Choosing your own outdoor Cooler Bag can be considered from the following aspects:
First, capacity size
Determine the capacity of the ice pack based on your outdoor activity needs and the number of people. If you are doing a day hike alone, you may only need a smaller ice pack to carry some drinks and snacks, about 10-20 liters will be enough. However, if you are camping with a family or a group picnic, you will need a large capacity of ice packs, such as more than 30 liters, so that you can hold enough food, drink and other items.
Second, cold retention performance
Insulation material: High quality insulation material can effectively keep the cold inside the ice pack. Common insulation materials are polyurethane foam, pearl cotton and so on. Check the product description or consult your sales staff to learn about the insulation used in the ice pack and its properties. For example, polyurethane foam has a good insulation effect and can keep the internal temperature low for a long time.
Sealing performance: Good sealing can prevent the leakage of cold air and the entry of external hot air. Check the seal of the zipper, lid and other parts of the ice pack to ensure that the seal is tight. You can gently press the seal with your hand to feel its tightness.
Third, durability
Material: Choose a durable material, such as high strength nylon, polyester fiber, etc. These materials have wear-resistant, waterproof, tear resistant characteristics, can adapt to a variety of complex outdoor environments. For example, ice packs made of nylon are not easily damaged by scratches or minor collisions with branches.
Stitches and workmanship: carefully check whether the stitches of the ice pack are neat and firm, and there is no off-line or broken line. Fine workmanship ice packs are less likely to have quality problems during use.
Fourth, portability
Weight: Try to choose a light ice pack, especially if you need to hike for a long time or carry other gear. Heavy ice packs can increase the burden and affect the outdoor experience. You can feel the weight of the ice pack at the time of purchase and choose a relatively light style.
Carrying Method: Consider whether the carrying method of the ice pack is suitable for your activity. Common carrying methods include shoulder and back, hand, adjustable shoulder strap, etc. If you need to move a lot, a shoulder-back ice pack may be more convenient; For short distances, hand-held may be sufficient.
5. Additional functions
Layered design: Layered ice packs can better classify and store items for easy access. For example, food and drinks can be stored separately to avoid squeezing and contaminating each other.
External pockets: Some ice packs come with external pockets that can place some commonly used small items, such as mobile phones, keys, paper towels, etc., for easy access at any time.
Foldability: If your storage space is limited, foldable ice packs are a good option. It can be folded up when not in use to save space.