In Japanese summer, keeping drinks and food cold at camp is a real challenge. My wife and I use two large LOGOS ice packs, called 氷点下パック (hyōtenka pakku, “below-zero pack”) in Japanese, inside a Coleman soft cooler. Here is how they work for us, plus specs and tips.
What are LOGOS ice packs?
LOGOS is a Japanese outdoor brand. Its “below-zero” ice packs are made to stay colder than ordinary ice packs after freezing, so they are popular with Japanese campers. There is also a “fast-freeze” version (倍速凍結, baisoku tōketsu).
Specs (fast-freeze version)
This is from Japanese retailers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Freezing time | About 18 to 24 hours (about half of the older model) |
| Below-zero time | Same as the older -16°C model |
| Weight | M about 600 g, L about 900 g, XL about 1.2 kg |
There are hard and soft versions, so check the type and size before you buy.
Our experience
Cold to the end of a one-night summer trip
We put two L-size packs in our Coleman soft cooler. On one-night summer trips, everything stayed cold until the end.
They take a long time to freeze
These packs take a long time to freeze, so we put them in the freezer the day before.
Tips
- Freeze early: put them in the freezer at least the day before.
- Top and bottom: cold air sinks, so placing packs above the food as well as below helps.
- Do not touch food directly: they are very cold and can freeze vegetables. Wrap them in a towel.
- Open less: a separate cooler for drinks means you open the food cooler less often.
Can visitors buy them?
They are sold in Japan, including at outdoor shops and online stores. Remember they need a freezer for about a day before use, so plan ahead if you buy them during a trip.
Summary
LOGOS ice packs kept our soft cooler cold through one-night summer trips. Just remember to freeze them the day before.
More about camping in Japan
→ How to book a campsite in Japan → Camping in Japan: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers (Amazon)
