Feeding six on the road is the biggest budget leak, so we pack a cooler and smart snack containers instead of hitting drive-thrus. These are the coolers, ice packs, snack cups and bottles that make it easy.
Holds a full day of food for six at a fraction of premium cooler prices.
Coleman Chiller 48-Quart Cooler
The wheels earn their keep on long walks from the parking lot to the campsite.
Coleman Classic 60 QT Cooler with Wheels
A smaller wheeled cooler for drinks so the food cooler stays closed and cold.
Igloo Wheelie Cool 38 QT Cooler
A day-trip cooler that fits between the second-row seats.
Igloo 16 QT Laguna Cooler
Collapses flat when not in use, so it saves van space.
CleverMade Tahoe Collapsible Cooler Bag, 18 can
A cheap lunch cooler for hikes and park days.
Ozark Trail 12-Can Soft Cooler with Hard Liner
An under-$10 extra soft cooler for snacks within reach.
iknoe Insulated Cooler Bag
Slim packs leave more room for food and don't make the cooler soggy like ice does.
Fit & Fresh XL Slim Ice Packs, 4-pack
Break-resistant blocks that stay frozen longer on hot desert days.
RTIC Refreezable Ice Pack, 2-pack
One spinner per kid and snack time handles itself.
GoBe Kids Snack Spinner
A half-price snack spinner alternative.
Melii Spin Snack Container
Leak-proof compartments for crackers, fruit and dips.
Bentgo Kids Snack Container
No-spill cups for goldfish and cereal in car seats.
Bentgo Snack Cup
Five boxes for under $10, enough for nearly the whole crew.
Luriseminger 4-Compartment Snack Boxes, 5-pack
DIY lunchables are way cheaper than store-bought.
Caperci Bento Snack Boxes, 4-pack
Reusable bags cut down on Ziploc spending and trash.
VUEKYN Reusable Freezer Bags, 12-pack
Small containers for dips, berries and trail mix.
ISSEVE 6oz Silicone Snack Containers, 6-pack
Hot mac and cheese at a cold overlook beats a restaurant bill.
THERMOS Funtainer Food Jar
An affordable insulated bottle you can buy one per kid.
Snug Kids Water Bottle
The spill-proof bite valve is a car-seat must.
CamelBak Eddy+ Kids 12oz
Three bottles at once covers most of the kids.
Built Cascade 16 oz Kids Water Bottles, 3-pack
Refill every bottle in the family from one jug.
Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Water Container
Motel coffee for mom and dad, carried to the car without spills.
KETIEE Travel Mug
Sturdy bowls for cereal and picnic dinners all trip long.
