10 Surprising Things You Can Keep in Your Premium Cooler
When you think of your trusty cooler, what comes to mind? Probably ice-cold drinks, neatly packed sandwiches, and maybe some steaks for the campfire grill. For decades, the humble cooler has been the unsung hero of picnics, beach days, and camping trips. But as technology has evolved, so has the cooler.
The modern, high-performance cooler is an entirely different beast—a marvel of insulation technology designed for maximum thermal retention.
We at the proudly Canadian Chilly Moose have perfected the art of keeping things cold (or hot!) for days on end. This incredible efficiency opens up a world of possibilities far beyond the typical weekend fare.
Your cooler doesn’t just work as a portable fridge. It’s a versatile gear-protecting, food-preserving, adventure-enabling machine. It's time to unlock its full potential.
Here are 10 surprising things you can, and should, be keeping in your cooler.
1. Sensitive Electronics
In our hyper-connected world, we rarely venture out without our gadgets. Smartphones, cameras, drones, battery packs, and laptops are often our companions on outdoor adventures.
The problem? Extreme heat is the mortal enemy of lithium-ion batteries and delicate circuitry. Leaving a smartphone on a car dashboard or on a picnic blanket in direct sun can lead to overheating, permanent battery damage, or even a complete system failure.
How to store it: Place your electronics in a sealed, waterproof bag (like a ziplock or dry bag) to protect them from any potential moisture from condensation or melting ice. Then, set them on a dry rack or in a basket inside the cooler, away from direct contact with ice packs. Your cooler will act as a personal safe, regulating the temperature and keeping your expensive gear protected from the sweltering summer heat.
Important note: Make sure you don’t store your electronics in coolers with freezing temperatures, or condensation will form on your gadgets when you take them out and they begin to warm up.
2. Life-Saving Medications
This might be the most important and surprising item on our list. Many essential medications, such as insulin, EpiPens, certain antibiotics, and eye drops, must be stored within a specific temperature range to remain effective. A family camping trip or a long day at the lake can pose a serious risk if these medications are left in a hot car or backpack.
A high-quality cooler can literally be a lifesaver. It provides a stable, cool environment that ensures your medication remains safe and potent, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the great outdoors. Always consult your pharmacist for specific temperature requirements and pack medications in a clearly labelled, waterproof container.
3. A Pre-Made Charcuterie or Cheese Board
Imagine this: you’ve just finished a long hike to a scenic lookout. Instead of pulling out a squashed granola bar, you open your cooler to reveal a perfectly chilled, beautifully arranged charcuterie board. Impossible? Not at all.
The superior insulation of our modern premium coolers means you can prepare a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board at home, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and transport it safely for hours. The cheese will stay firm, the cured meats will remain fresh, and the fruit will be crisp and cool. It’s an instant way to elevate any outdoor experience from rustic to refined.
4. Your Skincare and Toiletries
Ever had a tube of lip balm melt into a waxy puddle in your car? Or applied sunscreen that felt unpleasantly warm on your skin? Your cooler is the perfect solution. Many skincare products, especially organic or natural ones, can degrade in high heat.
Store your sunscreen, aloe vera gel, facial mists, and even moisturizers in a sealed bag inside your cooler. Not only does this preserve their integrity, but applying cool aloe vera to a fresh sunburn or spritzing your face with a chilled mist on a humid day is a sensation of pure bliss.
5. Keeping Things HOT
Here’s a plot twist: your premium cooler is just as good at keeping things hot as it is at keeping them cold. The same insulation that prevents external heat from getting in also prevents internal heat from getting out. This completely changes the game for potlucks, tailgating, and fall gatherings.
You can cook a chilli, a stew, or a batch of pulled pork at home, place the hot pot inside your cooler (wrapped in towels for extra insulation and to prevent rattling), and it will still be steaming hot hours later when you arrive at your destination. This is perfect for bringing a hot dish to a family gathering or a quiet, reflective campfire meal on a late October evening, perhaps for the Thanksgiving Long Weekend.
6. Pet Food
Our furry friends are part of the family, and they often join us on our adventures. If you feed your pet wet or raw food, you know how quickly it can spoil in the heat, attracting bacteria and pests. Stashing their meals in the cooler ensures their food stays fresh, safe, and appetizing, keeping your four-legged companion happy and healthy throughout your trip.
7. Salad Greens and Fresh Herbs
There’s nothing more disappointing than packing a healthy salad for lunch only to open it and find a wilted, soggy mess. Leafy greens and delicate herbs are extremely susceptible to heat. By storing your pre-made salad or even just a bag of washed greens in your cooler, you guarantee a crisp, refreshing, and satisfying meal. This also works wonders for keeping herbs like cilantro and parsley fresh for campfire cooking.
8. Film for Analog Photography
For the growing community of film photographers, heat is a constant concern. Film emulsions are sensitive to high temperatures, which can cause colour shifts, increased grain, and a general loss of quality. Whether you’re a professional shooting a destination wedding or a hobbyist capturing a road trip on 35mm, your cooler is the best way to protect your investment. Keep your unused film rolls in a ziplock bag inside the cooler to ensure your shots turn out exactly as you envisioned.
9. Chilled Towels
On a truly scorching day, whether you’re at a kid’s soccer tournament, on a boat, or just relaxing in the backyard, a cold towel can feel like a miracle. Before you leave the house, soak a few small hand towels in water, wring them out, roll them up, and place them in a sealed bag in your cooler. When the heat becomes unbearable, pulling one out and placing it on your neck or forehead provides instant, glorious relief.
10. The Perfect Water for Sous Vide
This one is for the culinary adventurers. Sous vide cooking requires holding a water bath at a precise temperature for a long period. A premium cooler is an exceptionally well-insulated container, making it a perfect vessel for an improvised sous vide setup. You can get the water to your target temperature with a kettle or immersion circulator, place your vacuum-sealed food inside, and the cooler will maintain that temperature for an incredibly long time with minimal energy loss. It’s a brilliant way to cook a perfect steak at the campsite.
More Than Just a Box
Your premium cooler is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you own. It’s a guardian for your electronics, a portable pantry for gourmet meals, a first-aid essential, and even a mobile oven. The next time you’re packing for an adventure, think beyond the drinks and sandwiches. By getting creative, you can unlock a new level of comfort, convenience, and safety on all your journeys.
Have more questions about finding the perfect cooler for your adventures? Our team would love to help! Get in touch with us today.