The 8 Best Long Lasting Ice Packs for Coolers [Pictures, Videos]
The Best Ice Pack for Coolers (Long Lasting):
Overview
Are you looking for the best ice pack for coolers? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you a wide variety of the best long lasting ice packs for coolers, since ice packs are reusable and crucial for keeping your ice chest colder longer. Plus, ice packs retain ice for 35%-60% longer than regular ice.
In a hurry? Here’s a handy jump down menu:
Budget-Friendly Ice Packs for Coolers
Best Reusable Ice Packs for Coolers
Large Ice Packs for Coolers
Yeti ICE
The Best Gel Ice Packs for Coolers
The Best Ice Pack for Coolers:
Inexpensive Best Rated Ice Packs for Coolers
#1. Rubbermaid Blue Ice Brand Weekender Ice Packs
Many Americans use Rubbermaid’s Blue Ice Brand Weekender Ice Packs. They’re inexpensive, small, and easy to use. You can use one in a lunch cooler or several in a larger cooler.
Special Considerations
- Even though they have their benefits, you should be aware of the chief complaint: bulging. The packs may expand in the freezer, leaving you with an oddly shaped ice pack.
- This isn’t a big deal if you don’t mind the shape. They’ll keep your stuff cold just as long.
Best Uses
Ultimately, these packs are spectacular for things like keeping groceries cold while you run errands or preserving food during a power outage.
However, steer clear of these little guys if you know you’ll need something rugged.
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#2. Cool Coolers Slim Lunch Ice Packs
We haven’t written much about ice packs, but our few mentions have referred to Cool Coolers Slim Lunch Ice Packs. Above all else, these things are super inexpensive and easy to pack.
Special Considerations
- One excellent strategy is to use these small packs with larger packs.
- Since they’re small, you can use them for layering throughout the cooler.
- Then, you can use a larger pack for the bottom and top.
Best Uses
Is a Cool Cooler Slim the best ice pack for coolers? Probably not. But if you aren’t headed out into the backcountry, that isn’t a big issue.
Ultimately, these are great options for tight budgets.
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The Best Ice Pack for Coolers:
The Best Long Lasting Ice Packs for Coolers
#1. The Arctic Ice Alaskan Series Reusable Pack
Special Considerations
As we searched for the best reusable ice pack for coolers, the Arctic Ice Alaskan Series Reusable Pack really caught our attention.
First and foremost, these ice packs are made up of “plant-based phase-changing material” (PCM). As a result of the PCM, the Alaskan Series can absorb heat while still remaining at 34 degrees, their ice point.
These things are strong, and they also stay nice and cold for as long as five days.
Best Uses
In Field & Stream, our favorite go-to publication, contributing editor David Draper provides a brief review of his summer-long use of these rugged reusable ice packs.
Invest in some Arctic Ice Alaskan Series Reusable Packs, and you’ll have spent your money wisely. Arctic Ice sells single packs for as little $12.95-$29.95, depending on size.
However, you can save big by going through an online marketplace like Amazon.
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#2. The Arctic Ice Tundra Series
Like the Alaskan Series, the Tundra Series Reusable Ice Packs have a “thermochromic ‘smart’ temperature sensor.”
Unlike the Alaskan Series, Tundras have a preset temperature of 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Special Considerations
Although dry ice has a lower freezing point, the Tundra Series is easier to use. You don’t have to mess around with all the extra work that dry ice demands.
Prices range from $12.95 to $29.95 on the Arctic Ice website. However, you can find much cheaper prices on Amazon. Trust us, you’ll be making a wise investment.
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Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Arctic Ice Tundra Reusable Ice Pack
- It’s important to realize that Tundra Ice Packs’ purpose is to keep frozen contents frozen.
- For this reason, don’t expect them to cool down contents that aren’t frozen.
- Instead, think of them as a way to transport pre-frozen material, like meat or fish.
- Given that the Arctic Ice Tundra Series has such a low freezing point, the biggest challenge is to re-freeze these buggers.
- Arctic Ice suggests using a refrigerator that can be lowered to zero degrees. Keep in mind that it takes roughly 18-36 hours to refreeze.
- Another tip is to use the Arctic Ice Tundra Reusable Ice Packs with Arctic Ice’s Chillin’ Brew Reusable Ice Packs.
Best Uses
To sum things up, Arctic Ice Alaskan and Tundra Series are, in our opinion, the best long lasting ice packs. Not only do they keep ice cold for a long time, but they’re strong, virtually leak-proof, and are dishwasher safe.
Also, we can’t say enough good things about their plant-based materials. Any company that respects the environment wins, in our books!
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The Best Ice Packs for Coolers: Yeti ICE
Next, we want to cover Yeti Ice. We’ve given Yeti a hard time on multiple occasions, but that’s only because Yeti’s tough enough to take it.
First, here’s a great video about maximizing regular ice in Yeti Coolers.
Yeti Ice is available in three different sizes: small, medium, and large.
What is Yeti Ice Made Of?
A common question is what is yeti ice made of? Yeti ICE’s two main ingredients are:
- A food-based phase-changing liquid
- High-density polyethylene.
In spite of the fact that YETI ICE’s phase changing liquid isn’t eco-friendly, it does work the same way. This means that Yeti ICE packs hold on tightly to their preset temperature especially well.
Is Yeti ICE the Best Ice Pack for Coolers?
According to some of the individual opinions inside of the “Arctic Ice vs Yeti Ice” thread of the Egg Head Forum, Yeti ICE is pretty damn good.
Yeti ICE vs Generic Ice Packs
Due to the large surface area of Yeti ICE packs, they don’t stay frozen as long as other ice packs for coolers. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Their purpose is to maximize the cooling temperature effects on your food and beverages without causing “slushy” drinks.
If you want something that stays frozen longer (and don’t mind slushy drinks), go with a different type of ice pack.
But should you go with Yeti ICE, try pairing it with a Yeti Field Tan Sidekick. Couple this duo with a Yeti Hopper Portable Cooler, and you’re golden.
Best Uses
If you’re a Yeti fan, this is likely the best fit for you, since it’s ideal for the Yeti Coolers you already own. Even if you’re not loyal to Yeti, you should consider these for hunting and fishing.
Hunters, fishers, and other hardcore outdoor people, these are the ice packs for you!
Here’s a video review of that Yeti Sidekick I was talking about.
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The Best Ice Pack for Coolers: Large Ice Packs (Sheets)
While these are often the best long lasting ice packs for coolers, sometimes you just need a flexible ice pack.
#1. Thermafreeze Reusable Ice Pack for Coolers
Dimensions: 10″ x 15″ (Each sheet consists of 24 cells. The cells’ dimensions are 4″ by 6″.)
Weight: 0.06 pounds
Color: White
Special Considerations
- Since you can cut between the lines of the cells, you can transform the large sheet into various shapes and sizes.
- These various sizes will easily fit into contours of coolers.
- They also wrap around the coolers’ contents quite well.
Make sure not to let the sheets completely thaw, as this can ruin them. As long as you won’t be out for extended periods of time, it’s unlikely your Thermafreeze Sheet will thaw.
Best Uses
In addition to being great large ice packs for coolers, they’re also good ice packs for back pain and other body aches. This is because they easily wrap around a painful arm or leg. After a long day of hiking, you’ll be thankful for the cold therapy!
All in all, a Thermafreeze is the best ice pack for coolers in many penny pinchers’ eyes.
We believe it’s best to share all of the facts, even the little quirks. (Quite frankly? There are lots of times when there’s plenty of time to slip a Thermafreeze Sheet into a freezer before it gets too warm.)
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#2. FlexiFreeze Ice Sheet Reusable Ice Pack for Coolers
These 100% water-based, reusable ice packs for coolers will arrive at your doorstep in packs of 3. As soon as you start using them, you’ll fall in love.
According to the Amazon spotlighted best reviewer who used these ice packs for his lunch cooler every day for a long time, these puppies are durable. They kept his food cool all day and showed no signs of wear and tear, even after frequent daily usage.
Best Uses
Like ThermaFreeze Reusable Ice Packs for coolers, Flexifreeze Ice Sheet Reusable Ice Packs for Coolers contain small cells.
Therefore, you can cut them into various shapes and sizes, creating the perfect fit for any space inside of your cooler.
Another similarity between the ThermaFreeze Ice Sheets and Flexifree Ice Sheets is that they wrap easily around aches and pains. So, no matter which one you choose, you have the peace of mind that no pain is going to stop you. Your ice sheets have you covered!
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The Best Gel Ice Packs for Coolers: Soft Gel Packs
Another type of ice pack for coolers is the soft type. When looking for the best gel ice pack for coolers, consider a soft gel ice pack. It’s a good idea to have multiple types of ice packs so you can combine them with others.
For example, a Nordic Ice No-Sweat Reusable Long Lasting Gel Ice Pack coupled with Cool Coolers Slim Lunch Ice Packs is a force to be reckoned with. Though lots of ice packs were fierce competitors, we’ve narrowed it down to two of the best gel ice packs for coolers.
The Best Gel Ice Packs for Coolers: The Top 2
#1 Cooler Shock Dry Cooler Gel Pack Mid-Size
Dimensions: 10″ x 9″ x 1″
Weight: 2 pounds
Size: Mid-Size (there are also Large options)
Without a doubt, the Cooler Shock Dry Gel Pack is going to perform well for you. Its unique burst-cooling system (at 18 degrees) continuously keeps the temperature low. This respectable thick, 3-layer gel pack works especially hard to quickly transfer energy.
#2. Nordic Ice No-Sweat Reusable Long Lasting Ice Pack 16 oz
Dimensions: 1″ x 6.5″ x 5.5″
Weight: 1 pound
Color: White
Sizes: 8, 16, and 24 ounces
Nordic Ice Reusable Ice Packs are cheap yet have good value.
Of course, the good news is that the low price doesn’t equal poor performance.
Nordic’s are among the best gel ice packs for coolers for various reasons:
- Most importantly, they stay cold for up to 7 hours.
- They also work well in soft coolers and can last as long as two years.
Another popular use of Nordic Ice Soft Packs is for easing migraines. Well, wham, bam, thank you m’am, multipurpose products are the best! Especially if you have a headache while you’re out at camp…. or you have a hangover from hell the next morning.
Special Considerations
You should be aware of one common complaint: the packs stick to each other if they’re close in the freezer. Actually, they stick to anything they’re touching.
The top critical review offers the suggestion of putting the gel ice packs in plastic bags to prevent this problem. So, if you make space for extra bags or even plastic containers, you can avoid this problem altogether.
While these are definitely some of the best gel ice packs for coolers, they do lack durability.
Given their low price, their shortcomings are to be expected. And please keep in mind that plenty of pleased reviewers have been happily using Nordic Ice Soft Gel Packs for years!
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Even More Great Reusable Ice Packs:
The Best Ice Pack for Coolers:
Happy Shopping!
To sum things up, the best ice pack for coolers all depends on your needs. If your goal is to avoid breaking the bank, opt for an inexpensive option. This doesn’t mean it’ll be cheap and fall apart like crazy. We wouldn’t do that to you!
However, if you want an extra long lasting ice pack, consider an Arctic Ice Reusable Ice Pack or Yeti Ice. Happy Trails!
I found it interesting. Really a good product & can be used as a multipurpose.
It’s really informative and clear. Thanks for share such kind of Ice bags:)
Thank you Crish!
This is what I’m looking for. It would be better if you use few comparison to understand better. However, Go ahead.