How to Keep Things Cold While Camping
During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to keep food and drinks cold while camping. This is an issue that plagues campers of all levels, from seasoned optimists to newbies who are just getting a taste of the wild. There are, however, certain methods you can use to sustain a cooler temperature for your food and drinks while camping in the hot weather. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some tips and tricks for keeping things cold while camping so you can take your outdoor adventures to the next level.
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Coolers
The most important tool you will need for keeping things cold while camping is a cooler. Look for a cooler with thick insulation and a tight latch to ensure that the cold air will stay inside, and the warm air will stay out. Be sure to pack your food and drinks as close together as possible, as this will help them stay cold for longer. Also, consider pre-cooling your cooler by filling it with ice or frozen water bottles before packing it with your perishables.
Shade and Airflow
Another essential step for keeping food and drinks cold while camping is establishing proper shade and airflow. If your cooler is in direct sunlight, the contents will quickly heat up, so it’s important to find a shady spot to store it near your campsite. If you have multiple coolers, plan on stacking them to keep air circulating between them. Additionally, you can use a fan pointed towards the coolers to help the cold air circulate.
Use Ice
To keep your food and drinks cold for as long as possible, you should always fill your coolers with ice. You can purchase bags of ice from the store or make your own with reusable ice packs. Reusable ice packs are a great way to maintain a consistent temperature inside your coolers for a long time. If possible, wrap the food and drinks inside baggies before placing them in the ice to prevent them from becoming saturated. Finally, don’t forget to remember to replenish your ice supply every few days.
Thermal Jug
For those who are serving drinks during a camping trip, it’s wise to invest in a thermal jug or beverage dispenser. They come in a few sizes, but the most popular is a 64-ounce jug that can keep drinks cold for hours. This can be especially handy for beer, as it can help prevent your beverage from becoming watered down in the hot weather. Additionally, you might want to look into an insulated growler for keeping cold-brew coffee chilled out in the woods.
Additional Tips
Along with well-insulated coolers, shade, airflow, and the right type of ice, there are a few other tips and tricks for keeping things cold while camping. For example, try to avoid leaving the cooler open for too long, as this will allow warm air to enter. Additionally, keep your cooler away from any sources of intense heat, like barbecues or campfires. And, don’t forget to periodically check your cooler for any warm spots or melted ice.
Conclusion
By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you should be able to ensure that all of your food and drinks stay cold throughout your outdoor camping adventures. Keeping things cold while camping might seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and proper equipment, it can be made much simpler. So, if you want to maximize your time outdoors, these useful strategies can help you keep things cold under hot weather conditions.