3 must-have items in your cooler to enjoy every summer outing

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
·3-min read

Spending time by the water on a hot summer's day can be bliss, especially if you're well-prepared with a cooler full of cold beverages and maybe a snack or two.

Packing your cooler with all the essentials and keeping them cold can be a challenge. So here are some tips to ensure your cooler is primed to help you beat the heat.

Watch this video for some cooler packing tips you might have never heard about.

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Three items to pack in your cooler

Your cooler harbors delicious drinks and snacks, but consider going one step further and throwing in some of these multi-purpose items before you leave the house.

  • Ice

Of course, this one is a necessity for any cooler, but consider making your own giant ice blocks instead of filling your cooler with smaller cubes.

To make an ice block, fill a container with fresh, drinkable water and freeze it with the lid on. It will take about 24 hours to freeze solid, so make sure you do this ahead of time. Once frozen, place the entire container in your cooler and pack your beverages and snacks around it.

A solid block of ice will melt slower and keep your cooler cold longer. But once it does begin to melt, you have a cold, refreshing beverage. That's a win-win!

If you're looking for a smaller alternative, consider using frozen water bottles or making your own gel ice pack.

  • Sunscreen

Keeping your sunscreen in the cooler when you're out on a hot day is a great way to remember to reapply it. Plus, it'll feel nice and refreshing when you're putting it on.

  • Waterproof plastic bag

Waterproof plastic bags with a secure seal are essential when you're planning to be on or near water. They are great at protecting things like your wallet, keys, and cell phone from water and sand. However, if your phone does happen to go for a little swim, that's ok. There's an easy way to get the water out.

Packing sunscreen in a sealable waterproof bag will keep the contents of your cooler safe from any potential SPF messes. If you're ditching the cooler and opting for a backpack or tote, throw a small, sweatproof ice pack in the waterproof bag with your sunscreen to keep it cool.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cooler, ice chest essentials to pack this summer

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