JustinCASE owner's guide: Dual-Mode Shelf setup, packing modes, and care

You scanned the sticker inside your bag, or you just want the most out of your JustinCASE. Either way, this is the official owner's guide: the Dual-Mode Shelf™ instructions first (the one step people get wrong), then packing modes, care, and the tips that make one bag do the work of three.

Key Takeaways

• The Dual-Mode Shelf goes in with the JC logo upright and readable, lip edges facing up. Upside down, it delivers very poor performance.
• Unfold the shelf legs three-quarters of a turn, push the dry bag up and out of the way, and seat the shelf snug against the back and sides.
• The shelf holds up to 11 lbs: ice plus up to 12 standard cans up top, dry storage below.
• Pack cold: start with chilled items and a 2:1 ratio of ice to contents.
• Condensation after cooler use is normal. Wipe the interior dry before switching back to dry storage; the material dries fast.
• Spot clean with mild soap and water. No bleach, no machine washing.
• Water resistant, not waterproof. Don't submerge it.

Install the Dual-Mode Shelf Right Side Up

The shelf is what converts your JustinCASE from a backpack into a cooler and dry storage at the same time, and orientation is everything. Right side up means the JC logo is upright and you can read it correctly, with the lip edges facing up. Installed upside down, the shelf delivers very poor performance, so check the logo before you load a single can.

Install it in five steps:

1. Unfold the legs. Rotate them outward three-quarters of a turn.
2. Position correctly. JC logo upright and readable, lip edges facing up. This is what the "THIS SIDE UP" sticker inside your bag means.
3. Push the dry bag upward so it's out of the way.
4. Insert the shelf. Fit it snugly against the back and sides of the dry storage area.
5. Pack your drinks. The shelf holds up to 11 lbs.

When you're done, fold the shelf flat and store it in the base of the dry compartment. The Velcro should meet when it's folded correctly.

Quick Start

Three habits cover most of what the JustinCASE needs from you. Insert chilled items and ice at a 2:1 ratio of ice to contents for maximum performance. After cooler use, dry off the internal bag through the dry compartment to remove condensation before you pack for travel or storage. And when you want cold and dry at the same time, unfold the Dual-Mode Shelf and insert it as described above.

Pack for Travel, Then Convert on Arrival

For travel days, push the internal dry bag up toward the top cooler opening to open up maximum dry storage. Pack your personal items, secure the small stuff in the internal zipper pocket, and store the collapsible shelf flat at the bottom until you need it.

When you arrive, empty your travel items and choose your mode. Expand the cooling compartment to full capacity for an all-cooler day, or insert the Dual-Mode Shelf to split the bag in two:

• Top: cooler compartment holding up to 11 lbs. Load ice and up to 12 standard cans, or mix drinks and snacks.
• Bottom: dry compartment for towels, clothes, and gear (it stays pleasantly cool too).

Start with chilled contents and a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. Ice packs work as well.

Key Features at a Glance

Want a custom Velcro patch for the shoulder strap? Contact team@jcbags.com for help.

Care and Maintenance

Condensation is normal. After cooler use, wipe down the interior before switching to dry storage so moisture never transfers to clothes or electronics. The materials dry exceptionally fast and hold minimal condensation, so this takes seconds.

For cleaning, spot clean with mild soap and water. Avoid bleach and never machine wash. More how-to articles live in the journal.

Tips and Tricks

• Pack smart. Use the external side zipper pockets for travel documents, keys, and gadgets.
• Use the external straps. The front Velcro accessory straps hold up to 1.5 lbs each: beach chairs, speakers, hats.
• Hydration on the go. Keep a bottle in the side mesh pocket for quick access.
• Flight hack. Store valuables in the zippered side pouch so you can reach them easily in flight.
• Quick access. Stash a bottle opener or sunscreen in the lower front sleeve pocket.
• Attach to roller bags. The luggage sleeve slides over your suitcase handle for seamless airport travel.

Where to Take It

• Planes. Carry-on approved for overhead bins. See the full guide to flying with a cooler backpack.
• Beaches. Cold drinks, dry towels, maybe a change of clothes, then leave your mark in the sand.
• Tailgates and tournaments. Snacks, gear, and drinks in one pack.
• Concerts and festivals. All your cold and dry essentials without hauling multiple bags.
• Boating and fishing. Rugged enough for wet and dry use. The exterior is water resistant, not waterproof, and not intended to be submerged.
• Everyday life. A cooler when you need it, a sleek backpack when you don't. Always take your JC... JustinCASE.

Warranty and Support

Every JustinCASE comes with a 100-day risk-free trial: not convinced, return it, no questions asked. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty against all manufacturer defects. Questions about your bag? Contact team@jcbags.com.

Share your adventures with our Georgia-based team on Instagram (@justincase_cooler) and Facebook (JustinCASE Cooler).