Really dumb cooler question

[DerbyDave 18]

I'm sure I'm going to sound real dumb but i've never been camping, let alone spent a week in a desert. This going to be my first time so I know next to nothing about things. Ice chests. They keep your food cold but not on their own so you have to put ice in it, right? How will I be able to do that for a whole week seeing as I won't have any ice? Told you It's a dumb question.

[Eric]

It sounds like you haven't done your basic reading yet, which is a little understandable since tickets haven't been mailed. Click both the First Timers & Survival Guide links in my sig line, it will cover some of the basic questions (these are still the 2014 guides, the 2015 aren't out yet, but they'll help). Also read ALL the information and links on this page: http://burningman.org/event/preparation/

As for your question: ice is sold at the event at 3 locations. You will find those locations listed in the links I suggested (the stations are called "Arctica")

[maladroit]

I will add that Arctica is one of the few places in the city (along with Center Camp and whenever someone's giving out bacon) where you will be expected to form an orderly line and wait for some unspecified amount of time. But remember, you're not lining up at the bank...you're lining up at BURNING MAN! So have fun with it!

[Canoe]

See, that wasn't a dumb question after all, as it got you pointed at some essential information for all Burners, experienced campers or not. And, it's for both Virgins and returning Burners too, as info can change from year to year.
Make sure you read through all of it.
Really.

Big hint.
Anytime Eric takes the time to post, pay attention!
It's likely to be either important or amusing.

[Eric]

Big hint.
Anytime Eric takes the time to post, pay attention!
It's likely to be either important or amusing.

Aw shucks

[Captain Goddammit]

Aw shucks

See? Utter brilliance!!!

[daft]

Its dry camping but there is the ice "store" with usually a long line. As far as the cooler goes, open as little for as short of time as possible which is rough as you open it up and see cold beer, keep it on some 2x4 pieces of wood under your car out of the sun and yes it moves across the sky as the earth spins

[DrYes]

The kind of cooler you get matters too, OP. Cheap coolers don't keep the heat out well, whereas pricier coolers from brands like Pelican or Yeti do a much better job, which means less ice runs.

[Canoe]

See? Utter brilliance!!!

Yup.
Even made me feel guilty for forgetting to add the obvious ", and often both."

[rideincircles]

You will probably need 2 coolers if you want to have cold stuff all week. Do not skimp on quality and only go for the extreme 5 or 6 day coolers. Wally world and Costco both have decent cooler prices, but there are plenty of places to look. The 120 qt Coleman Extreme 6 cooler can be found for around $60 and that will be my dry ice storage cooler, and my normal 5 day cooler will be my regular cooler for regular foods. The 6 day cooler is rated to keep ice in 90 degree temperatures for 6 days. 5 days is one day less.

You will want to keep them in the shade all the time and have them elevated. I plan on keeping them inside my hexayurt and pull out things as needed. I will probably add some tape to the edges of mine to give it an even better snug fit to keep air from escaping easily.

The Yeti and Pelican type coolers would be your best bet, but those get pricey real quick $200+. If you want to survive on a budget, the 6 day coolers are your best bet.

I have always used frozen water bottles for ice when camping which gives you easy access to cold water anytime, but may look at options that use up all the space, like ice blocks in bags.

[lucky420]

i got a YETI for my birthday!!! YAY! Cant wait to give it a try

[Ratty]

And on a cheaper note. You don't need an expensive cooler. Do like they said. Elevate it and keep it in the shade. Also wrap a cooler cozy around it. I made a thing for mine from an old comforter. Any padded blanket like a movers blanket or an old quilt will do. My cheap 30 year old cooler keeps ice in it for 5 days.

[DrYes]

You will probably need 2 coolers if you want to have cold stuff all week. Do not skimp on quality and only go for the extreme 5 or 6 day coolers. Wally world and Costco both have decent cooler prices, but there are plenty of places to look. The 120 qt Coleman Extreme 6 cooler can be found for around $60 and that will be my dry ice storage cooler, and my normal 5 day cooler will be my regular cooler for regular foods. The 6 day cooler is rated to keep ice in 90 degree temperatures for 6 days. 5 days is one day less.

I've not previously used dry ice but am planning to this year and have a question: Is it so cold that it freezes liquids in the cooler with it?

[VultureChow]

I've not previously used dry ice but am planning to this year and have a question: Is it so cold that it freezes liquids in the cooler with it?

Yes. Dry Ice is like -100 f. As long as there is dry ice still in there, anything in there will freeze solid.

[danibel]

I do a two cooler method; drinks and things that I wouldn't be upset if the ice all melted, and a "food" cooler that is critical. I make sure to pack the food cooler in a way that fits blocks since they last A LOT longer than crushed. The "drink" cooler is overflow and in instead of dumping all the ice in from the plastic bags, I place some in still unopened in case a friend needs ice or our cocktail hour runs low. Usually one block in the drink cooler and the rest is crushed.

Pack your food in SEALED containers. Get quality plastic ones, the cheap ones for single use do not seal well. This way your food will stay dry and away from the water. I have seen coolers that people just threw the food in wrapped in plastic wrap or something, and EW. Food soup! You can't sprinkle that ice water on the playa. It's now grey water! ugh.

[Zubeneschamali]

Dry ice is the shit. With careful cooler management, you can keep things frozen for 5 days. Yes, you can use it to freeze liquids also.

Seriously do you want to be adored by everyone around you? Pull out frozen juice bars on Friday.

[bigbluedoggy]

As I saw someone mentioned, keeping your cooler elevated off the ground is important. Airspace helps keep the temp lower inside so put it up on some blocks or something to make some space. I also use moving blankets thrown over mine as an extra layer of insulation.

[caffeineslinger]

i got a YETI for my birthday!!! YAY! Cant wait to give it a try

Only a Burner would be excited about an ice chest for their birthday. I once got a wagon for ice runs as a birthday present and I still love it.

[lucky420]

i got a YETI for my birthday!!! YAY! Cant wait to give it a try

Only a Burner would be excited about an ice chest for their birthday. I once got a wagon for ice runs as a birthday present and I still love it.

Thank you for understanding

[Elderberry]

I will add that Arctica is one of the few places in the city (along with Center Camp and whenever someone's giving out bacon) where you will be expected to form an orderly line and wait for some unspecified amount of time. But remember, you're not lining up at the bank...you're lining up at BURNING MAN! So have fun with it!

I remember a time when you could just bring a six pack of beer to Artica and go right to the head of the line!

[Elderberry]

Aw shucks

See? Utter brilliance!!!

Now that's funny.

[chuckularone]

We have chest freezers in our camp. No need for ice.

[graidawg]

I will add that Arctica is one of the few places in the city (along with Center Camp and whenever someone's giving out bacon) where you will be expected to form an orderly line and wait for some unspecified amount of time. But remember, you're not lining up at the bank...you're lining up at BURNING MAN! So have fun with it!

I remember a time when you could just bring a six pack of beer to Artica and go right to the head of the line!

you still can if i'm working there. I am the very definition of corrupt. I've refused to serve people because i'm thirsty and they haven't brought me booze

[DerbyDave 18]

Thanks, lots of good information. One last question. So I get set up then go get some ice and put it in my chest. How long you guys figure it will last? Will I need to get new ice every day or will it last longer than that?

[Canoe]

ah...

Depends on the cooler, how you've installed it (extra insulation, radiant barriers or not, off/on ground, in shade or not, line-of-sight from sun-baked ground, etc.), pre-chilled off playa and how often someone opens it and for how long, and ... how hot it is at BRC that year.

Lots of cooler threads, where people post what cooler and/or what type of treatment they've given it, and how long it cools for, for them in their year.

[trilobyte]

DDave...

Consider doing some reading of reviews, or what's called comparison shopping. You can also get some tips on this board for things like keeping your cooler(s) in the shade, and getting them off the ground. That'd give a person a pretty good idea of how to make the ice last longer. There's no way to assure how long ice would last (and certainly no message board guarantee), you just check your cooler(s) and buy more ice as needed to keep your stuff cold.

[FIGJAM]

One of many............

viewtopic.php?f=280&t=46041

[MFOB]

Anyone know when Artica opens. EA style?

[Soliton]

One note on coolers: the big ones filled with ice are HEAVY!

I purchased a 100 qt and tried it out at a regional precompression (fully loaded with champagne, OJ, beer, etc) and basically had to unload it to move it to my camping spot I was really worried that the handles would break as well. With the help of several people (sounds like a good reason to meet the neighbors ) it may not be an issue, but do consider weight if going solo or if the cooler is really large and filled with drinks/ice.

[Wigwam]

I use a couple, one of which is *very* heavy, but keeps ice for days. The most interesting thing you said is here is really key and the essential thing that makes Burning Man so unique. Neighbors! Help! Participating! Giving and getting assistance. Radical self reliance is one thing. Don't expect everyone to help you set up your camp, but working together is the perfect way to meet new friends.