Packing a cooler

Today, we’re diving into the best way to pack a cooler. When heading out for a picnic, camping trip, or road journey, a well-packed cooler can make all the difference between a delightful experience and a melted mess. Whether you’re storing food, drinks, or both, understanding how to properly pack a cooler ensures that your perishables stay fresh and cold for as long as possible.

Before you head out to that picnic or camping trip, take a look these cooler packing hacks from HGTV.com. Make the most of Every. Single. Inch.

From proper packing order to how to keep your produce fresh, these are the tips and tricks we use to make ice and food last in the wilderness.

...I honestly can't believe I am just now figuring out there is a proper way to pack a cooler to ensure food safety (and avoid food poisoning). So today I want to

Nothing is worse than waterlogged cooler food or lukewarm drinks. Whether you're camping, living in a van, or just traveling, use these tips to maximize the lifespan of your cooler's ice! #camping #campingideas #cooler #coolertips #campingtips #campingfood #vanlifecooler #vanlifeaesthetic

When it comes to food during a camping trip, your goal is for is to stay cold, organized, dry, and unsquished, with no massive ice melt by day 3. And don't forget that bringing two coolers—one for food and one for drinks—is ideal if you have the space. Here's how to pack a cooler like a pro!

Nope, this is not a tip for alpine climbing, but it might come in handy next time you do a road trip. Here are some desert tested tIps for keeping your cooler organized, clean, and preserving your ice on longer trips where ice resupply is not an option. (Ever heard of “cooler soup”? It's something y

Allrecipes on Instagram: "MVP vibes only this summer 😎 Which cooler packing hack are you trying first? 🎥: @nicolemcmom #coolerhack #summer #camping #beachday #organization #summerplans"

Packing up your cooler for a picnic lunch in the park or drinks on the beach? These are great ways to enjoy your time outdoors, when you do it correctly. Packing a cooler wrong can not only result in warm drinks or food, but it can also put you at risk for food-borne illnesses or food poisoning.

You're deep in the backcountry, your truck parked beside a pristine lake, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and purple hues. After a day of hiking and exploring, all you can think about is that ice-cold drink waiting in your cooler. You pop the lid, only to find warm, soggy sandwiches and drinks