Waterproof in ice cooler?

[Signcutter21]

Walmart (ughhhh) sells smaller water tight containers in the sports/ camping section I've seen them used successfully a few times.

Sierra Expeditions also sells the Engel containers.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2127

 

[78Bronco]

The problem I have found, on the road I can not find block ice. I tried leaving the ice in the bag on top and draining, but that was tough to have enough space.... the baggies leaked... everyone one.

I have ice paks, or freeze some bottled water which we drink anyway and/or freeze a few two liter pop bottles before leaving home. I would approach the problem the other way and put the ice in containers. If the cooler has a tight sealing lid it will last a few days. Rubber maids with large lids to hold the ice or drain you cooler.

 

[shogun]

The square, 4 snap type containers work about as well as anything. Soft gasket assures no leaks, easy to stack, airtight for freshness.

There are several companies that offer them, somewhat regionally driven. Costco carries different brands depending on location. "lock and lock", Engel, "snapware" and probably others. Check web for brands and retailers. Costco has good prices on large sets, downside is lots of oddball sizes you may not need.

I figured out which sizes were right for my fridge and then located retailers that stocked those sizes and bought more. Now I have a bunch of not used ones from the set. I found the 4/7/10 cup sizes best. I suspect you will find quite a difference in prices based on "name" branding. I got the Snapware ones and they are great.

 

[UNI]

mudbutt posted: (FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer)

FoodSaver is coming out with a NEW product called GameSaver Silver. One of the new features is the unit will run on 110 Volt or 12 Volt DC. This will be a great unit if your trout fishing, you can go back to the campsite, filet your catch, vacuum seal and toss it into the ice cooler. I'm not sure if its on their website as of yet.

Product Number #FSGSSLO300-000 - Check It Out!

 

[Uglyduck]

I use square nalgene's. Fill 3/4 and freeze. When they thaw I can use them for drinking water and the ice for cocktails. Simple and cheap.

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=934

 

[mtnbike28]

Thanks and....

We do freeze water bottles and drink them as they melt.... but this doesn't help on two week trips. The one thing I learned (again?) is I need to pack two coolers. We are into the cooler too much for drinks and snacks!

Thanks again!

 

[SunTzuNephew]

FoodSaver is coming out with a NEW product called GameSaver Silver. One of the new features is the unit will run on 110 Volt or 12 Volt DC. This will be a great unit if your trout fishing, you can go back to the campsite, filet your catch, vacuum seal and toss it into the ice cooler. I'm not sure if its on their website as of yet.

Product Number #FSGSSLO300-000 - Check It Out!

Tossing a vac-bagged fish onto ice in a cooler won't freeze it....it has to go into a very cold (well below freezing) box.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Another vote for frozen jugs and foodsaver packaging.

I use the square juice jugs for ice because they pack better.

The nice thing about the vac sealers is they also keep stuff like chicken blood off your other food. I still pack raw meats at the bottom and try to keep everything else elevated.

 

[ryguy]

used these for the first time this weekend and was quite impressed
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2127

 

[86cj]

http://www.foodsaver.com/Index.aspx

We use this and Ziplocks without issue. We freeze what drinks we can, I really enjoyed the half melted Vitamin water on the last 90* trip.

 

[Salue]

Tossing a vac-bagged fish onto ice in a cooler won't freeze it....it has to go into a very cold (well below freezing) box.

I don't think he said it would freeze it in the cooler but seems like a good idea still. Keeps the fish cool without contaminating the other contents. I'm looking forward to seeing this new 12volt option.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Every overlander needs a Foodsaver. We use it to store meals, but we also use it to make ice packs. That way we can make solid blocks of any size knowing they'll never leak. We also freeze some of our liquids like some juices. Don't ask me why, but we started putting frozen Capri Suns in our cooler and taking them on hikes and bike rides once on our trips.

 

[CSG]

Pretty expensive ice packs considering the cost of the plastic rolls. Water bottles serve a dual function.

 

[Rattler]

We usually take 2 coolers. We will keep the meats and such in the 12v. Igloo and the other stuff that needs to keep cool in another. A couple gallon Ziploc freezer bags filled with water and turned into ice are placed over frozen meat in the bottom of the cooler then we just dump the water after it melts. It helps keep the meat semi-frozen for several days.

The regular cooler usually gets some water bottles frozen. It may get a fresh bag or 2 of ice over a week when it can be had. Nothing is kept in there that has to be kept really cold though.

I make Ziploc bags for SC Johnson. Do not substitute storage bags for freezer bags. The storage bags are almost half the mil thickness of the freezer bags. If you worry about the bags having a leak, simply fill the sink with water, blow some air into the bag and dunk it in and apply just a litle force to the bag with your hand. There really shouldn't be any bubbles but if there some small ones, don't worry it is an exiting force and will work fine. If you are going to put a liquid in the bag, you can do the opposite too. The part up by the zipper is where it will leak if it is going to about 99.9% of the time.

Do not even think about using anyone's zippered sandwich bag to store anything you want to stay dry in. I think they attract water into them sometimes.:sombrero:

I am not a big fan of the new Evolve line of "green" bags either. They are just thin versions of the real thing (plus the thin plastic makes them a PITA to make!).

Ziploc makes some plastic reuseable/stackable containers that work quite well too. There are even some with thread-on tops. I like the 5x5 square ones that keep my sandwiches from getting crushed.

One more plug. These bags are awesome for sleeping bags, blankets and pillows. You can kinda suck the air out of them to compress them some too.

http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/ProductsHome.aspx?browseBy=Oversize&browseByCat=NonFoodStorage

We have been the Igloo for @ 5 years now and it has worked pretty good. I think we will be stepping up to a Whynter, ARB or Engel next year though.

 

[UNI]

As promised, here is the information on the NEW Vacuum Sealer unit.

COMING SOON - NEW FoodSaver® GameSaver® Silver Vacuum Sealing System - 12 Volt DC/110 Volt AC
The NEW GameSaver Silver unit will be available in September of 2010 at retail locations such as Bass Pro, etc..

NEW FoodSaver® GameSaver® Silver Vacuum Sealing System

Created with hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the new FoodSaver® GameSaver® Silver Vacuum Sealing System features an updated, rugged design with integrated carrying handle and large, rubberized buttons. This new design has intelligent sealing control, and includes a bonus 6-foot 12V power cord, extra large drip tray and built-in storage compartment. Preserve your prize game, save money and prevent freezer burn with the FoodSaver® GameSaver® Vacuum Sealing System.

NEW FoodSaver® GameSaver® Silver Vacuum Sealing System
· Keeps Food Fresh up to 5 Times Longer
· Intelligent Sealing
· Improved Vacuum Performance
· Extra Large Drip tray
· 12v Power Cord
· Integrated Carry Handle
· Vertical Storage

You can also use the GameSaver Marinading Canister to vacuum the marinade into the fish/meat in 10 minutes, instead of waiting all night!

Suggested retail on this product will be $209.00