Cooler Bags: specifications, types

— Thermal bag. Thermal bags in the original sense of the word - that is, bags with improved thermal insulation. Like regular bags, these products have a fabric outer lining, carrying handles, and sometimes shoulder straps. The main difference from thermal boxes (see below) is that thermal bags are designed for frequent movement from place to place. But their capacity is somewhat less, it rarely exceeds 30 liters. And there are also miniature options that are mor...e designed for carrying food - thermal lunch bags.

— Thermobox. Thermoboxes are thermally insulated containers that are not intended for frequent transportation from place to place. Unlike thermal bags, they are not lined with fabric, and the carrying features are usually limited to a handle (although there are exceptions); on the other hand, the volume of such containers is, on average, significantly larger. The main purpose of thermal boxes is camping and other long-term stops, as well as road trips, where there is no need to carry the container on yourself.

— Thermal backpack. Backpacks with enhanced thermal insulation are, in fact, an analogue of the thermal bags described above, differing from them in the same way as ordinary backpacks differ from ordinary bags. The thermal backpack is carried on the shoulders, which allows you to free your hands and provides convenience on long hikes: the load is distributed as evenly as possible, and long-term wearing of the backpack is not as tiring as in the case of a bag.

The volume of the working chamber of the thermal bag. The larger the volume, the more products can be loaded inside at a time. When choosing according to this parameter, it makes sense to select a model with a margin, because it is not recommended to load products too tightly — this adversely affects the quality of the device. On the other hand, note that the volumetric container and dimensions will have the appropriate ones.

The maximum time during which the temperature inside the thermal bag remains unchanged. The low temperature retention time is usually indicated when using the so-called. cold accumulators - pre-cooled blocks with water or other coolant. This parameter is quite conditional, since real time depends on many factors; however, it completely allows you to compare different models of thermal bags with each other.

The quick access function is provided to get the necessary product from the thermal bag without opening it completely and thereby not releasing the cold. This is achieved with a Hook-and-loop window at the top, opening which you can quickly take the necessary chilled food or drink. At the same time, Hook-and-loop does not indicate tightness, so this solution in itself can lead to loss of cold.

The presence in the design of a lid that can be separated from the main container. Such a cover can facilitate the process of loading products, and in some models it can also be used as a camping table. In addition, it is sometimes more convenient to store the thermal bag while not in use with the lid removed.

The presence of a strap for carrying a thermal bag on the shoulder. It can be used in all types (see above), however, it is much more common in classic thermal bags than in thermal boxes. Anyway, the shoulder strap makes it much easier to carry — after all, even a relatively small container can have a significant weight. And some models can even be worn in the manner of a backpack.