4 Reasons Frozen Jugs Beat Ice Packs in a Cooler

They stay frozen longer A half-gallon frozen jug has less surface area per volume than multiple small ice packs, so it thaws more slowly in a cooler.

They won’t leak chemicals If a frozen jug cracks, it only spills water—not the slime or gel that can leak from broken ice packs.

They give you cold drinking water Once the jug melts, you have a supply of clean, cold water to drink, which ice packs cannot provide.

They cost nothing Fill empty milk jugs or soda bottles with tap water and freeze them. This is cheaper than buying gel packs or dry ice for day trips or overnight camping.