Heading out for a day of fishing or a weekend camping trip? As you're gathering up all your gear, don’t forget about the cooler! While there’s no single best way to pack a cooler, knowing the tips and tricks to pack it for maximum efficiency can make a big difference in keeping your food and drinks cold and organized for your entire trip.
We'll teach you how to pack your cooler like a pro so everything stays just the way you want it.
What is the Best Way to Pack a Cooler?
While there isn’t necessarily one correct way to pack a cooler, it’s not secret that some methods are better than others! Sure, you could just throw all the items in and close the lid, but if you want to maximize space and keep your items colder for longer, you’ll want to make sure you pack your cooler efficiently.
Step 1: Pre-Chill Your Cooler
Before you even start packing your cooler, pre-chill it. This step is often overlooked but is incredibly helpful. Place a large bag of ice (or grab your own ice from your freezer) in your cooler a few hours or the night before you plan to use it, especially if you've been storing it in a hot space like the garage.
This cools down the interior so when you add your food and drinks, they stay colder for longer. If you skip this step, your ice has to work harder to cool down both the cooler and its contents, leading to faster melting. Imagine you’re conditioning your cooler for the task ahead. We’ve all heard that saying, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”... that definitely applies here!
Step 2: Use Reusable Ice Packs or Block Ice
When it comes to packing a cooler, reusable cold packs and block ice are the way to go. Ice packs are great because they don’t melt into water, which keeps your cooler (and everything inside) dry and organized. Using these in addition to cubed or block ice will significantly increase the ice retention in your cooler.
If you're heading out on an extended trip, consider packing your camping cooler with dry ice rather than cold packs or cubed ice. With a high quality cooler like the Rugged Road cooler, dry ice blocks will keep items like frozen meat or other frozen foods solid and cold for a week or more.
Step 3: Organize by Layers
Start with a layer of ice packs or block ice at the bottom of your cooler. Then, add your heaviest items like drinks and large food containers. On top of that, place lighter items like snacks and sandwiches. Finish with another layer of ice cubes or ice packs on top. Layering keeps your items cold from top to bottom and makes sure your food and drinks are evenly chilled.
Step 4: Keep Drinks at the Bottom
Drinks should always go at the bottom of the cooler. They are usually the heaviest items and will help to stabilize the cooler. Plus, having them at the bottom means they stay cold the longest since they’re closer to the ice packs, and nothing is better than ice cold water at the end of a hot day.
If you’re planning to pack a lot of drinks as well as food, consider packing two coolers—one for your food and a separate cooler for your drinks.
Step 5: Store Food in Waterproof Containers
Nobody likes a soggy sandwich, so be sure to store your food in waterproof containers. This protects your food from melting ice and keeps it fresh. You can also use a vacuum sealer to further preserve the quality of your food.
Plastic bags, Tupperware, and mason jars are great food storage options. Not only do these containers keep water out, but they also help organize your cooler. You can stack them neatly so you can find what you need without rummaging around.
Here are some of our go-to food storage containers for day trips, camping, or to keep around the house:
- Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags: Made from food grade silicone, free from harmful chemicals, and safe for the freezer and microwave.
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers: Made from BPA-free plastic, 100% leak-proof, and stackable for easy organization.
- Wide-Mouth Mason Jars: 32 oz. capacity, premium food-grade glass, and comes with both metal and plastic lids.
Step 6: Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
Food safety is an important reason to pay attention to how you pack your cooler. Always separate raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Keep raw meats in their own sealed containers or bags and place them at the bottom of the cooler to avoid any leaks dripping onto other foods. Cooked foods and ready-to-eat items should go higher up and in separate containers. This keeps everything safe and reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
If you're bringing raw meat (like steaks for grilling), consider freezing it before packing. This not only helps keep the meat fresh longer but doubles as a means to keep the cooler chilled in the meantime!
Step 7: Fill Empty Space
Once you’ve packed your cooler, fill any empty space with more ice (regular ice or crushed ice is good for those small spaces). You should aim for filling your cooler with twice as much ice as food and beverages. Air pockets cause ice to melt faster, so filling up all the gaps helps keep a consistent temperature and keeps the ice frozen longer.
If there’s a pretty big gap between the top of your contents and the lid of the cooler, you can throw a towel or blanket in that space to reduce the gap and minimize air flow within your cooler.
More Cooler Packing Tips
Now that you know the basics of how to pack a cooler, here are some extra tips to level-up your cooler-packing skills.
Choose the Right Sized Cooler
Make sure you're using the right sized cooler for your needs. If your cooler is too big, you’ll have a lot of empty space that can lead to ice melting faster, especially in summer heat. If your cooler is too small, you won’t be able to fit all of your essentials you need and may end up needing two coolers. Choose one that’s just right for the amount of food and drinks you’re bringing.
When choosing your cooler size, consider the type of trip you’re taking. For a short day trip, a smaller cooler that’s easy to carry—like a soft sided cooler—might be ideal. For extended camping trips, a larger, more durable cooler with excellent ice retention would be a better choice.
You should also think about the portability of the cooler; features like weight, wheels, and handles all play a role in how easy it will be to transport. Look for a cooler that is durable and lightweight without sacrificing extra space. Features like a multi-purpose lid and non-slip surfaces are added bonuses.
Here's a quick overview of Rugged Road coolers to help you decide which size is best for you:
Rugged Road 45 V2
- Capacity: 45 cans + ice
- Empty Weight: 9 lbs.
- External Dimensions: 27"W x 17.6"D x 13"H
- Best for: a day at the beach
Rugged Road 65 V2
- Capacity: 65 cans + ice
- Empty Weight: 13 lbs.
- External Dimensions: 27"W x 17.6"D x 15.5"H
- Best for: a weekend fishing trip
Rugged Road 85 V2
- Capacity: 85 cans + ice
- Empty Weight: 17 lbs.
- External Dimensions: 32.4"W x 17.6"D x 17"H
- Best for: week-long camping trips
Keep the Cooler Closed
Every time you open your cooler, you let warm air in and cold air out, leading to quicker ice melt. Try to minimize how often you open it so you don't deplete your ice supply. Plan ahead by organizing the cooler with the items you’ll need most often on top. Additionally, try to keep the cooler out of direct sunlight so it maintains a lower internal temperature, which helps with ice retention.
Know When to Drain Excess Water
As your ice melts, water will accumulate at the bottom of the cooler. This meltwater will be cold and can still help to keep your contents chilled for a period of time, so consider this when deciding on the best time to drain your cooler.
Finding a cooler with a drain plug makes this process much easier—all you have to do is pull the plug and let the water drain out for a few minutes, then put the plug back in.
Keep Your Cooler Clean
To keep your cooler in great shape, clean it after each use. Remove any leftover food particles and wash the inside and outside with warm soapy water. Rinse it well and let it dry completely before storing it to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
If you've had a seriously adventurous trip and your cooler needs a deep clean, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away any stubborn stains or odors. Pay special attention to the corners and seams where residue can build up.
Enjoy a Well-Packed Cooler Wherever Adventure Takes You
Packing a cooler may seem like a no-brainer, but knowing how to pack a cooler the right way can make a big difference in your outdoor experience. Follow our steps and tips and you'll keep your food and drinks cold, fresh, and organized, no matter where your adventures take you. Whether you’re heading out for a day of fishing, a weekend camping trip, or just a fun day at the beach, a well-packed cooler is your best companion!
