Tips & Tactics

Cool Camp Fridge

Cool Camp Fridge

By David Widby

Have you ever been on a hunting, fishing or camping trip and wished you had a small refrigerator? I know an iceless way to keep your cool things cool in camp.

There are a couple of caveats, however. First, you’ll need a nearby body of water, like a lake or stream (preferably a stream). Secondly, it doesn’t work well if it’s blazing hot outside, so don’t always count on it for summertime.

For many years, I’ve converted a Rubbermaid tub (with a lid) into a makeshift camp refrigerator by keeping it partially submerged in water. The temperature is much cooler there than on dry land.

Streams are cooler than lakes and work much better, especially in the southern United States where water temps tend to be high in the summer months. Remember to pick a shady spot where the tub won’t heat up in the afternoon sun.

I use rocks to weigh down the tub, and it will sit on the bottom once enough weight has been added. Then, I add my food, game meat and other items I wish to remain dry and cool, and I seal the tub tight with the lid.

You want a good portion of the tub to be underwater, but not the whole thing. In running water, it’s wise to choose a place where the current is not too strong. Behind a boulder or rock is good. Bear in mind the water level could rise suddenly if it rains.

Speaking of bears, we use the tub in Alaskan bear country. We found that if you can’t hoist your food, it’s best to keep it in the water instead of on land where bears tread silently. You can hear bears splashing if they are getting into the tub.

Copyright 2024 by Buckmasters, Ltd.

Copyright 2020 by Buckmasters, Ltd