Embrace Adventure: Quick Tips On Packing A Cooler.

Not everyone has, needs or cares to bring a fridge along on a camping trip. Many have faith in their trusty cooler... and they should! When packed Coolectly (Dad pun), food and drinks can stay cold for the trip ahead!

Here's some tips on packing your cooler, we think should help maximize your coolers potential.

(Keep in mind, not all coolers are made the same)

Back of pickup truck loaded up — Packed up for the trip ahead.

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CHILL THE COOLER BEFORE PACKING UP FOR THE TRIP

Prepping the cooler can go a long way to ensuring a positive start. Just as you would pre-heat your stove before popping in your food, pre-chilling a cooler is advisable. You can either use a bag of sacrificial ice to get the temperature down, or simply store it inside the coldest room in your house or leave it out over night, if the season is complimentary.

FREEZE SOME DRINKS AND FOODS

Knowing your meals ahead of time will allow you to strategically place them in your cooler. If you may be having steak towards the end of the trip to celebrate, placing those frozen pieces of meat at the bottom provides a great starting layer. Some frozen water bottles in the corners, can also provide a great rim of cold. Just don't freeze any drinks with carbonation!

Preparing a meal in the winter. — Cold day out

USE CHUNKS INSTEAD OF CUBES

Larger pieces will hold together better and last longer vs small cubes. Just don't expect to use these in a nightly beverage.

PACK IN ORDER OF USE

As the rule goes in Magic The Gathering... "Last In, First Out" Put your frozen items you plan on using last, in first, providing a cold layer and use your thawed or non-frozen items placed in last, first! This will also help to keep things organized, so you can reach in quickly, leaving the lid closed as often as possible.

STORE AND CLEAN YOUR COOLER PROPERLY

Once you're home and unpacked, be sure to wipe down the inside and outside of your cooler. Use warm water with a bit of soap and after you dry what you can, leave the lid open enough to allow it to air dry. Also be very sure to store it inside and not out in the sun or a hot garage/shed.

We hope these tips help you get the most out of whichever cooler you use on your next trip out and if you have further suggestions of your own, please add a comment down below to share with the community!