I regularly get asked about other cooler bags – will my EasyLunchbox containers fit into them?
Some families prefer a smaller cooler, or one with cartoon designs, or one that will easily slip into a child’s backpack, etc.
Of course I understand that my complete EasyLunchbox System (bento container + bag) may not fit the needs of everyone, and therefore, people may wish to use my compartmentalized containers with a cooler bag from a different manufacturer.
That’s perfectly fine. In fact, I encourage you to do whatever works best in your house. But it is important to note that I originally designed the containers to be carried upright in my roomy cooler bag so that:
- since the containers are not leakproof, they would stay mess-free, even if a slightly wet item was included
- the purposely looser lids would stay put, held down by the weight of an ice block, drink, etc.
- lunches would look as yummy as when they’re prepared. No more scrambled food
Ok, so what other coolers will work?
From my customers, I have heard that certain ones from LL Bean, Stephen Joseph, Gap, Garnet Hill, Gymboree, Lands End, Laptop Lunches, Pottery Barn, SoYoung, One Step Ahead, Embark, Arctic Zone, Children’s Place, and BUILT will fit my containers. In fact, Wildkin Double Decker Lunch Bags and the Built NY Gourmet Getaway are ones you can use to carry the container flat/horizontally as I recommend. Cristi of Bent on Better Lunches even posted pics of them to show the sizing and such. Click HERE to see her pics. One mom even told me, “I was lucky to come across 2 bags from Dell that are made for small netbooks….the lunches fit perfectly inside, and tightly”. Teens especially will like the very cool lunch bags made from recycled t-shirts at ThriftTeeGear. And check out the fun post that Melonie wrote about ELB containers fitting in the Skip Hop Zoo Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag.
When choosing a different bag, just be sure that the inside of the bag measures a bit larger than my container, which is: 9.38″ x 6.1″ x 2″
But only dry food should be packed, as these bags require you to carry lunch sideways, and EasyLunchboxes are not leakproof. You would need to include a separate, leak free container for runny items like yogurt, salad dressings, juicy fruits, or sauces. More about runny items HERE.
Also, if carried sideways, and no other items (drink, ice block) are included in this type of cooler to fill up the bag/push against the lid, I would recommend using a rubber band, ponytail elastic or bento box strap to wrap around the container for extra security.)
BTW – If you want a BIGGER cooler bag for picnics and more, check out the Thirty-One Market Thermal Tote.
BACKPACK TIP - shared by Laura S. – “We use the LL Bean large back packs. .. The ELB cooler fits perfectly in the bottom. Plus, LLBean stands by their products. If the zipper breaks, they replace the backpack, no charge. I love LL bean!”
Hey, they fit!
Thanks to Angie of A Whole Lot of Nothing for sharing her family’s personal lunch box story on her blog:
…we already had the girls’ LLBean lunch boxes purchased … I went out on a hunt for the perfect Bento-ish-style reusable lunch containers.
HALLELUJAH, Baby Jeebus and Oprah did not smite me that day!
I found the perfect-for-us lunch containers that just so happened to fit perfectly into the girls’ already-purchased lunchboxes: EasyLunchboxes 3-compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers.
If I was going to spend the equivalent of a restaurant lunch on containers, they better last these grubby chillrens all year. I watched the product description video on the Easy Lunchboxes website to make sure what I was getting was of a higher quality, was dishwasher safe, and was easy for the grubby chillrens to open themselves.
Again, HALLELUJAH, Baby Jeebus and Oprah did not smite me!
The first things I did when I got the containers was 1) fit them to the lunchboxes (they fit!), 2) make the grubby chillrens remove the lid themselves, and 3) pray to the almighty Baby Jeebus and Oprah….
Friends, it’s a whole new lunch-packing year for me. I feel like a proper mommyblogger!
Thanks Angie! Click HERE to read her full post.
Angie loves her camera, her remote, her girls, and her husband. Their rank in her favor changes daily. Her MessyHouse is in a constant state of disarray with random plastic doll parts, scraps of paper, 1/2-full Taco Bell cups of iced tea, and the occasional pair of little girl socks.
OCT. 30th Update - a conversation on my Facebook Wall:
Easylunchboxes via Kendra PetersonKendra of Biting the Hand That Feeds You has a tip about another cooler bag she likes in addition to mine. She writes: “The EasyLunchbox Cooler Bag is great for packing multiple boxes or more stuff too, but I love the BUILT bags for just one lunch.
I appreciate this tip, because I was wondering if those would possibly fit the ELBs. Yay! Good to know.
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Hey, thanks for sharing my post!
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] is the cool author of..Friday Fun Day! See Also: I’m Inviting More Men To My Bed
You were the inspiration for this one! Thank YOU Angie
Land’s End bags also fit. Thanks for the post, Kelly!!
Astrid is the cool author of..Recipe: Simple Mayonnaise
When I pack something runny such as applesauce or yogurt I add a bit of press & seal over that specific compartment before putting the lid on. No messes here, and my preschooler has always used his laptop lunch box cooler to carry the easy lunch boxes in.
This is our second school year using ELB in “another” lunchbox. I had an issue with a leak once at it was because I stuffed the main compartment with too much food! My bad! When I have doubts, I just use a rubber band to hold it tight (especially in my husband’s lunch box since he gets a man sized lunch). He is now using the ELB lunch bag (thanks Kelly!) since he takes 2 containers to work (breakfast and lunch)
LOVE LOVE LOVE ELB!
Thanks Laura!! It’s great that you’ve found the system/products that work best for your family. So appreciate your enthusiastic support
The PackIt holds the easylunchbox containers vertically – but it’s wide enough to hold a couple of them. Depending on what foods I had in the containers I might put a rubberband around them (if I’d packed dips or something). Wish it were a bit wider to lay them flat.
Good to know Kim. Thanks for your comment!
I love these lunch coolers! My son, who has autism, really loves how it keeps all his food visible and separated. I really like them because I don’t have to waste money on Ziploc bags anymore. Thanks!!!
Christina Ketchum is the cool author of..crissyketchum: My left hamstring hurts so I need to baby it for a few days. I’m trying to figure out a good cardio workout I can do with my upper body.
Hi Christina – thank you for your comment! I’m so glad to know that my containers are of help to your son. That really makes me happy. Thank YOU!
I see some people say certain ones from Pottery Barn. Do you know if the Mackenzie Classic ones would work? Thanks
Hi Julie – I don’t know about that one specifically, but if you can get the inside measurements (or if the outside dimensions are at least a 1/2 inch bigger than my containers – 9.38″ x 6.1″ x 2″) you’ll be able to figure out if it will work.
Thanks for such a fast reply. The size is smaller than that, but it’s the largest they sell. There are 2 different styles like that, both the same size. I was hoping someone would have posted specifically which PBK lunchbox they used. I already have the lunchbox and it matches her backpack. I’d like to get ELBs but would need to be able to use them with her bag.
We’ve been using our ELBs with our ThrifTeeGear Bags and they fit nicely with room for the extras. A perfect combo! If something does happen to leak ThrifTee Gear Bags can be put into the washing machine and dryer, super clean! Thanks for thinking of us Kelly!
You’re welcome Trixie! Your bags are so cool I’m gonna write up a whole post about them and why they’re a great option for teens and folks who don’t necessarily want a traditional lunch cooler
The insulated lunch boxes from One Step Ahead also work and allow the trays to be carried flat. They come in cute colors and can be monogrammed, plus there’s a matching backpack for the lunchbox to clip to. My son loves taking his backpack and lunchbox to preschool and the director always says that I pack him the best lunches!
Thanks for letting me know that Kelli! I’ll add it to the list
Hi everybody! I use this bag for my easylunchboxes too. It is well insulated so I can keep items cold all day. It has extra little compartments too and hold ELBs flat.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J67XW8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000J67XW8&linkCode=as2&tag=munchmunch-20
Bobbi is the cool author of..Olympic Games
Hey Bobbi – that’s a nice one. And I love that it will keep the container flat, not sideways. Thanks!
My kids are young enough to want cartoon characters on their lunch boxes, so I looked around and found this style – http://www.lunchboxes.com/scooby-doo-lunch-box.html. This lunch sack keeps the Easy Lunchbox upright and there’s room on top for a juice box and an ice pack!
That’s adorable June! Thank you for sharing that one
I wanted to add, I bought this cute pink and white striped cooler for my little one to take to daycare and it is a perfect fit! Plus, it has an extra little compartment up top for her diapers and wipes.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B92CK8I/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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