I used to go through a lot of ice when I went camping even though I have a good quality cooler. Ice from the camp store or from a local gas station always melted fast, usually in a day.

Now I fill plastic milk jugs, plastic water bottles, and plastic juice bottles with water nearly full, leaving an inch or two for expansion; and freeze them. Then when I’m packing my coolers for camping; I pull those jugs out of the freezer as ice packs. Plus they stay frozen for at least a couple days. I’ve had a gallon jug stay frozen for 5 days.

If they completely thaw while I’m still camping; I use the water in them for cooking and washing up dishes.

The best part is that they are free. Now, rather than spending $10 or $20 on ice when camping, plus having to take time to go find it, I use my homemade ice packs.