Our groups are base camp groups, one portage into the lake we camp on. We are looking at bringing bear proof certified coolers with us this year due to the new regs.

For those that use these, what models do you bring? What size? How long do things stay frozen,

Thanks!

I use an Engel 65 with one or two frozen gallon jugs of water. I don’t go in July or August, but in other months I’ve still had ice in the jugs after several days.

This linked doc has a list of coolers that are certified

https://igbconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/240216_Certified_Products_List.pdf

I have a pelican50, a yeti 35 and a lifetime55 cooler, all need a padlock to be certified. Lifetime holds ice half a day longer than the other two and is cheaper of the three. Keeping things frozen? We used 3lb dry ice and 8lbs ice and our cooler was completely frozen for first day or so. Things on top were almost frozen but eveything under that layer was frozen still on day 2 in mid June.

Wish one of the cooler manufacturers would make a back pack one that was igbc certified. roto molded pack basket. Would be like carrying a blue barrel in a harness.

We go to the gunflint area. Is there anywhere in Grand Marais to buy dry ice?

GeneH: "This linked doc has a list of coolers that are certified



https://igbconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/240216_Certified_Products_List.pdf


"

thank yoj so much for actually posting a link??

Link to doc

Don't haul in frozen water. Freeze bloody mary mix instead. Double duty.

The list of all bear resistant coolers can be found here: https://igbconline.org/programs/bear-resistant-products/

With the note that they all must be locked by an approved method. This can be pad locks, Bolts and nuts, or the easiest option BearBolts. A keyless, most convenient method.

For your question on how long do things stay frozen. Pretty much all of the coolers listed on the IGBC list will keep your food cool for 4-5 days in warm weather with proper usage but that takes some effort. To achieve that it's best to pre-cool the cooler with ice the night before. pre-cool all your items going into the cooler and include some frozen items. Then be careful about how often you open the cooler.

Its also good to keep the cooler out of the sun and if that's unavoidable cover it with a wet towel so the energy from the sun goes towards evaporating the water rather than heating the cooler.

www.BearBolts.com

BearBolts: "The list of all bear resistant coolers can be found here: https://igbconline.org/programs/bear-resistant-products/


With the note that they all must be locked by an approved method. This can be pad locks, Bolts and nuts, or the easiest option BearBolts. A keyless, most convenient method.


For your question on how long do things stay frozen. Pretty much all of the coolers listed on the IGBC list will keep your food cool for 4-5 days in warm weather with proper usage but that takes some effort. To achieve that it's best to pre-cool the cooler with ice the night before. pre-cool all your items going into the cooler and include some frozen items. Then be careful about how often you open the cooler.


Its also good to keep the cooler out of the sun and if that's unavoidable cover it with a wet towel so the energy from the sun goes towards evaporating the water rather than heating the cooler.




www.BearBolts.com "

Thanks for this info BearBolts. We use the Lifetime Coolers and have for a number of years now. In comparing the padlocks, BearBolts and bolts and nuts methods, the most economical by far is the bolts and nuts to lock the cooler. We'll be using this method and add a few extra nuts to the bolt.

That's true, nuts and bolts are the most economical method and work just fine.

In my testing I have found some coolers have geometry constraints so wing nuts don't work and the option is regular nuts so tools come then come into play and that's just inconvenient .

For those that are interested I have written about the IGBC accepted methods here: https://bearbolts.com/blogs/news/how-to-bear-proof-your-cooler