Cool box for camping - you need to know that

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Cool box for camping

The right cool box for camping

Have you ever thought about getting a cool box for your next camping trip? We are sure that you will not regret it! With a camping cooler, you can keep your groceries fresh and organized while enjoying the great outdoors.

A cooler is the perfect place to keep your groceries fresh and cool. With additional cold packs or ice packs in the box, your perishable food stays at an optimal 4°C or below for several days. So you can stay outdoors longer and your food will still stay fresh.

No matter whether you want to camp with the tent over the weekend or a longer adventure with the Caravan do, a cool box is necessary to keep your food and drinks cool. But with so many models on the market, how can you be sure to choose the perfect one for your needs? Our guide will help you to find the ideal cool box for camping.

 

Picnic while camping
Picnic while camping

Types of coolers and their characteristics.

To get the most out of your cool box, make sure you buy the right model. Think in advance what size you need and what features are important to you, such as temperature control or adjustable shelves. If you want to take your cooler with you on bumpy roads, you should choose a more durable model.

Cool box types differ in size, equipment and price. Compressor models are the most efficient, using electrical energy to maintain the constant temperatures needed for proper food storage. Absorption boxes are cheaper but can have problems in hot climates as they take longer to cool down. Thermoelectric models also require electricity, but tend to use it less efficiently than compressors. Other important features of a camping cooler include storage capacity, isolation levels, DC and AC adapters, and battery compatibility.

 

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Plenty of food at the picnic
The box must be big enough for a lot of food

Evaluate the size and capacity of the cool box for your needs.

Before you buy a cool box for camping, you should definitely assess the size and capacity. Consider your entire camping group when determining what size and how many boxes you need. Choose models with enough storage capacity to connect multiple boxes when a lot of storage is needed. Also check the dimensions of the outside walls of the cooler to determine if it will fit in the space in your vehicle or campsite.

 

Picnic in the fall
Picnic in the fall

Choose the right insulation to keep food and beverages safe.

When choosing a cool box for camping, pay close attention to the degree of insulation of the model. The insulation of the walls keeps your food and drinks cool for a longer period of time. Make sure the cooler has a built-in fan for effective cooling in hot weather and a heat shield to prevent melting from the sun. Choose an option with double wall insulation for more efficiency and durability.

 

Picnic at the lake
You often have to carry the cool box over long distances

When choosing a cooler for camping, make sure you can carry it.

When you take your cooler with you camping, you have to consider whether you can carry it. Look for models with an ergonomic carry handle, sturdy wheels, and a telescoping pull handle for added convenience. A lightweight cooler is easier to transport and also helps reduce stress or injury when transporting the cooler from the car to the campsite.

 

a cool box for camping keeps the strawberry drink cool at the picnic
The strawberry drink tastes good chilled at a picnic

Ensure the energy efficiency of your cool box for camping in order to use your resources optimally.

When using your cooler for camping, energy efficiency is a factor to consider. Portable camping coolers can be powered by mains electricity, generators, solar panels or car batteries. If you're looking to save on electricity, choose a model with a thermostat and insulation to keep contents at the right temperature while remaining as energy efficient as possible.

 

Picnic table by the lake
Picnic table by the lake

 

Make optimal use of the space in your camping cool box

To make the most of the space in your cool box, we recommend packing items that are not sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure first, such as canned and dry goods. It is best to store your groceries, such as frozen meat and fruit, at the bottom of the cooler to isolate it from other items. To protect fragile items like eggs, place them in the middle of other containers or tuck them in pockets. For optimal cooling, use ice packs and freeze ready meals or snacks a day in advance.

Maintain your camping cool box properly

If you handle and care for your cool box properly, it will serve you for a long time. Pay attention to the maximum weight and dimensions of your box so that you can transport it safely. Avoid placing heavy objects on it to avoid damage. Thoroughly clean your box after each use to prevent bacterial growth and replace damaged seals to maintain cooling performance.

With these tips and tricks you can ensure that your next camping trip with the cool box will be a complete success.

questions

Which cool box for camping?

If you are planning a longer trip with a motorhome or tent, then an electric cool box is the best choice. You can connect a compressor cool box in the mobile home, just like a thermoelectric cool box can be charged with 12 V in the car.

What is better: a compressor or an absorber cool box?

That depends on your type of camping. If you are mostly on campsites with electricity, then a compressor cool box is a good choice. If you instead choose pitches without electricity, then an absorber cool box is better.

What's the best way to keep groceries fresh on a camping trip?

A cool box is a great way to keep perishable food at an optimal temperature of 4°C or less. With extra cold packs or ice packs, you can ensure your food stays fresh for several days.

How can I ensure that my cool box will survive the transport?

Make sure you know the weight and dimensions of your cool box and don't exceed the maximum load. Distribute items evenly inside and make sure you don't put heavy items on top. Also, avoid placing your cooler against a hot surface, as this can cause internal parts to catch fire or melt.

How big should my camping cooler be?

The size of your cooler will depend on how many people you're feeding and how long you'll be on your camping trip. A cool box with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters should be sufficient for 2-3 people for a long weekend. If you're traveling longer distances or serving groceries to more people, you may need a larger cooler.

How long will the ice last in my camping cooler?

The shelf life of the ice depends on several factors, such as the size of your cooler, the ambient temperature, and the number of open and closed food containers. Typically, ice packs can last up to 2-3 days, while ice cubes can melt faster. Make sure you always have extra ice packs with you to keep your food fresher for longer.

How long does food stay fresh in the cool box?

With additional cold packs and ice packs, perishable food stays fresh for several days in the cool box. However, it is important to clean the cooler regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

How do I clean my cooler?

After each use, clean the lid and interior with a cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water. If a strong smell persists, wipe the inside with white vinegar, baking soda, or a citric acid mixture. Check the seals regularly and replace cracked or torn seals.

What to do if my cool box stops working?

Check the user guide for troubleshooting help. If you still get stuck, you should contact the manufacturer's customer service or have the cool box checked by a specialist.

Cool box for camping
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Source: own research. In any case, our opinion remains our own.

Photos cool box camping: Pixabay, Unsplash and Amazon product photos
Text: Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline. All rights reserved.

Cool box for camping - you need to know that

Monika Fuchs

Monika Fuchs and Petar Fuchs are the authors and publishers of the Food and Slow Travel blog  TravelWorldOnline. They have been publishing this blog since 2005. TravelWorldOnline has been online since 2001. Their topics are trips to Savor, wine tourism worldwide and slow travel. During her studies Monika Fuchs spent some time in North America, where she - partly together with Petar Fuchs - traveled to the USA and Canada and spent a research year in British Columbia. This intensified her thirst for knowledge, which she satisfied for 6 years as an adventure guide for Rotel Tours and then for 11 years as a tour guide for Studiosus Reisen around the world. She was constantly expanding her travel regions, but curiosity still gnawed at her: "What's beyond the horizon? What else is there to discover in this city? Which people are interesting here? What do they eat in this region?" As a freelance travel journalist (her articles have appeared in DIE ZEIT, 360° Canada, 360° USA, etc.), she is now looking for answers to these questions as a travel writer and travel blogger in many countries around the world. Petar Fuchs produces the videos on this blog as well as on YouTube. Monika Fuchs from TravelWorldOnline is among Germany's top 50 bloggers in 2021. Find more Information about Monika and Petar Fuchs here.