Ice Boxes & Hard Coolers
When power isn't an option, a good ice box is the most reliable way to keep food and drinks cold. OZtrail ice boxes and hard coolers work passively thick insulation and a rugged outer shell hold ice for days, which makes them the go-to for long weekends, fishing trips and anywhere off the grid. No power, no fuss, just cold drinks when you reach in.
From compact 7L coolers for a day out to a 70L ice box built for extended touring, there's a size and style for every trip.
Rotomoulded and built tough
Many OZtrail ice boxes are rotomoulded meaning that the shell is formed in one piece with thick walls and no weak seams, giving strong insulation and a rugged build that stands up to being thrown in the tray, dropped, and knocked about on the tracks.
Practical touches make them easy to live with: secure quick-access lids, ergonomic carry handles, and easy-drain spouts so you can empty melt water without tipping the whole box. Plenty are sturdy enough to double as a seat around the campfire, and tough enough for fishing and boating where they cop salt, sun and spray. A rotomoulded cooler is the pick when you need serious ice retention and a box that can take a beating.
How long will an ice box hold ice?
Ice retention comes down to size, how full you pack it, and the outside temperature. A larger, well-insulated unit like the 70L Ice Box holds ice for several days, while a compact cooler box suits a day trip or a couple of people. As a rule, bigger boxes with thicker walls keep ice longer and packing it full holds temperature better than leaving it half empty.
Wheeled ice boxes
A wheeled ice box like the 50L Wheeled Ice Box lets you tow a full, heavy load instead of carrying it, which makes a real difference getting from the car park to the campsite or the beach. They suit trips where you're packing a lot of food and drink and don't want to make multiple runs, trading a little extra bulk for the convenience of wheels.
What size do I need?
Match the box to your trip length and group size. For a day out or a couple of people, a 7L to 15L cooler is plenty. For a weekend or a family, a 25L to 50L ice box handles food and drinks comfortably. For longer tours or big groups, step up to a 70L for maximum capacity and ice life.
Get the most from your ice box
Pre-chill the box before you pack it, keep it in the shade, and open the lid only when you need to. Swapping loose ice for ice bricks and gel packs helps a lot, they freeze harder, last longer, and keep your food out of the melt water. Browse the full range of OZtrail ice boxes and hard coolers online, or head back to camping fridges & coolers for powered fridges and the rest of your cooling setup.