Meta: Wondering if you should bring regular ice or dry ice on your camping trip? Check out our guide to see which one is better for you.
We’ve all been there – trying to keep our food and drinks cold on a camping trip, only to find that everything has melted by the time we’re ready to eat. No one wants to eat a lukewarm hot dog or drink a room-temperature soda, but sometimes it feels like there’s no avoiding it. That is unless you know the right ice for your cooler.
Dry ice is the better choice for both its cooling power and durability, making it the ideal choice for camping trips. It doesn’t melt like regular ice & more accessible to store and transport than regular ice, as it doesn’t require a constant power source to keep it frozen. Where regular ice will only retain your food cold for a few hours, but it is a cheaper & safer option.
Go ahead and read on to get all of the details about dry ice vs. regular ice before your next camping trip!
Table of Contents
Application of Using Dry Ice
Dry ice is the frozen form of carbon dioxide gas and is -109.5°F (-78.5°C). As the name suggests, dry ice doesn’t melt – it sublimates, meaning it goes directly from a solid to a gas. Dry ice is commonly used in coolers to keep food and drinks cold. It’s also famous for its use in scientific experiments, as it can be used to create a foggy effect.
To use dry ice in a cooler, place it on the bottom and cover it with a layer of regular ice. This will help insulate the dry ice and prevent your food from coming into direct contact with it.
You can also use a styrofoam box specially designed for storing dry ice. These boxes have holes to let carbon dioxide gas out and stop pressure from building up.
For camping, you want to use as much dry ice as possible to keep your food and drinks cold. A good rule of thumb is to use one pound (0.45 kg) of dry ice every 24 hours you’ll be camping.
You can also use dry ice to keep your cooler cold on the way to your campsite. Simply pack the dry ice into your cooler and cover it with a towel. The towel will help insulate the dry ice and prevent it from sublimating too quickly.
Pros of Dry Ice
1. Dry ice is colder than regular ice – Dry ice has a temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees Celsius), which is almost 110 degrees colder than ordinary ice. It means it can keep your food and drinks cold for longer.
2. Doesn’t melt – As dry ice sublimates, it doesn’t leave behind any water as regular ice does. This makes it ideal for use in coolers, as you won’t have to worry about your food getting soggy from melted ice water.
3. More durable than regular ice – The fact that dry ice doesn’t melt is advantageous because it means there’s a lesser chance of it breaking or chipping than regular ice. This makes it the perfect choice to use in coolers as opposed to normal ice due to its lack of melting and ability to keep food cold.
Cons of Dry Ice
1. Dangerous to handle – Dry ice emits carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. This gas is harmful if inhaled, so be sure to ventilate the area where you’re using dry ice. It’s also important to wear gloves when handling dry ice, as it can cause frostbite.
2. It can damage your cooler – As dry ice sublimates, it can cause the walls of your cooler to weaken and even break. This is why it’s essential to use a styrofoam box or layer of regular ice when using dry ice in a cooler.
3. More expensive than regular ice – Dry ice typically costs more than regular ice, so you’ll need to factor this into your budget.
Application of Using Regular Ice
Regular ice, also known as hard ice, is the frozen form of water with a temperature of 32°F (0°C). Unlike dry ice, regular ice will melt when exposed to room temperature. This can be beneficial, as it allows you to use the melting water to keep your cooler cold.
To use regular ice in a cooler, fill it with as much ice as possible. You can also pre-freeze water bottles and use them to keep your cooler cold. The bottles will slowly melt, providing a source of cold water for your food and drinks.
Pros of Regular Ice
1. Simple to find and store – Regular ice can be found in most supermarkets or gas stations. It’s also easy to store, as you can simply keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it.
2. Less expensive than dry ice – Regular ice typically costs less than dry ice, so you’ll need to factor this into your budget. Regular ice costs $0.25 per pound.
3. Regular ice can be used to provide a source of cold water – As regular ice melts, it provides a source of cold water that can be used to keep your food and drinks cold.
4. Easy to handle – Regular ice is easy to handle and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Cons of Regular Ice
1. Regular ice melts – Unlike dry ice, regular ice will melt when exposed to room temperature. It can cause your food and drinks to become soggy and warm.
2. Less cold than dry ice – Regular ice is nearly 80°F (45°C) warmer than dry ice at 32°F (0°C). It means it won’t keep your food and drinks cold for as long.
3. Regular ice can make a mess – As regular ice melts, it can make a mess in your cooler. This is why it’s crucial to have a plan for dealing with the melting water.
When Should You Use Dry Ice & Regular Ice?
Dry and regular ice is still needed for barbecuing, picnicking, and beach trips. It is important to remember that each type of ice has its unique benefits and drawbacks. If you want to save money or don’t want to risk ruining perishables, regular ice is the way to go.
Conversely, dry ice is the way to go if you need to preserve frozen goods for an extended period, such as when keeping ice cream. Again, handling dry ice with caution is important, as it can be dangerous.
Overall, both types of ice have their own purposes, so it is up to the user to decide which one is best for their needs.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a block or cube of ice that won’t melt and will keep your food and drinks cold for a long time, then dry ice is the way to go. However, handling dry ice with caution is important, as it can be dangerous. Dry ice also typically costs more than regular ice.
If you want a block of economic ice that will be easy to manage, then regular ice is your best bet. Just note that it will melt quickly and could make a mess in your cooler.
