How long does Fieldbar stay cold? Fieldbar states that the Mini 4L keeps drinks below 10°C for up to 24 hours when packed full of ice and kept in the shade. The Drinks Box 10L is rated for up to 50 hours below 10°C, and the Gin Trunk 24L for up to 50 hours. Real-world time is usually shorter, and depends on heat, ice and how often you open the lid.
Fieldbar cold retention by size
| Model | Capacity | Fieldbar’s stated cold time | Price at Veldware Trading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldbar Mini 4L | 4 litres | Up to 24 hours below 10°C | R1,200 to R1,500 |
| Fieldbar Drinks Box 10L | 10 litres | Up to 50 hours below 10°C | R2,000 to R2,500 |
| Fieldbar Gin Trunk 24L | 24 litres | Up to 50 hours | R3,750 to R4,000 |
All figures are Fieldbar’s own, measured with the box packed full of ice and kept outside in the shade.
Why the Mini’s figure is lower
The Mini holds 4 litres, so there is simply less ice in it. A small cooler has more outer surface for every litre inside, so it warms up faster than a larger box built the same way. The Drinks Box shares the Mini’s 250mm x 160mm footprint but is twice as tall, which is why it lasts roughly twice as long.
What keeps a Fieldbar cold
Fieldbar builds all three sizes the same way: closed-cell foam insulation, reflective paint on the shell to limit heat absorption, an airtight gasket on the lid, and a raised floor that keeps the base off hot ground.
What shortens the cold time
- Direct sun: the stated figures assume shade.
- Warm drinks going in: the ice spends its capacity cooling them down.
- Not enough ice: a half-full box warms faster than a full one.
- Opening the lid often: every opening lets cold air out.
How to make your Fieldbar stay cold longer
- Chill the drinks in the fridge the night before.
- Pre-cool the box by leaving a bag of ice in it for 30 minutes, then empty it and pack properly.
- Fill every gap with ice. Air is what warms up.
- Keep it in the shade: under a table, an umbrella or the car seat rather than on the sand.
- Open it only when you need something, and close it straight away.
Which size for how long?
- A few hours out: the Mini 4L is enough.
- A full day, or into the evening: the Drinks Box 10L.
- A weekend or a group: the Gin Trunk 24L.
Still deciding? Read Fieldbar Mini vs Drinks Box or the Fieldbar cooler box buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Fieldbar Mini stay cold?
Fieldbar states up to 24 hours below 10°C, packed full of ice and kept in the shade.
How long does the Fieldbar Drinks Box stay cold?
Fieldbar states up to 50 hours below 10°C under the same conditions.
Will a Fieldbar keep ice overnight?
Packed full of ice and kept in the shade, the Drinks Box and Gin Trunk are rated for up to 50 hours. The Mini is rated for up to 24 hours.
Does the colour affect how cold it stays?
Fieldbar does not publish different figures by colour. All colours use the same reflective paint and insulation.
We deliver across South Africa in 2 to 5 business days (free over R2,500, R99 below). Browse all Fieldbar cooler boxes.