Dry Ice is a Must-Have for Camping and Outdoor Adventures
Dry ice is your secret weapon during camping and other outdoor activities.
If you’re gearing up for a weekend in the wild or an extended road trip through the great outdoors, one item you might want to include is dry ice. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when packing for your next camping trip, dry ice can make a huge difference when it comes to food preservation, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsperson or a weekend warrior, dry ice is a game-changer for camping and outdoor adventures.
Keeps Food and Drinks Colder, Longer
One of the biggest challenges when camping is keeping perishables fresh. Traditional ice melts quickly and leaves behind a soggy mess. Dry ice, however, is frozen carbon dioxide that sublimates—meaning it turns directly from a solid to a gas without leaving liquid behind. This makes it ideal for keeping food frozen or chilled for much longer without the mess of melting ice.
For campers going off the grid for several days, dry ice can keep meat, dairy, and other perishables frozen for days at a time. It’s also perfect for storing frozen meals or pre-made dishes that you plan to reheat at your campsite.
Extends the Life of Your Cooler
With the help of dry ice, your regular cooler turns into a high-powered freezer. When layered properly in the bottom of a cooler—wrapped in newspaper or placed in a vented container—you can easily maintain freezing or refrigerator-like temperatures. This means fewer cooler refills, fewer trips to town for ice, and more time enjoying nature.
Pro tip: Place dry ice on the bottom of your cooler and layer your food on top. Use gloves or tongs when handling dry ice to avoid frostbite. Please refer to our dry ice safety guide for more safety tips!
Keeps Bugs and Odors at Bay
Because dry ice gives off carbon dioxide as it sublimates, it can also help deter insects. While not a foolproof method, the CO₂ cloud can temporarily mask food odors, making your campsite less attractive to pests and even larger animals like raccoons or bears. Just remember that dry ice should never be used in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
Lightweight and Efficient
Compared to regular ice, dry ice is more efficient and takes up less space. It’s lighter than water-based ice and doesn’t require draining or cleanup. This can be especially helpful when backpacking or car camping with limited space.
Great for Fun
Want to impress your fellow campers with a foggy, mystical effect at night? Drop a chunk of dry ice into a container of warm water and enjoy the spooky, rolling fog that results. Not only does it look cool, but it’s also a fun way to keep kids entertained.
A Few Important Tips
Before using dry ice for your camping trip, keep these quick guidelines in mind:
- Ventilation is crucial. Never store dry ice in a sealed, airtight container.
- Always handle with gloves. Dry ice is extremely cold (-109°F) and can cause severe burns on contact.
- Plan ahead. Most grocery stores don’t carry dry ice, so you may need to find a supplier in advance.
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 dry 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.
