Pre-chill the cooler and use block ice.

Yes, but it’s simpler than you think.

A good cooler (or even a decent one) will hold cold for days if you start cold. Pre-chill the cooler itself — fill it with ice the night before, dump it, then pack. Use block ice instead of cubes; it melts slower. Freeze the meat itself solid if possible. Separate raw meat from everything else in sealed bags or containers so no drips ruin your sandwich fixings.

Keep the cooler in the car cabin (not the trunk if it gets hot), shade it, and only open it when you actually need something. Every opening lets cold out. Have a separate cooler for drinks if you’re a frequent opener.

You don’t need a Yeti. A well-prepped $40 igloo works fine for a road trip.

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