The Best Reusable Ice Packs

Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack

Relief is on its way

These ice packs from Cooler Shock are versatile, well-priced, and long-lasting.

Best Overall

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When we saw the going price of these ice packs, we were shocked. Cooler Shock offers premium ice packs for a bargain price. Built to last through years of pain relief and refreshing drinks, they’re reinforced with a nylon material that adds superior durability. They’re available in a couple of different sizes, so you can pick the perfect pack for your purposes. Popular for picnics, beach days, and camping trips, these reusable icepacks put the “cool” into “cooler”.

Pros:

• The Xl size option is ideal for larger coolers and soothing injuries
• Reliable company
• Great value for the price
• Available in “lunch bag” size

Cons:

• You do have to fill it up with water before you can use it, though this is relatively a straightforward and easy process

FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Therapy just got easier

If you're looking for a gel icepack to soothe injuries, check out this premium pick from FlexiKold.

Best Gel

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The FlexiKold sets the “Kold” standard for gel ice packs. Seriously, this thing is essentially perfect in every arena. For starters, it boasts an extra-thick nylon exterior. Edges and seams are like the Achilles’ heel of most ice packs, so this one employs tight double stitching to ensure it never pops. Best of all, their proprietary gel formula is like magic. This pack stays cold for an exceptionally long time and remains pliable and flexible even when frozen. Plus, with such a large surface area of over one square foot, you get a high surface area for maximum coverage. That means whether you’ve thrown out your shoulder or banged up your knee, the FlexiKold’s got you covered.

Pros

• Durable materials
• Pliable when frozen
• Vouched for by the pros

Cons

• No straps for holding it in place

Hilph Kids Ice Packs, 3 Pack

Cool the booboo

If your kid has a spill and needs some pain relief, reach for these dinosaur hot-cold packs from Hilph.

Best For Kids

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As minor as their injuries often prove to be, kids need a little extra for their pain relief. This adorable pack of hot-cold packs from Hilph is the perfect way to cheer up a little one after they take a spill. The dinosaurs remind them to smile while the cooling gel packs help reduce inflammation. You can even pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to use them for hot therapy. Easy to clean and easy to store in the freezer, these mini ice packs keep the crisis at bay.

Pros

• Available in different styles, from dinosaurs to princesses
• The PVC covers are gentle on the skin
• They remain soft after freezing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• They’re fairly thin, so you may still need to put a cloth between the pack and their skin

TrekProof Ice Pack, 2-Piece, Reusable Therapy Gel Wrap

Strap up and get goin'

This 2-piece option from TrekProof comes with a comfortable and adjustable wrap, so you can soothe those aches and pains while on the move.

Best Wearable Wrap

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TrekProof aims to get you back on your feet when you fall down. That’s why they’ve developed a comfortable and adjustable wrap that straps the ice pack to your body. It’s a simple and effective method for targeting specific areas of the body without having to apply constant pressure with your hands. And since this is a two-pack, you can leave one on reserve in the freezer and one on your person for continuous therapy. Not only is this a great all-around option with an effective comfort strap, but the TrekProof gel can also be heated up in the microwave. Alternating between hot and cold therapies just got a whole lot simpler.

Pros

• Includes adjustable Comfort Strap
• Two ice packs for the price of one
• Packs can be heated or frozen

Cons

• Strap not wide enough for broad backs

Mueller Ice Bag, Blue

Can't beat the classics

This classic-style ice bag from Mueller is an effective way to relieve aches and pains.

Best Classic

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If you want a classic ice bag that can be applied directly to the skin, check out this pick from Mueller. Besides the astonishingly low price, this option scores big points on its durability and materials. The soft outer material stays dry while you apply, and the strong plastic cap can be unscrewed and screwed again and again. That way, you can keep the ice flowing in the freezer while you apply the pack to your injuries.

Pros:

• Easy to fill up
• The 9-inch bag delivers wide coverage
• You refill it, so you don’t have to wait for it to freeze in the freezer when it warms up
• Super inexpensive

Cons

• Not meant for heat therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these ice packs for food?

Although the ice packs that we’ve highlighted in this article are designed to relieve inflammation and swelling, you can absolutely use them for chilling food and beverages. However, options designed specifically for food storage do exist. They don’t sport the same flexibility and thermal retention as their therapeutic cousins but they’re usually cheaper.

How does icing an injury help relieve pain?

When we tear or bruise a muscle, our bodies’ nervous system goes into repair mode, flooding the damaged tissue with fluids and white blood cells. This is the good news. This swelling can compress nerves, causing agonizing pain. This is also good news. Pain lets our bodies know not to walk on a twisted ankle or lift with our damaged back. The bad news is that swelling can cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed and bleed for longer than is necessary. In other words, our bodies play a delicate balancing act between alerting our brain not to use a damaged muscle and delivering the compounds needed for repairs.

Icing an injury is like hacking the body’s thermoregulatory response. An icy pack placed on an inflamed, swollen injury will “trick” the nervous system into reducing the swelling. In response to the cold, blood is rerouted elsewhere, inflammation is reduced, and pain is relieved.