Pack the Perfect Cooler

By: Jordan Zeman

Cooler

All sorts of activities prompt us to pack a cooler especially during the summer when a cold drink or snack makes all the difference! Some of these activities include camping, a road trip, backyard barbecues, volunteering, and of course here in Pensacola, a trip to the beach. Whether your activity is just a few hours or an extended weekend, taking along cold beverages and food will save you money when you’re out, help you to eat healthier, and save you from "hangry" moments and dehydration. Every scenario calls for a slightly improvised strategic plan so take the tips you need and leave the rest but there’s no doubt you’ll improve your cooler packing finesse by the end of this page.

Let's dive right in!

Cool down your cooler before filling it up! If your cooler is stored in the garage or somewhere warm this is especially important for extending the life of your ice. Simply bringing it into an air conditioned space makes a huge difference. bottom. Packing your ice in a sealed bag prevents food from getting soggy or the cooler leaking. Also, since it will be clean, you can use the melted ice later for drinking, cooking over fire, or washing hands.

If you’re packing meat or anything frozen, those go next! Lay them flat or even tuck them in along the sides. Freeze the meat before packing if you were going on an extended trip. Make sure everything is packed in a bag or container that can’t be punctured.

Next, if you have a small crate, tub, or basket that fits inside the cooler this is your chance to impress friends and family with your organizational ingenuity! Place the container on either the left or the right and fill with all the items that are oddly shaped and sized. This may include but is not limited to produce, cheese, yogurt, granola bars, nut butter, etc. As an added bonus, this hack will prevent these miscellaneous items from rolling and tumbling when digging to the depths of the cooler becomes necessary. Simply lift the basket out of the way, then replace. The opposing side is for all things hydration related! When out in the hot sun, these are items we reach for most often so having easy access is a must. Stack them as deep as your cooler allows then cover with ice, leaving the neighboring container uncovered.

For extended trips when keeping your food at a low temperature is a top priority, consider a rubber or foam covering to place over the surface. This will keep the cold inside despite many entries for a quick bite or sip.

If taking a large amount of refrigerated goods along on your next trip, I would suggest taking multiple coolers and separating your drinks from your food. For road trips, make sure snacks and meals are ready to eat with little to no prep--sandwiches made, fruit peeled and sliced, and onthe-go utensils at an easy reach.

A little planning before you embark will allow for maximum enjoyment while you're away but even if your bread gets soggy, it's the memories that count right?