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Keep your water, food, and other items cool for long with our list of the best ice packs for coolers. These ice packs come in handy when you go on hikes, camping, or long journeys. As outdoor activities can be tiring and stressful, a glass of chilled water or beverage after a long hike can be refreshing. However, such options may not be available in rough, obscure terrains. So, a cooler can come to your rescue and provide you with refreshing drinks.
These quality-tested ice packs prevent food from spoiling and can work for hours. You can also use them for pain relief and in your picnic baskets, lunch boxes, and more to suit your specific requirements. With various types of ice pack options available, choosing the right one may be confusing. Browse this list of popular ice packs to choose the right ice packs for proper food and drink storage.
Top Picks
11 Best Ice Packs For Coolers
1. Best For Long-Lasting:Igloo Reusable Ice Packs
Image: Igloo Keep your drinks and snacks from going stale by placing Igloo’s ice packs in your coolers and lunch boxes. Featuring ultra-therm gel, these packs provide long-lasting cooling, and their durable outer layer helps avoid the mess that comes with traditional ice. These tried-and-tested packs are multipurpose and can keep your food and snacks cool and fresh when hiking, camping, or engaging in other outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Reusable
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Available in multiple sizes
- Provides quick cooling
- Useful ice packs for travel
Cons
- Might disfigure after a few uses
- Might be slightly smaller than expected
"I got these at my friend's recommendation and am amazed that they keep my drinks cold for hours. Their top sealing is a bit flimsy, so I have to be careful when putting them in the fridge, but they have been a handy find for my weekend beach outings."
2. Best Standard-Sized:Gurin Cooler Ice Packs
Image: Gurin Keep your beverages cold during beach parties or picnics with Gurin’s ice cooler packs. Measuring 7 x 7 x 3 inches, these quality-tested packs can fit into standard-sized coolers and keep your snacks and beverages at optimum cold temperature for eight to twelve hours. Each aluminum foil pack features a tight screw cap and polyester interior to keep the contents from spilling.
Pros
- Includes a funnel for refilling
- Food-safe materials
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Easy to use
Cons
- Might lose shape after a few uses
- May form condensation
"While I have to be cautious when filling them, their ability to retain their coldness in sweltering heat has made them worthwhile. Their reusability is a plus, and I was happy to see that they do not sweat, unlike some traditional gel packets."
3. Best Lightweight:Healthy Packers Reusable Ice Packs
Image: Healthy Packers 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 19,819 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
This set comes with four long-lasting ice packs for your insulated cooler bag. As they are slim and lightweight, they can fit into tiny lunch bags as well. You can also use these hard gel ice packs in breastmilk bags, your child’s bento boxes, or food containers. The safety-tested cool packs are 100% BPA-free and non-toxic. Besides, they freeze quickly and the flat shape makes them stackable as well.
Pros
- Reusable packs
- Versatile and durable
- Suitable for daily use
- Easy to clean after use
Cons
- May be slightly thin
- May require additional stacking for long-lasting coldness
"I have been using these packs for a while, and they have been ideal for keeping my lunches cool. They have also not shown any signs of leakage; hence, I even put them in my bag during the weekly grocery run. Plus, cleaning them has been straightforward."
Did you know?Igloo Reusable Ice Packs | Gurin Cooler Ice Packs | Healthy Packers Reusable Ice Packs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.98"D x 4.29"W x 7.99"H | 7 x 1 x 7 inches | 7"L x 4.7"W x 0.5"H |
| Weight | 450 Grams | - | 1.8 Pounds |
| Material | Plastic | - | gel |
| Color | Maxcold | - | Aqua. |
| Number of Items | - | 5 | - |
| Weight | - | 6.35 Ounces. | - |
| Shape | - | - | Rectangular |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 979 | 221 | 19,819 |
| Price | $3.29 | $12.95 | $18.59 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Break-Resistant:Yeti Ice Freezable Ice Packs
Image: Yeti Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,504 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
Yeti ice packs go the extra mile and absorb the heat in your cooler, thereby keeping your items cold for long periods. Its unique shape allows it to freeze faster, and the pack itself is a great alternative to ice. As it is impact- and break-resistant, this tough cookie can take the toughest of hits and falls like a pro. If you have a sore neck, you can even press this freezer pack against it for quick pain relief, making them suitable ice packs for sports injuries.
Pros
- No messy clean-ups
- Available in three sizes
- Non-toxic
- Suitable ice packs for road trips
- Made of food-grade material
Cons
- May be slightly heavy
- Color may vary slightly
"I prefer placing these below cakes as they preserve their freshness for a long time. They are also durable and freeze pretty fast. The only issue is that they add a bit of weight to my cooler, but that's a minor trade-off compared to its ability to maintain a constant temperature."
5. Best Non-Toxic:Arctic Ice Reusable Ice Pack For Cooler
Image: Arctic Ice Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 1,852 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Chillin’ Brew ice pack inserts by Arctic Ice freezes at 28°F and is designed for use during a picnic, an outdoor adventure, or a barbeque session with your buddies in your backyard. It features an ultra-sonic spin-welded cap, which keeps the packs sealed and leak-proof at all times. As it is a large ice pack, it ensures faster cooling and can also be used in larger coolers and ice chests. Reusable up to a whopping 100,000 times, these packs are non-toxic and keep things colder than ice.
Pros
- Mess-free design
- Suitable for cooling beverages
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe
- Made of non-toxic material
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May thaw in a short period
"They keep my beverages cold for a long time, and the built-in handle is a boon for portability. Besides, their panel design keeps them from slipping, and the reusable design has removed the hassle of getting loose ice."
6. Best Everyday Use:Blue Ele Compact Ice Packs
Image: Blue Ele This colorful set of four ice packs is convenient for everyday use and their flat shape fits into small insulated coolers and containers comfortably. Lightweight and durable, it can also be stacked one on top of the other for greater cooling power. These reusable packs are eco-friendly materials and are 100% BPA-free, food-grade, leak-proof, and filled with non-toxic gel. For best results, freeze the flat ice packs for three hours before using them. You may use these ice packs for fishing or to keep yourself cool on a long road trip or other outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight and reusable
- Easy to clean
- Made of HDPE shell
- Suitable for all ages
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
- May not keep food cold for long
"The BPA-free build pushed me to get these packs for my lunch bag. They are pretty compact, which allows them to fit between the boxes without a hassle. Plus, their colorful designs look very vibrant."
Quick tip7. Best In Multiple Sizes:Lifoam Freez Pak Reusable Ice Pack
Image: Lifoam If you want to enjoy cold drinks when you are out and about the city, these ice packs by Lifoam can help you with that. Made of recyclable polypropylene, this freezer pack provides a cooling effect without the mess from melting ice. It is available in multiple sizes, including mini, small, medium, and large, making it easy to pick the appropriate size for your cooler.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- BPA-free
- Suitable for everyday use
- Suitable ice blocks for coolers and large totes
Cons
- Might form a bulge on over-freezing
- Might not be highly durable
"The stackable design of these packs makes it easy for me to pack them in my cooler. Their lightweight build has also been perfect for carrying delicate greens from the farm. I must drain them thoroughly to prevent mold, but they have proven functional."
8. Best Safe:Nordic Ice Gel Pack
Image: Nordic Safely transport food, medical, and pharmaceutical products with the Nordic Ice gel-based ice packs. These polymer gel packs provide temperature-sensitive protection to keep items cool and prevent moisture damage. With a three-layer design that minimizes surface condensation, the non-toxic ice packs offer reliable protection. These tried-and-trusted ice packs for insulated bags are available in different sizes to suit your needs.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Long-lasting gel
- Reusable
- Suitable for muscle therapy
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant
- Packs may stick to the freezer tray
"In addition to keeping my sandwiches cool, it keeps them crisp as it does not sweat. Its thawing process, however, is not the most even. Still, they have been a versatile and affordable find."
Quick tip9. Best Reusable:Bentgo Ice Lunch Chillers
Image: Bentgo Keep your snacks cool for up to four hours with Bentgo’s ice packs. These ice packs for lunch boxes are made of food-grade plastic, and you can easily clean them by wiping them down with a damp cloth or rinsing them under water. With their ultra-slim design, the chillers provide maximum space for food or beverages. These safety-tested portable ice packs are durable, and reusable, and free of PVC, phthalates, lead, and vinyl.
Pros
- Leak-proof
- Wide cooling surface
- BPA-free
- Suitable ice packs for food preservation
- Available in multiple color options
Cons
- May be thinner than expected
- May thaw quicker than expected
"I use them to cool everything from my husband's food to breast milk, as their non-toxic build offers peace of mind. While there has been the occasional condensation issue, its slim design and effectiveness have made it my favored option."
10. Best Slim Design:Kona Slim Ice Packs For Coolers
Image: Kona Although these cooler packs are large, their slim design allows them to fit into any regular cooler. You can utilize these reusable ice packs for beverages, meat, snacks, and more. These large ice packs are sturdy and durable and can absorb a large amount of heat to keep your items cold for a long time on your outdoor adventures. Most importantly, these slim ice packs freeze in only 25 minutes.
Pros
- Can be used in reusable shopping bags
- Free of BPA
- Lightweight design
- Reusable packs
Cons
- May be larger than you expect
"Despite being sleek, these ice packs freeze quickly and hold the cold well, too. Besides, they are pretty durable and did not retain or transfer any odors, even when I used them to transport fish to my friend's house."
11. Best For Outdoor Trips:Pelican Cooler Ice Pack
Image: Pelican A great addition to your outdoor trips and a practical mate for your coolers, this ice pack chills the contents of your cooler rapidly and keeps them fresh for extended periods. This thick ice pack is custom-designed to fit Pelican coolers and boasts a UV protective shell. It also features a unique dual-grip design for easy handling. The quality-tested and reusable ice pack for picnics is also BPA-free and non-toxic.
Pros
- Available in three variants
- FDA-compliant
- Rugged build for added durability
- Available in single- and double-handle designs
Cons
- Seals may not be durable
"During a recent camping trip, I used these ice packs to keep my soda cool, and their performance was impressive. They are slightly larger than I had expected but still fit into my cooler without a hassle, and the handles make it easy to arrange and pull them out."
How To Choose The Right Ice Packs For Coolers?
Keep these pointers in mind when choosing an ice-pack for coolers.
- Reusable
Reusable may mean that a product could be used 10 times or 10,000 times. Look for a reusable cooler ice pack that can last for many years. This way, not only does it have a great value for money, you need not worry about re-purchasing it.
- Impact-resistant
This is one of the most important features to look for. As the reusable cooler ice packs sit inside our coolers, containers, and lunchboxes, we don’t want it to break and leak all over our food. Find one that can withstand a crash and fall.
- Safe materials
As these ice packs mingle quite frequently with our food and beverages, always look for one, which is made of food-grade materials. Ensure that they are BPA-free and non-toxic.
- Size
In the case of ice packs, the bigger the size, the better the cooling may not always ring true. However, choosing a cold pack for its size depends on your preference. If your cooler isn’t too large and already over-crowded, pick a set of smaller ice packs that are stackable for better cooling.
- Duration
Most ice packs claim to offer long-lasting coldness, but just how long is long-lasting? Look for an ice pack that can keep the contents of your cooler cold for at least five hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do hard ice packs last?
Based on the surroundings they are used in, hard ice packs can last for varying durations. An average ice pack may last for four to five hours outside the fridge at average temperatures. On the other hand, it may only last for an hour or two when used on a hot day.
2. Does an ice pack expire?
Certain chemicals used in an ice pack can harm the user if used beyond a specific period. Although there is no standard time, you can discard the ice packs after one or two years of use.
3. Can I bring ice packs on a plane?
Yes, frozen gel packs are permitted on flights but only when they are in a solid state (1).
4. Do Ice packs work better than ice?
You can reuse ice packs multiple times as they remain uncontaminated, but standard ice would melt and drip everywhere. Unlike ice, an ice pack will not water down the food or drink you want to chill.
5. Do ice packs need to be refrigerated?
Yes, ice packs require refrigeration before use. You will need to freeze the gel or liquid in a pack to cool your food or beverage.
6. Where do I store ice packs?
For instant use, you can store the ice pack in the fridge. It is also safe to keep an ice pack outside the refrigerator when not in use.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our writer, reviewer and editor, Sakshi John, specializes in curating lists of products that belong to the furniture and household categories. Using her in-depth expertise, she has curated a list of the best ice packs for coolers available in the market after considering factors like materials, size, and ability to resist impact. After assessing multiple products and user reviews, she has added the top-rated products with detailed descriptions and an informative buying guide.
The Bottom Line
Ice packs are the perfect tool when you’re on the go and want to keep your snacks, beverages, or food fresh and chilled for longer. These are long-lasting and come in various sizes, including those small enough to fit in your child’s bento box. You can choose from some of the best-selling ice packs that are versatile and long-lasting from the list above. Our top recommendations include the Igloo Reusable Ice Packs, which provide long-lasting cooling with ultra-therm gel, and the Healthy Packers Reusable Ice Packs, which are slim and lightweight for small boxes. We also like the Bentgo Ice Lunch Chillers for their leak-proof and reusable design. The buying guide mentioned above will undoubtedly assist you in making your selection based on your needs.
Infographic: How To Use Hard Plastic Ice Packs?
Hard plastic ice packs are durable and efficient cooling accessories that keep food, beverages, and coolers cold. Designed to withstand freezing temperatures, these packs maintain the desired temperature in coolers or insulated bags. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to set up a new hard plastic ice pack before its first use.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
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