Best cooler ice pack

Bottles in an open cooler
(Image credit: Sandrene Zhang on Unsplash)

Coolers are one of the most useful accessories you can take camping, keeping your food fresh and drinks cold. But they need ice packs to stay cooler for longer. These plastic pouches or containers usually contain a gel that freezes more quickly than water and doesn't melt as quickly. 

Flexibility is useful as you can slide packs in around your food. They are versatile and can be used for picnics, lunch bags, and even on bruised or painful areas of your body to reduce swelling. Here are the cooler ice packs we recommend.

Best overall

cooler ice pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Ice Pack for Lunch Box

Four slim packs that are flight-safe

Keep your cooler bag freezer-col with this set of four slim reusable hard gel ice packs, Safe and durable they are BPA-free ad make with non-toxic materials. Great for everyday use in lunch boxes, bento boxes, and breastmilk bags as well as your next camping trip, they can also be brought through TSA security checkpoints when fully frozen or stored in checked baggage.

Best value

cooler ice pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack

Extra strong ice packs that stay cooler for longer

Keep your cooler at 18°F for up to 48 hours with this reusable ice pack. Add water using the funnel, shake, screw the cap on and freeze until ready. Nylon-reinforced for extra durability, they can be used to soothe painful areas after an injury as well as keeping your food and drink cold and fresh when camping.

Best twin pack

cooler ice pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

TOURIT Ice Packs for Coolers

Strip-shaped packs that stay cool for hours

This set of eight gel-filled strip ice packs are great for placing around your food and drink in your cooler. The longer design means they are easier to use in lunch bags and backpack coolers. Simply freeze and then use. The gel will stay colder for longer than water-based ice packs. 

Best slimline packs

cooler ice pack

(Image credit: Amazon)

Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Reusable Ice Packs

Set of four BPA-free ice packs

With a compact slimline design, this set of four ice packs are great for tight spaces in coolers, lunch bags, and picnic baskets. The reusable ice packs are BPA-free and non-toxic and will stay frozen long enough to keep your food and drink fresh. Stack them together for greater cooling power.

Bottom line

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Cooler ice packs are essential for keeping your cooler at the low temperatures you need for fresh food and icy drinks. From everyday use in your lunch bag to a long weekend camping trip, they are too useful not to keep in your freezer, ready for when they are needed. We recommend Ice Pack for Lunch Box - Freezer Packs. This set of four packs are durable and a good slim size for most coolers. They stay frozen for a good amount of time.

We also like the Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Reusable Ice Packs. They will fit in everything from a lunch box to a picnic basket, as well as larger coolers, and are easy to wash and sanitize after use. 

Advnture team

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