BTpilot

You have definitely narrowed down the top 3 options... I have owned the PNT aurora and the strongbag ice...

Strongbag is amazing. Worth the cost x232039234. If you need to save cash, go with the aurora. I have no experience with the Aerocoast, but guys love it because of the laptop case.

Rock752000

Thanks for the input. Anyone else like to share their $.02 before I pull the trigger on one of these Strongbag deals?

snippercr

Just got my strongbag one a couple weeks ago. Only been using it on 2 day trips, havent taken it on a 4 day yet. First thing you will notice when you get it is it clearly had some thought behind it. First of all, the material shows you where your money went. I know this will last for many years dealing with the abuse of air travel. Plenty of compartments that if you want, are there, if no they zip up. The insulation is a bit thicker than I would have thought which limits what you can put in there, but the trade off is keeping things are the proper temperature longer. The side pouch holds a water bottle (like the ones we get at Eagle) which is nice not having to carry that (or put it under Jhook and have it fall out on an escalator).

Overall, I highly recommend that strongbad one. It is a bit pricey but like I said, when you get it you will know where you money has gone - especially with great material and design.

Just got to get used to traveling with an extra item now - you will have that regardless of which one you go with.

Shiner

What are some favorite foods to keep in these coolers? I'd like get some healthy ideas.

TheFly

Home made soup, yogurt, boiled eggs, fruit, veggies.

snippercr

As far as soups/stews, I usually freeze them before I go. They help keep other things cool as they thaw as well.

Sandwich meats, etc for making healthy sandwiches is good.

For snacking, lots of nuts and "Snack" veggies (sliced green/yellow/red peppers, baby carrots, celary).

I like the idea of hardboiled eggs. High protein things.

Any left overs from dinner the past few nights. I usually just make twice as much as the recipe calls for. Have it for dinner that night, then the wife and I have food while I'm gone (she works late and can't usually cook).

TheFly

+1 on the left overs. My wife usually makes enough the night before so I can take some to work. If I do pack a sandwich, I don't put the bread on (assembley usually done at the hotel) to avoid it getting soggy...and nobody likes a soggy sandwich.

Luther7

If you like yogurt. I usually buy the gogurt tubes and freeze them before i go. pack a bag of granola. As they thaw ill use a few to mix with granola and you have a pretty descent breakfast. Those frozen gogurt's make good little ice packs as well.

Rock752000

How about the guy who rips open one of those tuna lunch to-go envelope things in cruise? Stinks up the whole 'pit and cabin too. FAs are probably back there giving eachother the accusatory evil eye, as if to say - oh nevermind...

snippercr

Best thing I've read on here in a while. Well played, good sir.

Edit: Learned this great tip - works great on the ERJ's that dont have coffee makers (Read: Eagle). Say you have something that you want hot, like say a chicken breast for a salad or anything like that. Wrap it in aluminum foil and stick it on top of the coffee heaters. 20 minutes or so, it will be nice and hot!

Also, this only works under certain circumstances. You follow the above procedures and are going to try to grab a quick bite before the PAX board. Sure enough, something goes amiss (usually a crew placarding event) and you are busy right up to push back. Keep your dinner or what ever on the dashboard - if pointing into the sun it will be skin-burning hot and you can keep your food warm as well.