

I bought a 6-day cooler which is a great way to start. 

Before you go fill your cooler with ice and rock salt, then fill with water and leave it sit for several hours. This brings the cooler itself down so the ice isn't starting off trying to cool the cooler.  The salt melts the ice so don't salt your ice for the trip... instead salt only the pre-trip ice - the reason is it changes the melting point of the ice from 32 degrees F to 0 degrees F.  This is the temp the water will be as well as the inner walls of your cooler. 

Pack it so the ice is on the top.  Heat rises and cold sinks.

Use blocks of ice when possible - the smaller the pieces the more surface area of ice exposed and the faster it will melt.

Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Make sure that whatever is blocking the sun is not touching the cooler or it will transfer heat to the cooler.

Keep the lid closed as much as possible.

[OKcamper]

I have kept ice in coolers for as long as 10 days before. We use frosen 5 gallon buckets in large coolers, one per cooler works well. We also use an insalation pads just under the lid, oddly enough we have found that reflector sheilds that people put in car windows to keep their car cool in the summer works really well, just cut the sheild to the size of the cooler and place it under the lid. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight if possible. Another trick that seems to help alot is using evaporative cooling to aid in keeping the heat off the cooler. This is easily done by keeping a wet burlap sack draped over the cooler. Keep the burlap wet and the evaporation will keep it cool. Also we often use two coolers if needed. Plan your meals so that for the first part of the trip you only use food out of one cooler, this saves you from coolness lost when opening to get food out.

We have fed 10 people for 10 day trips when doing float trips before. Good luck I hope this helps

[tplife]

Another way to keep your food colder longer is to remove the standing water periodically.  This will make your ice melt slower and food thereby be colder longer.  The melted water transfers heat away from your ice faster than ice does.