{"id":2130,"date":"2022-06-06T09:35:16","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T13:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passportoverland.com\/?p=2130"},"modified":"2022-11-26T22:38:00","modified_gmt":"2022-11-27T03:38:00","slug":"best-way-to-keep-items-fresh-when-overlanding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passportoverland.com\/best-way-to-keep-items-fresh-when-overlanding\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Way To Keep Items Fresh When Overlanding!"},"content":{"rendered":"
No matter if you will be camping as near as another city or as far as a two-month worth of traveling, water, fluids, and foods are must-haves when overlanding. And keeping items cool will prevent spoiling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to options ice blocks, ice cubes and refrigerators are what you have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A refrigerator is by far the best long-term solution for overlanding great distances. It is convenient, guarantees that food stays fresh for several days even in a hot climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But ice blocks and cubes have their benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each option. Then you can make your decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let us talk about ice blocks. This is one of the most common things that overlanders use because it’s easy to just put it in a cooler alongside snacks and fluids. Below is everything that you need to know when using this for trips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since ice blocks are guaranteed to last long, you should consider using this if your trip lasts for three days or less. If you live in a place where you can easily buy and access blocks, then that’s more of a reason to choose this over other methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ice blocks also work better in cooling bottled fluids and dishes stored in containers. You will find it easy to store all these together in one cooler since you won’t have to deal with irregularly shaped snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, for those looking for a good and budget-friendly alternative to refrigerators, this is the best one you can turn to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storing ice blocks is actually simple. You just need to place them inside a high-quality cooler, and you’re all set. If you happen to use reliable cooler storage, then there will be no need to maintain the blocks’ coolness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to take extra steps, then some things that you can do is to place an aluminum foil in the cooler’s interior before placing the ice blocks. After doing so, close the cooler tightly and wrap a cold towel around it. Keep it this way until the end of your trip. You should also consider placing the towel inside the cooler to regenerate its coldness once in a while before using it as a wrapper once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, let’s talk about ice cubes. This is very similar to ice blocks, except that cubes are a lot smaller in individual sizes. Below are the other things that you need to know when using this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using ice cubes will be best for short overlanding trips. This solution is as common as using ice blocks, but this is a lot more accessible since you can just freeze ice trays in your home. To add, you will never go wrong with this if you want to cut down on expenses for at least a little amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For overlanders who need to bring a lot of snacks and want to make the most out of a single cooler, then this is also better than ice blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note, though, that, unlike ice blocks, this can’t substitute for refrigerators. Their capabilities are just too far away from each other. Ice cubes are more of an alternative to ice blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storing ice cubes is just the same as storing ice blocks. You also need a high-quality cooler to work with. Aluminum foils and cold towels will also be handy for this task. Some add salt to the ice cubes to retain cold. This may not be a lot, but it will still be handy if you need to have a few more hours with your ice cubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, let’s talk about using a refrigerator for overlanding. Keep in mind that we’re talking about portable or mini-refrigerators rather than regular-sized ones since we’re not working with a camper van or any other vehicle with an extremely large space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the Dometic Overland Fridge on Amazon here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all know that refrigerators are the most convenient on this list, but what else do you need to know? Refer to the following sections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is actually no wrong or right time to use a refrigerator. Once you’re sure that you’re willing to invest a sum in a refrigerator for your overlanding journey, and you have the space to fit it in, then there’s really no reason not to go for it. This is the best solution on this list if we’re talking about convenience and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\nICE BLOCKS<\/th> ICE CUBES<\/th> REFRIGERATOR<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> They last about 3 days depending on the climate and time of year<\/td> Last about 1-2 days depending on the climate and time of year<\/td> Last as long as you have power, solar or electric.<\/td><\/tr> Easy to find and buy – unless very remote<\/td> Easy to find and buy – unless very remote<\/td> No extra costs when on the road<\/td><\/tr> Ice blocks are affordable<\/td> Ice cubes are affordable<\/td> More expensive but it is a one-time investment<\/td><\/tr> Versatile with many uses: drinks, cold water, and cooling items<\/td> Versatile with many uses: drinks, cold water, and cooling items<\/td> Versatile with many uses: drinks, cold water, and cooling items<\/td><\/tr> Easy to make at home using plastic bottles<\/td> Easily make at home in freezer<\/td> Don’t need to make ice<\/td><\/tr> Use any large cooler, and fill as needed<\/td> Use any cooler, and fill as needed<\/td> Convenient storage system<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody> BEST FOR WEEKEND TRIPS OR RESTOCKING AT CONVENIENCE STORES<\/em><\/td> BEST FOR WEEKEND TRIPS OR RESTOCKING AT CONVENIENCE STORES<\/em><\/td> BEST OVERALL, JUST NEED TO COVER THE UPFRONT COST<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tfoot><\/table> Ice Blocks: Pros, Cons, and When To Use<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to Use Ice Blocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Store Ice Blocks for Overlanding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ice Cubes: Pros, Cons, and When Should You Use These<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to Use Ice Cubes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Store Ice Cubes for Overlanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Refrigerator: Pros, Cons, and When Should You Use These<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When to Use Refrigerator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n