Things You'll Need:
- Empty milk jugs - gallons and/or 1/2 gallons
- Beverages
- Food and Snacks
- Plastic Food Storage Containers
- Food Storage Bags
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Step 1
The most important lesson I have learned about keeping food cold is to invest in a good cooler. I have done some research and I like Coleman coolers. I'm not saying you need to buy a Coleman, but a Styrofoam cooler is not going to work as well for a week long trip.
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Step 2
Take the empty milk jugs and wash them out thoroughly. Use soap and water and rinse very well. Fill the jugs with 2/3 water. Replace the cap and put into freezer. This will be used as your ice AND as your drinking water so be sure they are clean and free of soap. If you fill the jug with too much water, it will expand and could break open.
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Step 3
Now is is time to pack your cooler. I always bring plenty of drinks, especially when you know the weather will be hot. I prefer the plastic bottles of drink so you can put the lid back on if you don't finish. It is less waste. In addition, it keeps bugs out. Bring a variety of drinks so you don't get bored. Water, lemonade, ice tea, sports drinks and orange juice are good choices. I also take some of the bottles and freeze them to help keep the cooler cold. They are also nice and cold when ready to drink.
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Step 4
Now what about the frozen milk jugs? Well, they are to be put in the cooler and used as ice to keep the food cold. As they melt you can use the water to drink, make coffee, brush your teeth, rinse dishes or to cook. Now you don't have to bring as much water as you thought because it will be in the cooler. If the water is frozen and you need to use it, you can always cut open a jug, put it in a pan and melt it.
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Step 5
Using the frozen milk jugs keep your food cold and keep it from floating. You will get some wetness because the melting does cause some condensation, but not like bags of ice. Because you do get condensation, I recommend using food storage bags to put your food in. For example, hot dogs are put right in a storage bag in their original packaging. This will allow you to open the dogs, eat a couple and store back in the cooler.
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Step 6
Eggs are the toughest items to store. I suggest keeping them on top in a storage shelf. If you cannot find a cooler with the storage shelf, I have found the camping egg holders work great. You can find them at any camping store.
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Step 7
Other foods to pack are items you can make without a fire. An example would be lunchmeat and peanut butter & jelly for making sandwiches,, crackers & cheese, Lunchables, or any other combination you can think of. You have to be prepared to eat in your tent if it is raining and can't make a meal over the fire. You never want to cook in your tent.
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Step 8
Plan each days menu and so you have all the ingredients you need. Choose two additional meals that are quick to prepare. Sometimes you get back to your campsite and just don't feel like making such a mess. Boxed macaroni & cheese, canned ravioli, hot dogs, bratwurst and hamburgers simple.
