I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the idea of a cardboard cooler. When I first saw the BRRR Box, I thought: There’s no way this thing can hold up to real-world use. But I decided to try it anyway—and I’m glad I did. Thank you to BRRR Box for sending us a sample to test.
Before we even left for the lake, I opened up the BRRR Box at home, filled it with ice, and packed it with glass bottles of root beer (because what’s a lake day without a good drink?). It was quick and easy to assemble—no tape, no weird flaps, no confusion. The design is intuitive and it locks into place without fuss. Once it was packed, I carried it out with one hand and loaded it into the back of the car alongside our chairs and gear.
We were out fishing for several hours in sunny weather with temps in the high 70s to low 80s, and the BRRR Box held up beautifully. The ice kept everything cold the entire time. No leaks, no soggy corners, and no mess. The box held its shape, and the insulation was solid for a temporary cooler made of 100% recyclable materials.
When we got home, I emptied it, let it dry in the garage, and folded it back up to use again. That’s the magic of the BRRR Box: it’s reusable, but it’s also disposable if you really need it to be—and all without any styrofoam.
A Real Cooler Without the Guilt
Styrofoam coolers have long been the go-to for quick, cheap chilling—but they come at a serious environmental cost. They don’t break down, they crack easily, and once they’re trashed, they stay in landfills for centuries. That’s where the BRRR Box flips the script.
Made from biodegradable, 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard, this cooler is designed to do its job without trashing the planet. It’s part of the Foam-Free America™ movement, and honestly, it feels good to make a small switch that actually makes a difference.
Even better? It doesn’t feel like a compromise.
The insulation is effective enough to keep drinks cold on a hot day, and the wax-lined interior didn’t leak or get soggy, even after a few hours with ice. The box didn’t squeak, crumple, or warp while we were using it. It held its shape like a champ and didn’t need any extra support.
Surprisingly Convenient
Another thing I didn’t expect: how convenient this cooler would be. It ships flat, which means it doesn’t take up any space when you’re storing it. It folds together quickly (no tools or instructions needed), and it only takes a few seconds to pop into shape. When you’re done, just let it dry and flatten it again for next time.
For me, that makes it perfect for quick day trips, outdoor events, or even just backyard hangouts. If you’re someone who hates dragging out a big bulky plastic cooler for every occasion—or just wants an option that doesn’t feel so wasteful—the BRRR Box hits that sweet spot.
A Few Notes to Know
Just so you know what to expect: this isn’t a cooler that’s going to hold ice overnight. It’s best for same-day use—think a few hours at the park, a fishing trip, a drive to the beach. If you take care of it (dry it out, avoid soaking it unnecessarily), you’ll probably get several uses out of it. We’re planning to keep ours going as long as possible.
And honestly, even if it only lasted one or two trips, I’d still feel better using it over foam.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to keep things cold, the BRRR Box is absolutely worth trying. It surprised me with how durable it is, how well it performs, and how easy it is to carry and reuse. Plus, there’s something satisfying about using a product that doesn’t leave behind plastic or styrofoam trash when you’re done.
It’s a cooler with a conscience—and that’s something I can get behind.
