How to pack a cooler?

[micheleq]

I know I've seen threads on this before, but can't find any now!

I am road tripping to meet up with three college friends next weekend, and want to bring a few perishable items with me on the 3-4 hour drive. What's the most effective way to pack my cooler (soft-sided neoprene with a hard interior)? Fill with ice or use ice packs?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AKL_Megs]

IF you are filling it with things like soda and prepared sandwiches, this is what I do.

I prepare the sandwiches the night before. I load the bottom of the cooler with cans of soda (or yogurt cups, cold fruit, etc., whatever is hardest.) Then I add the sandwiches on top of the cans. I then put it in the fridge for the night. The cans of soda, sandwiches AND the insulation get cold overnight. The morning of, I take those gel packs of "ice" that are frozen, and place them over top. In the car, if in the cabin, I put a white towel over top of the cooler.