Dry Ice Basics

Dry ice is next-level cold, so it pays to handle it properly. Always use gloves like leather, towels, or oven mitts to avoid freezer burn, and keep it out of reach of kids.

As it melts, dry ice turns straight into carbon dioxide gas. It’s safe in open, ventilated areas, but avoid sealed spaces like a closed car where gas can build up. Keep things ventilated and you’re good to go.

How Much Dry Ice Do You Need?

For best results, use one 4.5kg block of dry ice per 38cm of your cooler’s length.

This will keep your contents frozen solid and help your regular ice last longer too, typically for 24–48 hours depending on conditions.

How To Pack Dry Ice

Wrap each block of dry ice in a few layers of newspaper before loading it into your cooler. This helps manage the extreme cold and protects your gear.

You can place dry ice on the top or bottom of your contents, but it’ll last longer when packed on top. For even better performance, combine it with cubed or block ice to help spread the cold and fill any gaps.

How To Make Dry Ice Last Longer

Less empty space means better performance. Pack your cooler tight and use regular ice to fill any gaps so the cold sticks around longer.

Keep your cooler out of direct sun and in the coolest spot possible. Throwing a blanket or sleeping bag over it is an easy way to boost ice retention and keep everything colder for longer.