Just wanted to throw this out there, seems like every time I do I get 1st class input from you guys.
I'm going to use two 30L plastic tubs for a 6 day 5 night trip to BWCA with my three sons. I'm going to cut cardboard into baffles and then wrap them in aluminum foil to separated the meals. I'm going to pack a small amount of dry ice in sealed foodsaver bags at each level to increase refrigeration time. I'm going to pack the two barrels in a large Frost River or Duluth Pack and use the extra space for cooking gear and a sleeping pad and tarp. Any thoughts or guidance is welcome.

quote karlwithak: "Just wanted to throw this out there, seems like every time I do I get 1st class input from you guys.
I'm going to use two 30L plastic tubs for a 6 day 5 night trip to BWCA with my three sons. I'm going to cut cardboard into baffles and then wrap them in aluminum foil to separated the meals. I'm going to pack a small amount of dry ice in sealed foodsaver bags at each level to increase refrigeration time. I'm going to pack the two barrels in a large Frost River or Duluth Pack and use the extra space for cooking gear and a sleeping pad and tarp. Any thoughts or guidance is welcome. "

dry ice needs to breathe (vent), it would blow a sealed bag almost immediately. also, if you are using a barrel, dont seal it tight...for the same reason.

Thanks, never worked with dry ice before, sounds like I'll stay with the homemade ice packs using regular water.

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that sublimates into gas, i.e. its volume expands greatly.

If you put dry ice into a sealed blue barrel, make sure you put it in the other guy's canoe!

Good advice, I would stick with the dry ice if at all possible. Dry ice works ten times better than frozen water if used correctly (my opinion).

When i use it, I wrap each individual food item in newspaper and label it, i also wrap the dry ice (1 large piece, it will last longer than several small ones) also in newspaper. Pack your dry ice at the bottom, layer your food by usage date bottom to top of pack. I have kept food frozen for up to six days if done properly.

good luck.

Definately nixing the dry ice idea, my goal is to try to have fresh-frozen-main dishes throughout the trip, the only meat I want to bring in freeze-dried is hamburger. Thanks for the info on dry ice.

Just looked at your profile drochef, what a beautiful dog by the way. I don't want to have the barrels less that fully sealed to allow for the dry ice gassing off. I like the idea of the odor reducing effect of the barrels vs traditional food packs. Good to know others have successfully used dry ice while out there though.

Decent insulation and don't open much and I believe that a gallon jug of water (or fruit juice) frozen will last 4-5 days. I have had the outfitter put all - pack and food and ice - in their freezer if I'm in their bunk house so it's pretty solid in the am. And try to keep it in shade.