The arrival of warm weather marks the beginning of the season for all of our favorite outdoor activities. We will attend picnics, barbecues, and beach days, among other events. In order to keep your macaroni salad and hard seltzers (yes, we graded them) icy over the weekend, you'll need to purchase a couple of quality ice packs before packing your cooler. Do not settle with inferior models unless you enjoy drinking warm beer (blech). We strive to be helpful at Delish, so we researched the most effective ice packs for coolers on your behalf.
Looking for the best beverages and snacks to pack in your cooler? We have you covered. You have numerous options, ranging from 46 simple picnic recipes such as sesame noodles and falafel sandwiches to easy-drinking light beers and refreshing bottled cocktails.
How We Selected These Items
While it may appear that all ice packs are the same, there is actually a wide selection from which to choose the finest for your cooler. We investigated and chose only the highest-rated items, taking care to include ice packs of all sizes, materials, and styles. Whether you're looking for a huge, heavy-duty ice pack to keep your cooler icy all weekend or a little ice pack to chill a few beverages, we have a variety of options available. Who is now prepared for a barbecue?
1. Igloo MaxCold Extra Large Freezer Block
The Igloo MaxCold Extra Large Freezer Block is robust and sufficiently sized to keep large coolers chilled. A reviewer wrote, "I purchased this for my 90-quart Igloo cooler for a beach vacation, and it kept everything cool for three days at the bottom!" It was an excellent value for the price.
Buy: Igloo MaxCold Extra Large Freezer Block
2. YETI ICE 2 lb. Refreezable Reusable Cooler Ice Pack
The two-pound Yeti Ice reusable cooler packs are impact-resistant and sturdy, making them ideal for any excursion. "Great design," said one reviewer. "The open slot in the centre works wonderfully as a handle and speeds up the freezing process; it also prevents the ice pack from expanding in the middle, as it does with most ice packs."
Buy: YETI ICE 2 lb. Refreezable Reusable Cooler Ice Pack
3. Arctic Ice Chillin' Brew Reusable Ice Pack
The Arctic Ice Chillin' Brew Reusable Ice Pack's huge surface area cools swiftly and efficiently. It is also non-toxic and reusable up to one hundred thousand times. With temperatures in the upper 80s, the Chillin' Brew kept everything cool on the boat all day long, according to one reviewer. The ice pack was still cold and partially frozen the following morning. Additionally, Arctic Ice has even greater sizes available.
Buy: Arctic Ice Chillin' Brew Reusable Ice Pack
4. Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Reusable & Long-Lasting Slim Ice Packs
Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Ice Packs are ideal for small coolers and even lunchboxes due to their slender shape that keeps everything cold without adding bulk. "I purchased eight of these ice cubes for my tiny cooler. They spent the entire day keeping everything cool "claimed one critic. "I appreciate that there is no wet mess, like with ice cubes."
Buy: Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Reusable & Long-Lasting Slim Ice Packs
5. Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs, 3-Pack
Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs, which stay cold for up to 48 hours, are a must-have for a weekend-long cooler that maintains its temperature. Sized at 10 by 14 inches, they are ideal for big coolers.
"I have owned these for around two years and use them daily, camping four times a year for at least three days. They work marvelously!!! They have been frozen for days! "claimed one critic. "I do not own a high-end cooler, yet I will have ice-cold beverages and food for days."
The ice packs contain a dry cooling gel composition, thus they must be filled with water prior to use.
However, once filled and frozen, they are reusable.
Buy: Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs, 3-Pack
6. Kona Extra Large Slim Ice Packs
The Kona Extra Large Slim Ice Packs maintain the temperature of your cooler without taking up excessive room. And, they freeze within twenty-five minutes. A reviewer stated, "You can lay them flat on the bottom of your cooler or use them as'side liners' to keep goods cool for the day without taking up a ton of space that you could have used for food and beverages."
Buy: Kona Extra Large Slim Ice Packs
7. Ice Sheet - 4 Pack
FlexiFreeze Ice Sheets resemble ice cubes in appearance, but are mess-free. These sheets are more flexible than standard ice packs, allowing you to wrap them over food and beverages to keep them cool. One reviewer commented, "They're so adaptable." "I kept two of them at their original size while modifying the other two to meet our needs."
Buy: Ice Sheet - 4 Pack
