How to Use Dry Ice in Your Camping Cooler
Using dry ice in your camping cooler is a great idea, but there are a few safety precautions and disadvantages to watch out for.
Have you ever wondered if it’s a good idea to keep dry ice in your cooler when you go camping? Using dry ice in your ice chest is a great idea, but there are a few safety precautions and disadvantages to watch out for.
What are the Pros and Cons of Dry Ice for Camping?
Dry ice is highly colder than the usual ice created from frozen water. Because it is freezing, it should effectively maintain your cooler cold. Also, dry ice doesn’t melt and leaves a puddle of water. It turns into a gas instead of liquid when it dries up. This means that the items in your cooler won’t end up in a puddle.
On the other hand, dry ice doesn’t last long. You can’t store dry ice in your freezer and keep it frozen because it needs to be at -109.3 Fahrenheit. Or otherwise, it will disappear as a gas. Five to ten pounds of dry ice will disappear in one day! You should purchase dry ice right before you go camping.
What are the Dangers of Dry Ice?
If you think of transporting your cooler in your car, remember that the dry ice will give off carbon dioxide gas and potentially lead to unhealthy rising levels in an enclosed vehicle. It’s better to transport your cooler separately from your driver and passenger compartment. Furthermore, your cooler with dry ice should be stored away from your tent, so the carbon dioxide doesn’t affect you.
Remember to wear protective gloves and long sleeves when holding dry ice. It can burn your skin, so treat it as if you were handling a red-hot iron instead of an ice tray.
How Do You Use Dry Ice in Your Camp Cooler?
To use your dry ice in your camp cooler, do the following:
- Cover the dry ice in a few layers of newspaper and put it on top of the food.
- Place regular ice below your cooler. The dry ice will stay longer if you don’t allow it to touch any water.
- Replenish any dead space in your cooler with any newspaper articles. The dry ice will slowly sublimate if there is less quiet space.
- Freezing foods or items before a camping trip is a great way to conserve ice in your cooler.
Dry Ice for All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
