Keep a Cooler Bag Cold
When preparing to fill your Tongjin cooler bag for a camping trip or a day at the park, you can take several steps to ensure that your ice, and in turn, your food and drinks, stay as cold as possible for as long as possible.
One of the biggest challenges with cooler bags is slowing down the melting of ice. Fast-melting ice can lead to soggy food and warm drinks, which no one wants, especially when it comes to keeping beverages cold. With a few household items and smart packing tips, you can extend the cooling power of your Tongjin cooler bag.
How Do Cooler Bags Work?
Tongjin cooler bags typically feature multiple layers of insulation, usually three: an outer layer, an insulating middle layer, and an inner layer. The middle layer, often made of dense foam, is crucial because it prevents heat transfer, maintaining the cold temperature inside. The thicker and denser the foam, the better the insulation.
The outer layer is often crafted from materials like non-woven fabric, vinyl, or durable cloth, while the inner layer is usually lined with waterproof, heat-reflective materials like foil or thick vinyl. These layers work together to keep your food and drinks at the right temperature.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Whenever possible, store your Tongjin cooler bag in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Keeping the bag cool from the outside helps the ice inside last longer. Always ensure the zipper is tightly closed to minimize the exchange of warm and cold air.
Keep It Organized
To minimize warm air entering your cooler bag, organize the contents efficiently. Place frequently needed items in one section so you can access them quickly without leaving the bag open for too long.
Use Larger Ice Blocks
Large ice blocks have less surface area exposed to warm air, so they melt slower than small cubes. You can easily create large ice blocks at home using an empty milk carton filled with water and frozen. These larger blocks will last longer in your Tongjin cooler bag, maintaining a colder environment for your items.
Ice-to-Contents Ratio
To maximize cooling, pack your Tongjin cooler bag with a higher ratio of ice to contents. If your goal is to keep drinks cold, aim for twice as much ice as liquid, but if you’re just keeping picnic food cool, a few ice packs will suffice.
Add an Extra Layer of Aluminum Foil
Lining the interior of your Tongjin cooler bag with aluminum foil can help reflect heat away and keep your ice intact longer. You can also use thermal bubble wrap for additional insulation, placing a layer inside the bag or over the top to reflect UV rays.
Pre-Chill Your Cooler Bag
Before filling your Tongjin cooler bag with fresh ice, pre-chill it by adding ice a few hours or even a day before use. This will help the new ice stay colder for longer. Inoltre, freeze water bottles or non-carbonated drinks to serve as extra cooling elements inside the bag.
Wrap with a Wet Towel
Wrap your Tongjin cooler bag in a damp, light-colored towel and keep it in the shade. As the water in the towel evaporates, it cools the bag, helping to maintain a lower internal temperature and keeping the ice frozen longer.
Bury Your Cooler Bag
For extended trips, consider burying your Tongjin cooler bag partially in the ground. The cool soil will help maintain the temperature inside the bag, preserving the ice for a longer period. Just ensure that only three-quarters of the bag is buried and choose a shaded spot.
Drain Melted Ice Water
Contrary to what you might think, keeping melted ice water inside your cooler bag is not advisable. Water accelerates heat transfer, causing the remaining ice to melt faster. Regularly drain the water to slow the melting process.
Explore Our Best-Selling Tongjin Cool Bags
At Tongjin, we offer some of the best-insulated cooler bags at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re looking for a lunch cooler bag for work, scuola, or promotional purposes, we’ve got you covered with durable, high-quality options designed to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
