Cooler Hack! How to Build SUPERCHARGED Reusable Ice Pack Pods

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July 30, 2022: Build a set of supercharged ice pods and keep your cooler COLD!
In this video I will show you how I built a set of supercharged ice pods custom fit to the exact internal dimensions of my cooler. These pods freeze at a temperature of around 26 degrees so they will help keep your cooler colder than ordinary ice will.
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[@Sushihunter250]

Back when I was guiding, I just used 2 Litre Coke bottles filled with salt water. They fit the cooler perfectly. I could easily get two days use out of them. Another advantage was that I could dump the water after they thawed to make it easier to transport home to be refilled.

[@scottleggejr]

I used 50/50 with RV winterizing fluid (ethylene glycol - NOT the same stuff as car anti-freeze) and the other half water. Does the same thing and gets colder than salt water, but a little more $$$. Cheers and cold beers 😂

[@intractablemaskvpmGy]

@@scottleggejr I'm going to try this. I usually deep freeze 1L bottles with plain water

[@johannvanderschyff7735]

2 liter bottles takes too much space.

[@JoshJackson13]

@@johannvanderschyff7735 I just freeze my drinking water bottles. Then drink them last. 2 fish with one worm or is it 2 birds one worm. Anyway you get the point

[@shanefowler3504]

​@@intractablemaskvpmGytry using near boiling water with about 390g of salt

[@azycray4801]

In case your interested, the only difference between the purple primer and the clear cleaner in the yellow can is the purple dye. They came out with the purple primer around the early 80's so the plumbing inspector could tell whether or not you used a cleaner/primer before the solvent weld. So unless you are getting a plumbing inspection, I always use the clear cleaner in the yellow can because the purple will stain anything it touches. Just FYI

[@docyoungblood9521]

oh??? read the can...the clear is labeled cleaner...the purple is labeled primer they are not interchangeable

[@azycray4801]

@@docyoungblood9521 I'm a retired master plumber, the only difference is the dye, and the obvious use of the word primer or cleaner. Same stuff, does the same thing.

[@williamfowler616]

do what? the purple stain is to identify sewage waste lines. what plumbing idiot told you this story?

[@azycray4801]

@@gwebster6600 I think you are wrong, but of course who knows? That would only make sense if people were buying both products. As a plumber I had both on my truck, but Harry homeowner will only be buying one.

[@williamfowler616]

@@gwebster6600 how would making two different cans and two different colors of primer that cost the same amount double how much they make since it takes the same amount of cleaner to clean the pipe whether clear or purple, they did it to mark sanitation lines so you could tell them apart and not mix them up later after they were buried. go read some plumbers building code books then come back with an idea of what you are talking about please.

[@F0XD1E]

Maybe some food coloring in the solution would be good so you could tell if they're leaking. Cool idea!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

That's a good idea! I'll probably do that with the next batch. Thanks!

[@jamescostello6529]

Old irrigation tech here. Always apply glue to the pipe and fitting. They will go all the way in and that will be a forever seal.

[@hunterfishman7119]

THANKS CAPTIAN OBVIOUS!

[@robertb2744]

​@@hunterfishman7119he didn't do so in the video though

[@JBarnes917]

@@hunterfishman7119bro you ok? Lol

[@jasongixxer6438]

Yep, thought the same thing as I was watching> "he didnt primer/glue inside the end caps"

[@greenroomgal]

He also is using 1" not 1 1/4 as the he says

[@jjf201b]

Handy ice pack for sure - Not bashing here, just my humble "not a scientist" opinion: Once fresh water freezes at 32f, only the can the ice be chilled to lower tempuratures. The only difference I see here is that the salt water will remain liquid below 32f until it reaches its lower freezing point where only then can it be chilled to a lower tempurature. Either way, both fresh water and salt water ice packs will be chilled to whatever your freezer is set to. The salt water ice pack will melt before a fresh water pack. If somehow the tranfer of heat occurs at a different rate in fresh water ice than in salt water ice would this hack be valuable. I do know from my Dive Class days that water transfers heat 4 times faster than air. That means that salt water chilled to near or at its freezing temp will be colder than frash water near or at its freezing point. This will definitly cool your cooler items faster but not longer. Faster than all ice too with the limitation of only cooling to eaches freezing point. Any other thoughts out there?

[@SOGOnic]

Been using these for years in my lunch box. I made 5 and just rotate 2 per day to keep my stuff cold. Great explanation Josh

[@gregkrueger331]

How does the pvc hold up? I’m going to make a few today but I’m probably gonna go with ABS just because it’s more suited for cold than pvc.

[@brooktrout1477]

@@gregkrueger331I think over time abs would be more brittle

[@StonedDead1981]

Those would look great with my PVC rod holders. Heat formed half a 1 1/4" pipe to be basically L channel and cut a point for ground penetration. They hold up very well in rocky banks and being driven with a mallet. I can imagine PVC ice packs would hold up quite well.

[@Ball_drips]

If your freezer is set to 1*F then your ice, whether it is salt water or plain water will be 1*F. The salt water, will melt faster since the freezing point is lower. Once your cooler hits say 26*f, the salt ice will melt but the plain ice will still be frozen. However, i still believe this can be more effective that cubed ice since the larger block of ice will take longer to melt

[@shawnr771]

I fill big juice bottles with salt water. Works the same just more mass to unfreeze. They work great in insulated grocery bags.

[@leschab]

Like how the end caps act as standoffs from adjacent pipes and cooler bottom. Good air flow. Makes me think they might work good in swamp cooler air conditioner build. Cool.

[@UnknownUser-fe5zu]

I live in the desert and honestly that’s the best idea I have heard to cool that air even more, and lower the amount of moisture 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@mistersamdi]

my thoughts exactly :)

[@RoseBud-fk4qg]

Make 4 inch 3 ft long to put in you freezer when you don't have enough food to keep it full and if power go out it can last a few more hours to stay frozen

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I'm not sure that 3ft would fit into my freezer, but I like where you're going with this. Here in the Midwest, storm season can wreak havoc on freezers.

[@MattnUska]

Great idea. I have used vacuum bags before filled with salt water. Make great ice packs/heat packs as well.

[@joshuanattinger9694]

Thanks man. Love that they are able to be made custom. The ice packs I bought online never fit right and take up too much space in the cooler and the freezer at home. Definitely going to do this.

[@jerryg957]

Zip lock freezer bags, no fuse no muse. Like they say what ever floats your boat. Thanks for posting

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Absolutely. Whatever works. I've got a ton of frozen water bottles also.

[@consciousobjector2507]

Yours wouldn't work for me, I'm terrified of fuses, and I often muse. Whatever works for you I guess.

[@Lefishn]

Fuss and muss.....lmao

[@imanassole9421]

I always just use 1 or 2 frozen gallons of water. They last way longer, plus you can use the water. If you prep your cooler (get it cold already) the day before your ice will last about a week. Longer if you have a good cooler.

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks. I love these diy ideas.

[@paintedwarrior516]

I use half gallon plastic jugs, sometimes gallon size. I find they last longer, I already have some, and can pitch them if they crack. Just don't ever drink the water inside

[@lespearson3801]

You can also use isopropyl alcohol as it's freezing point is -128⁰F. About 25% by volume in water gives you a nice slush at -30⁰ F. so you get less expansion, and no rigid lattice to stress your container. Just notice your concentration if using 70%. Just do the math and account for it being 30% water already. It's not critically important to get it just right. Close enough will work fine.

[@wrongninja3847]

Is that with the salt or instead of the salt?

[@lespearson3801]

@wrongninja3847 instead of salt. Lower freezing temperatures and no corrosion if you lose containment. It remains slushy at lower temperatures.

[@F0XD1E]

​@@lespearson3801You do want it to freeze solid though, because the phase transfer between solid to liquid is where the real energy is at. If the alcohol solution is only a slush, it's sacrificing a lot of heat sink potential.

[@lespearson3801]

@F0XD1E that's why you dilute with water. If you use a deep freeze and mix it 25%, it will become solid at about -30⁰f.

[@UguysRnuts]

For canoe trips and trekking, bringing single purpose ballast makes no sense whatsoever. Freeze Gatorade bottles for the saltwater effect and use your favourite booze instead of isopropyl alcohol! When it melts you can have cocktails and you won't be hauling around useless weight.

[@broderickgillum8854]

Thanks I going to try this.I have plenty pvc pipe. And glue

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Those things look bullet-proof.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

They live a rough life in my bait cooler and so far I haven't had any break.

[@landongooding7461]

Awesome idea. FYI the primer must be still wet when the glue/cement is applied.

[@bgat911]

I thought the same...also, I've not seen anyone put the primer and glue on top like that.. I've seen primer on one end and glue on the other then attach.. you can get primer in the glue by mixing them...

[@StitchJones]

Very helpful video. Thank you very much.

[@skinnywaterboys6108]

I used the ideal from my rabbits. SWEET!!!!!!

[@garrybrooks4451]

Instead of salt, consider using isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol. At 60/40 water to alcohol, freezing temperature drops more than 20 degrees not just 3 or 4.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I have actually been working on doing a video making homemade reusable ice packs. My daughter will be helping me with that one and we're Making the alcohol type and a non toxic type that's good for kids lunchboxes. We had hoped to get it uploaded last Saturday, but ran out of time.

[@garrybrooks4451]

I look forward to catching it

[@jakeski3142]

The freezing point does not matter. Put fresh water and salt water in a 0° freezer and both waters will be ice and their temp will be…0°.

[@PERSONAL-cs3mq]

Add cotton as well to keep the frozen temperatures longer!

[@lodwill5116]

I did not care much. Till I thought. This would help keep your stuff off water at the bottom. Of cooler. No more floating hot dogs.lolz😮

[@jerryjones7293]

I really appreciate your format and the great information. The blue ice units are clumsy and expensive.

[@valdius85]

It does not matter if the liquid becomes solid or not. It matters how much heat the "ice pack" can absorb from the surroundings. If someone does not care about weight, then rocks might work better. They weigh over twice as much so will be able to absorb more heat. Obviously this solution comes with downsides as well. If anything, adding a specific sand to these pipes might help.

[@questfortruth9239]

I think a rubber bladder would be better for the container because when the water freezes and it expands, the are stuck inside the PVC might cause the pipes to break

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@questfortruth9239a rubber bladder like a hot water bottle would probably work great. As far as pvc, that's why you take expansion into account when filling. The air that remains compresses, yes. But that pressure is far lower than what is typically held in a household water supply. Plus, pvc is quite capable of handling even more pressure than that. Definitely learned that years ago when we used to make potato cannons.

[@WilliamBowden-u7n]

That’s a great idea thanks.

[@teamsnagginwhiskers-dustin753]

Nice, I will have to try this!! Great video 💪

[@thomasroth4695]

-40 deg animal safe drain antifreeze or beet juice yes its what goes into tractor tires stayes cold a LONG TIME

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Absolutely!

[@shepatown]

I was making ice bags that don't freeze solid with 1/2 isopropyl alcohol and 1/2 water in double ziploc bags for sore joints. Wondering if this solution might prevent expansion and contraction of the contents of an ice pack pod and maybe you could fill them up completely and get more cold output from a higher mass content.

[@georgewashington938]

I use used 1 liter soda bottles full of plain water in my cooler.

[@NYVET48TFW]

Cold air falls, heat rises...putting them on the bottom of the cooler is inefficient. Great idea, best if used above what you want to keep cold.

[@UguysRnuts]

Not really. You'd have to keep your cooler open to dig through the ice packs to whatever you're going for and then relayer the ice packs again before putting the lid back on. Camp food needs different storage temps so being cooler at the bottom and less cold at the top works to your advantage. I start with dry ice in the bottom, then some frozen bottles of Gatorade and Fiji water (the square bottles are more space efficient) then the prefrozen vacuum sealed meats and finally the more delicate perishables like produce and dairy on top. I have milk, eggs and meat for a full week and ice cold Gatorade on the way home.

[@artvr2961]

I just freeze some bottles of water, put them in the cooler, they cool the contents and are available to drink when they melt

[@budwilliams6590]

Pure water freezes at 32 degrees, but it continues to get colder than 32 degrees after it freezes. Adding salt to the water so it freezes at a lower temperature doesn't make the ice colder. Freezing bottled water is the way to go here. No need to buy PVC. You can also use the bottled water as drinking water or you can refreez for the next trip.

[@armedmariner]

My wife is an expert at packing a cooler for road trips or to bring home the fish. She always freezes water bottles. We buy the 40-pack cases at Walmart. She throws them in the freezer a couple days ahead. They get solid. The plastic is so thin it expands with the water (kinda like a balloon would). I have never seen a frozen water bottle rupture the seal or split. The great news is when it is ungodly hot here in Louisiana she’ll pull one of them out while we are fishing and we sip the ice cold water as it melts. That is very refreshing. I can always count on my wife remembering to freeze up a half dozen bottles. If I go on a long haul business trip she packs me a small lunch box sized soft cooler and if she throws two frozen bottles in there it stays cold in there for a couple days.

[@ilovelalakers]

Water freezes or thaws at 32 degrees F (phase change). So, while ice may get colder than 32 degrees after it is frozen, it will be 32 degrees during the time it is freezing or thawing, which is higher than the phase change temperature of salt water. Might make a difference if you have ice cream or something else in the cooler that you want to keep frozen.

[@t.c.2776]

Considering the current price of PVC Pipe, End Caps, and Cement... I'd suggest it would be cheaper to buy 2 appropriate sized premade freezer packs...

[@unclesixer]

If you add salt to fresh-water ice, it will speed cooling. But if there is already salt in the ice, i don't see much difference in 0 degree salt water ice vs 0 degree fresh water ice. I believe salt water actually has lower "specific heat" which would work against its absorption of heat. But i do like the idea of the custom fit and reuse!

[@Lefishn]

100% correct and was going to say same thing. No matter if water or ice water it will be same temperature as whatever the freezer is set at. Nothing super about it

[@unionse7en]

yep specific heat is the downside, also I like the ability to have possibly cold freshwater reserves on hand. Besides the Specific Heat, we need to consider the temperature differential, and increased rate of heat transfer/drive depending on the starting temp of the objects we add . This video covers it pretty well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXvLYYSbgLl1btE

[@Lefishn]

@@unionse7en I've always used plastic water bottles like Dasani or Auqafina cause they double as drinking water. Freeze lots of them and take one out to slowly thaw while having ice cold water

[@scottleggejr]

​@@LefishnSame. Or buy an ice machine because you can lose the weight as it melts by draining water. You can have a hot+heavy cooler with reusable ice - yuck.

[@Lefishn]

@scottleggejr why you worrying about weight? If you can lift and move when full then it will actually get lighter as your drink your beverages. Plus you want to keep cold water in a cooler to 360* surround your items with ice cold water. If you drain water you will lose so much of the cooling factor. You need to watch some KZbin videos on draining water and leaving just ice compared to leaving both. The ice water is a huge benefit and I try and get water in my cooler. Amateur!!

[@mdsuave13]

Be careful of having people from the ATF go in your cooler or you may wind up downtown explaining what they are for.

[@gregkrueger331]

I’m super leery about the pvc itself. With multiple freeze thaw cycles, it’s almost guaranteed to crack at some point. I love this idea and I’m gonna do it today for mine but I’m gonna substitute the PVC for ABS pipe. I can’t wait to try this out though! Thanks for the idea bud👍

[@cbglassiii9362]

It might be kinda pricey, but you could always upgrade to sch 80 PVC, the dark gray ones, rated for commercial installations. I'd imagine it would hold up much better over time and repeated cycling. Just a thought.

[@MichaelMaduske]

AND it will match the inside of my gray cooler better. Thanks!

[@77bruinbear]

​@@cbglassiii9362problem with that is the super thick plastic walls insulate too well and it seems to not feel that cold to the touch or make the cooler that cold...ask me how I know😅

[@JackSmith-jj3bi]

I made my set 11 years ago. Multiple refreezing every year and never had an issue with breakage. Last elk season I loaned 6 extras I had to my brother for his ice chest. He was amazed how his ice lasted compared to years past. I asked him what he needed for Christmas. He gave me the measurements for the inside of his ice chest. He’s a happy camper.

[@impetus444]

If you leave regular ice cubes in your freezer for a few hours it will get down to the temperature of the freezer, just like the salt water ice. Neither one will be more cold or more warm, adding salt only changes the melting temperature. Congratulations on the view count though, I'm not suggesting you take the video down :) Cheers!

[@fireinacan]

Salt lowers the freezing point of water. The water, no mater what it has dissolved in it, will get as cold as your freezer is set to.

[@ConservativeGenX]

Awesome tip, and tyvm!

[@degvello21]

Awesome idea if you have pvc sitting around... otherwise it cost you more then getting the cheap icepacks

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Since the PVC acts as an insulator, these will never get as cold as ice in a freezer. You're also losing interior space in the cooler from all the volume occupied by the PVC pipe and end caps. A suggestion - don't use cemented end caps. Use a pair of male adapters (one at each end) with a pair of threaded end caps. Once the ice is frozen inside the pipe, simply unscrew the ends, let it melt just slightly to make it easier for the ice to slide out, then push the ice out with a wooden dowel.

[@merkeljohn]

The r value of PVC is relatively low, and all an insulation would do would be to slow the rate of cooling. The ice will get down to freezer temps, no problem.

[@MrSTOUT73]

BS. The water and tube are inert objects, they don't create any warmth so after a while they'll both be the same temperature as whatever your freezer is set at. As far as losing interior space, what do you think will happen if you dumped ice cubes in it?!?

[@reapsgrimley]

just get a mini fridge, an inverter and plug it into your cigarette lighter. if you dont have access to a cigarette lighter get a solar panel and a 12 volt marine battery. sure a bit heavier but you can refreeze everyone else's water sticks.....

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It's situational. I primarily use these in my bait cooler on the boat. I'm not carting a mini fridge out on the boat with me, but it's definitely an option when camping or tailgating.

[@flyingcholla9516]

Just freeze 16 oz Costco water bottles and then you have cold drinking water when thawed. They fit in any cooler!

[@ronmiller682]

Do they stay frozen longer ?

[@CatfishandCrappie]

Thats Cool Literally!

[@Underpantsniper]

Adding salt is pointless. All that matters is the temperature of your freezer.

[@rick4649]

Great tip. Thanks

[@barrykelly2722]

So no issues with the pvc bursting at low temperatures? I assume that was schedule 40 pipe vs thinwall schedule 20?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

No issues with it bursting at all and yes, sch40.

[@goodwater2020]

Thanks Bud

[@zina6581]

Thank you!

[@gregfredrick283]

Doesn’t salt water also melt at a lower temperature?

[@dingo5208]

What's the saltwater solution ratios?

[@kennethd9344]

Thanks

[@randylanglois]

I like this idea but god forbid if any law enforcement looks into my cooler!

[@shadowentity2034]

Step 10: walk through airport security. .....

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Absolutely! It's good for them to get their blood pressure up from time to time!

[@redgreengrass]

How long do these tend to last?

[@KenGray]

Wait?... Regular ice will be the same temp as salt water ice in the same freezer.

[@mikelange8322]

cool idea I think I am going to make some great video

[@drrjohn2020]

Dishwasher safe?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I wouldn't

[@siddo7]

Would this help a electric igloo stay cold?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Couldn't hurt.

[@PlanktoniusRex]

Many problems with this. As others have said here, salt in the water does nothing to change thermal capacity of the packs. Having these at the just bottom of the cooler will allow the top of the cooler to be far too warm. The thickness of the PVC and the gaps between caused by the caps creates a lot of wasted space and too little ice. Ideally, you would need a thick pack that is flat and rectangular that covers all of the bottom and one that covers, and attaches to, the top/lid. There are low-cost products made to do just that. A simple and better solution is to use large empty Gatorade bottles filled to 90% with plain water. I use 16 of these and rotate them 8/8 every single day in a Magellan cooler for our refrigeration in a solar cabin that only has a deep freezer. The method shown here would require taking everything out of the cooler every day and would only last a few hours of cooling the bottom.

[@ftswarbill]

*Do these freeze tubes stay frozen longer than regular ice?* 🤔

[@benjaminlovelace8141]

2 things... 1. Adding salt to the water changes the freezing point of the water in the tube meaning it will take longer to freeze solid when in the freezer but does not change the tubes effect on the cooler contents once the tube is out of the freezer. The temperature and surface area of the tube determine how it effects the air around it. If the substance in the tube is 30 degrees F it has the same cooling effect to the items in the cooler whether it is ice or water at that point inside the tube, it doesn't matter. Note: When using ice with salt to make homemade ice cream the advantage comes from the ice starting out below freezing and changing to liquid, increasing the surface contacting the can with the cream inside, while still below 32 degrees F. In this hack, you negate the surface area advantage by isolating the solution in pipes. 2. Once the tubes have frozen and thawed, a good bit of the salt will likely have precipitated out and present as slush in the bottom of the tube should you wish to open one and look. So in the event you are convinced it makes a difference and do wish to maintain the same saline solution inside the tube, you should probably make sure you bring each tube all the way to room temp and shake each like a paint can pretty thoroughly before refreezing.

[@jakeski3142]

Okay, so hear me out. Salt water freezing at a lower temperature does nothing for us here. It doesn’t help. Unsalted water will freeze at 32/0° and then will get colder if your freezer is colder. The salt doesn’t make the ice colder. It just changes the temp at which the water freezes(it stays water longer)

[@nosecondplace6833]

Just freeze bottled water...And you can drink it...

[@TheWeekendAngler]

In most cases that works perfectly. I throw fresh caught slimy baitfish on top of these. There's absolutely no way I'm drinking a bottled water covered in shad slime. 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@jackspratt44]

Uh... Empty soda bottles work just as well as this. It's what I use in a cooler bag. You fill the bottle half way and turn it on its side in the freezer.

[@colinbutt143]

Use the Same liquid in ziploc bags even easier

[@wpwhittle]

Easier but not as durable. Depends on how often you want to keep making the solution.

[@bstsmanufacturing]

My uncle Burt made something similar when he had a pesky graboid infestation. Worked like a charm!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Dude it took me entirely too long to get this. But this has to be the comment of the year! Thanks!

[@172sbct]

Few household chemicals in the proper proportions. Lol.

[@joeysampaolo8962]

Tt😢

[@ThePhilDEEZ]

Broke into the wrong goddamn rec room!

[@alitlweird]

Your Uncle Burt is the patron saint of Preppers.

[@71160000]

Looked great but being a long time bay fisherman who normally uses a hundred or so quart ice chest and spend many days out in the summer heat I've found that a pair of one gallon milk jugs filled with water and frozen will last for two days and keep all my fish cold at the same time.

[@johnx9318]

Just a suggestion - if you load the pipes with very hot saline water before you seal them, the air inside will be expanded. This will contract when cool, and will provide less pressure on the caps and pipe when the water is frozen.

[@rugershooter5268]

I was thinking bringing it to a boil and filling completely, when it turns to ice it will cause a small vacuum There is a temp that water is expanded equal to ice, if you use that temp when it turns to ice there will be no pressure or suction.....if you fill completely

[@kevinsantascott3688]

@@rugershooter5268 so what is that temp?

[@rugershooter5268]

@@kevinsantascott3688 my guess would be under 100, steam is water expanded more than ice. When we start up cold boiler with level at 60" valves closed, we have to keep draining to keep it from shutting down at 67", but we're going up to 285f under 40psi

[@teamdada2194]

Wtf thats deep

[@piezoman79]

@@kevinsantascott3688there is no temp that water is expanded equal to ice unless you also include its produced gas volume. Ice expands 9% greater than its volume of liquid water, while (near) boiling water will expand up to 4%.

[@crabbingclammingboatcampin4962]

Technically, you need primer and glue in cap, also. Glue cap first. Glue tends to stay liquid longer, due to confinement in the cap. Then glue exterior of pipe. Slip together and give a short twist.you now yave an inspector approved connection.

[@LouisianaSpey]

I approve this message as a maintenance hand at a chemical plant that deals with a lot of CPVC and pvc pipe. Primer is a must before adding the hardner glue.

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

Awesome tip. Tried it myself, was able to get best dissolved salt in water by using pickling salt, it’s much finer and dissolves faster.

[@Kevin-wr9um]

Not sure I'll ever do this but this was one of the best, most complete DIY videos I've ever seen. Good job sir, I'm subscribing just in case.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thank you.

[@EdHeinlein]

Why not just use some old plastic soda bottles, either 1 or 2 liters? They don't break when frozen, and their greater volume will have less surface to volume ratio and stay frozen longer? I personally just use clean plain water and can then use it to drink or cook with if necessary.

[@jfowler7604]

Love the idea for a long weekend-ish trip. When I go way out in the boonies, I'm often out for 6 days or so. A block of ice will last that long and I'm sure these wouldn't. However, when I cast the block to fit in the bottom, I'll bet I'd get an extra day with salt water.

[@Joeyw-2203]

I just use bottled water. Most won't burst when frozen solid. If you are worried about that, just remove about 5% of the water, then freeze solid. You can pick bottles based on the size of your cooler, and it's avaliable to drink in a pinch once it defrosts.

[@RT-qz5ci]

It doesnt have enough salt. It wont get nearly as cold as these. Its a huge difference

[@donhart3782]

NONSENSE!!! Salt water does not get any colder than water without salt when cooled the same way. Water with salt in it needs a lower temperature to freeze. That's because it's now a saline solution and salt does not change it's state at normal water freezing temps. The salt slurry disrupts the natural freeze cycle of water causing it to require a lower temp before freezing. Salt water does not get any colder than water without salt. It may feel colder while freezing because it gets to a lower temperature before freezing. Water and saline are essentially similar when frozen. Water without salt will freeze faster and stay frozen longer than salt water. Neither one of them will be colder than the other over time if they are both cooled to the same temperature to start with. So, essentially, no difference at all between water and saline. Although the PVC pipe is durable, it is not the best solution here. Bottled water can be frozen to well below 0 and is a far better solution as the walls of the bottles are thinner allowing for more water storage in the same space. Water is the number one drink you need while traveling and camping so you will most likely be bringing it unless you like getting your drinking water from a campground system which is not as desirable as filtered, bottled water. We have good water at home so we only use bottled water when traveling or camping. We also carry water from home for camping long term. We use our deep freezer to freeze cases of water to below 0 degrees fahrenheit. The water stays in the freezer year round and is put in the refrigerator to help during power failures. It's replaced when we need it for our coolers. We've never had any bottles explode. Apparently, the plastic used for water bottles can expand somewhat. This wasn't always the case but we have been freezing it for the past 15 years with no problems. @@RT-qz5ci

[@RT-qz5ci]

@@donhart3782 bruh chill out nobody cares i didnt even read all of that. Argue with someone else

[@reyedwardmedina9236]

wahahahahahahahhhahahah. 🤣😂🤣@@RT-qz5ci

[@TxRiverElf]

@@donhart3782 I appreciate the practical alternative... the pvc seems cool... pun intended, but the practical notion of being able to actually drink the 'ice pack' if need be, is a much more efficient use of cooler space. For the record, I did not consider your response in need of 'chilling'... some people just consider information an argument, if their own remarks are challenged. Facts prevail, ultimately. Thanks for bothering to make your point for those of us unafraid of actually reading to learn.

[@sal35plus]

I'm not an angler but stumbled across your video. Very well done and I liked how you walked through each step for anyone who has never measured something like this. Thanks for the video, will have to try this out on my next family camping trip.

[@bryanbiltoft8141]

You didn't know how to measure something?

[@sal35plus]

@@bryanbiltoft8141 I was simply pointing out how thorough he was in his video, thinking of things that others might not have done before. I'm not a content creator and wouldn't have thought that there was a need to point that out either.

[@bryanbiltoft8141]

@@sal35plus This isn't really something to get wrapped around the axel about.

[@markwestphalen6008]

If you’re worried about them cracking fill them with cheap vodka. It will stay liquid to -16f.

[@jpendowski7503]

Thank you for a clear and simple presentation, visual and verbal instructions and readily available supplies. They may not suit all needs but I appreciate the great information.

[@stevejones7574]

So what if salt water freezes at lower temp, unless it somehow increases the thermal mass of the water, it doesn't improve cooling. Smarter to freeze drinking water and bring it along, works just as well, and can save lives in emergency situation.

[@anthonyadams6688]

I have done similar, but I used 1 part 91% rubbing alcohol to 4 parts water in a heavy duty bag. It freezes softly, so you can bend it and mold it around things. I love this idea though!

[@teamdada2194]

Wtf why would you think of that?

[@cuivre2004]

@@teamdada2194 Maybe because some folks know a little more about physical characteristics of chemical properties than the typical Joe Schmoe GED recipient.

[@dougb4956]

@@cuivre2004 Ha ha. Truth.

[@ralphwilliams7411]

I would use schedule 20 pipe. Freeze faster and hopefully work more efficiently. This is a great tip. Glad I ran across this video.

[@carlosvillanueva8530]

If they freeze faster, they will also thaw faster due to less insolation.

[@ilovestitch]

Insulation comes from the cooler. You want the pipe to have as much heat transfer as possible to keep the inside of the cooler cold @@carlosvillanueva8530

[@mexicleburro]

I've never heard of schedule 20 pipe. That's mighty thin.

[@bertbuchanan4198]

Great idea! I’ve used saltwater before but love the pvc pipe addition!

[@Oscar_Cruises]

Seems like you should also prime the inside of the cap.

[@friki-tiki]

I've seen a lot of comments about boiling water or trying to figure out how to keep the pressure down when the water freezes but I have always just filled the pipe with water, stood it on its end in the freezer with the one cap off. When it freezes, cut the overflow of ice off and then cap it.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@friki-tiki not a horrible idea.

[@hugchopshop8904]

Can also freeze Gatorade. Since you can drink it when it melts, you didn't "give up" any cooler space.

[@ilovelalakers]

I like the way you think. I do the same with water or juice. The larger the container, the longer it lasts.

[@ladamyre1]

I tell you how to make them last longer and "freeze" much colder. 1 - Fill them with lead shot first, to the top, 2 - Fill them the rest of the way with anti-freeze, yup, ethylene glycol coolant. Put those in your freezer chest and you'll be able to get them down to sub-zero temperatures, well below zero, and the added mass of the lead will give you weeks of cold pods in an even mediocre cooler. For maximum efficiency you can get some lead and make a mold for it so it will fit in the bottom of your cooler. Screw some sheet metal to it to be a "false bottom" so it won't contaminate the food, and put that in your freezer. Remember, those pods are just heat sinks, they're absorbing heat so the rest of your stuff stays cold. The more massive the heat sink, and the colder you can get it, the longer your stuff will stay cold. Theoretically you can get lead lower than -100 degrees! In a cheap styrofoam cooler that would last a month or more.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@ladamyre1 dude that's awesome! I have hundreds of pounds of lead. I may try this!

[@chrism64]

What’s an estimate of how much weight would be added?

[@chipsmith7459]

Wow!!! I never thought about using lead. I looked up the heat storage capability, 34 btu per pound, almost 3 times more heat/cooling then water by weight. Plus factor in that lead is much denser by maybe (I'm guessing) 8-9 times more than water. I calculate that a gallon of lead could heat my house for over a week!!!! However, regulators would have a field day on your idea.... 😞

[@stuartpearce2997]

Excellent idea, and execution. I learned some valuable tips that are going to help me with another project as well. Thanks

[@michaellove9831]

Have used commercial packs I've received with special food orders, but plastic bags always end up leaking the gel after a few uses... Thinking of substituting the gel in these pods for saltwater. I'll make a trip to home depot for some pipe and caps to try soon !

[@TheWeekendAngler]

A place I used to work received medications shipped with those gel packs. They went into the trash if nobody wanted them. I used to have a deep freezer full, but they don't last long. Best of both worlds would have maybe been to thaw them then put the gel inside pvc.

[@consciousobjector2507]

Great idea! Same issues here so I'll do the same, thanks!

[@samuelsparling878]

You can DIY the gel too, it's just isopropyl alcohol and water.

[@effinhaoli808]

@@TheWeekendAnglerin cooler shock ice packs they are made of gelatin 👍🏽

[@barefootterry3785]

Thanks for the video! I use 2L bottles, but didn’t even think about salt water.

[@billgriffis5069]

There’s no benefit to using salt water as water will freeze at 32, but will get as cold as the freezer regardless of the salt. Using a 30% alcohol solution is could be beneficial as the liquid would not freeze solid reducing freeze cycle stress on the pipe.

[@jakeski3142]

Like Bill said. Saltwater provides no benefit here

[@victorjeffers1993]

Thanks for the Tip , I'll be trying this very soon !

[@janitarjanitar]

Cool trick dude. Durability and resubaility is the key here. It'd be cool to see another polymer used, or, a 48 hr temperature verification. Loved it regardless! Thanks

[@rickyelvis3215]

always good to have backup bongs.. great tip!

[@markanderson8677]

Fantastic tip . . . and no refilling needed! Thanks '-)

[@azycray4801]

I did a little research on this and found that there is a reaction that takes place when salt is added to ice, it makes the water colder as the ice melts. This is the best explanation I have from what I read so checking with a scientist to corroborate is a good idea. But, when the water and salt are already mixed, the process that takes place with salt on ice is no longer there. So in making your own reusable freeze tubes, there should be no difference in the ability to make things colder. Looked at another way, if your freezer gets down to -10 degrees, the ice you make will be -10 also. Whether fresh or salt water, the cold it stores is limited by the freezer making it. the fact that the salt water will melt at a lower temperature probably has no effect since the salt water will still be the same temperature as the fresh water ice that is still frozen. Salt water is more dense than fresh water but it is denser because of the dissolved solids. Normally I would think that the denser something is, the longer it would hold a temperature, whether it is heat or cold. but in this instance, what would hold temperature better, sodium chloride or H2o. Whatever the difference, it is most likely negligible since the salt content is so low it would not be detected. So this is a very long winded way of saying that using salt water to make your reusable cold blocks probably is no benefit over using fresh water. Use the coldest freezer you have for the best results.

[@jimnelson8807]

Maybe he could do a side by side comparison to compare how effective this is versus plain water

[@timlaunyc]

Yes. Dissolving salt in water (even ice water) makes the water colder. At the same time, salt water has a higher heat capacity, making it take more energy to increase its temperature. This means salt water can stay colder longer than normal water. But the two principles are not the same. The only way the two are equal is if the salt water is cooled to the same temperature as dissolving salt in ice water. So, if you can freeze salt water to something like -5 F or lower, it will be more effective than dissolving salt in ice water from an energy perspective. What does this mean? Not much with respect to the video. If you want to cool room temp beer or soda asap: ice + water + salt. If you want to make an ice pack, salted water is better than plain water. I personally use gel beads (garden center, or orbeez), with equal parts rubbing alcohol and distilled water.

[@jjf201b]

LOL - I just made a similar comment above before I saw your comment. If somehow the tranfer of heat occurs at a different rate in fresh water ice than in salt water ice would this hack be valuable. IMHO

[@root1657]

This is why I just freeze gallon jugs of fresh water for the camping cooler. Functions just fine as an ice block, and by the end of the week when all the cold food is used up, its still available as drinking water for cooking the dry foods.

[@byrongark7416]

Adding salt stops the water from becoming solid and breaking the pipes. I used to spray refridgerated concentrated salt water to freeze fish commercially and we could reach minus 20 degrees Celsius and I'm sure you could go colder