Welcome to the Cordova Outdoors Family! Thank you for allowing us to supply you with equipment for your adventures. Our rotomolded, hard-sided coolers are designed to survive a tumble down a hill, a fall from your tailgate, an encounter with a grizzly, you get the picture…. Yes, our products are durable, but we understand that you purchased a Cordova to keep your provisions cold when it counts.
So, we’ve put together some tips to help you keep your goods colder longer.
1. PRE-CHILL YOUR COOLER
Ice melts fastest during the first few hours after being placed in the cooler, because it is cooling both the cooler and the contents. If you can bring down the temperature of the cooler first, that will dramatically slow the ice melt. So, a few hours or the night before leaving on your epic adventure, sacrifice a bag of ice inside the cooler to pre-chill it. Even better, if it’s cold outside or you have access to a walk-in refrigerator or freezer, leave the cooler in that location.
2. AIM FOR 3:1, ICE TO CONTENTS
Having enough ice is key. The more ice the better. At a minimum you’ll want to have a 2:1 ice to contents ratio. If you can bump that up to 3:1 you’ll be keeping everything cold for days longer.
3. MAKE SURE THE ICE IS COLD
Ice that is wet or dripping is typically between 21°F and 32°F. Starting with well cured ice (around 0°F) makes a huge difference. The colder the ice the better. You can even use dry ice which is around -109°F. When using dry ice, we recommend wrapping it in a towel to avoid direct contact with your supplies.
4. FILL THE VOID
Pockets of air in the cooler will increase ice melting. Pack your Cordova tightly. If you have empty areas once all your goods are loaded, fill the voids with more ice or use a foam mat to cover the contents.
5. TYPES OF ICE TO USE
Block Ice: Will melt at a slower rate, however it also takes longer to chill the inside of the cooler. Cubed Ice: Chills the cooler quickly but will also melt faster. Dry Ice: Will sublimate at about the same rate that cubed ice melts, however it’s much colder and so will bring the temperature of the cooler down below 32°F so be aware that anything in the cooler may freeze. When possible, we recommend using a combination of types of ice. Small cubes to prep the cooler, a block of ice with some cubes when packing and dry ice if you do not mind if the contents of your Cordova freeze.
6. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Keeping your cooler shaded can extend the life of your ice by days.
7. HOLD YOUR WATER
There’s no need to drain the water as the ice melts. The water is cold and also effectively fills the voids mentioned in Tip 4.
8. KEEP YOUR LID SEALED
One minute with the lid open on an 80°F day equals one lost hour of ice retention. Try to limit the amount of times you open your cooler. One more tip: Grab two drinks at a time: Two is one, and one is none – always have a contingency plan for refreshments.
