Reusable ice packs are a handy invention that allow lunches and drinks to stay cold on hot days, long car rides, or beach trips. They're also a great way to provide medical treatment for various injuries.
As time moves on, manufacturers come up with more ways to improve on the original design. Now there are more designs and models than ever before.
To help you choose the best reusable ice pack, we have put together a handy buying guide full of the information you may want to consider before making your purchase.
Things to consider when buying a reusable ice pack
With so many reusable ice packs on the market, it is difficult to know where to start. Fear not! Our useful list of considerations should help you make the right decision.
How easy is it to use?
Reusable ice packs should be fairly easy to use. Most packs should be prefilled with a gel, beads, or liquid that can immediately be placed in a freezer to start the freezing process. Some packs do require you to fill with water.
What is the size of the pack when frozen?
Depending on the materials of the pack, whether it's canvas or plastics, there might be some expansion as the pack freezes due to the freezing process.
Ingredients
Some packs are prefilled with gel or cooling beads and these packs can easily be used again and again without having to be refilled. For packs that require filling with water, you must ensure that the pack is filled according to the manufacturer's instructions so as to not cause any damage or over expansion in the freezer.
Size
The size of the ice pack you need depends on the size of the cooler or lunch pack you plan to use it with. The great thing about ice packs is that most of them can form to your pack as they melt. If you need an ice pack to be a bit smaller, let it melt a bit and manipulate it around the pack you need it to fit in. For medical purposes, look for ice packs that can cover most bruises or burns, but keep in mind that larger packs will be heavier.
Long-Lasting
If you are looking for a long-lasting pack, you should take a careful look at the materials that the pack is made of. Packs that have a gel or bead interior can often hold their temperature longer than traditional water packs.
Effectiveness
The most effective packs have protective layers and include both inner and outer layers that provide cooling while resisting melting.