Coolers Quick Guide

Pros:

• Most current models have a tough roto-molded construction
• Usually larger capacity than soft-sided options
• Good for sitting on while at camp (some manufacturers even make a compatible dense foam cushion)
• Are considered dry-ice compatible

Cons:

• Usually heavier/not as readily maneuverable

Pros:

• Updated models use cold-retaining closed-cell rubber foam
• Usually lightweight and compact
• Easier to stow in confined spaces (think kayak hatches and your car's backseat floorboard)

Cons:

• Won't hold as much food or drinks

• Backpack-style straps for easy carry: Great for hike-in campsites, walking a river while fly fishing and other highly mobile activities
• Wheels and extended handles for easy maneuvering to and from your car
• Molded-in handles for easy gripping while carrying
• Bear-resistant certified

• The industry standard for volume is measured in quarts

Can Capacity

• Typically measured using 12-oz. cans
• Formula: 1 qt. = 0.75 cans; so a 12-qt. cooler holds approx. 9 cans
• Note that some manufacturer's measure can capacity with ice and some without

Food-to-Ice Packing Ratio

• Varies by manufacturer, but YETI® and others use 2/3 ice and 1/3 drinks and food

Size Comparisons and Usage

• 90-qt. or Larger: Ideal for extended camping trips, hunters preserving meat after large-game hunt and offshore fishing in remote locations
• 50- to 60-qt. Cooler: for 2-3 people on weekend camping trip
• 40-qt. or Less: Great for day trips

Cooling Tips

• Pre-chill the cooler by placing ice inside it a few hours before you pack it
• Pre-chill or freeze your food before packing it inside the cooler
• Line your cooler with frozen water bottles (which are great to drink from when thawed)
• Use cubed ice along with dry ice to extend the longevity of the cubed ice

Dry Ice Benefits

• Offers 3Xs the cooling energy per volume than regular H2O
• Provides more than 2Xs the cooling energy per pound of weight than regular H2O
• Extends the cooling energy of cubed ice, plus is lighter

Dry Ice Tips & Fun Facts

• Only use it in hard-sided coolers. Do not store it in glass, metal or soft-sided containers
• Use (1) 10-lb. block of dry ice per 15 length of cooler space
• Did you know it's really carbon dioxide (solid form) frozen to -109°F?
• Dry ice sublimates, it doesn't evaporate
• Sublimation: Transition from solid to gas
• Evaporation: Transition from liquid to gas
• It sublimates at a rate of 5-10 lbs. every 24 hours
• Since it sublimates quickly, buy your dry ice immediately before your outing
• Most grocery store chains sell dry ice. Buy it at the Customer Service counter
• It's sold in 1- to 5-lb. blocks
• A 1-lb. block costs between $1-$3

Special Handling Instructions

• Never handle dry ice with bare hands. Wear protective gloves when handling to prevent burning your skin
• When storing, make sure the container is not airtight, which may lead to carbon dioxide buildup and a potential explosion
• Wrap the dry ice in newspaper to provide an extra layer of protection while handling, and to make the block last longer

Originally published April 1, 2020. If Kathy Pilney could have it any way, she would be a starving artist who plays outdoors 24/7. But "starving artist" made her hungry for more, so she opted for the 2nd best optionwriting articles and commercial copy within the outdoor industry space. Kathy is grateful she's been able to combine both interests!