Igloo Maxcold Freezer Pack – Long Lasting Ice Blocks for Tailgating, Picnics, and Beach Days
Igloo Maxcold Freezer Pack – Long Lasting Ice Blocks for Tailgating, Picnics, and Beach Days
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Why you'll love it
- Eliminates the watery mess of melting bagged ice inside the cooler
- Non-toxic gel is safe around food and family
- Hard shatter-resistant shell survives rough transport in coolers and backpacks
- Reusable design saves money and reduces waste versus disposable ice
- Multiple sizes (Small, Medium, Large, XL, Cube, Half Sleeve) and pack counts let buyers match capacity to their cooler or lunchbox
Perfect for
- Pre-chill a cooler for a weekend camping trip without dealing with melt water
- Pack a leak-proof ice block in a child's lunchbox for school
- Keep drinks cold during a tailgating event or picnic
- Maintain cold temperatures in a cooler on a day-long boating or fishing trip
- Replace messy bagged ice for hiking or backcountry day use
Product Information
Non-toxic Ultratherm gel delivers extended cooling performance
Each reusable block contains freezable gel
Provides localized intense cold for items in need of quick cooling
Eliminates mess of melting ice
Now available as a two pack
Brand: Igloo
Color: 2PK Medium
Material: Plastic, Ultratherm Gel
Package Information: Box
Product Dimensions: 4.31"D x 2.24"W x 8"H
Item Weight: 2 pounds
Special Feature: Compact, Insulated, Leak Proof, Portable, Shatter Resistant
Included Components: Ice Block
Recommended Uses For Product: Boating, Camping, Hiking, Picnic, Tailgating
Model Name: Ice Block
Plenty of cold without the mess. For busy days on the move, toss this reusable, non-toxic freezer block in your lunch box and keep everything cold until you it.Included Components: Ice Block
Recommended Uses For Product: Boating, Camping, Hiking, Picnic, Tailgating
Model Name: Ice Block
Number of Packs: 2
Number of Items: 2
Warranty Type: Limited
Item Type Name: MaxCold Ice Freezer Block
Warranty Description: This Igloo product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal use and service for 90 days from the date of original purchase. For additional information, please visit the Warranty Service page under Customer Care.
Item Dimensions D x W x H: 4.31"D x 2.24"W x 8"H
Item Weight: 2 pounds
Size: Medium
Chamber Depth: 8 inches
Container Type: Box
Additional Features: Compact, Insulated, Leak Proof, Portable, Shatter Resistant
Shell Type: Hard
Color: 2PK Medium
Pattern: Ice Block
Material Type: Plastic, Ultratherm Gel
Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash
Insulation Material Type: Ultratherm Gel
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will these ice blocks keep my cooler cold during a weekend camping trip?
The non-toxic Ultratherm gel is formulated for extended cold retention, typically keeping a well-chilled cooler cold for a full day and well into the next. Pre-freeze the blocks for 24 hours before packing, and pair them with a fully loaded cooler to maximize hold time on a weekend trip.
Will the hard shell crack or leak if I toss the pack into a loaded car trunk for a tailgate?
The shell is built from a hard, shatter-resistant plastic that is designed to survive rough transport in coolers, backpacks, and trunks. As long as you avoid puncturing the outer wall, the pack will not leak or split when jostled around with other gear.
Are these ice blocks better than bagged ice for a full day on a fishing boat?
Yes. A frozen Maxcold block creates far less melt water than bagged ice, which means dry gear, dry sandwiches, and no sloshing pool of lukewarm water in the bottom of your cooler. You also avoid the extra fuel stop to buy another bag of ice halfway through the trip.
Can I bring one of these on a day hike without it weighing me down?
The Medium size has a compact footprint of 4.31"D x 2.24"W x 8"H, and frozen gel stays solid inside the shell, so the pack does not slosh or shift the way a water bottle does. Slip it into the side pocket of a daypack or inside a soft cooler to keep lunches and drinks cold without the mess of melting bagged ice.
Will this work as a reusable ice pack for an RV cooler on a long road trip?
Yes. Pre-freeze a set of Maxcold blocks before departure and they will keep your RV cooler cold for many hours of driving. Because the gel is non-toxic and the shell is leak-proof, it is safe to use around food even in the tight quarters of an RV galley or compact fridge.
Is this ice block good for picnic tables and outdoor dining at the park?
Absolutely. Drop a frozen block into your picnic basket or soft-sided cooler and you will keep drinks and sandwich fixings cold for the entire afternoon without the watery mess that bagged ice leaves behind. The hard shell also makes it easy to grab and rinse off at the park.
How many ice blocks do I need to pre-chill a large cooler for a tailgate?
Plan on roughly one Medium block per 12 to 15 quarts of cooler capacity, plus extra blocks layered on top of your food. A 2-pack is a good start for a small tailgate cooler, while a 4-pack gives you full coverage for a larger party setup.
Can I leave this ice block in my beach cooler while I swim?
Yes, that is one of the most common uses. The hard plastic shell resists punctures from keys, bottle caps, and shells in a beach bag, and the leak-proof design means no gel escapes into your food even after a full day in the sun. Just rinse it off before refreezing at home.
Does the ice block work in extreme heat at a summer campsite?
The Ultratherm gel is engineered for extended cold retention, and the hard shell acts as insulation against outside heat. For best results, pre-chill your cooler overnight, fill every empty inch with frozen blocks, and minimize how often you open the lid during the hottest part of the day.
Is this a good replacement for dry ice on a camping trip?
For most campers, yes. Maxcold blocks are safer to handle than dry ice, will not burn skin on contact, and are approved for use inside standard coolers without special venting. You trade a small amount of hold time for a much more user-friendly and reusable solution.
How do reusable ice packs compare to frozen water bottles for outdoor use?
Frozen water bottles work in a pinch, but a dedicated Maxcold block holds its temperature longer, fits flat against the walls of a cooler, and is shaped to maximize surface contact with food and drinks. You also free up your water bottles to actually carry drinking water instead of doubling as ice.
Are Maxcold ice blocks better than loose ice for a cooler?
In nearly every outdoor scenario, yes. Loose ice melts into a pool of water that soaks labels, ruins sandwiches, and requires constant draining. A frozen Maxcold block keeps food dry, eliminates the melt-water mess, and is reusable trip after trip, which saves money over a season of buying bagged ice.
Will the cold pack burst if I leave it in a hot car while I am at the trailhead?
The shell is shatter-resistant and rated to handle the pressure of gel expanding as it warms. It will not burst in a hot car under normal use, though like any freezable pack it will eventually thaw. If your trip is several days long, plan to refreeze it whenever you have access to a freezer.
Can I use this ice block in a soft-sided cooler at a picnic?
Yes. The slim Medium footprint slides easily into soft coolers, and the flat shape makes it simple to layer between drinks and food. The leak-proof shell means you will not end up with gel seeping into the soft fabric liner if the pack starts to thaw.
Is this ice block worth the price for someone who only camps a few times a year?
Yes, because you use it again and again. One set of Maxcold blocks replaces hundreds of dollars in bagged ice over a few seasons, and you skip the hassle of finding a store that sells ice on the way to the campsite. For occasional campers, the time and mess savings alone usually pay for the pack.
How do I freeze and use this ice block for the first time?
Place the pack flat in your home freezer for at least 24 hours before first use, and make sure it is lying level so the gel freezes evenly. When you are ready to pack a cooler or lunchbox, drop the frozen block in last so it sits on top of your food, close the lid quickly, and avoid opening it more than necessary.
How long does a frozen Maxcold block stay cold in a typical cooler?
Hold time depends on the cooler quality, outside temperature, and how full the cooler is, but a pre-frozen Medium block in a well-packed cooler will typically keep food and drinks cold for 12 to 24 hours. For best results, pre-chill the cooler overnight, fill every empty inch, and minimize lid openings.
How do I clean and store the ice block between uses?
Hand-wash the hard plastic shell with warm water and a mild dish soap, then pat it dry before placing it back in the freezer. Do not put the pack in the dishwasher, and avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scuff the shell. Store it flat in the freezer so it is always ready to grab on your way out the door.
Will this ice block fit in my specific cooler or lunchbox brand?
The Medium size has a footprint of 4.31"D x 2.24"W x 8"H, which fits the side pockets of most standard soft coolers and the main compartment of most adult and kids' lunch boxes. For larger hard coolers, look at the Large or XL sizes, and for square-shaped coolers, the Cube and Half Sleeve form factors stack neatly against the walls.
Can I use this ice block in a backpack cooler or a soft-sided tote?
Yes. The slim, flat shape of the Medium block slides easily into backpack cooler sleeves and soft tote pockets, and the leak-proof shell means you will not end up with gel seeping into the fabric liner. It is one of the most popular ways to use the Medium size for hiking, commuting, and day trips.
What is included in the box, and what do I need to buy separately?
Each box includes the ice blocks in the size and pack count you select, ready to freeze and use. No additional accessories, sleeves, or wraps are required, though many users add a thin cloth sleeve if they want to handle the pack straight out of the freezer with bare hands.
Is the gel inside the pack toxic or hazardous?
The gel is a non-toxic Ultratherm formula that is safe for use around food, drinks, and family gear. It is not designed to be eaten, and any direct contact or accidental ingestion should be addressed by rinsing the affected area or contacting poison control and a medical professional.
What happens if the shell cracks and the gel leaks out?
While the hard shell is shatter-resistant under normal use, a sharp puncture can cause a leak. If the shell is compromised, stop using the pack, place it in a sealed bag, and dispose of it according to your local guidelines for plastic and gel products. Do not pour the gel down the drain.
What is the difference between a reusable ice block and bagged ice?
Bagged ice is loose, water-based, and one-time use, which means it melts into a pool of cold water that soaks food, dilutes drinks, and has to be drained from the cooler. A reusable ice block freezes inside a sealed hard shell, keeps food dry, and can be refrozen and reused for years, which saves money and reduces waste over time.
