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The refrigerator is an indispensable part of the summer months spent outdoors. It’s a constant companion ready to deliver refreshing drinks and cold snacks whenever and wherever you need them.

But what if you’ve been packing it wrong all this time?

While most of us are content to dump a bag of ice into a cooler, throw in a few cans, and call it a day, there are techniques that can help you maximize the performance of your cooler and ensure perfect portable refreshment every time.

Start with the refrigerator itself.

Naturally, the better the quality of the refrigerator, the better the results. A cheap foam cooler from the supermarket is certainly convenient, but you get what you pay for. There are two factors to consider when selecting a cooler: the length of time you need to run the cooler and the distance you will need to transport it. Coolers are a better option for longer trips because they tend to have more insulation, but that bulk can add weight. A soft cooler is better if you need to take it to a distant campsite or the beach because it is lighter to carry and more flexible. The downside is that they may not offer as much insulation.

Don’t just take that cooler and walk away.

But the most important step in preparing for a refrigerator is the one that most people tend to overlook. Preparation is everything when it comes to achieving maximum refrigerator efficiency. For starters, you can freeze your water bottles the night before to help keep the cooler fresh and stay ice cold for much longer. In fact, any snack you can freeze beforehand will help.

Yeti experts also point out a vital first step that few people probably take. Before loading your cooler, pre-chill it. Most of us grab a cooler from a hot garage or attic and fill it with ice, not realizing that the heat trapped inside will begin to melt the ice almost immediately. Yeti recommends adding an ice pack or a few frozen water bottles hours before packing and then storing the cooler in a cool, shady place until you’re ready.

Some other useful ways to take your A-game to a higher level

• Separate food and drinks if possible. People are more likely to have drinks than sandwiches, and the constant opening and closing of the lid can draw in more hot air, which can defrost food more quickly. If you can, have a separate cooler for food (one that is well marked) and another for drinks.
• You can add your own DIY extra insulation, especially in soft coolers, by filling the outer bags with ice packs. This way, you will have ice on the inside and more cold coming from the outside.
• If your cooler is going to be sitting in hot beach sand all day, consider getting a mat, towel, or even a small portable stool to keep it on so it’s not in direct contact with the sand and works better for longer. (And if you’re going to sit there too, don’t forget the right sunscreen.)
• Use all the space you have available. Packing the cooler well prevents air spaces, which can speed up the defrosting process.

Now go and relax.

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