Buying advice: Coolboxes

Well, I was hoping to report back to you on a blazing summer with temperatures zooming... hence the need for a coolbox. Or a coolbag. Or both.

Coolbag or Coolbox? Generally, it’s the solid sides and superior insulation that make a coolbox a better performer than a coolbag. But, it’s the bags that can score in other areas – such as packability.

Boxes tend to be bulky, and you can’t compress them. And their shape usually makes them harder to carry (hence wheels can be a good idea). You can also get coolbags that are, to all other purposes, coolboxes – with electric supply, cooling fans etc. Or, you can go all the way up to full-size, full-function mains-operated leisure fridges (definitely a consideration if there’s a lot of you and you’re staying in one place for long periods).

Coolboxes came into existence because we wanted one up from the cooling qualities of the nearest river (although why not? Even these days). But, arguably today, with our penchant for things chilled (drinks, for a start off), you can easily argue a coolbox is part of the essential camping kit list, particularly when it comes to family camping.

Most campsites, too, are more than helpful in providing freezers where campers can keep ice blocks/gel packs to help with the cooling function (true, some make a small charge; best, also, to put your name to anything you freeze, using a permanent marker).

Good coolboxes (and bags) offer a decent level of insulation while keeping a compromise of plenty interior space. Insulating properties are very hard to asses, except by personal experience, but generally the cheaper the product the less you can expect from it in terms of performance – although, of course, size does come into it, too.

So, the weather hasn’t turned out quite so good. Doesn’t mean you don’t need a coolbox of some kind.

• For best efficiency, put pre-cooled products in your coolbox, rather than relying on it to cool stuff down. It saves energy and efficiency.
• Open the lid as little as possible. Simple, really. But, the more you open the lid, the more the all-important cool air escapes.
• Gel ice packs are a great idea, arguably better than solid freezer blocks, because you can pack ’em around things.
• Remember cold air’s heavier than warm, so gravitates (if that’s the right word) down. In other words, put your ice packs towards the top.
• Careful how you pack. Keep fresh and pre-cooked products (especially meats or fish) apart. Make sure any glass has padding around it for travel. 
• Storing your coolbox/bag? Try and keep the door/lid at least slightly ajar. It prevents bad odours, or even mould, developing.