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As the Cottage Coach, I like to solve problems. And for most of my outdoors-obsessed life, the typical cooler has seemed like a “solved problem.” It’s insulated, it has a lid, and it holds ice to keep food and drinks cold. Aside from beefier build quality, what else could be improved? But Ninja’s FrostVault cooler answers that question with some pretty clever features that will change the way you eat outdoors. Check out the video below to see the FrostVault in action, and read on to learn what I like best about mine.
Every cooler should keep food cold—that’s the bare minimum. But what I love most about the FrostVault is that it doesn’t just keep everything refrigerator-cold for days; it keeps things dry too. And if you’ve ever eaten a soggy sandwich while camping, you already know what a game-changer that is. No matter how well I’ve packed traditional coolers, condensation and moisture have always found their way into my food, but the FrostVault’s separate bottom food drawer keeps everything crisp, fresh, and completely dry!
“Cold” might be the starting point, but the FrostVault crosses the finish line by keeping all of your meals, snacks, and drinks refrigerator-cold for days at a time. The build quality is a major factor in its ice retention, but the bottom drawer is the real secret weapon. With most coolers, you have to open the lid all the way to find what you need, but sliding open the FrostVault’s bottom drawer means your ice never sees the sun. It’s truly amazing how long it stays frozen! Pro tip: when packing the FrostVault, I start with a layer of ice on the bottom of the main compartment before adding my beverages. And for extra ice retention, I make sure my drinks are pre-chilled before I pack them.
Whether I’m packing meals for a relaxing cottage weekend with my beloved barbecue or a rugged camping excursion with nothing but a fire pit, meat is always on the menu. That’s yet another reason why I love the FrostVault’s lower drawer—it makes cross-contamination a non-issue. Compared to other coolers that have a flimsy wire basket above the main compartment, I don’t have to worry about raw steaks or burgers dripping onto the ice.
As the Cottage Coach, I obsess over how things are built, so I was eager to put the FrostVault through its paces—especially since I learned that its designers threw it off a roof and ran over it with a Jeep during the testing phase! I can’t say I’ve ever driven over a cooler with my truck, but I’m definitely hard on gear, so anything I use had better be up to code. And I knew from the second I saw that thick gasket sealing the main lid that the FrostVault would make the grade. Its hinge is built to last, the bottom drawer slides open with ease and locks firmly closed, and the top lid has a beefy latch that’s lockable with a padlock. It also has handles that are grippy, sturdy, and comfortable for carrying. Ninja’s engineers clearly put a lot of thought into the build quality.
Simplified packing and smarter unpacking
Sometimes you don’t recognize a hassle until it vanishes from your to-do list. That’s exactly what happened the first time I loaded up the FrostVault and realized that I didn’t have to transfer my family’s snacks to watertight containers before putting them in the clever “vault” drawer. Even better, when it was time to eat, we didn’t have to open the lid and dig through a tub full of ice, letting it melt while searching for soggy food. The drawer isn’t just more convenient; it makes a huge difference in keeping your food cold and dry over multiple days.
Done with soggy sandwiches at the cottage? Find the Ninja FrostVault at Canadian Tire , and learn about the rest of Ninja’s outdoor products at ninjakitchen.ca .
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By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time.
The latest cottage-country news, trending stories, and how-to advice
Fix-it info, project ideas, and maintenance tips from our DIY experts
Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside
Need-to-know info about buying, selling, and renting cottage real estate
Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer, Peter Lillico
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