Each type of cooler has its drawbacks and benefits as well as best-use cases: a hard-sided cooler is perfect for longer camping trips since they’re more durable and tend to keep ice for much longer while soft-sided ones are best for day trips to the beach, hiking trails, or park. To help you find the perfect cooler for your next summer outing, we’ve gathered up five of the best coolers available and have broken down their features and price points. You can keep reading below to find the cooler that best fits both your budget and travel needs.
The Tundra Haul is worth mentioning because it’s the first Yeti cooler on wheels, making it a great choice for beach-goers and campers who need a high-performance, portable cooler. Features:
Portability: Portability is not an issue for this cooler despite its larger-than-average size. The Tundra Haul features a set of solid, single-piece tires that are puncture- and impact-resistant. Tough design: The rotomolded construction of Yeti coolers makes them hold up to most outdoor elements. High-performance insulation: Yeti’s insulation design, called Permafrost, uses pressure-insulated polyurethane foam walls, ensuring items stay cold for days at a time.
Pros:
Decent capacityBuilt-in wheels and handleExcellent insulation
Cons:
ExpensiveHeavy
The Otterbox Venture 65 is the ideal large-capacity cooler for the week-long camper or boat-goer. It’s also a versatile option for tailgate parties. Features:
Insulation system: The Venture 65 has a two-part insulation system with polypropylene shells inside and out. Silicone seals and latches keep items cool for up to sixteen days. Bear-tested: The Venture 65 is certified bear-resistant, making it one of the toughest coolers on the market. It is built for rugged use. Accessories: The accessories options on the Venture 65 are top-notch. The cooler features a dry storage tray and mounting system for additional accessories that can be purchased separately – cutting boards, separators, and an all-terrain wheel attachment.
Pros:
Bear resistantTons of attachments availableExcellent insulation
Cons:
ExpensiveNo wheels
For hikers looking for a great soft-sided backpack cooler for those long treks in the woods, you can do no better than the REI Trail Split Pack Cooler. Features:
Compartment feature: The split compartment feature allows hikers to hold necessary gear in the top compartment while keeping drinks and food cool in the lower compartment. Removable insert: The Trail Split Pack features a leakproof, removable insert. This allows you to pack for volume if needed. Comfortable design: The Trail Split Pack Cooler is built for hikers. In addition to its lightweight construction, the padded shoulder straps and extra pockets make it ideal for hikers who want comfort on the trail without sacrificing gear space.
Pros:
Great for hikers and day-trippersLeakproofSplit compartment designGreat insulation
Cons:
May not be a comfortable fit for bigger bodies
The Magellan Outdoor IceBox is a great, low-cost option for a small, portable cooler. It makes a perfect companion for keeping your drinks cold on the go. Features:
Easy access: The dual-opening lid offers easy access to the contents inside while keeping things cool with dual-side latches and v-seal technology.Ergonomic handles: The ergonomic grip of the buckle handles makes this cooler comfortable and portable, while the stainless steel locking system ensures the contents are secure in case it gets dropped.Tailgate ready: This cooler features two built-in bottle openers, and its anti-skid feet make sure it stays in place on your tailgate.
Pros:
Stainless steel locksBuilt-in bottle openersTons of colors to choose fromDry ice compatible
Cons:
Bucket handle may not be comfortable to use when cooler is loaded
The Polar 120-quart cooler from Igloo is a great choice for those looking for serious capacity without breaking the bank. No flash, all utility. Features:
Long-lasting: The insulation technology of the cooler body and lid, Ultratherm, holds ice for up to five days. Easy carry and loading: The Igloo Polar has reinforced swing-up handles that make it easy to carry, while the tie-down loops make loading simple and security easy for travel. Additional features: Dual snap-fit latches ensure contents are kept in place during travel. In addition, the threaded drain plug makes cleaning and draining easy.
Pros:
Great insulationGreat capacityEasy-clean drain plug
Cons:
No wheels
The market is full of cooler options. It is safe to say that there is a cooler out there for just about everyone. Most coolers discussed above were for outdoor use. But, at the end of the day, it comes down to your needs. There is no shortage of options.
Cooler uses
Not all coolers are created equal. Some are more travel-friendly and work best for the avid camper or the beach-goer who must maneuver around beach umbrellas in the soft sand. So where will you use it? Camping? Beach? Home office?
Cooling performance, durability, and portability
How long do the contents of your cooler need to stay cool? Hours? Days? Determining which cooler is best for the length of time required for item storage will come down to material and insulation technology. A hard-sided rotomolded cooler may be best for the avid outdoors type due to its durable design and thick, foam-insulated walls. A hiker or day-tripper might opt for a soft-sided backpack cooler. These days there are numerous coolers to choose from: hard-sided, soft-sided, and even thermoelectric coolers.
Capacity
Cooler capacity is another important factor to consider. Most cooler capacities are measured in quarts. Content capacity (drinks and food) and ice capacity vary depending on the design.
Cost
Suffice it to say, cooler prices vary. Many low-budget options are out there, but sometimes a lower cost means sacrificing better quality materials. Generally, high-performance coolers carry a premium price tag.
And no matter if you’re using a soft or hard-sided model, keeping everything clean and sanitized is a big part of extending the life of your cooler. If your cooler has a drain plug, make sure you run some disinfectant through it to prevent the build-up of mold, mildew, and bacteria. If it doesn’t, you can wipe out the inside of your cooler with a sanitizing wipe or a warm, soapy sponge. Make sure your sponge doesn’t have an abrasive pad on it, since this can create micro abrasions in the plastic or fabric lining of your cooler which are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria. Also make sure you keep your cooler open and in a sunny or well-ventilated area to dry out completely before you store it after cleaning to prevent musty smells and scummy build-up.
