While planning an Alaskan backpacking adventure, you may wonder which supplies are essential and which can be left behind. One item that shouldn’t be overlooked is the cooler backpack, which can make all the difference in your enjoyment of outdoor excursions. Below, we’ll discuss why using a cooler backpack while backpacking in Alaska is essential and provide some tips on enhancing your outdoor adventure.
Backpack Cooler Reason #1 – Keep Your Food Fresh
The most significant advantage of using a cooler backpack is that you can keep your food fresher longer than if you were carrying it in a regular backpack. This is especially important when you are out for days since you cannot access refrigerated storage or ice packs. With a cooler backpack, you can easily store perishables without worrying about them going bad before eating them.
There are several different, more astonishing choices, and the guys at Shaggy Outdoors have put together some excellent options. For more information, check out their Best Cooler Backpacks for 2023 review.
Backpack Cooler Reason #2 – Keep Yourself Hydrated
Another benefit of having a cooler backpack is that it helps keep you hydrated during hikes. Many cooler backpacks come with pockets specifically designed to hold water bladders, while the interior of the pack stores bottles filled with sports drinks.
Being hydrated on the trail makes for an enjoyable journey.
Using a cooler backpack will ensure that you have enough cold fluids during long days spent exploring Alaska’s wilderness, helping prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Backpack Cooler Reason #3 – Stay Organized Using a Backpack
Finally, a cooler backpack won’t limit your space for carrying gear. Like those made by ICEMULE, a larger pack has space for other key backpacking gear essentials. Use a larger backpack for multi-day adventures that can handle more gear and provide more Cooler space.
When you have more space, don’t exceed your weight capacity. Being comfortable with a pack will make your trip the most enjoyable. But, using a larger pack with more space gives you room to put portable hiking stoves or additional clothing.
Best Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Cooler Backpack
You want to start the process when using any cooler by cooling down the interior.
The best way to cool the interior of the cooler is with ice. Depending on the size of the cooler, you may need 1/2 to 1 full bag of ice to get the cooler cooled down. You may need to place the ice in the cooler for 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the cooler.
This time will allow the cooler to get acclimated to lower temperatures. Once cooled, remove the initial ice and be prepared to use a new bag of ice.
Now that the cooler is cooled down cool down your contents. Don’t put room temperature, hot beverages, or food items in the cooler. This temperature difference will make the cooler heat up.
Once your food and drinks are cooled down, it’s time to pack the backpack. Keep the heavier items to the bottom and the lighter items and breakables to the top.
When Is a Cooler Backpack Handy when Hiking?
Recently, I took my wife on a day hike. We’ve been hiking for 30 years, but I took our new ICEMULE Jaunt 15L this time. I had a few bottles of water in the cooler, but my wife didn’t know I had a few bottles of beer.
The cooler worked perfectly for taking the beer on the hiking trip. The beer was still cold after 4 hours on the trail. I cooled the cooler down and put the beer in the freezer about an hour ahead.
What a great hike and perfect surprise for my wife.
Conclusion
When planning an Alaskan hiking and backpacking adventure, one item that should never be overlooked is the cooler backpack—it’s essential if you want fresh food, cold beverages, and a successful trip! With its ability to carry perishables, hydrate its user, and stay organized with room for additional gear, there’s no question why this item should be part of every adventurer’s checklist when venturing into Alaska’s great outdoors!
So grab your gear—and don’t forget the cooler backpack!