6 Best Portable Ice Trays For Remote Basecamps For Hikers

Nothing elevates a sweltering afternoon at a remote basecamp quite like a crisp beverage chilled by legitimate ice rather than lukewarm creek-cooled cans. While traditional plastic trays are relegated to home kitchens, modern portable options allow adventurers to bring the luxury of a cocktail hour or a perfectly cooled electrolyte drink deep into the backcountry. Choosing the right tray transforms camp comfort, turning a basic overnight into a refreshed retreat.

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W&P Peak Silicone Ice Tray: Best Overall

The W&P Peak Silicone Ice Tray stands out because it balances structural integrity with a design that actually survives the rigors of a transport-heavy trip. Featuring an internal steel frame, the tray maintains its shape even when full of water, which prevents the dreaded “spill in the pack” scenario. This rigidity makes it the gold standard for anyone who values a reliable, consistent ice cube over absolute ultralight minimalism.

Because the silicone is high-grade and flexible, popping out individual cubes remains effortless even after hours in a cold chest. It is the perfect choice for basecamps where base-layer comfort is a priority and you have the room to stow a tray that won’t flex or crack under pressure. If you want a product that feels like a permanent piece of your kit rather than a disposable convenience, this is the definitive choice.

Icebreaker Pop Maker: Best for Backpacks

If space is at a premium and every cubic inch in the bear canister or cooler counts, the Icebreaker Pop Maker is the primary solution. Its unique, puck-shaped design allows it to stack efficiently and eliminates the need for an open-top tray that would surely leak during a bumpy trek. This is a closed system that creates ice through a “pop-out” mechanism, ensuring the interior remains sanitary and contained.

This tool is best suited for the backpacker who refuses to sacrifice the luxury of a cold drink but demands high-density packing efficiency. It works well for trips where you need to rely on a small, high-performance cooler rather than a bulky haul-bag. While it requires a slightly different method to load and release, the footprint efficiency makes it unbeatable for tight spaces.

OXO Good Grips No-Spill: Best Lid Design

The OXO Good Grips No-Spill tray addresses the most common frustration of camp ice: the sloshing liquid that ends up soaking your dry goods. The secure, silicone-lined lid creates a tight seal that prevents water from leaking into the cooler before it freezes, providing peace of mind during transit. It provides the security of a tupperware container with the functionality of a traditional ice tray.

This tray is ideal for the organized camp chef who needs a foolproof system that won’t compromise the rest of the supplies. Because the lid is transparent, tracking freezing progress is simple, and the internal structure keeps the cubes uniform. For those who prioritize a mess-free camp kitchen above all else, the OXO design is the superior, worry-free investment.

Joie Mini Ice Cube Tray: Best Small Cubes

Small cubes are a tactical advantage in the backcountry because they chill drinks faster and fit into narrow-necked water bottles. The Joie Mini Ice Cube Tray creates tiny, uniform blocks that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes in a camp setting. Their smaller volume allows them to freeze significantly faster than standard large-format cubes, which is a major benefit when short on time or freezer power.

This tray is highly recommended for basecamps where the goal is a quick, cold beverage immediately upon arrival. While the tiny cubes melt slightly faster, they provide the necessary surface area for rapid cooling that larger cubes simply cannot match. If you prioritize utility and speed over long-lasting, giant ice chunks, the Joie mini system is a high-value, lightweight addition to the kit.

Lekue Ice Box Maker: Best High Volume Pick

When hosting a larger group or managing a multi-day basecamp, the Lekue Ice Box Maker offers the highest output for the effort. It functions as both a freezing tray and a storage container, allowing you to produce a larger volume of ice without cluttering the cooler with individual trays. It is a dual-purpose tool that reduces the amount of loose, melting ice floating around the bottom of the cooler.

This is the right choice for the expedition lead or the organizer who needs to keep a group satisfied throughout a weekend trip. The design is robust and handles the mechanical stress of being handled in and out of cold environments easily. While it occupies a larger footprint, the convenience of having a stash of ice ready at all times justifies the space for larger basecamp operations.

Rubbermaid No-Spill Tray: Best Budget Buy

For the adventurer who is just starting to experiment with making ice in the backcountry, the Rubbermaid No-Spill tray is the accessible entry point. It features a reliable lid that keeps water contained and provides basic protection against contamination from other food items in the cooler. It lacks the premium silicone feel of more expensive options, but it delivers consistent results without breaking the bank.

This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to test the viability of bringing ice to the backcountry without a significant gear investment. It is durable enough to survive a season of light use and performs exactly as expected when utilized in a controlled, upright position. If you are wary of overspending on niche accessories, this is a solid, practical workhorse.

Weight and Packability for Remote Basecamps

The weight of an ice tray is often secondary to its packability, but both matter when traversing uneven terrain. Silicone trays are favored because they can be folded or squeezed into tight corners of a dry bag or cooler once the ice has been harvested. Always weigh the benefit of having ice against the added weight of the water; a full tray adds significant heft, so factor that into your pack weight calculations.

In remote, hike-in basecamps, focus on tray designs that utilize the space within your cooler rather than adding external bulk. A tray that fits the exact dimensions of your cooler interior will ensure the lid closes tightly, which is the most critical factor in maintaining temperature. Avoid oversized trays that force a cooler lid to remain slightly ajar, as this will lead to rapid ice loss.

Filtering Water for Cleaner Backcountry Ice

Never assume that the water source at a remote trailhead or basecamp is suitable for freezing without treatment. Just like the water you drink, ice-making water should be filtered or purified to remove protozoa, bacteria, and sediment. Using dirty water can lead to contaminated ice that ruins the taste of beverages and poses a potential health risk to the camp group.

Consider using a standard hollow-fiber membrane filter to treat your water before pouring it into the trays. If the water source is questionable, a chemical purification tablet or a UV light device is an excellent backup measure. Once the water is treated, handle the trays with clean hands to ensure the ice remains as sanitary as the rest of your camp kitchen.

Maximizing Ice Retention in Your Camp Cooler

The longevity of your ice depends as much on the cooler’s insulation as it does on the tray itself. Pre-chilling the cooler with a bag of cheap store-bought ice for several hours before loading your personal ice trays can drastically extend the lifespan of your fresh cubes. Additionally, keep the cooler in the deepest shade possible and cover it with an insulated blanket or reflective tarp to deflect radiant heat.

Minimize the number of times the cooler is opened throughout the day, as each exchange of cold air for ambient air accelerates melting. Keeping your ice trays in the center of the cooler, surrounded by other cold goods, creates an “insulation sandwich” that keeps the temperature consistent. When ice begins to melt, don’t drain the water immediately; the cold water can often help maintain the temperature of the remaining solid ice for a few extra hours.

Keeping Silicone Trays Clean Between Trips

Silicone is porous and can easily retain odors from food stored in the same cooler, such as onions, meats, or cheeses. After every trip, scrub the trays thoroughly with mild soap and hot water, paying close attention to the crevices where bacteria and mold can thrive. If the trays develop a persistent odor, a soak in a mix of vinegar and water is often enough to neutralize the scent without leaving a chemical residue.

Ensure the trays are completely dry before storing them, as trapping moisture creates a prime environment for mildew. Folding them for storage is fine, but avoid placing heavy items on top of them for extended periods, as this can deform the silicone over time. With simple, regular maintenance, a high-quality silicone tray will remain a reliable part of your backcountry kit for years.

Whether you are packing for a quick overnight or a week-long stay in the high country, bringing the right ice tray is a minor adjustment that results in a major upgrade to your camp life. Select the model that aligns with your space constraints and your group size, and you will find that the effort is well rewarded at the end of a long day of hiking. Grab your gear, head out into the wild, and enjoy that well-earned, perfectly chilled drink under the stars.