wrote on Aug 28^th, 2004 at 7:11pm:

I'm looking to pack in some steaks for my sept trip to the bwca. I was looking for input on the best way to preserve the steaks for a day or two. Someone suggested dry ice, another suggested to freeze the steaks. I was also thinking of bringing some sort of collapasable cooler. An ice cube is worth it's weight in gold about day 2 or three for me. any suggestions???

mitchell5x5,

Here is a tip for making a cooler using an old insulite pad and a dry bag. Using a yardstick cut the pad so that it fits snugly into the dry bag paying particular attention to length you will need to make 3 folds on the dry bag, use duct tape to close the seams on the insulite tube inside and out. With the left over piece, cut 2 round circles that will fit snugly inside the insulite tube again use duct tape to secure one end inside and out.
I would use dry ice if you want the steak to stay frozen for a couple of days. Wrap frozen steak(s) and dry ice in newspaper secure with tape. Place in bottom of dry bag cooler insert a cardboard divider place cheese, eggs or whatever else you want to stay cold on top if there is any extra space in the cooler fill with newspaper and place lid on pushing down to fill any void.
I have used this in the past and it will keep steaks frozen for a minimum of 2 days in 80 degree weather.
Enjoy the trip!

flp