DIY Freezer Packs using Vacuum Sealer Bags

Creative uses for vacuum sealer bags? The possibilities are endless! 😀

Vacuum sealer bags aren’t just for preserving food—they’re also versatile for all kinds of clever, practical hacks around the house.

One of the coolest (literally) ideas comes from Patrick, who shared his genius hack for making DIY freezer packs at home using vacuum sealer bags. (Thanks for the 'cool' idea, Patrick!)

How to Make Your Own Freezer Packs

1. Seal one end of a vacuum sealer bag.
2. Fill it with the solution of your choice (we’ll cover that in a sec).
3. Seal as close to the content as possible to minimize air pockets (do not vacuum!).
4. Freeze it and reuse it whenever needed.

It’ll look something like this: (I came across this online and thought it was a great example!)

Great for Coolers and Injuries

These DIY freezer packs are amazing for coolers—perfect for camping, road trips, or backyard barbecues. Just line the bottom and sides of your cooler before adding food and ice. Then, place another freezer pack on top before closing the lid. It helps maintain cold temperatures longer!

They’re also a lifesaver for injuries, sore muscles, migraines, and swelling. I’ve made a bunch for my family, and they’ve come in handy more times than I can count.

Quick reminder: Always wrap the freezer pack in a cloth before putting it on your skin. Otherwise, you might end up Googling “what does frostbite look like” at 2 a.m. 😅

And honestly, why spend money on store-bought ones when you can make them at home? Plus, making your own lets you maximize the resources you already have, which is a win!

Three Easy Freezer Pack Solutions

Want a pack that stays flexible even when frozen? Try one of these:

1. Isopropyl Alcohol Water

• ½ cup 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 2 cups water
• A few drops of blue food coloring (optional, for that store-bought look)

2. Vodka Water

• ¾ cup vodka
• 3 ¼ cups water

3. Saltwater

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups water

You can adjust the ratios to get the consistency you want. More water = firmer packs. Less water = more pliable packs.

Why These Ingredients?

Alcohol, vodka, and salt lower the freezing point of water, preventing the packs from turning into solid ice bricks. This keeps them flexible—perfect for wrapping around knees, elbows, or any sore spot.

Storing Your Freezer Packs

Once you've mixed your solution and sealed the bag (again, no vacuuming!), lay it flat in the freezer. If you want extra protection, you can double bag it, but if you’re using OutOfAir bags, their thick, durable material means leaks are the least of your worries.

Whether you’re keeping your cooler ice-cold, managing an injury, or just looking for ways to save money, these DIY freezer packs are a great solution.

What do you think about this hack? Have you tried something similar? Let us know in the comments!