When we say no ice, this can either mean storage with no ice cubes or ice packs at all (chilled contents only), or with ice packs instead of ice cubes; something we call dry storage. The Tempo cooler's construction means that you will never need to use ice cubes, and in some short trip storage situations, you will not even need ice packs either. But in most usage situations where you require medium to longer storage times, or where outside temperatures are extreme, using ice packs will extend your storage time noticeably. Ice packs are higher-density ice (no air pockets around the loose ice cubes). Because of this you can fit the same weight of ice into a much smaller volume compared to ice cubes. Ice packs are also self-contained and provide you with dry storage (no need to seal your foods and other perishables in bags). If you are on a roadtrip and ice cubes are your only option, we would recommend putting the ice in a sealed bag or container to keep the compartment dry.