I stumbled across this link which seems rather ingenious and was wondering if anyone has tried such a contraption whilst hiking? If not, do you think it would be effective? I'm tempted to try to make one and then see how it performs in various temperatures.
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The one problem I see is that it actually doesn't keep things cold enough. The listed rate is 6°C (42°F). For refridgeration you want no more than 4.4°C (40°F) and ideally want closer to 1°C (34°F).
At 6°C (42°F) it makes that a little more than a growth chamber for many bacterium: Food Safety.
Ken Graham
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Russell Steen
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Good point..I have taken a safety and sanitation class as well, however the bacteria will produce at higher rates at higher temperature levels in this zone, so it does help. Tons of people in Africa use this cooler every day.
Bob
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Not impossible, but IMHO not worth it...
Carrying it
You could attach it to the outside of your backpack, where it would get plenty of ventilation. But still, the design, while simple, will have some weight to it. I'd guess 0.5-1kg including the water needed for evaporation. That is a fair bit of extra weight to haul around.
Keeping it in the shade
Important for a Pot in Pot Fridge (which this essentially is) is to keep it in the shade. While walking this would be harder, with various sides of your pack being exposed to the sun as your walk and turn... Now, you could of course build some shade cover over it, but doing that without impeding airflow sounds... at least bulky and somewhat annoying (plus adding even more weight).
Keeping it wet
For the thing to keep working you'd have to constantly add more water. I don't know numbers, but I'd assume that over a day you'd have to add an amount of water which is on its own, again, relevant in terms of weight (i.e. additional water you need to carry just for the fridge cooling).
Now, camping is another matter. All the above points aren't really big factors then - so I could see this work well as an improvised fridge, helping you keep some small number of luxury food items for a bit longer... maybe 2-3 days instead of just 1...
Note, I don't think the 6°C number is that realistic... It certainly depends on a lot factors, many outside of your control. But even just keeping things "a bit cooler" can help a lot if we're just talking about keeping some items for a little longer in hot weather.
fgysin
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